Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 9/3/2025. “Arrival of the Silver Bullets”

Like clockwork, the first wave of brand new King Salmon pushed into the Lower Feather River, this past week. It has been roughly two weeks, since the August full moon. Anglers’ fishing the Feather River, out of Boyd’s Pump, and Star Bend, started seeing the dime bright Chinook Salmon showing up in the middle of last week’s heat wave. Just like a switch getting flipped, these Fall King Salmon showed up covered from head to tail in shiny tiny scales. They still bare the marks from where sea lice recently died and fell off. These are magnificent specimens, as far as, river salmon fishing is concerned. To be completely truthful; it would be hard to tell an ocean salmon, from these river salmon, if they were lying side by side. The bottom line here is Fall Chinook Salmon, just don’t come any better, than the salmon currently swimming up the Lower Feather River.

These dime bright, newly arriving King Salmon aren’t shy about biting either. They chew! Watching these King Salmon on: Live Scope’s Perspective Mode, allows the angler to catch a first hand glimpse at how migrating salmon interact with your spinner or plug; as they approach your spread, while migrating up river.This is something never before seen, in California’s salmon fishing industry, or by California anglers in general. Here is what I’ve learned in my short time fishing the Lower Feather River for migrating Chinook Salmon….

Let me first point out, the importance and power, of Garmin’s Live Scope technology. Which if time allowed, I could write a book about. In short, what I’m about to bequeath upon you readers is not my opinion, these are not my assumptions, and they are not up for discussion nor scrutiny. These are facts! Proven by technology that lets you watch these King Salmon live. As they naturally live in their environment, and interact with your lures. Something never before possible. This is what I’ve learned, and here are some of the more important take aways, from the Lower Feather River. These tips may help anglers that are salmon fishing in this area.

1)- The Feather River King Salmon are on the move on a consistent basis now. Meaning everyday, and to be more specific, all day everyday. These King Salmon slip up the edges of the Feather River, at the pace of a fast walk. They typically migrate in pairs or trios, however, groups of five to eight fish will come through several times a day. My best estimate is, 100-150 salmon per day, move through the lower river during daylight hours.

2)- Spinner fishing seems to be the most productive method of take, in the Lower Feather River. That is not to say, these King Salmon won’t bite a sardine wrapped plug, a 360 flasher with a 3.5 spinner or cut plug, or spoons, because they do. I have witnessed and also, personally caught, lower river King Salmon, using all these other methods. However, nothing gets these Chinook Salmon more fired up than a flashy, shiny, silver blade. Particularly, the single and double bladed “Silvertron” spinner. If you make your own spinners a big size 7 cascade blade, works just as well. If you do not make your own spinners, then Silvertron spinners are your best option by far. Either trolled or plunked behind an anchored vessel, spinners will find you, your best success in the Lower Feather River.

3)- Remember this: The farther you go down the Feather River, and the closer you get to the HWY 99 bridge at Nicholas, Ca.; the more salmon you will catch. With 40-80 boats per day on the Lower Feather River, these King Salmon see it all, on their migration up river. They are being educated along the way, as they pass each boaters’ spinners. The closer to the closing point at Hwy 99 you can get, the less the salmon have seen spinners, and a higher percentage of salmon will bite.

Hopefully, a few of these observations will help newer anglers to the area; understand the dynamics of the Lower Feather River. Please, remember to remain respectful to the local community, who aren’t used to the heavy, out of town fishing pressure. As this area is typically a quiet, and light pressure fishery. It has only come alive, as this local spot, is the only option for NorCal anglers. So common courtesy can go along way with the locals here.

Stay tuned for a breakdown of the Upper Feather River report next week; as we wind down the remaining days on the Upper Feather River. Tight lines….

Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 8/23/2025 “Fish On”…

“Fish On” can be heard echoing accross the high banks of the Feather River coliseum. Otherwise know as the Thermalito Outlet Hole. This place has come alive in its true fashion over the past week or so. Following last weeks drastic water drop and then water rise, a load of chinook salmon arrived at the famous salmon fishing spot. Stacking up against the concrete apron along the face of the spillway is an understatement. The mass of king salmon sitting directly in front of the bank anglers on the Vance Ave and the Larkin Rd sides of the outlet waisted no time bagging their fair share of clean Feather River king salmon. The mass of salmon anglers grew rapidly over the past week as word got out the “flossing party” had begun. And just like that the Outlet Hole was finally alive. Like it is known to be. Hearing the words “fish on” being repeated yelled out from all sides of the hole. Vehicles blazing in and out of the Oroville Wildlife Area at dangerous speeds. Dust trails left billowing behind for miles along the Pacific Heights by side of the Outlet Hole. Everyone rushing in making a mad dash for their particular “line-up”. I would say conservatively no less then 100 anglers a day make their way to the outlet hole at current time. Many of which are catching and leaving with their catch as they come in. The outlet hole finally feels like the outlet hole. Bank anglers, don’t wait any longer, it’s time! With roughly a month remaining in the season you can be assured the catching will be outstanding for the duration of the shortened season.

Private boaters and professional fishing guides relying on the Outlet Hole to produce king salmon for their time spent fishing these turbulent waters, have not shared the same salmon fishing success the bank anglers are reaping. Anglers fishing from vessels, who are sticking to the standard methods of take, have been lucky to grab a single king salmon or two for their days efforts. A sardine wrapped Kwikfish presented prior to the sun coming up has been about the only bite to speak of using traditional fishing techniques in the upper Feather River. Northern California salmon fishing charters who are willing to leave moral and ethical fishing practices shelved for the moment have enjoyed the same success as the bank anglers. Picking up limits of king salmon for their clients and guest by dragging the edge of the white water rapids with beads or yarn. Salmon fishing guide Adrian Murrir, owner of AM Guide Service and SalmonSacRiver’s Mike Rasmussen have both pulled limits of king salmon for their clients on afternoon guided fishing trips this past week. Afternoon fishing trips can be more successful time to time as fishing pressure tends to lighten up through the hotter afternoon hours. This is certainly true of the outlet hole.

Further down the Feather River at Yuba City, Ca fishing has remained about the same. A steady flow of fresh chinook salmon continue to push up river at a steady pace. Making for consistent but not red hot fishing. If you are into quality over quantity when it comes to your salmon, this is the place for you. The king salmon being caught here are top quality when it comes to river salmon. Shiny and bright, thick and oily meat. You may have to spend two or three times the effort here to catch your salmon as you would at the outlet hole, but the quality is worth noting. Silvertron spinners seam to be the people’s choice in the lower river. For good reason, they work. On anchor or trolled down hill. Both methods are proven effective every day in this section of river. Single and double silver blades are working about the same. Both very effective. The current heat wave may have the lower river bite off this coming week as water temperatures will pass the 68 degree threshold, becoming lethal to king salmon. Causing the salmon to cease up river migration, become lethargic, and in turn become far less aggressive. These are all negative attributes for anglers targeting cranky migrating salmon. As we are targeting in the lower part of the Feather River when fishing out of Boyd’s Pump and Star Bend boat launches. This instinctual phenomenon will only last as long as river water temperature hover around or above the 68 degree mark. Once temperatures drop below 68 degrees the bite should resume as previously experienced. Anglers can find cooler water by moving up the river system to Gridley, Ca or the Outlet Hole. Where water temperatures are lingering around 65 degrees currently.

Be sure to get out there and get your hands on some of the healthiest ocean grown fish known to man kind! There is less then a month of the season remaining for the upper Feather River. Shutting down on September 15, 2025. Good luck and much respect to all anglers. Tight Lines!

Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 8/15/25 ‘Here they come…’

This week there were signs of major improvements, for salmon fishing on the Feather River, in Northern California. As expected, the August full moon cycle, which is still upon us; provided a positive impact on the Feather River, King Salmon Fishery. The instinctual drive for the salmon to migrate, is kicked into overdrive from the lunar influence of this week’s full moon. The bright summer night’s sky, of the ‘sturgeon moon’, brought daytime highlights to the anglers’, of the lower Feather River. Making for a much improved troll and spinner bite.

At the same time, this lunar influence caused the salmon, to start stacking up at theOutlet Hole, like a Bay Area traffic jam. Thus, providing the anglers at the Outlet, a considerable amount of new targets to cast towards.

