SACRAMENTO RIVER SALMON FISHING REPORT - 11/1/21 “DIRTY WATERS”
Chris drove up North from Sacramento, Ca to get his hands on his limit of king salmon prior to Northern California’s rivers blowing out.
Read MoreSacramento River Fishing Charter and Fishing Guide Services for Sacramento River Salmon, Steelhead, Striped Bass, Sturgeon, and Rainbow Trout
Sacramento River Fishing Guide Service-Fishing Charter- Northern California Fishing For-Salmon-Steelhead-Striped Bass-Sturgeon-Shad And Rainbow Trout On The Sacramento River. Best Fishing Guide On The Sacramento River.
Chris drove up North from Sacramento, Ca to get his hands on his limit of king salmon prior to Northern California’s rivers blowing out.
Read MoreWho would you rather book with when hiring a salmon fishing guide on the Sacramento River? Or any of Northern California’s rivers really. For the sake of simplicity, in this fishing blog we will use the Sacramento River. For our example in debate. If the salmon fishing charter you and your guests were going to book your yearly fishing getaway through. Gave you and your group of guests these two options. As for who the potential fishing guides you will hire for the day of your fishing trip. Letting you, the guest choose your own destiny. Would you as the guest choose...
A) A fishing guide that is more of a “seasoned veteran”? A fishing guide that has been around for a couple decades? Someone that has years of experience and is booming with self confidence? Undoubtedly knowing a thing or two about the fishery you are planning to visit?
B)-A much younger fishing guide? A guide full of piss and vinegar? Beaming with enthusiasm, ready to get out there and get after it. At the first sign of daylight. Someone who still loves their occupation. A fishing guide that is consumed by the constant thoughts of success. Doing whatever he may have to do to achieve the goal he set out after. Someone fishing like they have something to prove?
This is critical thinking right? Well not really but....definitely something to think about before booking your next guided fishing trip. So, as I see it! A part of your conscious that has been trained by societies stereotypes. Tells you subconsciously, there is no replacement for experience. Triggering the brain to lean on the side of the older more experienced fishing guide. Correct? This may be true in some aspect. But I ask “you” (the readers) to keep a open mind as we explore the benefits and drawbacks of both younger and older fishing guides. Your personal feed back is welcome in the comment section of this blog post. We appreciate the different views and opinions of the public at large. Having worked in the fishing industry as a guide for hire since the early 2000’s. I have been fortunate to have taken thousands of clients out fishing. As well as the opportunity to meet and go fishing with some of the most influential fishing guide in this industry. Gaining at least some knowledge from each and every contact I made over the last two decades. I have also watched the sport of fishing change tremendously in the past two decades. The guide for hire business changing right along with sport fishing. Let’s have a look back at some of the changes that have taken place in the fishing industry on the Sacramento River over the past two decades.
When I embarked in this new business opportunity in the early 2000’s things were much different on the business end of things. Finding new clientele was much more difficult than in today’s modern and technological times. We use tools like the yellow pages, sports expos, word-of-mouth, and fishing reports in monthly magazines. Which now are all nonexistent. With the exception of word-of-mouth. Still a very important tool for getting new clients. As well as the overflow clientele from other fishing guides who were gracious enough to help out a new guide on the River. This was and still is a excellent way to keep busy and money coming in when struggling to exist as a new fishing guide. Keeping you on the water and clients in your boat. With the exception of the new fishing guides of the last five years. Most reputable fishing guides started their work careers in other industries. Maintaining a full-time job in another industry, while fishing part time on the weekends and full time at certain times of year. Off hand I can’t think of any full-time guys that started as full-time fishing guides as their first job. For several reasons. One reason being there were not a lot of local folks willing to spend their money on fishing trips. I’m not saying the clientele wasn’t out there somewhere. I’m just saying these potential clientele were much harder to reach. Reaching them was the problem. The World Wide Web changed everything in the mid to late 2000’s. And I mean everything. Probably the most useful tool in finding potential clientele came with the use of the Internet. Including social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Now the general public was able to find your services for a change. The first major change in business opportunities for fishing guides came with the ability to build and maintain a website. Where a quick Google search would allow you to show up to potential clients. Showing off your business to a endless amount of potential guests. Gallery pages allowed you as a fishing guide to show off your great success through photos. Blog post allowed fishing guides to write fishing reports. Keeping the public informed on the up-to-date fishing action. As well as load google up with valuable website data about your business. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram changed the guide for hire business for ever. The ability to make a post about real time fishing success allowed fishing guides to reach thousands if not tens of thousands of potential clients with every post. Friends list allowed a lot of fishing guides to get real time pictures in front of thousands of so-called friends. Making the phone ring instantly when fishing was hot. Who was to benefit from all this? Every fishing guide was to benefit from all this.
