Sacramento River Striped Bass Report - April 28, 2024 - “Bank Fishing Spots”
I thought it to be appropriate to do this striped bass fishing report for the bank fisherman. Running a full time fishing charter here in Northern California, keeps me in a boat ninety percent of the time these days. However I have never forgotten my roots. Which started from the banks, not the boat launches. As I travel up and down the rivers I always keep in mind the public access spots I see nearby. Spots that would be good fishing from the bank if they were known about by determined bank anglers. So this fishing report is for the bank fisherman. Timing, location, and access are the main factors for succes here. If you read this fishing report reel time (within a day or two of publication), the locations I’m about to give you will be producing you keeper striped bass for the next week or more.
The “Chico Straits”! This location is considered a famous striped bass fishing location, and has been used by anglers for decades when striper fishing the Sacramento River out of Colusa, Ca. This location is roughly seven miles North of Colusa on the Sacramento River. It has limited bank access from the roadside. Parking on the roadside turnout near the levee gate ( location marker above) will allow you to walk up or down the Sacramento River and find a location to fish from. Don’t block the gate! You will find bank fishing spots that are used by others when the fishing gets good. Fishing is good here right now and will remain so for two weeks to come. The striped bass infest this long, lazy stretch of river in preparation to spawn. They gather here in this mile long stretch of river in great numbers. Anywhere along the roadside would be productive. Personally I would stick to the bottom end of this location. The river flow is slower here and not as much lead will be needed to stay on the bottom. Remember to be courteous and pack out your trash.
The “Tractor Hole”‘ is always a good bet. Located on Butte Slough Rd a couple miles south of Colusa, Ca. The Tractor Hole sits on the east bank of the Sacramento River at the top of a long straightaway. It too is a preferred location for female stripers to spawn. As the big female stripers hold waiting to spawn, groups of males will gather in the surrounding area to wait as well. Making the Tractor Hole a prime bank spot during this time in the season.
The “Princeton Ferry” hole has many options for bank anglers. Like the Chico Straits, and the Tractor Hole, this long straightaway offers outstanding bank fishing from both sides of the Sacramento River. This hole is also a favorite area of the female striped bass. Access on the West side of the river is obtained through turnouts on the side of Hwy 45. Access on the East side of the river is obtained through the town of Afton. Some effort may be needed to access the gravel bar on the East side of the river at the top of the hole. However this would be my first choice of spots in the Princton Ferry Hole.
These three locations are currently fishing great. It’s hard to say what will happen in a week or two’s time. I will say all of these locations are going to hold striped bass every season. So saving this information may come in handy, even if it’s not for this season. I’ll leave bait recommendations up to the individual angler, but all cut baits like, liver, minnows, ect will work. Kittles Outdoor & Sports in Colusa, Ca has all these baits and much more. Also you may want to Google search the “public’s right to waterways in California”. You will find California gives the general public a lot of legal access to waterways across the state. Bridges, dead end roads and other access points are legally accessible to the public. There are many other bank fishing options surrounding the Colusa, Ca area. Especially on the levee roads between Colusa, Ca and Knights Landing, Ca. Make sure to check and see if you are crossing any private property when checking out new bank fishing locations. Good Luck! 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.