The lower Feather River, near Nicholas, Ca., lit up over the past week with almost all boat anglers’ catching, at least, one King Salmon per outing. Private boaters out of; Star Bend Boat Launch, in Olivehurst, Ca., faired the best over the past week. The private boaters coming into the dock, with 3 or 4 salmon, was not an uncommon occurrence during this past week! Fishing guides found similar success for their clients. Boating brought in, 3-6 Chinook Salmon, on several outings throughout the week.

There were a few days that remained a struggle, but for the most part, a significant change is starting to take place. While trolling Silvertron, or Blue Fox, spines have been the preferred method of take. This success, was duplicated by the boaters who decided to drop anchor, and wait for the salmon to come to them.

There is another proven successful technique, to put these dime bright King Salmon in your fish box. Anglers’ trolling the lower Feather River, tend to prefer trolling the size, #6 Blue Fox in blue or plain silver. Whereas, trolling salmon anglers who prefer the Silvertron spinners, prefer the double bladed Silvertron spinners, in the “salmon candy” pattern. Anglers sitting on the spike (anchor) have found greater success, while plunking a single blade Silvertron, once again in the salmon candy pattern.

The Feather River salmon season, in the upper river, above Live Oak, Ca is roughly one-half over. With one month of salmon fishing behind us, and one month remaining. Salmon fishermen should be gearing up, for this final back-half of the season. Undoubtably, this will be the better half, of the short two month season, which closes September 15, 2025. The best is still to come.

In the weeks to come, some excellent salmon fishing is still to be had. Salmon continue to pile up; from the Outlet Hole, down river to Gridley, Ca. I estimate 100-200 King Salmon, are moving through the lower river, everyday during daylight hours. This is not including, the salmon that come through at night, when everyone is off the water.

The increased amount of King Salmon heading up river, is quickly adding to a large accumulation of salmon; already taking up residency at the Outlet Hole. It won’t be long before the focus of most anglers’, switches to the thousands, of staged up salmon, at the Outlet. Tight Lines!

Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 8/3/25 ‘Week Three’ Here comes….

…..the full moon. With the August full moon almost upon us, anglers can expect salmon fishing to improve immensely by the middle of August. Literally, thousands and thousands of Fall Chinook Salmon will make their way up the Feather River, if river conditions continue as they are. Expect salmon fishing to become popular again, when social media platforms light up with happy and proud anglers’, showing off their catch. The excitement and hype of the reopening of salmon season, had everyone heading out with high hopes. Only to find the same common denominator. It’s early in the season and this ‘grind it out’ style fishing, is indicative of this time of year during a normal season. Don’t give up just yet. The fun is sure to come.

A focus on salmon fishing this week:

On the Feather River: between the Hwy 99 bridge, near East Nicholas, Ca; and the famous “Outlet Hole” in Oroville, Ca. There has been some improvement, in the lower part of this section. The improvement is mainly, in the Yuba City area, down river to the closing point, at the Hwy 99 bridge. Private boaters and fishing guides alike, have taken advantage of a steady movement of bright King Salmon making their way up river. The migration was likely triggered by a 1000cfs water drop, coming from up river. The instinct of the King Salmon holding down river, is to kick their migration back into gear, when they sense the water level drop. This sent them swimming up river. The awaiting anglers’ welcomed this migration. Better fishing was had for most of the week, as dime bright Kings pushed their way up river.

Trolling with a ‘Silvertron’, or a #6 Blue Fox, it seems using spinners down stream, has been the ‘go to’ method for most anglers in this stretch of river. Sitting on the spike (anchor) has also proved productive for anglers in this area. Mostly, they are putting double bladed, Silvertron spinners out behind the boat. All in all, an average of one to two opportunities, per day to get at a King Salmon, seemed to be the standard this past week; for the majority of anglers.

• The upper section of the Feather River remains relatively tough fishing, despite the amount of King Salmon around this stretch of river. Salmon fishermen continue to struggle, to put even a single salmon in their boats, on most outings. The tough fishing is not from lack of salmon, it is the lack of cooperating salmon. The famous ‘Outlet Hole’ is currently stuffed with stale salmon, that are reluctant to bite, at this stage of the game.

• I want to once again, quickly remind everyone, these fishing conditions are very normal, for this time of the season. The conditions will change gradually, and all of the salmon holding at the Outlet Hole, will start to bite. My ‘educated guess’ is, this change will happen, sometime later this month, or during the first part of September. Until the salmon decide to turn on, I would focus down river.

Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 7/30/25 ‘Week Two’

Salmon fishing on the Feather River has remained about the same as it was, last week. Angler’s are having mixed success, as we slog along through the second week of the, Feather River Salmon season.

Not much has changed since opening week. Let’s quickly go over what happened around the famous Outlet Hole, and Shanghai Bend, two of the most popular Salmon fishing spots on the Feather River. Let me catch you up on what’s happening in these two fishing locations.

Let’s first start with the famous Outlet Hole near Oroville, California. For those of you who have never been to the Outlet Hole, nor witnessed this place, let me tell you, it is worth experiencing. Throughout the past twenty-five years, from time to time, I too, have been a witness to this enigma.

On any given visit to the Outlet Hole, there can be well over one, to two hundred anglers fishing from the bank. In addition to all of the bank anglers, there are a dozen, to two dozen boats, that somehow manage to fit into the ‘coliseum’ like Outlet Hole. Without a doubt, this may be one of the best people watching spots, in the sport fishing industry.

As far as the salmon fishing goes, this past week hasn’t shown much change in the action. The bank anglers fishing the Outlet Hole, have seen some improvement over the opening week. The spinner line has started to improve each morning, and are now seeing a half a dozen salmon, being caught this morning. The bank anglers are now hooking salmon throughout the day.

See The crowd is relatively light at the Outlet Hole for now, in comparison to what lays ahead. As for the fishing guides, and recreational anglers fishing from boats, they have continued to struggle through the early season. They have averaged one to two salmon a day.

• Shanghai Bend has gained in popularity, with the salmon fishing community, over the past week. And rightfully so! As the King Salmon being taken from this stretch of the Feather River are spectacular specimens. They are dime bright, and mean as a King Salmon can be. These fish are worth bragging about. However, at this point, they are still fairly hard to come by. Similar to the Outlet Hole, salmon fishing guides struggle to get one to two King Salmon, into the boat on each trip. During this past week, there have been a few highlights, but for the most part, it’s been a grind.

• Trolling with Blue Fox spinners, or the trusted Silvertron, has been producing some great, King Salmon catches, around the general Shanghai Bend area. It is a great technique for covering water. On the flip side, the anglers anchoring around the top of the shoot, at the Shanghai Rapids, have also had productive outings this past week. Once again, there have been a few highlight days, but it is a grind for the most part.

Stay tuned for next week’s Salmon Fishing Report, from the Feather River. Big changes should start happening, as we approach the August full moon. With the full moon, comes a larger push of King Salmon. And their arrival can not come soon enough. Tight Lines….

Feather River Salmon Fishing Report 7/24/25 “Opening Week’s Salmon Fishing Report”….

….for the Upper Feather River.

Featuring the famous “Outlet Hole” in Oroville, Ca, and the “Shanghai Rapids” in Yuba City, Ca.

The first week of Salmon fishing, in the last two years has come and gone. How was it? Well let’s find out….

July 16th was the opening day, of Salmon season on the Feather River in Oroville, California. Fishing at the Thermalito Outlet Hole was a success. It certainly could have been better, but it could’ve been worse to. All things considered, opening day showed promising signs, of the up coming prosperous Salmon season.

The predawn hours showed signs of anxious anglers, lining up to partake in the opening day event, at the famous Outlet Hole. Both red and green lights could be seen maneuvering around the hole. Long before daylight cracked, around a half a dozen boats, stayed on the Feather River, the night before opening day. Thus, securing their favorite anchor spot, and be in position to cast, the very second opening day started. That moment happened at 4:53 a.m. There were nearly 15 to 20 boats jockeying for position. All along the banks of the river, a multitude of ‘bank anglers’, perched on all sides of the Outlet Hole, started wading into the river water, anticipating their first cast in two years. The time had finally arrived.

At 4:54 a.m.; as the lures hit the water, it was instantly, ‘fish on’. The guide boats and recreational boaters, didn’t waste anytime hooking into the, holding King Salmon. Most of the boaters ended up with at least, an opportunity to catch at least one King Salmon. Penguins, fishing the west side of the Outlet Hole off of Vance Avenue, did the best. Ryan Tripp, a fishing guide, positioned himself deep in the Vance Avenue back eddy, along the white water discharge from the Afterbay. Ryan ended up limiting out with five king salmon, to the boat, by just after sunrise. Most other fishing guides, ended up with 3 to 4 salmon In their fish box, by mid morning. For the most part, the best fishing occurred, prior to Sunrise. Fishing fell apart quickly, after the sun rose into the sky. Fishing essentially died out as the day progressed. An estimated 25 to 40 KING Salmon, were pulled out of the Outlet Hole, on opening day.

