Sacramento River Fishing Guide
Guided Fishing Trips On The Sacramento River
There are many excellent freshwater fisheries in Northern California, but none of them are as famous as the Sacramento River. These 400 miles of productive waters attract freshwater anglers from all over the country. Once more, the Sacramento River fishing scene is known around the country for its beauty and great catches.
You can go fishing on the Sacramento River and catch something year round – another advantage that adds to the river’s already significant appeal. With a reputation like this, it's obvious why this river attracts anglers from all over the country. There’s so much to do here and from fishing, hiking, camping, boating and if you’re new to the river, this guide should help you get some more information.
Best Fish to Catch on the Sacramento River
“The Sac” is home to several popular fish species, each of them more appealing than the last. If you ask the locals what their favorite fish is, the answer will vary depending on which part of this beautiful river they prefer to fish.
On the Upper Sacramento River, stretching from Lake Siskiyou to Shasta Lake, fly fishing for Trout is the main fishery. On the Lower Sac, flowing from Shasta Lake all the way to mouth of the river in Rio Vista, Chinook Salmon is definitely king and what most people think about when it comes to this river. There are plenty more species to consider, so let’s talk about the river’s top catches.
Rainbow Trout and Steelhead
If you’re coming to the Sacramento River, Rainbow Trout should be at the very top of your to-catch list. There are no hatchery trout on this the river, only a highly prized wild rainbow trout population which means they fight like there’s no tomorrow. Add their ocean run migratory relatives, Steelhead, to the mix and you’ve got a trophy Trout fishery that will blow your mind.
Sacramento River Trout fishing in Redding California is excellent and yet, it’s often overlooked. The bite is on all year, with the peak season between April and October. If you’ve got your eye on Steelhead, the best time to go after them is in summer, late fall and winter.
Wild Rainbow Trout can weigh anywhere from 1–7 pounds and be up to 25 inches long. Steelhead on their way from the ocean average 2-5 pounds and can grow to be up to 10–12 pounds. They’re more elusive, but also more aggressive, which makes them a prized catch.
Because they attack their prey with such aggression, going fly fishing for Rainbows and Steelhead is the cam be a lot of fun, very easy fishing even for new anglers. The upper reaches of the river is well-known for its excellent Trout action. These fish pack a fight hard, so when you hook one, be ready to fight it for every inch of the line.
Anglers like targeting Trout with ultra-light equipment around deep pools and pocket water. If you’re not into fly fishing, drift fishing from a boat with beads, spoons or bait is also effective. Wading conditions are good on the Upper Sac, just bear in mind that this part of the river is mostly a catch-and-release fishery.
Our favorite method for fishing for trophy wild Trout on the Sacramento River is backtrolling plugs. Similar method to backtrolling for salmon but with ultralight gear. Small flatfish, wiggle warts, hot shots, mag lips will all work. The Trout smash the lure, and the average size of the fish seems to be better.
Trout fishing on the Sac will get you hooked. Even if going after these gorgeous fighters “isn’t your thing,” the mighty Sacramento River will change your mind!
Top Steelhead Fishing Charters on Sacramento River
Salmon
Recreational fishing for Ocean Salmon will be open between June 7–8, 2025, July 5,6 with further open days later in the year if the 7500 fish quota isn't met.
Feather and American Rivers open July 16 2025.
It would be remiss to talk about the Sacramento River’s fishing opportunities without mentioning the fantastic Salmon action. With its tributaries – the Feather, and American Rivers – this large area makes for incredible Salmon-chasing grounds. As Chinook begin their upstream journey all year, fishermen from all over the country wait at the ready for the season to open typicall mid July.
King Salmon appear in the Lower Sac year-round, and they have four runs. Winter, spring, fall and late fall, of which the fall run is the most productive. The season is usually open from July 16–December 31, which gives you plenty of time to get out and go fishing. If you really want a chance to catch a big trophy Sacramento River Salmon, the Late Fall is the best time to come to the river from October–December.
The size of your catch often depends on the time of the year and as the location does not dictate the size of the Salmon – anything from 15–40 pounds is common. In the fall, the river is brimming with on the way to their spawning grounds, the salmon are not hungry as king salmon do not have the ability to eat once they come into freshwater on their way upriver to spawn. Salmon bite various offerings for different reasons, but your chances of hooking a hefty dinner are significant if you know what you're doing. There’s a variety of techniques you can try out, fishing from a boat is always the best method on this river.
Trolling, side drifting or back bouncing are the most commonly used techniques and with good reason. Chinook can’t resist a properly wrapped plug or well cured roe, so these are the best baits to use when you’re out there. Locals are also fans of boondoggling – side drifting while dragging roe along the river’s bottom. The name might be funny, but this can be a very good technique at certain times of the year.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass is one of the most popular fish to catch in Northern California, and it’s definitely one of the top catches on the Sacramento River. You can find Stripers just about anywhere and they’re always fun to reel in. Once more, you can target them with your family – your kids will have a blast, and you’ll bring home plenty of fish fillets.
