The Sacramento River trophy striped bass fishery has seen better days for sure. This season has been one of limited success for anglers looking to put these highly sought after, oversized linesides in their boat. Several contributing factors have kept anglers from the success experienced over the past few trophy striper seasons (December-March). The main contributing factor keeping these trophy hunters from being as successful this season as in seasons past, is winter weather conditions. Spoiled by three consecutive years of Northern California’s severe drought conditions. NorCal anglers were faced with a “real winter” this season. Putting a damper on a fishery that depends completely on a visual presentation of large artificial baits for success.

With the trophy striped bass fishery on the Sacramento River being a relatively new fishery for the majority of its anglers, not many of them have not had to fish through a typical winter season. Winters that traditionally cause elevated river levels, accompanied with stained or dirty river water conditions. Constant ups and downs of turbid river flows as Pacific storms roll through the North State. Much like the winter and river conditions we have experienced this season. Keeping the greater majority of trophy hunters on the sidelines. Unsure of their ability to be successful in less then perfect fishing conditions. Without the constant hype of social media posts, most anglers simply stayed home waiting for a report or sign that the fishery was ready for their success. Something that just never happened this season.

The 2023 season on the Sacramento River started out with the river reaching flood stage. Staying high and muddy through the entire month of January. Much needed rainfall kept the river from seeing any action. In previous years local anglers enjoyed fishing nearly every day, the entire month’s of January, February, and March. With ideal river conditions throughout the winter months, allowing anglers unlimited opportunities to chase the big girls around.

The month of February (2023) presented some successful opportunities for striper anglers who waited for a break in the weather. Brief opportunities came and went throughout last months on and off again rain storms. Green water allowed the eager angler to take to the river. Oversized A-Rigs stole most of the action for striped bass fishing guide Mike Rasmussen, owner of SalmonSacRiver fishing charter. Finding the majority of his catches being sub-grade stripers. Weighing between 8-14 pounds. With only a handful of opportunities at trophy class striped bass weighing over twenty pounds, of which about half were missed opportunities. Glide bait fishing was limited to around a week or more of quality fishing conditions. Before river conditions again deteriorated towards the months end. There were a few highlights during this brief window of opportunity. However far less in comparison to years past.

March has been a let down thus far and looks to be a wash out moving forward. Typically the month of March we see the largest and heaviest fish being weighed in. When the “bigs” (trophy stripers) reach peak weight as the approaching spring spawn nears. The projected weather forecast for Northern California looks disappointing as the end of the winter trophy striper season nears its final weeks. It’s safe to say the trophy hunters seeking world class striped bass fishing got spoiled over the past few seasons of endless opportunities under perfect conditions. This season can be served as a reminder that Northern California historically receives wet winters and river flooding during these months.

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.