The day following opening day, played out in typical, post opening day fashion. It was very tough fishing, throughout the remainder of the week. Only a handful of fish were caught daily, despite the 1000+ King Salmon swimming in the Outlet Hole. Whether, reported lower catch numbers, were due to angling pressure, or the warmer than usual river water temps, is not clear. Either way, the Fall Chinook Salmon at the Outlet Hole, are playing hard to get. It has been one of the worst cases, of ‘lock jaw’ I’ve ever seen.

Further downriver, to the south, on the Feather River, is Shanghai Rapids. This is the other fishing hole being highlighted, in today’s report. Unlike the more artificial, Outlet Hole; Shanghai Rapids is a naturally occurring, holding spot for the Salmon.

Shanghai Rapids, has plenty of deep water and a fast current, some of the Salmon will seek refuge here, ripening before they spawn. While other Salmon will head upriver, to finish their migration, at the Outlet Hole.

Shanghai Rapids is a popular spot for angler fishing, for both Striped Bass and Chinook Salmon. This season is no exception. Shanghai Rapids is located in Yuba City, California. Shanghai Rapids can be a very popular spot, gathering many anglers from all around the area. The mouth of the Yuba River, dumps into the Feather River just, upstream from Shanghai Rapids. This confluence of the rivers, mixes cool water into the Feather River system, making Shanghai Rapids an ideal place for migrating Salmon.

Reports from recreational anglers, targeting the Shanghai Rapids this past week, trickled in throughout the week. The highlight of the week, was from a group of recreational anglers, who posted up a photo, of a four man limit of shiny King Salmon. The King Salmon were caught trolling spinners, down hill around the Shanghai area. Other than that report, local anglers seemed to report, that one salmon per outing was the norm.

There is also, great trolling water below the rapids, down by the power lines, where the, the Jimmy Zanoko Memorial is located. Despite the vast Salmon trolling waters in this region, you will still find the majority of anglers using the spike (anchor). Waiting on the migrating King Salmon, to come to them.

With the first week of Salmon season already behind us, many anglers have set their sights, on the next full moon (August 9). This is when, the largest push of Fall Chinook Salmon, will start to arrive in the, Upper Feather River. This will improve the fishing tremendously, from its current status of ‘rough’.

Tight lines to everybody. I hope to see you out there, enjoying the return of California’s inland salmon fishing. Stay tuned for upcoming fishing reports.

Feather River Pre-Season Salmon Fishing Report 5/27/25

California finally has a salmon season back. Reason to celebrate for sure. After two full season closures in 2023, and 2024, anglers now have a reason to be excited. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has decided to open three California rivers to the take of Fall Run Chinook Salmon. Leaving the Sacramento River closed to salmon fishing for at least one more year. As well as the Klamath River Basin, which includes the Trinity River. Again closed for another year at least. So we will take what we get.

We Will be focusing our efforts and Fishing for King Salmon on the Feather River near Oroville, California. A river rich with salmon history, and the second largest contributor to our states salmon runs. The Feather River has had a surplus of king salmon the previous two years. Primarily due to the fact that the commercial take of salmon has been prohibited over the past two season. Allowing tens of thousands of salmon that would typically have be taken by commercial and sport fishing fleets in the ocean, to return to the river in great numbers. This year will be absolutely no different. Anglers can expect great fishing opportunities this upcoming season. Which will run from July 16 through October 31. With some closure to certain parts of the feather river at different intervals. It would be best to check state regulations for exact dates.

The Feather River will be teaming with anglers and it would be safe to assume large crowds will gather here for the upcoming season. The Feather River is know for the bank fishing opportunities it presents to the many bank anglers that target salmon here. The famous “Outlet Hole” near Oroville, Ca is the rivers most popular location. Attracting thousands of anglers from around the globe when the salmon are running. Large crowds will gather here at their chance to take a dime bright chinook salmon from shore. This is considered the premier “combat fishing” location on the West Coast. On any given day upwards of 200 bank anglers and 20 plus boats may be in attendance at the Outlet Hole! Professional fishing guides also target this gathering spot for the incoming salmon. It is sure to be a zoo this upcoming season.

We will be offering our fully guided salmon fishing charters in this area of the Feather River starting on July 16, 2025. We will continue offering these charters through September 15, 2025 when this section closes to salmon fishing. At which point we will move our salmon fishing charters down river to a section that stays open through October 31, 2025! Fishing guides will thrive in these conditions and are expected to provide “limit out” style fishing for their customers. Typically backbouncing either cured salmon roe or sardine wrapped Kwikfish are the preferred method of take by fishing guides on the Feather River. We are currently taking reservations for this upcoming season. Reservations are filling up fast as all anglers are excited to be back on the water this season. To book a reservation for your own guided fishing trip you can contact us by calling 530-722-8876. Or by filling out a submission form on this website. Submission forms will be answered in the order that were received and call back times very from 30 mins to one hour! We do require a deposit of $50 dollars per angler to hold your reservation. We are happy to answer any questions you may have prior to booking a reservation by calling the phone number provided.

Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report 3/8/2025 “Striper Fest”

What are all the northern California sportsmen and women doing today? Duck and goose season is over, turkey season hasn’t begun yet, and the striped bass aren’t due to show up for at least a week. Which begs the question, what’s everybody doing today? If you have no plans and can’t see yourself sitting around the house during a day filled with Northern California sunshine. I have an alternative for you. Join myself and many other anglers in Yuba City, California at Johnsons Bait And Tackle for their annual “Striper Fest”!

Johnsons Bait and Tackle has provided the opportunity for NorCal striper anglers to mingle with like minded folks from around the North State.  Strengthening the fishing community at large. Something I feel couldn’t be more important in today’s time. As our youth seem to drift farther and farther away from the outdoors and disturbingly closer to the advancing technologies of present time. Johnson Bait and Tackle has dedicated today March 8, 2025 to the striped bass anglers of California. Hosting this special event for the entire day. Let me say Johnson’s didn’t hold back either. They have quite the lineup in store for guests today.

This festival starts at 9:00am this morning and runs throughout the entire day. What exactly is on the agenda today? Johnson’s will be holding raffle drawings throughout the entire event. Giving away a plethora of tackle supplies, including a wide variety of top producing artificial striper baits. Fully guided fishing trips from local professional striped bass fishing guides will also be raffled off throughout the day. Big savings on discounted lures and tackle will allow attendees a break on the pocket book while stocking up for the upcoming 2025 striper season. Displays, representatives, and seminars will keep you captivated and up to date on the ever changing tackle selections available to striped bass anglers. Professional fishing guide services like RH Guide Service, Fish Kevin Brock, Alan Fong Outdoors, and myself who is representing the artificial bait producing powerhouse G-Ratt Baits. An accumulation of a centuries worth of knowledge will be shared with those who attend these free seminars. Have any questions you’ve always been curious about but are unsure of the answers. These pro fishing guides will be glad to answer these types of questions to the best of their ability. Oh, did I mention a top notch food truck will be on site to quench your thirst and curve that appetite. This will be a day filled with benefits for the NorCal angler.

Come out and show your support for this amazing fishery so many of us look forward to utilizing. Bring the kids, the wife, your fishing partners, your neighbors, or the old silverback down the street. Enjoy the beautiful weather and take advantage of the opportunities Johnson’s Bait and Tackle has provided for the striper fishermen and women of Northern California. Mingle and chew the fat with like minded anglers and professionals that share the same passion for the striped bass as you do. Hope to see you all out there. For more information concerning today’s “Striper Fest 2025” visit Johnson’s Bait and Tackle Facebook page or give them a call. 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.

Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report February 26, 2025

If you feel like I feel about the spring striped bass run on the Sacramento River, then you ought to be getting pretty wound up for the upcoming season. For me this month signifies the start of the spring striped bass season in Northern California. The March full moon always brings the first waves of striped bass into the California Delta. From the delta the stripers can make their way up the Sacramento River to Colusa, Ca in a matter of days. Likely to be the scenario this season as all Northern California reservoirs are currently as full as they are allowed to be. Expectations of higher then usual river flows have me personally excited for a third strait striper season spent in the Colusa, Ca area, and catching stripers however you want on what ever you want. As it should be! My best guess for when in-river striper fishing will get underway? I would have to say as early as March 20, 2025. Maybe even a day or two before then depending on river conditions. The Feather River typically starts seeing striped bass a week or so before the Sacramento River, and when the Feather River has more river flow then the Sacramento River. Well we all know what happens then. Either way my expectations remain high for another wide open striper season for Northern California anglers.

