The American Shad fishing on the Sacramento River continues to be very consistent on the Sacramento River above Woodson Bridge boat launch facility in Northern California on the Sacramento River near Corning, Ca. American Shad, which are larger then average this year are still making a strong showing and allowing for plenty of action on light gear which is typically used when fishing for these small but strong fighting fish of the Sacramento River.  Mike Rasmussen reports that around a dozen of these scrappy fish per rod can be expected on his combo striped bass fishing trips. Mainly using small 1/16 oz chartreuse lead head with a one inch mister twister chartreuse curly tailed grub as the attractant for the American Shad. "Occasionally I have done better using just the jig head with no grub attached." Reports Rasmussen, owner of SalmonSacRiver.com a Northern California fishing guide service here on the Sacramento River. Rasmussen credits the success of using just the chartreuse jig head as apposed to the whole bait including the chartreuse grub to the fact that American Shad are plankton eaters in the ocean and can very easily key in on very small even microscopic food sources.  A general rule of thumb when fishing for american shad is to switch things up a bit when they quit biting. For instance, jig head or grub color (pink, white, and orange), speed and retrieving method (adding a twitch or pop to your retrieve), adding or lightening the amount of weight bing used (split shot are commonly used with the jig for desired depth). Typically the shad have not left the area when they quit biting.  They simply get wise or shy to the bait or method used in catching them. You may find that a simple switch can put you back into the action. 

     The striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River has slowed down a bit since the last full moon event. About a fish per rod can be expected on the Sacramento River here in Northern California. With a greater majority of spring run striped bass moving into the Feather River this spring during the high flows and continuing to spawn in the Feather River it is very likely that the post spawn striper fishing we have had in abundance the last couple years here on the Sacramento River above Woodson Bridge, will likely be slower then in years past. It is very unlikely for the post spawn Feather River striped bass to back out of the Feather River and head up the Sacramento River to regain strength and body mass. More likely they will return to the California Delta and Pacific Ocean to forage and gain strength to again spawn next Spring. These striped bass that moved into the Feather River are striped bass that would have most likely come up the Sacramento River and spawned with the rest of the striped bass around the Colusa, Ca region of the Sacramento River and in turn come up river into Tehema, and Shasta Co. to stay the summer post spawn. 

      Your standard A-Rig continues to work as good as any other artificial bait currently on the Sacramento River. It's a consistent producer although the fish seem to be getting wise to it. With the warming water due to the triple digit heat this week in Northern California, the top water bite seems to be improving as the stripers get more active in the warmer water conditions. Top water baits like the "spook" in bone white and pencil poppers in white with a red head are always a good bet fished in the mornings and evenings when the striped bass are still actively feeding.  Jerk or Rip Baits are also catching a few striped bass if fished in shallow waters such as riffles and flats. 

      The Loft or Reynolds Ranch and Farm Supply in Red Bluff, Ca has all of the fishing tackle necessary to fish for either American Shad or Striped Bass. The supper supportive and helpful staff including Eric Walsh from Corning, Ca are more then ready to help you find what you need and assist in any tackle questions you may have. They also keep the biggest selection of Flat Fish and Kwik Fish in the North State on hand for the upcoming salmon season here on the Sacramento River. Give them a visit if you make it to town. Also Northern California fishing guide Mike Rasmussen with SalmonSacRiver.com will continue to take trips for combination American Shad and Striped Bass prior to the opening of the Sacramento River salmon season opener on July 16, 2017.. For information on fishing with Mike call tel:530-722-8876.

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