Historically to become a fishing guide, as I pointed out earlier. One must first start out part time. Either on weekends, or during time off of their regular full-time job. Almost all fishing guides had other careers. Having to much time invested in their regular job and it’s retirement plan. Just quitting and chasing the American dream wasn’t a viable option. It was thought unfathomable for this generation of fishing guides to not have had a full time job of some sort. Even myself who started dabbling in the guide for hire business at the age of twenty four. Had been employed by Pacific Gas & Electric company for several years. As well as relying heavily on the housing construction boom in the early 2000s. To support a family while trying to become a fishing guide. A juggling act for sure, leaving the securities of a full-time job with benefits. For a career of uncertainty doing what I loved. Sacrifices were certainly made by my family, and my friends. Having no financial stability in the beginning. My point being is this. No fishing guides to my recollection over the age of 40 years old like myself started out to become a fishing guide. It just didn’t happen. But oh how times of changed.
In today’s modern times it is perfectly acceptable by society standards to just successfully complete high school and receive no further education. For the record, I said “acceptable”, not suggested. Meaning today’s youth are likely to live productively in society with the completion of trade schools, and self employment. Loans, grants, and private investors make it possible for our youngest generation to explore avenues of business, and afforded opportunities that were never a option for past generations. Who were lead down the road of success by societies acceptance of graduating high school, then junior/graduate college. Then finally onto a career that was predetermined by college preparation. The only other option was to join the service, and serve our country. A selfless and honorable act made by countless Americans after the completion of high school. Needless to say times have changed. Along with it the fishing industry has changed. Young children who watched fathers, uncles, grandfathers, or family friends embark in the guide for hire business. Found themselves at a place in time where the opportunity for them to step strait out of high school, and go pro. As being a completely viable option.
Many of the young fishing guides here locally in the Sacramento Valley, grew up working on, or spending time on, the boats of relatives or close family friends. Completely aware of the possibility to earn a good living doing as their elders and mentors had done. Working as deckhands through their high school years or even younger. These youngsters know their way around the business. Fishing is almost a second nature to these young men. Who grew up on fishing guide boats. Learning how to treat clients, and how to act around clients, became a second nature. Guiding isn’t about fishing as much as it is about entertaining. As guides it’s safe to say we all know how to fish. Learning how to perform a service to your clients that allows them to have a good time, as well as catch fish is the key to a successful fishing operation. As I mentioned earlier, word-of-mouth is still your number one promoter. Happy customers tell friends. These friends call to book fishing trips. These fishing trips fill up calendar days. The up-and-coming fishing guides who grew up in charter boats surrounded by clients are fully aware of this cycle. Not to mention, the learning curve! Much more difficult for a person of my age to learn new and ever changing ins and outs of the internet and social media. This proving to be much more difficult to stay on top of, then it is for the younger generations who grew up in this technological time. Technology is almost given no thought by today’s younger generations. It comes as a second nature to these youngsters. Being fully functional in technology allows these young men to breeze their way through finding clientele via the internet. While the older generations are better left paying for someone to keep them relevant on the World Wide Web.