Currently the Sacramento River levels have dropped tremendously over the past week and a half, and the winter striped bass started to chew. These chunky linesides are running 8-15 pounds and strong as can be. Fishing guide and avid striper fisherman Danny Hamilton. Also the owner of Hamilton Roofing, known here locally as the go to roofing company for Northern California homeowners. Ended up being the first person to venture out and look around as floodwaters finally receded back to a manageable level. Didn’t take him long fishing out of Red Bluff, Ca to turn in his first two person limit of the winter season. He and his girlfriend Kate reported putting a pretty good beating on a school 50-60 stripers they found stuffed in some backwater. Both anglers throwing different artificial presentations with repeated success. Danny threw a Sneaky Pete and Kate ripped a jerk bait. The pair ended up tangling with nine stripers all in double digits with no giants. A similar lashing ensued father down stream near Los Molinos, Ca this past weekend as Red Bluff tattoo artist and life long NorCal angler Juan Nava took to the Sacramento River like it owed him money. Pillaging his way down river plucking off winter stripers along the way. Juan and crew ended up with a box full of stripers to take home to the dinner table. Winter striper fishing should continue to stay productive for those willing to go fish in less then ideal river conditions. Look for the Hamilton City and Ord Bend, Ca areas to pop off closer to this coming weekend or early next week. Water clarity still needs a little time to clean up down river. All in all it’s certainly worth going out and giving it a shot if you’re having a hard time waiting for the spring run to start.

This is an excellent time to make preparations for the upcoming coming season. Securing your tackle needs prior to the start of the season is never a bad idea. Some productive artificial baits that really took center stage last season for myself include jerk baits by the striped bass powerhouse bait company Gratt Baits. Their GB 100 jerk baits can’t be rivaled in the reaction bait category. A must have for my clients fishing the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. When talking soft plastic baits there is a new sheriff in town. I was introduced to the world of tube baits last season by fishing guide Tanner Carrick. A serious artificial soft bait to add to the arsenal. Red Rum Bait Co. in Southern California is ready to package and send out to customers their striper candy. I recommend the 1/2 and 3/4 oz sizes as the stripers could not leave them alone. These baits must be ordered on line and are a must have as far as I’m concerned. Twitching, jigging, or retrieving all seamed to have the same result. Irresistible to striped bass. With the exception of the tube baits all your tackle needs including the entire Gratt Bait striper collection can be found at Kittles Outdoor & Sport in Colusa, Ca. As well as Johnson Bait & Tackle in Yuba City, Ca who serves anglers on both the Feather and Sacramento River. Side note, if you want to chop it up with bait manufacturers and local fishing guides, as well as sitting in on seminars, and even taking your chances winning tons of fishing prizes available through a raffle. Johnson Bait &Tackle is hosting “Striper Fest” on March 8, 2025 at their store location in Yuba City, Ca. For more information you can contact Johnson’s Bait & Tackle for the particulars of this annual event. Tight lines to all!

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.

Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report 2/13/25- “High water =

…lights out striper fishing for Northern California anglers. With the spring striped bass run bearing down on us, you can be rest assured that this striper season will be a productive and plentiful one. Very similar to the last two striper seasons. California reservoirs, Lake Shasta, and Lake Oroville, are nearly full, and releasing a much higher volume of water than on normal years. For those unknowing the higher river flows bring the large mass of migrating striped bass much farther up the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. A general rule of thumb is “the higher the river water, the farther up the rivers the stripers will migrate”. During a very high water year (similar to this year) stripers may migrate up the Sacramento River as far as Chico, Ca. On the Feather River as far up river as Gridley, Ca. It is likely this may end up being the scenario this season if river conditions stay as they are.

The past two seasons on the Sacramento and Feather Rivers have had outstanding striper fishing. Due to the excessive water runoff from the past two wet winners. This season is shaping up to be no different. Anglers can expect much of the same action this season. The high river levels allow anglers to choose from a variety of methods when targeting striped bass. Using live minnows when targeting striped bass is a fail proof and time tested technique that is hard to beat. However, when river flows remain high into the season, anglers can also expect great success, using other techniques such as trolling, casting swim baits, casting the black worm and using the highly productive new technique of jigging tube baits. A technique I personally tested last season with astounding results. Needless to say expectations remain high as we approach the 2025 spring striper season in Northern California.

The spring striped bass returning to spawn on the Sacramento and Feather River are very predictable as to their run timing. Showing up like clockwork following the full moon in March. Colusa California is ground zero for the spring striped bass run on the Sacramento river. While Yuba City is the ground zero location for the spring striped bass on the feather river. The widely popular striper season will typically last through May. Peaking out toward the end of April and the beginning of May. As I previously mentioned a wide variety of artificial and live bait can be used. Kittles Outdoor and Sport in Colusa, Ca has all your tackle needs when targeting striped bass on the Sacramento River. Kittles supplies anglers with all the top performing artificial baits as well as an endless supply of live and cut baits. The staff at Kittles is beaming with knowledge and always willing to answer questions and give solid suggestion to arriving anglers. Much of the same quality treatment can be expected by anglers who are fishing the Feather River. Here you will want to stop in at Johnson’s Bait and Tackle in Yuba City, California. Also located very close to the most popular boat launches on the Feather River. Johnsons Bait And Tackle is open early and has everything you need. Again, a friendly staff with a plethora of knowledge, who are willing and ready to help you with any questions or needs you may have. This tackle store also supplies anglers with live and cut bait as well as an entire store stuffed with artificial lures. Make sure to stop in and support your local tackle stores when striper season rolls around.

It is never too early to book a striper fishing trip with a professional guide to ensure some high pace, highly productive, striped bass fishing action. Local fishing guides who target the spring striped bass run are constantly on the water and in tune with the whereabouts and feeding patterns of the schools of striped bass. Ensuring a highly productive fishing trip for you and your guest. There are plenty of local fishing guides to choose from. Each having their own strategies and tried techniques in catching striped bass. We here at SalmonSacRiver Are currently taking reservations for this 2025 season. Options for anglers include day time fishing trips, nighttime fishing trips, artificial lure fishing trips, fly fishing trips, and more. We can accommodate any size group and provide all tackle needed for these fishing trips. We are a full service fishing charter business who has fished the spring striped bass run in Northern California for over twenty years. To book a reservation with us for the upcoming season simply give us a call at 530-722-8876. Or visit our website SalmonSacRiver.com and fill out a submission form, we will contact you as soon as we can. We are looking forward to another, very productive and prosperous season. I hope to see you all out there. 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.

Northern California Fishing Report 2/2/25 “Winters Back”

After not seeing a drop of rain in Northern California for the entire month of January, we now face a drenching atmospheric river system. With several atmospheric rivers currently hitting and forecasted to continue to impact Northern California in the next few days. Expect most Northern California waterways to be put out of commission for at least a week or two once the wet weather has passed. Sidelining anglers throughout the north state, and putting a halt to the Winter Striped Bass fishing on the Sacramento River. As well as the steelhead fishing on the majority of the North Coast river systems. With the exception of the mighty Smith River which is known to be fishable for steelhead in almost any condition.

Just as the Sacramento River had cleared throughout the typical winter striped bass fishing grounds, and river anglers were having moderate to good success with the oversized stripers. This series of storms brought it all to a screeching halt. The Sacramento River forecast for the river water levels looks bleak to say the least. NOAA (Northern Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) is forecasting the Sacramento River at Woodson Bridge to surpass flood stage at 181 stage feet. Peaking out at 184 stage feet on February 4, 2025 around 8:00pm. Bringing the Sacramento River levels up to as high as they have reached this season. Putting the Sacramento River and its anglers out of business for the better part of two weeks.

