Sacramento River Salmon Striped Bass Trip
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour Sacramento River fishing trip targeting multiple speciesKing Salmon and Striped Bass seasons with yearround optionsAccommodates up to 6 guests with all equipment provided
The Sacramento River isn't just another fishing spot—it's the crown jewel of Northern California's salmon and striped bass fishery. This full-day, 7-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waters on the West Coast. You'll be fishing with an experienced guide who knows every bend, hole, and current break where the big fish hang out. Whether you're chasing chrome-bright kings or bulldogging stripers, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We provide all the conventional tackle you need, but fly fishermen are welcome to bring their own gear and test their skills against these legendary gamefish.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how serious fishing should be. The Sacramento River system offers different opportunities throughout the year, and your guide knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and fish movement patterns. From mid-July through December, we're targeting the famous Sacramento River King Salmon runs—these are the fish that legends are made of. Come March through August, the focus shifts to striped bass, and these fish fight like freight trains once they're hooked. The beauty of this river system is that sturgeon and rainbow trout are available year-round, so even during transition periods between seasons, you're virtually guaranteed to see some rod-bending action. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, but this particular trip is sized for 2 guests, giving you plenty of room to work and ensuring personalized attention from your guide. Remember to bring your California fishing license, plus your own food and drinks—we'll be out there for the full 7 hours, and working up an appetite is part of the deal.
The Sacramento River demands versatility, and that's exactly what makes fishing here so rewarding. Your guide will set you up with the right conventional gear for the conditions—typically medium to heavy action rods paired with quality reels that can handle the long runs these fish are famous for. For salmon, we often work with diving plugs, spinners, and roe setups, adjusting our approach based on water clarity and fish activity. The key is covering water efficiently while reading the electronics to locate schools and structure. Striped bass fishing often involves different techniques—from throwing topwater lures during surface feeds to bouncing jigs along the bottom structure where these fish ambush baitfish. The river's current is your friend once you learn to work with it, and your guide will show you how to use the flow to present baits naturally. Fly fishermen will find plenty of opportunities, especially during salmon runs when fish are concentrated in specific areas. The guides know which spots offer the clearest back-casting opportunities and where fly presentations really shine compared to conventional methods.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of the Sacramento River, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds, with trophy specimens pushing 30-40 pounds or more. They enter the river system in multiple runs throughout their season, with each wave bringing fresh, aggressive fish straight from the ocean. What makes Sacramento River kings special is their fight—they'll peel line off your reel in screaming runs, jump clear of the water, and test every knot you tied that morning. The best action typically happens from August through November, when cooler water temperatures and higher flows trigger their spawning instincts. These fish are bucket-list catches that provide enough meat to fill your freezer and enough fight stories to last all winter. Striped Bass bring their own brand of excitement to the Sacramento River fishery. These silver-sided battlers range from schoolie-size fish around 18-24 inches up to genuine trophies exceeding 20 pounds. What stripers lack in jumping ability, they make up for in pure bulldogging power—they'll drag you around the boat and make your arms ache. The peak season runs from April through July when water temperatures are ideal and baitfish are abundant. Stripers are also fantastic table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. Rainbow Trout might be the smallest of our target species, but don't let size fool you—Sacramento River rainbows are scrappy fighters that provide consistent action throughout the year. These fish typically run 12-18 inches, with occasional surprises pushing 20+ inches. They're perfect for light tackle enthusiasts and fly fishermen who want to experience the technical side of river fishing. Rainbows are also excellent indicators of overall river health, and their year-round presence means you'll always have a backup plan when the bigger fish are being finicky.
The Sacramento River isn't going anywhere, but the best fishing windows definitely come and go with the seasons. King salmon runs are legendary, but they're also tied to ocean conditions, water releases, and natural cycles that can't be controlled. Striped bass fishing peaks during specific months when these fish are most aggressive and abundant. Smart anglers book their trips well in advance, especially during prime salmon season when guide calendars fill up fast. This 7-hour format gives you the time needed to really work the water properly—quick half-day trips just don't cut it when you're dealing with river conditions and fish that might be scattered across miles of water. The intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get the kind of personalized instruction and attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Northern California Guide Service has built its reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching the skills and knowledge that make every trip a learning experience. Don't forget that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. Pack your own food and drinks, grab your fishing license, and get ready for the kind of day that reminds you why the Sacramento River is considered world-class fishing water.
This 24-foot Alumaweld jet boat cuts through Sacramento River currents with ease, powered by a robust 400 HP Chevrolet engine that gets you to the best fishing spots fast. Built specifically for river conditions, she handles both the shallow flats where stripers cruise and the deeper holes where salmon hold. The spacious deck comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers with room to move around during the fight. Whether you're working conventional gear or casting flies, you'll have the space you need. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over holding fish. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long summer days targeting stripers, and the live bait tank ensures your offerings stay lively. GPS navigation gets you back to productive water you've marked before. Perfect for the Sacramento's year-round fishing opportunities.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the prize of the Sacramento River, running 12-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 40+. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black mouths show up from mid-July through December when they're heading upstream to spawn. You'll find them holding in deeper holes and current breaks, especially around structure like fallen trees or rocky ledges. They're incredible fighters - powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the grill. Since kings are light-sensitive, they often feed deep during the day. My go-to trick is running baits just off the bottom with enough weight to stay in the strike zone but not so much that it kills the action.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are perfect year-round action fish, typically running 12-16 inches with occasional 20+ inchers that'll surprise you. They love the cooler, well-oxygenated water and hang around rocky shorelines, fallen timber, and deeper pools during summer heat. These scrappy fighters are known for their acrobatic jumps and quick runs - pure fun on lighter tackle. The pink flesh is excellent table fare with a mild, clean taste. Best fishing is often early morning or evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. Here's a local tip: in the Sacramento, watch for subtle rises and target just upstream of the ring. Rainbows often feed in a rhythm, so if you miss one, be patient and try the same spot again.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in the Sacramento system average 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see fish in the 20-30 pound range that'll give you a real workout. These silver tanks with their bold dark stripes love structure - rocky points, bridge pilings, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. March through August is prime time when water temps hit their sweet spot. They're aggressive feeders and notorious for their bulldogging fights, making long runs toward deep water. The meat is firm and flaky, great eating. Stripers can be picky about presentation, so I always tell folks to vary your retrieve speed until you find what they want that day. Sometimes a slow roll works, other times they want it moving fast.
undefined, undefined