Full Day Sea Trout and Bass Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided fishing targeting bass, trout, salmon, and striperExpert instruction on Sacramento River and Lake Maryssa watersEighthour adventure suitable for all experience levels
Picture this: eight solid hours on some of Northern California's most productive waters, switching between the flowing currents of the Sacramento River and the calm depths of Lake Maryssa. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking about a real fishing adventure where you'll have time to dial in your technique, learn the waters, and stack up some serious catches. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or you've been chasing fish for decades, this trip gives you the perfect mix of guidance and hands-on action. You'll be working different presentations, reading water structure, and targeting multiple species throughout the day. With just two anglers max, you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
We start early to make the most of those prime feeding windows, and trust me, the fish are worth getting up for. The Sacramento River gives us flowing water where stripers love to ambush baitfish, while Lake Maryssa offers structure and deeper pockets where trout hold throughout the day. You'll experience two completely different fishing environments in one trip – river tactics in the morning when the bite is hot, then we'll transition to lake fishing where we can focus on finesse techniques and really dial in those trout patterns. The beauty of this setup is that when one bite slows down, we're switching gears and keeping lines tight. I'll be coaching you through reading water, understanding seasonal patterns, and adjusting your approach based on what the fish are telling us. No two days are exactly alike out here, which keeps things interesting even for repeat clients.
We'll be running a mix of presentations depending on conditions and what the fish want. On the Sacramento, we're often working swimbaits and topwater early, then switching to deeper presentations as the sun gets higher. The current gives us natural action, so we'll be drifting baits through feeding lanes and working structure breaks where big stripers like to set up. When we hit Lake Maryssa, it's a different game entirely – we're talking finesse fishing with lighter tackle, working drop-shots around cover, and maybe throwing some reaction baits over deeper structure. I provide all the gear you need, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. Part of what makes this trip special is having time to experiment with different techniques. If you've always wanted to learn how to read a fish finder or understand seasonal migration patterns, this is your chance to really dig into the details with someone who fishes these waters year-round.
Striped bass are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, and Northern California's Sacramento River system produces some absolute tanks. These fish are built for power – they'll hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall gives us the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to legitimate trophy specimens pushing 20+ pounds. What makes stripers so addictive is their aggressive feeding behavior – when they're on the hunt, they'll crush just about anything that moves. They're structure-oriented fish that love current breaks, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish get concentrated. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – these fish don't give up easy and they'll use every trick in the book to throw your hook.
Sea trout in these waters offer a completely different but equally rewarding challenge. They're finicky feeders that require more finesse and patience, but when you dial in the pattern, they'll reward you with consistent action. These fish are typically more active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to subtle presentations around structure. What's cool about targeting trout is the variety – you might pick up rainbows, browns, or even the occasional steelhead depending on the season. They're excellent table fare if you're looking to keep a few for dinner, and they fight with surprising strength for their size. The key with trout is understanding their seasonal movements and matching your technique to their mood – sometimes they want fast-moving baits, other times you need to slow way down and really work your presentation.
Look, there are plenty of fishing charters out there, but not many give you eight full hours to really get into the rhythm of different fisheries. This trip is designed for anglers who want more than just a quick photo op – you're getting a full day of education, technique refinement, and hopefully some bent rods along the way. The combination of river and lake fishing means you're learning skills that'll make you a better angler no matter where you fish. Plus, with only two spots available, you're getting that personal guide experience where we can really focus on improving your game. Northern California's fishing scene is world-class, and this trip gives you a solid taste of what makes these waters so special. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let's get you out there and put some fish in the boat.
Hit the water in style with this powerful 21' Jetcraft that'll get you to the best fishing spots fast. Powered by a serious 280HP 351 Windsor engine, this boat cruises at 40 mph so you can cover serious ground on both the Sacramento River and Lake Maryssa. Built tough for California waters, it handles river currents and lake conditions with ease while keeping you and your fishing buddy comfortable all day. The spacious layout gives you plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without getting in each other's way. Perfect for chasing bass in the shallows or working deeper water for trout and salmon. This jetboat's shallow draft design means access to spots other boats can't reach, putting you right where the fish are biting.
Salmo TruttaSea trout are beautiful anadromous fish that make our Northern California waters special. These torpedo-shaped silver beauties typically range 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with their spotted flanks catching the light perfectly. They're closely related to steelhead but have their own character. You'll find them in the cooler, deeper pools of the Sacramento River, especially where there's good current and rocky bottom structure. Fall and winter are prime time when they're staging for spawning runs. What guests love about sea trout is their spirited fight - they're acrobatic and stubborn once hooked. The meat is delicate and flaky, making them excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few. Here's a guide secret: focus on the transition zones where fast water drops into deeper holes. Use smaller presentations than you'd think - these fish can be selective, but they're worth the patience when they commit to your fly or lure.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are some of the most rewarding fish you'll target on these waters. These silver-sided fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our area, though we've seen bigger. They're anadromous, so they adapt perfectly to our freshwater systems after being introduced from the East Coast. You'll find them near structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks along the Sacramento River. They love moving water and hunt actively during dawn and dusk. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-68°F. What makes stripers special? They're genuine brawlers that'll test your drag, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. My local tip: watch for baitfish activity on your fish finder - where there's bait, stripers aren't far behind. Focus on the current seams where fast water meets slow.
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