The Eel River at Scotia, Ca is forecasted to have about the same outcome as the Sacramento River this week. Nearly reaching flood stage itself. Eel River water accumulations running down river past Scotia at over 145,000 cfs (cubic feet per second), or 34 stage feet. Stopping the productive steelhead fishing that had been taking place on the main Eel River from the confluence of the Middle and South Fork Eel River near Redcrest, Ca, downriver to Rio Del, Ca. Putting this steelhead fishery out of commission until much later this month. Providing the rain completely stops this week and does not continue for several weeks to come. Basically if you were lucky enough to partake in the steelhead fishing on the main stem Eel River prior to this series of storms. Consider yourself just that, “lucky”.  As this section of the Eel River may not see anymore green water while this steelhead season is relevant. It is completely weather depending and at best a guess weather steelhead fishing will again take place this season on the lower part of this river system.

As usual under these extremely wet circumstances in the North State, river anglers are left with very few fishing options. There is always the Smith River near Crescent City, Ca in Del Norte County if you are into the steelhead fishing scene. Challenging but very rewarding this river will fish at any river level except the very peak of flood stage. Which it is not forecasted to even come close to during these atmospheric river events. Far from actually! NOAA’s river forecast for the Smith River puts it at around 12 stage feet as it peaks out from these storms. This river level is actually very conducive for bank fishermen, and allows for drift boat fishermen to safely “plunk” from their drift boats until river levels drop to 10 stage feet. When drift boaters can start side drifting bait or soft beads for winter steelhead. If it’s steelhead you are looking for this is the place to be in the coming week or two.   Contact steelhead fishing guide Ryan Tripp if you are looking for a guided fishing trip on the Smith River. If you are the extreme outdoor adventure seeker, ask fishing guide Ryan Tripp about his white water steelhead fishing charters that take place on both forks of the upper Smith River. Using a self bailing raft. He is the only steelhead fishing charter that offer these high adrenaline, and highly productive steelhead fishing trips (ryantrippsguideservice.com)(530-635-3719). Photo below compliments of Ryan Tripp’s Guide Service. A upper Smith River raft trip from January 2025.

Anglers in the Sacramento Valley who want to get out after the big winter striped bass have the California Delta as about the only option for the DIY fishermen. You also have the option to take part in the catch and release sturgeon fishing in the delta waters. Which I understand is pretty good fishing currently.  If you are looking for a fishing guide to  book for these big North State striped bass. RH Guide Service is your best bet for the next two weeks. As Ray may have good water to fish in his home waters. You can find RH Guide Service on Facebook or give him a call at 530-870-2697. Photo Compliments RH Guide Service on Facebook. January 2025!

The Sacramento River from the Hwy 162 bridge in Butte City down river to the city of Sacramento, Ca is now closed to the fishing for white sturgeon. This includes the very popular Colusa, Ca  and Knights Landing, Ca region of the Sacramento River. Sadly this is another fishery we will likely never see come back to the Sacramento River. For any of the readers who would like to book a sturgeon fishing trip Golden State Sport Fishing and Captain Joe Gamez are still doing fully guided sturgeon trips in the California Delta. Joe can be reached at 209-855-1487. Tight Lines Everyone

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.

Northern California Steelhead Fishing Report 1/23/25 “Green Waters”

The North Coastal region of California has always been the epicenter of winter steelhead fishing. And will remain so for as long as steelhead exist, orrrrr….CDFW disallows us to fish for them any longer. For anyone who has partaken in this fine winter sport we call steelhead fishing, they will attest to its lasting addiction. This addiction takes deep roots the second you hook your first true coastal steelhead trout. Many anglers are mislead by the separate runs of trout. Brought to believe that when they catch steelhead  in the Sacramento Valley and its tributaries, that they are steelhead fishing. Yes kind of! Those are a kind of steelhead. “Summer Steelhead” typically. A much smaller and all together different specimen than their winter relatives.  The summer steelhead travel much farther inland, are considerably smaller in contrast, must eat to sustain a spawning season, take up residency during staging cycles prior to spawning, and take on a heavy rainbow trout appearance with rosy cheeks and lateral line. Nevertheless folks, these so called steelhead are NOT what’s being caught on the North Coast. Wild and river  specific, these dime bright rockets inhabit almost every coastal tributary on the west coast that drains straight into the Pacific Ocean. As far as California is concerned we are talking about the coastal tributaries of Del Norte, Humbolt, and Mendocino Counties. These counties are the home to the real steelhead of California.

This past week I toured the Northern Coastal communities of California’s steelhead country. Trying to get an idea of how the season was shaping up thus far (As January kicks off the unofficial start to winter steelheading). Also to feed my own addiction to the sport. As well as take customers to experience these fisheries first hand. Here is what I found….Let’s start by reporting for the three counties individually.

Del Norte - This county is the Northern most county on California’s Pacific Coast. Also home to the mighty Smith River. Residing only minutes from the Oregon state boarder, this is our states most popular steelhead fishing destination. I myself did not travel this far North on my recent fishing trip. However I did receive daily steelhead fishing reports from fishing guide Ryan Tripp (ryantrippsguideservice). Whom is working the gin clear waters of the Smith River every day for his clients. “The fish aren’t stopping”. Reports fishing guide Ryan Tripp when I spoke with him this past weekend. A steady trickle of fish are moving through the Smith River system every day right now. So the targets are there Getting in front of them may present its challenges. If you know the Smith River the risk is well worth the reward. But be prepared to put in your time. Or call fishing guide Ryan Tripp to book a trip with a professional fishing guide. A experience you will never forget on the Smith River. After all it is in my opinion the most picture perfect steelhead fishery on the West Coast.

Humbolt-Where do I even start? It’s not just every season you get to take full advantage of every steelhead tributary in the county. In fact I can remember on several occasions in the past twenty five years, the whole month of January passed by, and never even had an opportunity to wet a line. On the SF Eel, Mattole River, Van Duzen, or Redwood Creek. These rivers can stay at elevated flows and silty the entire month of January. This year it was December that left coastal rivers unfishable from saturating rainfall. So this January dry out was right on time. Following the twenty plus inches of rainfall that hit the redwood forests in December. Stopping just in time for the New Year. Now not even a drop has fallen since. Everything weather related has actually played out perfectly in my opinion. Giving the over saturated soil much needed time to soak in. Giving the rivers a chance to finally recede. As it happens one trib after another, eventually all the counties tributaries have dropped into shape and the fishing begins. The steelhead seemingly show up and start biting when their natal waters turn from silty and brown, to emerald green. This is where the North Coast rivers currently reside. Emerald green on all Humboldt’s steelhead fishing rivers.

Humbolt-Where do I even start? It’s not just every season you get to take full advantage of every steelhead tributary in the county. In fact I can remember on several occasions in the past twenty five years, the whole month of January passed by, and never even had a opportunity to wet a line. On the SF Eel, Mattole River, Van Duzen, or Redwood Creek. These rivers stayed elevated and silty the entire month. So this January dry out was right on time. Following the twenty plus inches of rainfall that hit the redwood forest in December. Now  not even a drop has fallen this January. Everything has played out perfectly in my opinion. Giving the over saturated soil much needed time to soak in and give the rivers a chance to finally recede. As it happens one by one, eventually all the counties tributaries have dropped into shape. The steelhead seemingly show up and start biting when their natal waters turn from silty and brown, to emerald green. This is where the North Coast rivers currently reside. Emerald green on all Humboldt’s steelhead fishing rivers.

This past week has been filled with good and consistent steelhead fishing. With that said, and considering the amount of fresh fish coming through these rivers daily right now. Is leading me to believe when this winter steelhead fishery reaches its peak in mid to late February. The steelhead fishing may just turn into an all out slugfest. As for right now 1-3 fish a day has been the general consensus for drift boaters I spoke with over the long three day weekend. Fishing pressure certainly increased dramatically over the lengthy weekend. The South Fork Eel seeing the most fishing pressure. Dozens and dozens of drift boaters were scattered along the middle grounds of the SFE. Near the town of Garberville. Where most drift boats I spoke with had caught or fought at least one fish for the days effort. Some SFE locals from Legget , Ca I spoke with reported catching 3-7 steelhead a day. Having perfect attendance all last week. Moving forward look for the main stem Eel River to drop into shape and start fishing this week. Spreading out the steelhead fishermen and easing up on the heavy fishing pressure the South Fork Eel has had the past ten days.

The Mad River in Arcata, Ca has always been a steelhead attraction come winter time. This year is no different. This past weekend anglers saw some great action fishing from the hatchery down river. One highlight from the holiday weekend was angler Juan Nava, a tattoo artist from Red Bluff, Ca and a life long fisherman. Who caught a steelhead of a lifetime while pulling plugs from his drift boat. Down river from the Mad River hatchery. He landed a 20 pound male steelhead that caught the attention of steelhead fisherman state wide.  A true trophy and something very few California steelhead anglers will ever accomplish this milestone. Hats off to Juan for his amazing catch. Congratulations!

