Northern California striped bass anglers have plenty of reason to be excited this spring of 2017.  The opportunities to catch striped bass on the Sacramento River and Feather River here in Northern California will continue much later into the spring and early summer then in years past. Record rainfall and reservoir levels this winter and spring have spring run off on all major rivers in Northern California far above any other spring run off in recent history, and certainly much higher then any spring run off in the last decade. With both the Sacramento River and the Feather River scheduled to be flowing at a rate of 30,000 to 35,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) by later this week, we are facing much larger flows then usual for the spring striped bass run this year.  With the high river flows and cooler, much more winter like weather conditions, the river temperatures here in Northern California are being held in the low 50's currently.  Keeping the striped bass from their annual spawn. Striped Bass needing at least 62 degree of water temperature to spawn.  Much warmer weather conditions and lower flow rates are required for the Sacramento River and Feather River to reach the suitable spawning criteria needed by the sow (female) striped bass to start a spawn. For the striped bass enthusiast of Northern California this is all good news. Higher then normal flows = colder water temperatures=colder water temps = late spring run striped bass spawn = much more time to get out and catch more striped bass then in previous years. Extending the striped bass season here on the Sacramento and Feather Rivers up to a month.  Keeping most north state guides on the water fishing for stripers until June 1, 2017 or possibly longer. Plenty of time for anglers to get out on the water and catch some of the finest table fare that swims up our Northern California rivers. 

          Sacramento River striped bass fishing guide Mike Rasmussen with SalmonSacRiver.com reports outstanding striped bass fishing still taking place on the Sacramento River in Colusa, Ca on April 17, 2017 despite much higher then usual flows on his home river. " I myself had never caught stripers here on the Sacramento River in Colusa when the bridge gauge read over 60 stage feet." States Rasmussen on April 17, 2017 after pulling back to back trip limits on the Sacramento River in Colusa, Ca. The NorCal river guide expressing that due to the release of millions of baby salmon from Colman National Fish Hatchery over the previous two week, the minnow bite for these striped bass, despite river conditions, is off the chart.  With linesides to 10 pounds being caught one after the other if positioned in the correct spots when the live minnows are put in the river by anxious anglers. Kittles Outdoor & Sport Co. kittlesoutdoor.com in Colusa, Ca is maybe 3 minuets from the boat launch at Steelhead Lodge colusalanding.com, and has all baits in stock and ready for anglers to purchase before their trip starts. Kittles opens ago 5:00 am  allowing ample time to purchase your bait,  tackle and licenses before you start your trip at sunrise.  Striped Bass fishing is expected to remain very consistent here on the Sacramento River despite the continuing high spring flows and anglers are urged to book a trip with a guide on the river before venturing out on their own. Due to the much higher then usual flow rates currently on both the Sacramento and Feather Rivers taking a guide is a recommendation for two reasons. Navigation difficulties and striped bass fishing spots usually popular this time of year are under 15 plus foot of much faster moving water and stripers that are usually found in these popular spots are unable to hold in such turbidity. Seeking refuge in much different locations on the rivers then in years past. Mike Rasmussen owner of SalmonSacRiver.com has availabilities and is booking spring run striped bass fishing trips here on the Sacramento River through the end of May 2017. Rasmussen can be reached by phone at tel:530-722-8876 and by email at mailto:salmonsacriver@gmail.com or on the web at salmonsacriver.com. Be safe and tight lines in this wild 2017 spring striped bass season in Northern California.

Mike's Fishing Guide & Charter Service For Sacramento River Fishing targeting King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Striped Bass, Sturgeon, Shad And Trout the best Sacramento River Fishing guide and Sacramento River Charter on Sac River