Sacramento River Sturgeon Fishing Report 3/12/2023 “Wide Open”

In case you’ve missed all the recent hype surrounding the Sacramento River’s annual migration of spawning White Sturgeon. I’m hear to tell you the fishing has been excellent to say the least. The past two weeks of sturgeon fishing action has been off the hook. With many anglers tagging keeper sturgeon on a daily basis. Not to mention the colossal female sturgeon that are caught and released on the daily. By anglers targeting the species from both the bank and by boat. Private anglers who enjoy taking advantage of the short time these prehistoric fish are “in river”, are being rewarded with daily success. Sacramento River fishing guides are also taking advantage of the hot bite. Bringing sturgeon of all sizes to their customers on every outing. Making for some memorable action packed fishing in the previous two weeks spent sturgeon fishing on the Sacramento River in Northern California.

Sturgeon fishing action has been wide spread on the Sacramento River recently. With large groups of these diamond backs being reported taking up residency up and down the Sacramento River. From Colusa, Ca down river to Knights Landing, Ca and everywhere in between. These sturgeon haven’t been picky or particular about the bait presented to them. Everything has seemed to work for the sturgeon concerning the wide variety of baits being used by both bank and boat anglers. All the popular and favorite baits have been working for the anglers willing to go sink the bait and wait for the yank. Ghost Shrimp, lamprey eel, pile worms, night crawlers, and uncured salmon roe have all shared equal success over the past couple weeks. Making bait selection a matter of personal preference rather then public opinion.

The stretch of Sacramento River from the greater Colusa, Ca area down river to the confluence of the Feather River at Verona, Ca has had a exceptional amount of migrating white sturgeon so far this season. Bank angler’s reports from the Tisdale, Ca area, as well as the Knights Landing, Ca region of the Sacramento River, have been exceptional. Many reports consist of multiple sturgeon being taken at each individual bank fishing location along this unique stretch of river. Action packed fishing with such a large reward has word spreading fast through the local angling communities of the North State. Not to mention social media platforms. Bringing more and more anglers to the Sacramento River in hopes of joining in on the opportunity to bag a keeper sturgeon for the freezer.

The opportunity to partake in this exceptional sturgeon season has been put on a temporary hold by Mother Nature. This coming week will primarily be spent on the sidelines for sturgeon anglers targeting the Sacramento River from Colusa to Verona, Ca. As flood waters keep the river level at the top of its levee’s, while washing all it’s debris down to the California Delta. Torrential rainfall has saturated Northern California’s valleys and foothills, and is expected to take aim at the snow packed sierras mid week. Potentially causing widespread, and severe flooding throughout the entire North State. A real “gully washer” if you will. This may cause sturgeon anglers some grief as they will be forced to wait possibly up to a week before returning back to the action. On a positive note, it is highly likely anglers will return to a fresh batch of arriving sturgeon to target. After leaving the California Delta behind, and heading up the Sacramento River to complete their annual spawn. All while under the cover of a very high, muddy, and swift Sacramento River water.

As floodwaters start to recede you can expect sturgeon fishing to presumably start back up right where it left off. WIDE OPEN! For all your tackle, bait, and licensing needs, you will find Kittle’s Outdoors & Sport store in Colusa, Ca has everything you will need or want for your sturgeon trip. Including your CDFW Sturgeon Report Card, all the popular sturgeon baits (brought into the store fresh every week), hooks, weights, and leader material. You will also find last minute items like insect repellent, sunscreen, or rain gear. Which may make or break a fishing trip when sudden or unexpected weather conditions change. Leaving a person susceptible to the elements and vulnerable to a miserable river fishing experience. Be sure to check this sporting goods store out. The vibe is very welcoming. Kittle’s also happens to be one block from the Colusa State Park Boat Launch. Good luck out there and Tight Lines!

Mike's Fishing Guide Service for Sacramento River fishing targeting King Salmon, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, American Shad and Rainbow Trout. The Best Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide and Striped Bass Fishing Guide on the Sacramento River.