The anglers that prefer to tackle these wild coastal steelhead on the fly also saw great success this weekend as they flocked to the remote Mattole River. A Humbolt County tributary that they have found a niche for. Casting soft beads and covering lots of water is the primary method of catching steelhead for fly fisherman on this river system. This method proves to be very successful for guys wanting to catch ocean going rainbow trout  on the swing. They also faired well over the holiday weekend. Every boat polled had got into at least a single steelhead. A steelhead guide from the Fly Shop in Redding, Ca that I chopped it up with on Sunday reported landing five adult steelhead on his trip that day. Soft beads being his pattern of choice.

Mendocino- With the exception of the top stretches of the South Fork Eel River, the rest of the county will need more rain before it becomes productive for steelhead anglers. Much of this county’s steelhead tributaries are small in comparison to those in neighboring Humbolt County. Relying heavily on replenishing rainfall to keep the river and creeks at levels conducive to steelhead fishing. So anglers looking to target the county’s smaller tributaries will have to wait for our next Pacific Ocean low pressure system to roll into town before heading out to chase that coastal chrome in Mendo.

All and all it has been a great start to the 2025 steelhead season, and there is undoubtedly much more to come. Don’t hesitate to get in on the action as this is a better start to a NorCal steelhead season then we have seen in a handful of years. The last few wet winters have helped with successful spawning. Expectations run high for the steelhead fishing to get better and better as each year passes. Leaving the damages done by Californias extreme drought farther and farther behind.

         If you wish to book a steelhead fishing trip with a professional guide service, we will continue to book fully guided steelhead fishing trips through the month of February and into early March. The peak of this years run will be during the month of February. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to chase these hard fighting and unique fish. Give us a call (530)-722-8876 or complete a submission form on this website and we will return it with a phone call. Good luck out there and tight lines to all steelhead anglers who head out in hopes of tying into a mean,chrome, steelhead trout.

Northern California Salmon Fishing Report: Salmon Fishing Charters Ready Their Drift Boats For The “Last Dance”

Do you enjoy salmon fishing? Like eating salmon maybe? Then you might not want to miss this last call for the 2024 California salmon season on the Smith River. This is kind of like “the fat lady singing” if you will. The end is near. And what a great season and experience it has been here on the North Coast. This weeks rainfall will bring the majority of remaining colossal king salmon in from the ocean. For Salmon anglers on the North Coast, drift boat season on the Smith River is like the World Series, or the Super Bowl, or the Stanley Cup, you get my point. It’s the big salmon fishing event before the season will close and the run will end around thanksgiving. During the final weeks, some of the best salmon fishing in the country will be had by fishing charter drift boats. If you know, you know. If you don’t know, you going to want to know. Some of the most epic and memorable days of salmon fishing plays out on the Smith River during this short period. The accumulation of all the coastal fall chinook will enter the river, continuing to migrate far up all three forks of the Smith River. In search of their ancestral spawning grounds. This much needed rain will give life back to the river system as it has gone stagnant this past week with no rainfall since around Halloween. These storms will bring the second large push of salmon into the river system as rain runoff swells the river and signals the remaining awaiting king salmon. Angler can expect above average salmon fishing for the remainder of this week and the next. If you’ve been on the fence about heading over to the Smith River, now’s your chance!

The Smith River is currently open to salmon fishing and under no kind of low river flow restrictions. For those unfamiliar, no fishing can take place while the river levels are under six stage feet on the Jedediah Smith hydrography. The river was closed on Sunday November 10th as river levels dipped below the six foot threshold . As mother nature will have it, and as it appears to the meteorologist, the rain storm schedule to make landfall on Monday November 11th will saturate the North Coast and open the Smith River by Tuesday morning November 12, 2024. Allowing the salmon fishing charters, and their fishing guides to access the Smith River. Putting their clients on some high pace, salmon fishing action. Some days are better than other days of course, but all days are good days. There are days we get up to twenty Fall Chinook Salmon to our drift boats. Other days we may only get a half dozen kings to the boat. Kwikfish and flatfish are generally the preferred method of take for us once the salmon are in river. In my opinion there is no better way to experience king salmon fishing then with a “plug”. I would highly recommend hiring a professional guide to show you the ropes on the Smith River before exploring it on your own. It will be money better spent then going through the learning curve while salmon are passing you by. There are a handful of salmon fishing guides to choose from if this is your plan. How do you go about choosing one???

A few things to consider when looking for a salmon fishing guide on the Smith River. There may be somewhere from a dozen to a dozen and a half (fishing guides) that will operate on the Smith River out of their drift boats. Some of these fishing guides are local to the north coast. Others are not, and have traveled to do guide work here far from their homes. Which brings us back to the question of “who is the best guide out there to hire? Personally I feel like this question can hinge on several different things. Personality, availability, size of the group, pricing, and other things that may very from guide to guide, or client to client. Personal preferences tend to primarily lean towards the bottom line…. “Which fishing guide catches the most salmon”? After all, this is what you came fishing for…. to catch fish. Most client/guide relationships and founded by personality, or personality conflicts on occasion. Finding the fishing guide that your personality clicks with, and who sends you home with fish from your trip. Is the task at hand, and can be easier said then done. Sometimes you may have to try several fishing guides out before you find who is right for you. The relationship will build itself when you do find what you are looking for. Catching fifty salmon with someone you can’t relate to or have a personality conflict with, will be less enjoyable than time spent with a guide that catches ten fish but you can find common ground with and carry on a competent conversation. Maybe even with a good sense of humor. It’s really just up to the individual preferences of the person booking the trip. Building a lasting relationship of mutual respect, and knowing each others expectations will make the guides job easier each time ours Which is a big consideration if you intend to repeat the guided fishing experience year after year.

As for which fishing guide, or fishing charter service catches the most salmon on the Smith River? I’ll be adding links at the end of this fishing report. First it’s important to know a couple things. This is a much more complicated question then one may think. When considering who may be the best on the Smith River, consider the fishing technique taking place. I mentioned previously in this fishing report, most of the salmon fishing on the Smith River is done with FlatFish, Kwikfish, or MagLip’s. With that said, let it be know that it would be hard to find a salmon fishing guide anywhere on the West Coast that has spent more time with a Kwikfish or FlatFish tied onto their rod than a Sacramento River salmon fishing guide. It would always be a safe bet to hire a salmon fishing guide from the Sacramento Valley for this reason alone. Plug fishing, is plug fishing, doesn’t matter what river it’s on. The Sacramento River fishing guides spend six months out of the year with a plug rod in their hand when salmon season is open on the Sacramento River. These salmon fishing guides kick ass with Kwikfish and Flatfish. Again these types of things are serious considerations when looking to book a trip with a Smith River salmon fishing guide. I’m not saying the guides on the North Coast don’t know how to use FlatFish and Kwikfish, because most do. I’m just saying the Sac River guides extensive knowledge in plug fishing likely counts for something.

Another consideration worth mentioning would be local knowledge and experience. I guess you could say the local guides have the home field advantage. Spending more time on the Smith River then guides from the Sacramento River, or Southern Oregon. For instance, John Klar of John Klar’s Salmon and Steelhead Adventures has been doing guided salmon fishing since the mid 1980’s. 1986 to be exact. It’s safe to say John knows a thing or two about salmon fishing on the Smith River, and the entire continent of North America for that matter. One would be hard pressed to find that kind of knowledge and experience. Even after 30+ years of experience, John still grinds on his full calendar as if he was 25 years old still. John has also made a habit of catching fish and keeping happy customers coming back for more, year after year. John Klar may be hard to book due to the fact that his calendar is typically full and the season booked out before it even starts. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any other fishing guide living on the north coast that has the years of guiding under their belt as John does. As the saying goes “there is no replacement for experience”.

Besides the three pre-mentioned considerations when looking to hire a salmon fishing guide on the Smith River. Let me tell you there is one more thing to consider concerning this topic. That being a guides reputation, other anglers recommendations, and customer reviews. Do a little homework (trolling). As the consumer/customer in these current times you have so much access to internet activity by fishing guides. Guides who post sometimes daily. Showing off photos and describing their daily experiences on their social media platforms: Sometimes for clout and other times to drum up business on short notice. Trolling through the salmon fishing guides social media accounts or by doing a Google search of them will let you see other customer reviews, and experiences. However be careful not to make any hasty decisions based on a single review. People occasionally leave questionable reviews or for one reason or another. It may be they simply didn’t get along with the guide. Or a jealous competitor may leave a bogus review to drag your business down. Never the less reading through the reviews, and taking an overall consensus of how the previous customers liked their experience. Is a very promising way to ensure you will have a good trip, with a professional fishing guide.