There are two types of Stripers in the river – resident and migratory. The first you can find swimming around all year long, while the latter comes to the river from the Delta and San Francisco Bay in spring to spawn. While the season is always open, the best time to go after Striped Bass in the Sacramento River is from March and all the way through June.
When you get a Striper on the line, there’s no knowing how big it will be. Their average weight is between 4–10 pounds, but there are some massive 50-pounders out there as well. A lot depends on your fishing location and time of year. Trophy stripers are often found in the delta and in the Sacramento River from Colusa to Knights Landing.
High-speed trolling is a very good technique for getting a Striper’s attention, as well as live bait drifting or slow trolling downstream slightly faster than the current. Pile worms, blood worms, and cut Sardines are all excellent options for bait. If you prefer to watch as a striper slams your bait, topwater lures are the way to go in the early morning or evening hours. Either way, good times are guaranteed!
Sturgeon
Do you have a desire to catch a huge fish that will test your strength and skill? Do you think you’ve got what it takes to reel in a giant monster from the river’s bottom, despite it fighting you with everything it's got? If landing what might be the biggest fish of your life excites you, then you’ve got to give Sturgeon fishing on the Sacramento River a try.
These bottom-dwelling beasts are a fun to catch and often hang around Striped Bass, which means at certain times of the year you can go for a combo. You can target them all year, but local anglers will tell you that you’ll have the best luck from Oct–May.
When it comes to their size and acrobatics, Sturgeon are second to none. They are true monsters of the deep, but don't let that fool you as catching sturgeon in shallow water is very common. Sturgeon can weigh over 1,000 pounds and reach up to 20 feet. in length. However, your average Sturgeon is smaller – usually in the 50–100 lb ballpark – but still impressive. Average length in between 4-6 ft long. Having that as your opponent in a tug-of-war is as challenging as it is exhilarating – and well worth the fishing effort.
Sturgeon will spend most of their time feeding in muddy brackish waters of the Delta before coming into the Sacramento River to spawn, and just about anything smelly will serve as good bait. Lamprey ee, shrimp and Salmon roe are some of the best choices for bait, and all you need to do is drop it to the bottom and wait for a Sturgeon to pass by.
The Location is key, and Championship Sportfishing Outfitters will take you to the sturgeon hot spots. You’ll need heavy tackle for this fishing trip, A stiff rod with a very light soft tip so you can see the bite is key to catching sturgeon. We provide all the necessary tackle you need, so come prepared for a fight and enjoy!
Best methods for fishing on the Sacramento River
There are many Sacramento River fishing methods for anglers of all levels to enjoy, and it all comes down to your preferences and skill level. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day of shore fishing or excitement is your looking for, the river won’t let you down. Here are some types of fishing that earned the Sac its good reputation.
Fly Fishing The Sac River
There’s hardly a better place in all of NorCal than the Sacramento River to go fly fishing. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll find that there’s something for you here. Trout are the stars of the show, but you can't target them just anywhere along the river. Trout are only found upriver from Butte city. The Section of the Sacramento River south of butte city to the Mouth in Rio Vista does not contain any Trout due to the warmer water temps and Trout cannot survive in that stretch of river. The Best Trout fishing in the lower Sac is between Red Bluff and Redding.
The Lower Sacramento offers incredible tailwater fishery, with dams that regulate water conditions and allow for a superb Trout bite year-round. The upper parts of the river are wilder and allow anglers to be completely immersed in nature. These cold waters make for the perfect Trout habitat, which allows your sport fish to thrive. If you're looking for shore angling opportunity the upper river above Shasta Lake is the best option. Trout fishing on the lower Sac is best by boat.
All you need is a 9’ 5–6 weight rod with a floating line, because Trout are good at spotting the line in the clear water. If you’re going after Salmon and Steelhead, think a 9’ 8 weight rod. Add to that some very specific fly patterns and the right choice of spots and you’re good to go.
Fishing with a Charter Boat
There’s no shortage of fish in the Sac, but it might not seem like that if you’re coming here for the first time. That’s why exploring the Sacramento River’s fishing potential is so much easier with a guide. It's important to find a quality and experienced guide who knows the river and is trained licensed to operate a boat with passenger's. It's a federal and state requirement that anyone operating a boat with a motor carry a US COAST GUARD Captain's license and insurance. Guides without a valid captains license are also not insured for commercial operation and all insurance recreational companies would deny any claims in the event something goes wrong.