I’ll go ahead and let my guard down and be completely honest with myself and with the readers of this post. There comes a time in every adults life where the proverbial passing of the torch takes place. It is a proven fact that the younger mind is capable of learning, processing, computing, and problem-solving at a much faster rate then those minds of a person two, three, or four times their age. Facts! This is why we the veterans of the industry rely on experience, because stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new things is a very rare occurrence. With so many new advancements in fishing technology, tackle, techniques, it is hard if not impossible to keep up with the younger generation. They handle and adapt to these things with ease. Utilizing all these new advancements in the fishing industry to their advantage. Making themselves more successful at the base level of the trade. The fact is that the youth of our trade undoubtedly are more efficient when on the water. It wouldn’t be likely to find your charter boat captain sitting on the bank while he prepares tackle periodically through out the day. It is far more likely the younger guide will do this on the fly. A multi tasking marvel if you will. Their determination to beat all the other guides makes for great efficiency. Very little down time can be expected when hiring a younger guide. They will leave the older guides behind at the boat launch at start time. As your guide has been preparing for an hour prior to you showing up. His intentions are mindful of being the first guide done with limits for his clients everyday. He wants those easy targets(salmon) in his fish box before the other boat traffic catches up to him, and the daily grind starts. These “young guns” have something to prove! Remaining courteous, respectful, and intellectual, these kids can hold a conversation, answer questions, teach fishing techniques, and remain patient when tangle ups happen. Then happen again, and again. The cliche “salty captain” comes from the barking of orders, and growling towards clients that repeat the same mistakes. It comes with the trade, and the years of fixing and repeating the same client mistakes. It happens to the best of us. Haha….however the fresh younger guides deal with these problems with ease. Fixing the fishing foopa’s on the fly, and dealing with the incidents as fast as they come. Eager to get the lines back in the water and fish back in the fish box. Plain and simple, your younger guides are more efficient, productive, and have a stronger drive. Boxing the most fish possible for their clients in the time allotted.
As far as the Sacramento River is concerned, there are three independent “bad a__” fishing guide services on the river locally that are run by fishing guides under the age of 25. All three of them with multiple salmon seasons under their belt. These three fishing guides are full time, independently operating guiding machines. I urge anyone reading this blog and considering to book a reservation for a salmon fishing trip in Northern California to checkout one of these premier fishing guides. If you are into flat out “catching”. Book a trip with one of them. If you are into a slower pace fishing trip book with an OG! These three top guns have known nothing but the guide life. This is their full time occupation, has been, and will be, their full time occupation as long as there are fish around to catch. I will list below the name and contact information for each one of these young men. You can’t go wrong with any choice. From oldest to youngest....
Dakota Townley - (530)-680-3717 This year around fishing guide started fishing when he was for real, “knee high to a grasshopper”. He worked with his grandfather (The legendary fishing guide Frank Townley). Deck-handing for the “Fishin Magician” through grade school, junior high school, and part of high school. When his grandfather passed. After finishing high school, Dakota took on a five year contract fishing with well known fishing guide Kevin Brock. He is currently operating independently, and can be called directly by using the contact link provided. Dakota is now 25 years old and has literally a decade of guiding under his belt. He is all business on the Sacramento River. Expect to catch!
Jacob Frye- (530)-410-3174 At age 23 this young full time fishing guide sets out every morning to beat the fleet. Expect this young man to think outside the box. Taking advantage of opportunities to put a quick fish or two in the box, as the the opportunities arise. Quick thinking, and versatility keep this youthful guide at the top. Jacob also grew up in the guide for hire business. His father, fishing guide Jerry Frye had instilled the trade into his son at a early age. Jacob is a versatile guide, fishing plugs, or bait in several different applications. This keeping him catching in all fishing conditions, during any time of the season. Like Dakota, Jacob is a full time fishing guide. Working year around for several species of fish. Count on this young man to be around for many years to come. Jacob owns and operates as a completely independent full time fishing guide. He can be contacted using the cell Phone link provided. As well as on major social media platforms.
Ryan Tripp-(530)-635-3719 The youngest independently operating full time fishing guide in Northern California. Ryan Tripp is amidst his third season as a samon fishing guide. The kids got it! Like the two guide names above. Ryan comes from a upbringing of guide boats and filet knives. Son of fishing guide Mike Tripp, this kid was raised catching salmon. Groomed and ready to become a professional fishing guide long before the legal age of 18. Catching any number of targeted fish species, on any number of rivers, in a number of Western states is never a problem. Quick to identify the target species, on any body of water, this 20 year old guide systematically thinks through scenarios, coming up with a instantaneous and successful game plan. Having a knack for showing up at the right place at the right time. Capitalizing on the opportunities as quickly as they arise. You won’t spend any down time while on this guides watch. Multitasking has proven its payoffs for this youngest guide on the West Coast. Expect to get after it before daylight breaks. But hooked up long before the sun comes up. Ryan can also be contacted directly for booking reservations with his guide service, by clicking the cell phone link provided next to his name.