Here is a list of five Smith River Salmon fishing guides who’s considerations put them at the top of the list. In no particular order….

Dillyn Parazinski - A North Coast resident with strong Sacramento River ties. Young enough to get after it as hard as anyone, and just old enough to have a plethora of local knowledge.

John Klar - Veteran Northern California fishing guide who knows more about guiding than the rest of us combined. A true legend of a fishing guide.

Ryan Tripp - Probably the most versatile and accomplished fishing guide in Northern California and Southern Oregon. With fishing skills that would rival anyone on the West Coast. Ryan’s the guy you don’t really want to fish around if you are another fishing guide.

Dave Jacobs- Dave has more time fishing plugs then all prior mentioned fishing guides. He has also been doing guided fishing trips on the Smith River for over two decades now. Dave knows how to make a salmon bite a plug, that’s a fact.

Mike Rasmussen - Hey that’s me! The author! Yes I too am from the Sacramento River and cut my teeth on plug fishing for salmon over twenty years ago. I also have extensive knowledge of the Smith River salmon fishery. And have nearly perfect attendance for the Smith River salmon run over the past fifteen years.

You honestly couldn’t go wrong with any of the listed fishing guides mentioned above. There are others that are not mentioned that also would provide the proper guided fishing experience for you. Most importantly making the commitment to just come to the Smith River and try something new, and experience a new and extremely scenic fishing location, which happens to have big, beautiful, chinook salmon. Will reward you with fond memories for the rest of your life. This place is not easily forgotten and will likely draw you back year after year. As it did to myself and every other listed guide in this blog. The Smith River is a place to remember!

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.

California Salmon Fishing 10/17/24 Smith River Fishing Report

• The salmon fishing on California’s Smith River has continued to be solid again this past week. A consistent supply of king salmon are coming in and out of the estuary. Putting chinook salmon in the boat hasn’t been a problem for the handful of boats who have been going out daily. “We’ve seen everything from Jacks and Jills, to thirty plus pound king salmon. We’ve even brought a few coho to the boat over the past week.” Reports salmon fishing guide Mike Rasmussen. who goes on to say the silver salmon are always a welcome surprise, but must be quickly released. Causing as little harm as possible to the endangered salmon species. On a positive note, there have been plenty of king salmon willing to bite. The 11” Pro-Troll 360 flasher in chrome prism has seemed to work the best in this estuary fishery. A 24”, 100 pound mono bumper to the flasher from the main bead chain. A 28” leader from the flasher to your bait has seemed to keep the salmon interested in striking. These Smith River estuary king salmon are willing to chew most all bait presentations. Artificial baits like the “cut plug” and “super baits” are effective when stuffed with tuna. However the Yakima Bait Co. “Spin Fish” has quickly become my personal favorite for artificial presentations. When it comes down to it the best bait would still have to be a properly rigged anchovy. The flash from the roll of a properly rigged anchovy is irresistible to king salmon. Proving itself true in the Smith River estuary. As it has on many of the west coast salmon fisheries.

  In the weeks to come, with no particular reference to time. The Smith River estuary fishing will give way to the “up river” fishery. Restricted to the use of a drift boat, kayak, or bank fishing. Basically anything that doesn’t use a motor for propulsion. Motors are 100% restricted on the Smith River above the Highway 101 bridge. This is when the Smith River shines for the drift boat fishermen using a sardine wrapped kwikfish or flatfish, maglips and cured salmon roe. The more traditional “in river” approach to tackle and methods of take. When exactly does this take place? All I can tell you is when it rains….Period. As soon as we get a significant Pacific rain storm to pump a couple inches of rainfall in the surrounding mountains, the estuary will empty out, and the river itself will fill up with salmon. Being one of the very last rivers to not have a dam. This wild river relies heavily on rainfall to raise its river water levels giving the chinook salmon access to their ancestral spawning grounds. As was intended in all rivers prior to colonization of the west coast. Basically when the rain comes we put away our jet sleds and take out our drift boats. Drift boat season has arrived.

• As for now the Smith River has continued to pump out legit salmon fishing, and the quality of salmon doesn’t get any better. I expect a large push of newly arriving salmon to show up in the next week with the onset of this months full moon cycle. The largest tides of October will accompany this full moon phase. Bringing great tidal salmon fishing conditions to the Smith River, and Chetco River estuaries. If you are looking to book a guided fishing trip for the remainder of this month, or for drift boat king salmon fishing in November. Please give us a call at 530-722-8876. Or you can fill out a submission via our website salmonsacriver@gmail.com. We urge everyone who has not taken part in the North Coast chinook salmon fishery to consider experiencing everything it has to offer. I hope to see you all out there. 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.

Northern California Salmon Fishing Report -Smith River 9/29/24

California’s only salmon season is well underway. With only a short 30 - 45 day window of opportunity for anglers to catch a California King Salmon. So we didn’t waist anytime getting right into the action. Arriving on site in conjunction with September’s full moon cycle. The first week and a half kicked off with mixed results. The first couple days we struggled to find consistent salmon fishing in the estuary. As the numbers of arriving king salmon just hadn’t shown up yet. Basically it was a slower start but relatively strong finish scenerio. All signs would eventually indicate a healthy run of Fall Chinook Salmon will be returning to California’s Smith River this season.

Like most coastal river systems the Smith River saw an influx of salmon arriving at the mouth of the river during this months full moon phase. Instinctually arriving to coincide with the months largest Pacific Ocean tides, brought on by the full moon. Which gain coastal king salmon access to their river system prior to any significant rainfall. Salmon congregate around the mouth of the river to start acclimating to the rivers fresh water, in preparation to spawn in the coming months. As the salmon arrive they will enter the fresh water of the river’s estuary, then return to the ocean for some time, then back in again. This exchange takes place sometime throughout a tide cycle. Repeating itself until the chinooks are ready to live the rest of their days in fresh water. This is part of the acclimation period, and typically carries on until rainfall arrives and the acclimated king salmon charge up the river system to their spawning grounds. Let it be noted this is a generalization and some salmon will start slowly heading up the river prior to the rainfall which signals the majority of arriving salmon. Smaller groups of ambitious kings will creep up the lower river at night under the cover of darkness. Making them feel less vulnerable to predators.

The first week of fishing did see some great fishing after getting off to a somewhat slow start. Only landing one nine pound Silver (Coho) Salmon on the first day out. Things quickly changed as the full moon tides brought scores of fresh king salmon to the estuary. With every tide change came new opportunities. Big Chinook Salmon started hitting the deck mid last week. The highlight of the season so far came from Carson Tharp form Roseville, Ca. Who landed a true Smith River Tyee (40 pound king salmon). Also Carson’s PB king salmon. Showing the real potential the Smith River has for giant king salmon. The afternoon prior to Carson’s behemoth king salmon two opportunities at the same class of giant kings salmon were lost. The first lost opportunity came during the strong outgoing tide. A salmon that appeared to be nearly four foot long buried the 10’ 6” Buzz Ramsey Douglas 360 trolling rod. After several big head shakes it headed back to the Pacific Ocean. It never looked back. Taking all but ten feet of the Berkeley Power-Pro from the reel. Leaving us feeling sick and frustrated. We never even had a chance at that lifetime fishing achievement. To make matters worse less ten minutes later one of our rods was again buried in the rod holder. A short battle ensued. This king was never seen. It broke free from the 40lb Maxima leader that held the bait behind the 360 Pro-Troll flasher. Again disappointed reared its ugly head. Needless to say some very large chinook salmon are showing their presence early in the 2024 salmon season.

Bank anglers have been finding daily success casting “Cleo’s” (spoon). This is the preferred method here on the Smith River for “bankies” and it works! The bank fisherman who are made up of mostly locals, line the North bank at the mouth of the Smith River every morning and evening. Casting their Little Cleo’s. Every day is different here, actually every tide is different here. Some days everyone is hooking up. Other days only a few salmon get hooked from the bank. However on most days at least a handful of chinook salmon get caught and drug up on the shores of the Smith River estuary.

If you are considering visiting the Smith River estuary for an early start to the 2024 salmon season. You may consider checking out a few places that make this experience easier on the wallet and more convenient and practical for the salmon angler.

