The Sacramento River winter trophy striped bass season got off to sluggish and frustrating start. Putting it mildly, I might add. There was a brief moment of linesider glory, early in the season. After each of the first two big storm events back in December. The fishery got hot. Garrett Dixon (co-owner of G.Ratt Baits and the popular glide bait “Sneaky Pete”) reported having great success in the lower portions of the river. Durring a recent phone conversation with Dixon, concerning this fishery and its unpredictabilities. The long time striper guru tells me, “after the first two rains earlier this season. All I had to do was go find them on the graph. Cast sneaky on their heads. Bang! It was on”. Just as it should be during the season kick off in December. We both agreed it was the following storm that presented the problem. The winter storm that pounded Northern California prior to New Years left striper anglers mind boggled. When the Sacramento River fell back into shape the bass were no where to be found

We both concluded at this point, the giant striped bass had turned tail and followed their favorite food source down the Sacramento River. Under the cover of dirty, silty, water conditions. This year Coleman National Fish Hatchery got everything right when they released this years juvenile steelhead stock. The hatcheries timing was impeccable with their releases. Coinciding with a high water event brought on by our last winter storm. Causing for a much more rapid downstream migration for the hatchery raised steelies. Taking the majority of trophy class striped bass with them. Instantly turning south and following the bulk of the juvenile migration as they head for the Pacific Ocean. More then two hundred miles away.

In time the “holdover” hen stripers (female striped bass which will spawn in river come spring) will start trickling back into the upper Sacramento River. It still remains a mystery to myself and other enthusiasts like Garrett Dixon. As to how far the stripers actually follow this food source down the river. Or what determining factor/s make them turn around and head back up North. What isn’t a mystery is the fact that these very large, incredibly smart, and predatory striped bass. Gather together and wait for the hatchery dinner bell to ring. This year the dinner bell rang at a inconvenient time for the anglers. The stripers smell, feel, and sense the arrival of the juvenile steelhead. Regardless of river conditions. Dirty river water and high turbid flows is just the same to the striped bass. They eat either way. We, the angler! Must wait for river conditions to be suitable for our artificial presentations. Which work best if they can be seen by the linesides at several feet of distance.

The month of January nearly passed, with at the very best a glimmer or two of success by local anglers. As well as for the few fishing charters and fishing guide services. Who target these trophy west coast striped bass. Remember I used the words “nearly passed”. This past week (the last week of January, 2021) the trophy fishery improved dramatically. Robert Petty of NorthStateSalmon.com put the beat down on the big stripers over the past week. Covering thirty five miles of the upper Sacramento River. Utilizing three separate boat launch facilities. Finding willing linesides scattered throughout this upper region of the Sacramento River. Sneaky Pete came through big for the most active guide on the upper River this season. Throwing big Ki-Tech swim bait also put some quality stripers on the deck, for fishing guide Robert Petty this week. With the recent improvements in the trophy fishery. Petty has directed his full attention toward this aggressive target species. Opting to run daily charters for the entire month of February. Weather depending of course. Robert can be reached on his website (link above) or by calling his cell phone at 530-917-8901. Reservation dates are still available, but will fill up fast.

For the time being, anglers wanting to target these giant stripers. Don’t wait, seize the opportunity and head out on the river. As always it is urged that anyone navigating the Sacramento River at this time. Use extreme caution. As Sacramento River water levels are extremely low. Making navigation potentially treacherous. If you are not familiar with these waters. Hire a guide to familiarize yourself with the trouble areas before adventuring out on your own. The current weather is enjoyable for these short winter days. Cold bundled up mornings give way to warm t-shirt afternoons. Making for a great day on the river.

A few paragraphs back I mentioned that there were very few “glimmers” of hope during the majority of the month of January. I would like to share one of those glimmers of success with you now. Ryan Botini! This guy.….! Ryan has a passion for striped bass. I’ve known Ryan personally for several years now. He had developed a plan in his head. After booking two local fishing charters for these big stripers. Over a two year period. Ryan had gained knowledge of this fishery. He was now ready to venture out on his own. Reluctant to bring a boat up to these shallow waters. Ryan, accompanied by a couple friends. Threw their kayaks in their rig and up north to have a go at it. The kayak fishing crew pushed off before sunrise and headed out on their all day journey. Which would end up putting them back at their shuttle vehicle at dark. The team fished the better part of the day with not a single bite. Despite the hundreds and hundreds of cast the crew had accumulated. They had completed three quarters of their days drift, and still had nothing to show for their efforts. They kept after it regardless. As the afternoon wore on, Ryan decided to put on a Sneaky Pete in the “blush trout” pattern. Took a pull on his local IPA brew. Chucked sneaky out and........BOOOM! With a Savage hook set it was on (watch Ryan’s Go-Pro “cast to catch” footage on YouTube). His video captures the whole experience. With perfect execution Ryan battles this beast to his Kayak. Where he successfully nets it. This thirty five pound striped bass was earned by Ryan. As well as a testament to the fact that, with a little planning and some hard work, you can achieve your goals. Ryan released his 35lb trophy striper back into the Sacramento River. A true success story of a DIY fishing trip. Congratulations Ryan!

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.