The majority of Northern California salmon fishing is taking place on the Sacramento River between Chico, Ca and Cottonwood, Ca. Most Sacramento River salmon fishing guides have congregated in the Woodson Bridge region of the Sacramento River, near Corning, Ca. Traditionally (post cold water curtain from Shasta Dam) Woodson Bridge has always been a popular spot for salmon fishing guides and nearby salmon fishing enthusiasts. The geographic location of the Woodson Bridge region of the Sacramento River, plays a large part in it’s popularity among salmon fishermen. The water temperatures after the installation of the cold water curtain at Shasta Dam became suitable for the annual migrating Fall Run Chinook Salmon. This making the salmon hold up and stage in the large deep holes south of the Woodson Bridge boat launch. Sacramento River salmon fishing holes like “6 mile”, “Zuppin’s”, and the “Kelly Hole” to name a few, have become the new home to the migrating salmon. As they wait to spawn two months from now. Making the Woodson Bridge boat launch ground zero for salmon fishing on the Sacramento River, and leaving the Feather River struggling to produce salmon. For the anglers that usually spend their salmon seasons fishing on the Feather River, it has added extra boating and fishing pressure on the Sacramento River. Woodson Bridge and Irvine Finch boat launches have been frequented by Feather River fishing guides as well as private anglers. They have come over to the big river to get in on the action. Still waiting for the unusually late Fall Run Chinook Salmon to arrive in the Feather River. Leaving the Sacramento River with more boat traffic then ever before. In turn making for a tougher bite and much spookier salmon.

Besides the extra boat traffic putting the salmon down. The Sacramento River has started to drop the past few days. With a significant drop happening on September 4th and 5th. Making the salmon fishing extra tough for a couple of days. “The fish are here. We mark them, we see them jump, but catching them has been a struggle the last couple of days.” Says Sacramento River salmon fishing guide Mike Rasmussen. Rasmussen turned in a less then one fish per rod average on two different occasions this past week. Placing blame on the dropping river flows. The salmon fishing guide proclaiming a much better bite will ensue, when river flows stabilize for a day or two.

The salmon that are being caught on the Sacramento River are still top notch, and cutting mostly orange. A large push of some very hefty male chinook salmon moved into the Woodson Bridge area this past week. This making for some great fishing pictures that have been circulating through social media platforms this past week. A 32 pound buck was caught by Outdoor Adventures this week. Along with a 31 pound buck coming from SalmonSacRiver. Several other large chinook salmon were brought in daily weighing between 24 and 27 pounds. Big fighters, and hard to bring to the net. But thrilling when they hit the deck of your jet boat.

There is still over a month and a half of the Fall Run Chinook Salmon season remaining here in Northern California. I believe it is safe to say much more action lies ahead for salmon anglers. It is still uncertain if the CDFW estimates of a larger then average return will come true. Things certainly appear to be on track for their predictions. Only time will tell. The current full moon event, only days away, will bring the traditionally largest wave of migrating salmon into the Woodson Bridge region of the Sacramento River. Fishing guides and recreational anglers anxiously await their arrival.

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.