I personally know and have known all three of these full time, year round fishing guides for sometime. I knew all of them before they were old enough to engage in the act of guiding. They all three fished beside me working in my guide boat. I knew each one of them would eventually end up with more talent then I myself held, in the sport of fishing. I have watched them grow up in the trade, and become successful in the trade. There will be no disappointments when booking a fishing trip with any of these younger professionals of the trade. I urge you to consider giving any or all of these professional fishing guides a try out. They will be around for decades to come. Remaining at the top of the industries fishing guide for hire services.
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.
We are having a exceptional start to the 2021 salmon season on the Sacramento River. The upper Sacramento River is now open and plenty of dime bright king salmon are being caught daily.
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.
Read MoreThe B&R Tackle Co. soft bead is quickly becoming a very popular artificial salmon bait. Fishing guide approved!
Read MoreCalifornia’s King Salmon are feeding heavily on giant bait balls of anchovies. As shown here on Captain John McGee’s sonar. Pictured are the hard marks of king salmon sitting above a school of bait so dense it appears on the sonar as the bottom.
Read More Some experts are calling for a ten year drought here in Northern California. It’s hard to believe our major waterways will be squeezed even tighter in the years to come. The state’s largest reservoirs sucked dry by thirsty agricultural planted hundreds of miles to the south. In the central and southern portions of the golden state. The Central Valley Water Project and the exporting of stored water for big agricultural, has become big money. Unable to compete with the special interest groups, lobbyists, lawmakers, and politicians. The salmon industry has had to rely on our state and federal hatchery programs to produce, a let’s say a...”struggling run”, at best. As the state and federal hatcheries have to produce salmon by law (ordered by the courts for the loss of habitat due to the construction of Shasta and Oroville Dams). They don’t have to do a good job doing so. Hatchery release practices of juvenile salmon by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Colman National Fish Hatchery (on the Sac side) in the last decade, have been questionable to say the least.
So here we are entering summers hottest months with our reservoirs already so low that 80% of boat launches in NorCal reservoirs are unusable. It is predicted that come fall, Northern California’s Lake Oroville will reach the lowest level seen since the construction of the 770’ earth filled dam was completed in 1968. Water temperatures will then likely rise in the Feather River downstream of Oroville Dam. Causing lethal water temperatures for spawning salmon. Which arrive during the late summer months and into the early fall. When historically the states second largest reservoir will reach its lowest level. Putting extensive strain on a already struggling salmon fishery. A fishery so rich with salmon fishing history, it’s hard to believe it struggles to produce consistent runs of hatchery raised chinook salmon in these modern times. Hosting the second largest run of Fall Run Chinook Salmon in the Sacramento Valley. As well a separate run of Spring Run Chinook Salmon. The Feather River two decades ago was for the most part a year round fishery. Only closing for two short winter months. Famous salmon fishing spots like the notorious “Outlet Hole”, were stuffed with king salmon. The hundreds of anglers who lined the banks fishing the turbulent waters of the Thermilito, Ca discharge (aka “Outlet Hole”), caught salmon by the hundreds. On a daily basis mind you. I myself frequently bank fished this unique location as a younger angler. While in my late teens and early twenties. Prior to owning a jet boat, and discovering the guide for hire business. A little over two decades ago now. On a average day of “combat fishing” (coined by the chaos, occasional fist fight, stabbing, or drowning) it was common to hook up twenty or maybe thirty king salmon on every outing. The limit was even three salmon in possession for some time. A far cry from today’s twenty or thirty salmon hooked between all the bank anglers combined. The Feather River flowed with a much higher volume of water. When wading in the turbulent waters of the outlet hole some twenty years ago, your legs would become numb from the cold water. The places we waded, stood, and fished from back then, are now exposed gravel bars. The water is now much warmer to the touch, there is far less of it, and its getting worse every season. The warmer river water has made the Feather River become sterile of successfully spawning Fall Run Chinook Salmon. The Spring Run Chinook Salmon are almost nonexistent, and anglers are no longer aloud to target this particular run of Feather River King Salmon. The State Run Fish Hatchery is all that’s left to produce salmon in this river system, and that hasn’t proven to be effective in sustaining a solid run of salmon in my opinion. To most anglers who don’t know the details or history of this Northern California river system, it may seem as though this fishery is in “ok” standing. I can assure you, it is not. The Feather River will certainly be put to the test later this season as Lake Oroville reaches record low levels. It is likely we will not know the outcome of the damages done by this seasons extreme drought, for three year to come. As the majority of King Salmon do not enter the fresh water river systems until after spending three years in the salt water of the Pacific Ocean. We shall wait and see...