LODGING AND BOAT LAUNCH FACILITIES- The XAA-WAN’-K’WVT Village and Resort is the place to stay if you are intending to spend a few days fishing the Smith River Estuary this salmon season. This resort is very reasonably priced and puts you at ground zero for salmon fishing. The majority of productive salmon fishing in the estuary takes place literally right out of their back door. This resort has Trailer and RV hook-ups for the DIY camper. As well as a series of river view cottages that overlook the bay but wont break your bank account. They also have the only boat launch available for putting a fishing boat in the bay (this is clutch). The office staff is super friendly and willing to answer any questions, make reservations, sell your group fishing licenses and North Coast salmon report cards (required in possession while fishing for salmon on the Smith River), and offer up any other information you may need while staying in the area. The management runs a tight ship and see’s to it all your belonging are safe and your experience while staying here are pleasant and without any hiccups. I recommend giving this place a look before searching for all these accommodations separately.

Overall the Smith River has been shaping up to have an outstanding salmon season. This past week had shown us there are plenty of king salmon already entering the mouth of the Smith River. This should only increase in the days and weeks to come. Reaching its peak just prior to the October full moon. These California kings are simply waiting for rainfall to raise the Smith River and gain them access to their ancestral spawning grounds. At this point the estuary will empty out as the king salmon quickly vacate the tide water and head directly into the fresh water of the Smith River. This 2024 salmon season has already shown the potential to catch the salmon of a lifetime. Like Carson’s 40 pound king, and the two others that ate up the tackle. The near by Chetco River has already produced a Goliath King weighing 52 pounds. There are trophy king salmon that swim up these rivers every season. Getting in front of one is the challenge. Landing it is a whole other story.

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.

Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report 5/27/24 “Couldn’t have asked for a better…”

..striped bass season on the Sacramento River. In fact I don’t believe you could find a striper fishermen in Northern California to argue the fact. In my twenty years spent as a fishing guide here in Northern California. I can safely say this 2024 striped bass season was as good as any other season that I can recall. Sadly the action has finally tapered off this past two weeks. A river wide spawn has been underway over the last 10-14 days. So the massive numbers of striped bass that were stacked from Butte City, Ca all the way to Verona, Ca have dwindle lower and lower in numbers each day. As spawning occurs the striped bass when finished start to migrate back down the Sacramento River. Heading back through the California Delta and on to the Pacific Ocean. Where they will again live before returning to spawn again in a couple years time. This is not to say the spring striper spawn is completely over. It is not. However the fast pace, slam dunk, all you want type striper fishing is.

Some striped bass post spawn will head up the Sacramento River and feed on American Shad. Which are also in the Sacramento River to spawn. These stripers will spread out throughout the upper Sacramento River. Locations like Woodson Bridge, in Corning, Ca, the greater Red Bluff, Ca area, and of course Hamilton City, Ca will all have post spawn striped bass taking up residency for the summer. Fishing trips taken on the Sacramento River in the coming month can include both striped bass and American Shad. Making for some fun fishing, and a great opportunity to get the kids out on some action. As the American Shad are plentiful currently. Spend your early mornings and late evenings throwing glides like Sneaky Pete. Or take advantage of the pre-dawn top water bite that goes on throughout the summer months.

If you still desire to chase the striped bass, consider heading over to the other side of the Sacramento Valley. The Feather River at current time is your best bet for striper fishing. (Fishing guide) Raith Herryford of Rh Guide Service is still finding good action on the Feather River. The stretch of river between Verona, California and East Nicolas California has been the best bet. All standard methods of take apply.

Here at SalmonSacRiver we have moved up the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, California. We will continue doing striped bass and American Shad combo fishing trips. As well as trophy rainbow trout fishing trips in the upper Sacramento River for our customers. We will continue engaging these fisheries until mid July, 2024. This is a great opportunity to catch stripers on top water as well as loads of American Shad. This is also a great time for families to come out and go fishing on the Sacramento River in Northern California. Children out for summer break enjoy the fast action the American Shad and rainbow trout provide. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your children involved in the outdoors, as they are the future of this sport. 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.

Sacramento River Striped Bass Fishing Report - May 9, 2024

What a heck of a month April was for striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River. From start to finish, the month of April did not disappoint. Nearly every fisherman polled will tell you the same thing. “Best we’ve seen in years”. A vibe that was long over due for Northern California fishing guides and recreational anglers suffering through the loss of two separate fisheries this past year in the Sacramento River. As Fall Chinook Salmon and White Sturgeon hit the chopping block by CDFW ( California Department of Fish and Wildlife). Their failure to manage these public resources before it reached a crisis level caused a state wide fishery shutdown for both species in the Sacramento River. Nevertheless this striped bass season came as a huge relief for those looking to get back on the Sacramento River.

The month of April flew by for anglers who were caught up catching large quantities of striped bass. Which continue to show up in the Sacramento river until current time. Fishing Guides and recreational anglers have enjoyed the success of limit out style fishing for the entire month. Some adaptions had to be made for this continued success. Anglers who typically rely on live minnows or casting swimbaits decided to make some changes and dig their trolling lures out of their tacklebox’s and started trolling. For whatever the reason, the success was overwhelming. Swimbaits and plastics in general, never really showed the same consistent success as they have in years past. While live minnows will always work the troll by certainly was king. Not to mention the grade of striped bass caught while trolling was far superior to the striped bass caught while dragging live minnows. As well as a heck of a lot easier on the wallet. And who doesn’t like a big ol plug bite?

Northern California weather couldn’t have worked out better for striper fisherman. The weekly onslaught of winter storms throughout the month of April, kept the striped bass from spawning. Water conditions ( flow and temperature) remained favorable for anglers on the Sacramento River until early last week. Just before this last cold storm Sacramento River water temperatures jumped above 62 degrees. Prompting the striped bass to start a heavy spawn. Primarily due to the USBR choking off river flows to a dismal 6,000cfs. With less flow the river water slows down, and exposure to the sun is greater. This causing the Sacramento River to warm up as it runs through the Sacramento Valley. Nevertheless a pretty significant spawn occurred last week river wide when river temperatures climbed above 62 degrees. Making the stripers harder to catch for about two days. Before the weekend storm dropped river temperatures dramatically and put the bass back on the bite.

The striped bass action has slowed from its peak a little over a week ago. Not to say the season is over by any means. Just that the stripers arnt jumping in your boat like they had been. Fishing Guides Robert Petty, and Ryan Tripp are still pulling limits of mixed fresh and half spent striped bass for their customers. Tanner Carrick, owner of TC ‘s Guide Service put a great box of bass together for his clients on Tuesday this past week. While fishing an afternoon trip out of the Colusa State Park. Raith Herryford of RH Guide Service has also shown no signs of slowing down either. Making daily live feed videos on his Facebook page. Catching striped bass real time for his followers to see. While some striped bass have spawned and are backing out of the Sacramento River system. There are new schools of stripers making their way up the river to spawn. The Sacramento River at current time is on the rise. Which in turn will keep the river water cooler, and the stripers from starting another spawn. Good news for everyone who isn’t ready for the season to wind down.

Expect the month of May to be consistent striper fish as it traditionally is. In fact some anglers prefer the month of May as apposed to April for the simple fact boat traffic and the non stop relentless fishing pressure subside to some degree. As I mention earlier new batches of stripers are arriving on the striper grounds surrounding Colusa, Ca as you read this report. Also look for night fishing to kick in big time as daytime air temperatures reach the 90’s in the coming weeks. The troll bite has still remained outstanding and is the go to method of take for most anglers fishing the “ditch” south of Colusa. While fishing North of Colusa live minnows and chucking plastics have been clutch.

If you’re looking to book a reservation for a striped bass fishing charter, or fishing guide service in the Colusa, Ca area. You shouldn’t have a problem locating one. There are several mentioned in this fishing report as well as others that are still operating locally in the Colusa area. Kittles Outdoor and Sports in Colusa is still stocked with live minnows and any other bait or tackle you may need. Plenty of opportunities still exist to experience great striped bass fishing here in Northern California on the Sacramento River. This fishery is a excellent choice for taking family groups out fishing. Kids typically love striper fishing as it provides fast action and keeps the youngsters from getting bored while waiting for a fish to get on the line. More importantly it gets families in the outdoors as a whole and exposes children to all the Northern California outdoors has to offer. As the school year comes to a end fishing is a great opportunity for a quick summer get away. 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.

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.