Where will be the best place to begin salmon fishing on the Sacramento River system come opening day? Let’s discuss the options as there are several.

This isn’t an easy question, and many anglers ponder this exact thought. Decisions, decisions… There isn’t necessarily a correct answer to the question “where should I start the 2026 salmon season”?. Determining factors such as, where the salmon angler lives, accessibility to the location, familiarity with the location, family traditions, and several other considerations that may lean salmon fishermen toward one location or the other. These are all valid considerations when choosing a starting location for opening day (July 16, 2026). I personally suggest heading to a location you are familiar with and has shown some sign of success on opening day in years past. Or you could practice the “silverback” strategy. You know, the old timers with silver hair, been salmon fishing since the 1950’s. They’ll drive to the same boat launch they always use, take their boat out on the river, drop the anchor, put up the umbrella, and wait them out. Orrrr…Roll in guns a blazen to the busiest salmon holes in Northern California, with authority, like it owes you money. Looking for a walk off home run. Things may end up really good, or possibly really bad! It’s a respectably bold move in my opinion. Salmon fishing charters, and fishing guides, who have their jet boats filled with clients are often looking for the grand slam on opening day. Needing to put multiple king salmon on the deck for their eager customers. So locating a few salmon fishing guides who may be scouting around, or leaving helpful hints on social media, could lead to success. For the recreational salmon fishermen who may be joined by a buddy or two on opening day, success should be defined by landing even a single king salmon, or possibly two. Constituting a successful salmon fishing trip for their first day on the water this year. Don’t be fooled by the gloating, churched up images that depict only a snapshot of the reality from fishing trips. Success is had when a good feeling comes over you from any accomplishment gained while fishing. It is my opinion that any day of salmon fishing that puts even a single king salmon in your boat, or to even get one close to your boat, should be considered a glorious day. With that being said let’s explore some of the locations that have always produced quality king salmon on the salmon season opener for me and many others. Let’s look at some key locations on Sacramento River and its tributaries that will open on the same day (July 16, 2026).

Over the past twenty three years spent as a full time salmon fishing guide here in Northern California. I’ve had the opportunity to spend opening day of salmon season in a handful of different fishing locations. For one reason or another things can change from year to year. As a salmon fishing charter owner/operator I’m always looking for the fishing location that will show my clients the best chances at success. Prior to the season opening I scout various locations looking for the biggest concentration of king salmon. I guess it’s safe to say I get around. Here is some of what I have found. In no particular order of importance…

1)-WOODSON BRIDGE- Situated on the Sacramento River near Corning, Ca, in the northern end of the Sacramento Valley, two hundred and eighteen river miles from the start of the Sacramento River in the California Delta at Collinsville, Ca. Woodson Bridge has some salmon history for sure and has traditionally been ground zero for salmon fishing since the installation of the “cold water curtain” (Temperature Control Devise) at Shasta Dam in 1996. Since then migrating Sacramento River Fall Chinook Salmon found ideal river water condition located around the Woodson Bridge area. Causing the migrating King Salmon to finally pump the brakes on their migration and start holding up in the deep water holes in the upper Sacramento River. Traditionally this location would be considered an excellent starting location for the season opener. In fact I would imagine Woodson Bridge will be standing room only on July 16, 2026 when the season opens. Keep in mind this salmon season fishing is only permitted south (down river) of Woodson Bridge prior to August 1, 2026. The stretch of river that has always been open prior to this year, between Woodson Bridge and Sycamore Grove boat launch at the Diversion Dam in Red Bluff, Ca. Will remained closed until August 1, 2026 to protect the endangered spring run chinook salmon who use several cold water tributaries of the Sacramento River in this restricted area to spawn.

2)-OUTLET HOLE- This famous one stop shop for salmon fishing success is as good of place as any to start your salmon season. Many, many salmon anglers cut their teeth at this salmon fishing location. Including myself! This is no secret spot by any means and will likely be jam packed with both boat and bank anglers come opening morning. The opening morning scene is littered with head lamps lining the bank, and red and green navigation lights from the flotilla that waits for the exact moment legal fish time hits. This salmon fishing hole comes with wild turbulent water discharges from the Thermalito Afterbay. I would not recommend putting your fishing boat in the predawn hours of opening morning without first setting eyes on the hole itself prior to engaging in salmon fishing. It’s just not safe… Bank anglers, this is your spot for opening day. There are always salmon here, they bite, and bank access encompasses the entire area. Blue Fox spinners in size #6 are the jam here. As well as flossing after the early morning hours turn to hot afternoons. I personally have started several opening days here and it’s always been productive. This salmon fishing location is located on the Feather River near Oroville, Ca. Always a safe bet!

3)- DISCOVERY PARK- This salmon fishing destination will land you as close to downtown Sacramento, Ca as you can get. Located on the Sacramento River at the confluence of the American River, this location is about as reliable as they come in recent years. Over the past decade as river water quality on the Sacramento River has deteriorated prior to salmon season opening. Discovery Bay has been a hot spot for migrating Fall Chinook Salmon around the time the season opens up. I have fished the opening day of salmon season here on multiple occasions. Primarily during drought years when river water temperatures are too high for salmon to instinctually migrate. Causing the king salmon to seek thermal refuge at Discovery Bay. Where the much cooler river water from the America River meets with the Sacramento River’s lethal river temperatures. Giving the migrating king salmon a place to rest and cool down before continuing their migration up the Sacramento River. This place literally stops the Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon migration dead in its tracks. Some years there are a tremendous amount of salmon lingering around Discovery Bay on opening day. This place can get crowded of course, being in a big metropolitan area. However typically the opening day isn’t really bad with boats. A week after the opening day hype the amount of boats will compound tremendously. Bank angling does exist but opportunities are limited for sure. Again bank angler would be best prepared by stocking up on some Blue Fox #6 spinners. From a salmon fishing boat the same spinners may be trolled with 4-6 ounces of weight on a 24” dropper and 36” leader. Kwikfish and Flat Fish are of course the go too for most boaters here. Wrapping a fresh sardine on the belly of your plug will no doubt get you more strikes. Mostly anchor fishing is done here by the local salmon anglers. Although my go to salmon fishing technique at Discovery Bay which has lead to great success is trolling the Blue Fox spinners. Either up or down hill.

These three locations I’ve mentioned are the primary salmon fishing destinations I have used consistently over the past twenty plus years of operating a salmon fishing charter here in Northern California. Are there other location that may be productive on opening day? Sure there are. These are just proven locations that I travel too prior to the season opening. So I get a feeling of the best area to target on opening day. Feel free to add in your experiences or suggestions for the “lucky spot” to be salmon fishing on opening day this year. Tight Lines!!