While the Lower Sacramento river south of Colusa has good shore access, things become trickier as you move to the upper river. The terrain becomes more rugged, and is mostly private property along the shore so the best way to get to the best fishing grounds is with a boat. This is where local charters come into play. We know where to take you, what tackle to use, and work very hard to help you hook something good.
Whether you prefer urban fishing or going deep into the wild, the Sacramento River has it all. What’s even better, you can easily find a local licensed captain to lead the way. Rio Vista, Colusa, Corning, Red Bluff, Redding, and the California Delta are all good spots to experience a great day on the water with a Sacramento River fishing charter.
Top Fishing Charters On the Sacramento River
Kayak Fishing
Anglers who want to get close and personal with the fish will enjoy kayak fishing on the Sacramento River. This is a great choice for experienced outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers who want to explore this unique type of angling. Trout, Bass, Stripers and Salmon are all on the in the River depending on the time of year.
Not only can fishing from a kayak exciting, but there are miles upon miles of riffles and tailouts to explore, especially on the Lower Sacramento. The Upper Sacramento is gorgeous with its clear waters and stunning vistas, but it can also be dangerous because of the white waters in the spring. Make sure you know what you’re getting into, have all your proper safety equipment before you start your kayak fishing adventure.
Sacramento River Fishing Hot Spots
It would be an exaggeration to say that wherever you cast your line on the Sac, there are solid chances you’ll hook into something good. Not all sections of the Sacramento River are productive depending on the species and time of year. Knowing where the best fishing is on the Sacramento river is important. Still, there are some hotspots that freshwater anglers should definitely check out. Here are the some well known places to fish from.
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Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: The Delta is easily one of the best fishing spots and include portions of the Sacramento River as well as the San Joaquin and Mokelumne Rivers. Fishermen come here in search of record-breaking catches and can be thoroughly rewarded. Sturgeon, Bass, Salmon, and Stripers are possible. Striper, Sturgeon and bass are excellent in the Delta. Salmon fishing is very slow due to water temps and Trout do not exist in the Delta for the Same reason.
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Sacramento: This city got its name from the river running through its center and it used to have excellent urban fishing. Now a days Stripers, Shad and Occasional sturgeon would be the only fishing I would rate as good. Salmon fishing around Sacramento is slow due to excessive boat traffic and a out of control sea lion population. You can find still find a few charters in the city center to take you out or spend a day on the water and try your luck for Stripers or Shad. Bottom line there's better place's to fish away from the city.
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Knights Landing: This section of river is very popular for both stripers and sturgeon and has both boating and shore access.
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Colusa-Tisdale: This section of river is excellent for stripers, Sturgeon and Shad. Salmon fishing would rate as fair in this section. Trout do not exist in this section due to water temps.
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Corning: The Woodson bridge area of the Sacramento river is excellent for Salmon, Stripers, Steelhead, Trout and Shad. This one of the best areas for fishing on the Sacramento River and extremally scenic as well. There's not much shore access so It's boats only around here.
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Anderson: Continue further north, and you’ll end up in Anderson, where the bite can be very good. This a favorite area for many fishing charters. Here, you can look forward to catching Trout, Steelhead, and Chinook Salmon when you’re not enjoying the gorgeous nature.
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Redding: Fly fishermen from al over the world flock to Redding for its fantastic Trout population. This is due to catch and release only regulations. Wild Trout thrive in this section of river. Rainbows run the show here, and fishing is excellent from spring through fall, with Steelhead present from July through March. Salmon fishing is not allowed north of Anderson.
When Is best To Go Fishing On The Sacramento River
The best part of fishing on the Sacramento River is that there's something to fish for year-round. The river is blessed with numerous species, so there’s always something biting. However, each fish has its own peak season.
That is how the time frame between January and April yields the best results when Sturgeon fishing is in question. The high season for Trout, on the other hand, runs between March and November. And fishing for Stripers, for example, is great throughout the entire year, with the an migratory stripers peaking in spring, Fall run stripers stay in the Delta,
Please don’t forget that California has banned commercial salmon fishing until 2026 and recreational saltwater Salmon fishing until June 2025.
Sacramento River Fishing Regulations
Before you start off your Sacramento River fishing adventures, do some research on the angling regulations and size limits. Whether you’re fishing solo or with a charter, remember that you’ll need a valid freshwater fishing license before you head out.
Some parts of the river are strictly catch-and-release, especially when it comes to the Upper Sac. If you plan on fishing for Sturgeon or Steelhead, you’re going to need a report card for each species. If you’re fishing on your own, be sure to check the daily bag limits.
The Sacramento River – Northern California's top River
You can defiantly say that the longest river in California offers great fishing. However, the Sacramento River’s fishing possibilities go deeper than that – the richness of these waters, as well as the beauty that surrounds them, is simply worth the price of admission. If you’re hungry for adventure and premier fishing action, the Sacramento River is the place for you to plan your next fishing trip!
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