The Sacramento River is faced with similar circumstances, if experts predictions are accurate. Lake Shasta near Redding, Ca, the states largest reservoir. Is also in dire straits as far as water storage is concerned. Lake Shasta is currently at 41% of its capacity. Down 106 feet from the same time two years ago in 2019. This according to NASA, who monitors California’s drought situation from satellite images. Most of the lakes easily accessible boat launch facilities are unusable and closed to the launching boats. Due to lake levels dropping far below the bottom of the concrete boat ramps. Summer has just begun here in Northern California. Typically the spring run off from the mountain snow pack is still filling up the enormous reservoir. In the lakes current condition it’s rumored that by fall the lake will be the lowest witness in my forty three years of life here in NorCal. Shasta lake reaching its all time low in the 1976-1977 drought. Along with Lake Oroville. Which currently resides at 34% of capacity. Sitting only forty seven feet above the historic all time low in September 1977.
The fight for water here in the Golden State is well underway. Has been! It’s about to get “real” as they say. Unfortunately for our NorCal sportsmen, salmon will come last in the fight for water. Simply because they generate the least amount of revenue in this states diverse, and demanding economy. Sadly, the mighty dollar will win every time. The salmon, well.... my guess is they will be left fighting to stay off the endangered species list, or worse. Assuming things shape up according to how drought experts have predicted. If there is any glimmer of hope for the states reservoir conditions. It would have to be the fact that all this could and will go away with one big wet winter. I’ll certainly be keeping my fingers cross on behalf of the hope for a strong El Niño weather pattern this winter.
The 2021 King Salmon season on the Sacramento and Feather Rivers will open on July 16, 2021. Only two short weeks away. This years salmon run into Northern California waterways will not have been affected by the drought conditions that started in 2019. Our salmon fishing charter service is expecting a solid run of Pacific Ocean chinook salmon for our clients to have a blast catching, and enjoy eating. Fishing guide Robert Petty of NorthStateSalmon reported seeing a few bright king salmon jumping in the deeper holes of the Sacramento River near Woodson Bridge boat launch this week. Located just a few miles east of Corning, Ca. A popular boat launch during salmon season. Most of the chrome bright kings that will be caught on opening day (July 16, 2021), have just now started their migration from the salt water of the Pacific Ocean. With the onset of this full moon phase we are passing through currently, the king salmon instinctually gather outside the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca. For up to a week prior to the full moon. Without notice the schools of chinook salmon that have gathered to migrate into the Sacramento Valley waterways, will vanish. They will quickly move up the river systems at a pace of up to twenty two miles a day. Blasting through the potentially fatal warm water temperatures of the lower Sacramento River, Until finally reaching desirable river conditions in which they will reside for several months. Waiting to eventually spawn in the Fall.
Reports from the salt water captains working out of the marinas surrounding the San Francisco Bay have been positive. Captain John McGee of Legal Limit Sport Fishing (a established “six pack” fishing charter service) reported that the commercial salmon vessels up North, fishing out of Bodega Bay, Ca. Crushed the king salmon prior to June 26, 2021 sport fishing season opening day. A very positive sign for the season to come. And now we wait!
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.
After fishing salmon and steelhead for the last six or so weeks every single day, we have gotten the best plugs fine tuned, the best bait combos worked out and the salmon roe cured and ready to fish! The Sacramento, American and Feather Rivers have finally re opened this morning after a long six month closure and both rivers did not dissappoint. As soon as our old style Luhr Jensen Kwikfish and old t-55 Flatfish were finished being wrapped and marinated in our secret bait combinations the plugs were deployed to the rivers bottom just shy of 5am. Lift, bounce, tic..tic...POW...Fish on! We were fortunate to hook and land our first Sacramento Valley king salmon of the 2020 salmon season. Lucky for us we had a few hot sticks on the boat and quickly hooked up on a total of nine salmon, having three come unbuttoned during a viciuos fight and landing six fresh adult king salmon. Todays double digit pile of king salmon came to the net courtesy of Dave Jacobs, Ryan Tripp, Mike Rasmussen, Mike Tripp and Mike Tipton. The hot rod of the day was guide Mike Tripp with many kings hooked and landed this morning.
The Sacramento and Feather rivers are now open for a full season through December 31st on the Sacramento and October 31st on the Feather River. Anglers can hook and keep two adult salmon on the Sacramento River each day and three adult salmon over on the Feather River each day.
There has been fantastic salmon fishing reports coming in daily out of the salt, many fish and BIG fish! The salmon are beginning their upriver migration to their spawwning grounds and the salmon run in river will only build from here on out.
We have guided thousands of clients to the best king salmon fishing in Northern California and Southern Oregon. This is the time to give guide Dave Jacobs a call at (530)646-9110 to book your very own fully guided salmon fishing charter for the day. We are available seven days a week and can take all groups be it big or small. Dave Jacobs (530)646-9110…give us a call today!
Currently the Sacramento river is temming with thousands upon thousands of large American shad. The shad have been migrating up the Sacramento River in large schools since May and solid shad fishing action will continue well into July. Anglers fishing various sections of the Sacramento River from Red Bluff California downriver through Colusa California are finding solid fishing action. Side drifting from anchor small brightly colored jigs tipped with a small curly tailed grub is all it takes to entice one of these hard fighting shad to bite. Colors like chartruese, hot pink, flame orange or champangne are all that are needed as reported by Sacramento River fishing guide Dave Jacobs.
Jacobs reports “There is alot of excitement buiding as we approach the re opening of the Sacramento and Feather Rivers salmon fishing season! With the extended salmon season and increased daily salmon limit on the Feather River many are preparing for a solid salmon opener.”
The Sacramento River will open to salmon fishing on July 16th 150 feet below the Sycamore boat launch in Red Bluff California. The upper Sacramento River will officially open on August 1st from the Red Bluff Diversion Dam up to the Deschutes Bridge in Anderson California. Daily salmon limits are (2) two king salmon per person with a total possession limit of four salmon per person. Over on the Feather River, the salmon season will also open on July 16th with a (3) three salmon per person daily limit.
Now is the time to book!
This is the perfect time to get the best Sacramento or Feather River salmon fishing trip booked in. The top guides and the peak salmon fishing dates are available now for you to choose from. We provide all of the top quality bait and tackle for your Sacramento River salmon charter. We will also professionally fillet and bag your catch for your return home. We have the top Sacramento and Feather river guides availble to take groups both large and small. Call (530) 646-9110 to reserve your Sacramento River salmon fishing guide today!
Epic release video of Amanda Gradney and her very first Sacramento River white Sturgeon. Caught on March 8, 2020 near Grimes, Ca.
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.
Read MoreIf this picture perfect image of a North Coast chrome steelhead “trout”, doesn’t make you want to drop everything and run for the coast…You’re not a steelhead fisherman. Northern California’s new premier salmon fishing guide and steelhead fishing fanatic Ryan Tripp holds up a perfect example of a coastal steelhead. Caught less then 24 hours ago on the Eel River.
Read MoreThe lack of rainfall in Northern California this winter, has lead to another good trophy striped bass season on the Sacramento River. Very little rainfall equals, many days of fishing. The Sacramento River historically has somewhere around a fifty percent chance of being blown out at this time of year. Many years the winter months are spent staring at a dirty, debris littered Sacramento River. Swollen from strong pacific storms that typically slam the Northern California coast this time of year. Leaving only maybe a handful of days to fish for the trophy class striped bass that are “holding over” in the river prior to he spring spawn. However that was then and this is now. The past decade has been exceptionally dry for the early part of winter. December, January and even February have been drought stricken for the better part of this last decade. Bad for Sacramento River salmon. Great for Sacramento River striped bass. This winter of 2020 has been no exception. Little rain! Big Stripers!
The striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River has been widespread. The same can safely be said about the catching. Striped bass fishing charters and recreational anglers have shared a very productive season thus far. Very few days of down time have been had, due to poor river conditions. The lack of rain has allowed the Sacramento River to remain low and clear for the majority of the winter season. Up to this point anyhow. With all the hype these days behind the trophy striped bass fishery the Sacramento River hosts. The attendance of anglers present at local boat ramps every day, was nothing less then impressive. These ideal conditions made for some amazing opportunities. Opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to potentially catch that striped bass of a lifetime. On any given cast. On a seventy mile stretch of the Sacramento River. Many anglers experiencing their “personal best”(PB) striped bass. Dozens of striped bass in the thirty pound class and a handful of slobs weighing in the fourty pound class. Hit the digital scales of anglers who were more likely then not, still shaking from the experience. The largest known striped bass to my recollection this season. Would have to be the 49 pound monster striper caught by hard core striped bass enthusiasts Nate Barbour. Who has brought a plethora of trophy class striped bass to be viewed on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “NorCal Nate” has made a undeniable name for himself and his favorite glide bait! “Sneaky Pete”! Nate has featured Sneaky Pete hanging, dangling, and sticking out of the lips of 500 pounds of striped bass so far this season. Well that might be a slight exaggeration. I’d have to actually do the math. But I think the point is made that the Nate and Sneaky Pete duo, has been a pretty solid combination so far in 2020.
The fishability of GRatt produced glide bait Sneaky Pete, has changed the winter striped bass fishing game as we knew it. A fishery that only a select handful of anglers took advantage of. The select few anglers that had access to custom, hand made glide baits. By the pioneers of bait making. A decade prior to the bait making phenomenon that now drives it’s own industry. These few og striped bass die hards took lessons and “hand me down” custom glide baits from their bass fishing connections. Who used these colossal artificial baits for giant largemouth bass on the West Coast. Not easy to get your hands on and almost unaffordable custom glide baits, kept the majority of anglers out of the loop or unwilling to embark on such a unknown and expensive adventure. As time passed and commercial glide baits as well as dozens of private bait makers ventured into the market of “wake baits” or subsurface “swimbaits” (glide baits). They became more available and prices came down. Making it more affordable to own, throw, and cast off these expensive lures. The kind of lures that could potentially cause divorces if the sticker price were to ever be honestly revealed. The timing and need for a affordable, good swimming, good looking glide bait was upon us. Gratt Baits had the perfect solution for the glide bait craze that has taken off in the striped bass fishery in Northern California. The answer! “Sneaky Pete”! Sneaky Pete has been steeling the show this 2020 season. Period! Even more impressive from a fishing guides perspective. Sneaky Pete has given every person casting one the opportunity at catching giant striped bass. Trophies that were only dreamt about before now. Dozens of striped bass fishermen and women have accomplished beating or setting a PB(personal best) striped bass on behalf of Sneaky Pete! Which has quickly become a house hold name to striped bass anglers abroad.
The striped bass fishing has slowed but not stopped completely this past week. As anglers had to face poor water quality conditions in two consecutive back to back river rises. Steming from recent rainfall events in Northern California over the past week. Recent fishing charter reports from the Sacramento River are still very positive when they are able to get back on the water. As the Sacramento River begins to clear up following a rain storm. The larger trophy class fish have been scarcest for the last week or so. With no whoppers to brag about or show off pictures of. Conditions are currently getting better by the day for the upper Sacramento River. Anglers should be right back in the action by the middle of next week. With no real rain storms in the near future. Trophy striped bass fishing should resume right where it left off. On Fire!!
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.
Juvenile Salmon and Steelhead (raised and released by Coleman National Fish Hatchery) from the Sacramento River. Are currently being decimated by Striped Bass.
Read MoreWell here they come! The Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon have started a steady and consistent migration through the lower Sacramento River. Only stopping periodically for a short break. In a few of the suitable holes along their journey up the Sacramento River. This past week has produced some beautiful salmon. Both hatchery and wild (natural spawn) chinooks have been brought in by Sacramento River salmon fishing charter SalmonSacRiver.com. The newly arriving Late Fall Run Chinook Salmon are considered to be a genetically larger grade of king salmon then the more popular Fall Run Chinook Salmon. Which the season just ended for on November 1st. The more aggressive and physically larger Late Fall Salmon have been trickling through the upper Sacramento River. Although the peak of this genetically superior salmon run will not come until right around Thanksgiving! And remaining at its peak for the remainder of the 2019 salmon season. Which ends on December 16, 2019.
Some larger king salmon from the late fall run have already made it into the live wells of the salmon fishing guides working the Sacramento River. Salmon fishing guide Dave Jacobs sacramentofishing.com landing a king on November 23, 2019 that went 34 pounds. Salmon fishing charter SalmonSacRiver.com reported one of their fishing guides lost a salmon that pushed 40 pounds. Right at the net, on November 6, 2019. Guest Sam Hicks and his good friend Jess joined Sacramento River salmon fishing guide Mike Rasmussen. For a three day salmon fishing trip on the upper Sacramento River near Corning, Ca. The duo drove all the way from Elko, Nevada for some much needed time on the water. Their three day guided salmon fishing trip yielded seven late fall king salmon to ride home with.
The cold mornings have been accompanied by warm and calm afternoons. Absolutely perfect weather for time spent in the outdoors. The calm afternoons have kept many of the fall colored leaves on the trees overlooking the Sacramento River. Leaving a picture perfect backdrop for those out salmon fishing for these late fall king salmon. A very relaxing and comfortable experience this time of year. As opposed to the hustle and heat of the summer months fall run king salmon fishing. Very few other boats, if any. Making for the feeing of solitude and tranquility. Being able to work any particular salmon fishing hole without any other boats interfering. Quite the experience!
It should be noted that the Sacramento River has taken on a much different appearance in the past few weeks. The Sacramento River is running at roughly half the volume as it was when the 2019 salmon season started in July. If you haven’t been on the river for a month or so. Make sure to use great caution and awareness if or when you venture out on the river. Many new gravel bars, rocks, and submerged timber pose serious threats to navigation at this time. It is urged to use extreme caution at these low river flows. Some local boat launches have also been compromised. Due to the low river conditions and the continued dropping of the Sacramento River. Popular boat launches like Woodson Bridge boat launch in Corning, Ca. Have been filled in with gravel and sand. Leaving boat operators no choice but to launch their jet boats off the adjacent gravel bar. Having 4wheel drive is mandatory for this kind of alternative launching! If you are unsure about safe navigation. Call a local fishing guide or someone you know that frequents the river on a weekly basis. Just “winging it” could end up costing you thousands in repairs. Or worse!
There is approximately three weeks remaining of the 2019 salmon season on the Sacramento River. The Late Fall Salmon fishing will improve daily. Reaching the peak of its run in the last few remaining days of the season. Which closes on December 16, 2019. A solid fish per rod average has been the norm thus far for salmon fishing guide Mike Rasmussen SalmonSacRiver.com. Limit out style fishing could start happening any day. As larger groups of late fall chinook salmon push up into the upper river. Guided salmon fishing trips are still available for the month of December. Salmon fishing is expected to remain excellent for the remainder of the 2019 season. For booking a reservation call Sacramento River salmon fishing charter SalmonSacRiver at 530-722-8876 or visit the website at the link above. 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.
This beautiful king salmon was caught on October 3, 2019 by Oscar and Lauren Nerey from Corning, Ca. They were fishing the Sacramento River near Corning, Ca with salmon fishing guide Mike Rasmussen.
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.
Read MoreDoug Garrett holds up one of his two King Salmon he caught on the Sacramento River near Woodson Bridge in Corning, Ca. Doug was fishing with Sacramento River salmon fishing guide Ryan Tripp when he hooked this beautiful king salmon. Doug used a sardine wrapped K16 Kwikfish to trigger the strike!
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.
Read MoreBig male King Salmon moved into the Woodson Bridge region of the Sacramento River this week. Kings reaching 30+ pounds were caught in recent days. Like this 31 pound Chinook, caught by Rick from Seattle, Wa.
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.
Read MoreAmanda Gradney shows of a dandy of a Sacramento River salmon she caught while back bouncing a K16 Kwikfish wrapped with sardine on August 15, 2019.
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.
Read MoreLimits of quality King Salmon are displayed by fishing guides Mike Rasmusen and Ryan Tripp. Once photographed, the fishing guides take them back to the Roosters Landing boat launch facility. To meet fishery research biologists and let them collect their data.
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.
Read MoreSalmon fishing guide Ryan Tripp holds the best looking salmon of the 2019 season thus far. Dime bright, purple back, and picture perfect best describes this specimen. Caught by Ryan Tripp On July 25, 2019 on the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, Ca.
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.
Read MoreNorthern California salmon fishing guide Ryan Tripp holds up a chrome spring run chinook salmon he caught drifting cured salmon roe while fishing the Trinity River.
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.
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