Sacramento River Shared Salmon Striped Bass Trip
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Seven-hour shared trip targeting salmon and striped bassAccommodates up to six guests with seasonal fishing opportunitiesEquipment provided except fly fishing gear and licenses
Nothing beats spending seven hours on the Sacramento River with fellow anglers who share your passion for landing quality fish. This shared fishing adventure puts you right where the action happens, targeting some of California's most prized species while enjoying the camaraderie that comes with fishing alongside other dedicated anglers. With space for up to six guests, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines while swapping stories and techniques with your fishing companions.
Your day starts early on one of Northern California's most productive waterways, where seasoned guides know exactly where fish are holding based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. The Sacramento River offers something special year-round - whether you're here for the legendary Striped Bass runs from March through August or the world-class King Salmon fishing that kicks into high gear from mid-July through December. The shared boat setup means you'll meet other passionate anglers while everyone works together to locate schools and structure where fish are actively feeding. Rainbow Trout and Sturgeon provide consistent action throughout the year, so even if your primary targets aren't cooperating, there's always something worth targeting. You'll need to bring your valid California fishing license, plus your own food and drinks for the full day on the water.
All conventional rods, reels, and tackle come included, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear preparation. The guides provide everything from heavy-duty setups for battling Sturgeon to lighter rigs perfect for finicky Trout. If you prefer fly fishing, bring your own gear since the river offers excellent opportunities for sight fishing and technical presentations. Depending on the season and target species, you'll use various techniques including drift fishing with roe or nightcrawlers for salmon, trolling with spoons and plugs for Striped Bass, and bottom bouncing for Sturgeon in deeper holes. The Sacramento's diverse structure means switching between shallow riffles, deep pools, and current breaks where different species prefer to hunt and rest. Your guide reads the water constantly, adjusting locations and presentations based on what's producing throughout the day.
Striped Bass remain the customer favorite here, with good reason. These silver rockets show up in massive schools during spring and early summer, often weighing 15-30 pounds with larger specimens always possible. They're aggressive fighters that make screaming runs and aerial displays, especially when hooked in current. King Salmon take over as the premier target from mid-July onward, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds providing some of the most challenging fights you'll experience on freshwater. These chrome-bright salmon are fresh from the ocean and fight with everything they have. Rainbow Trout offer consistent action year-round, typically running 14-20 inches with beautiful colors and acrobatic fights on lighter tackle. Lake Sturgeon are the river's true giants, with fish over 100 pounds always a possibility. These prehistoric battles can last an hour or more, testing your endurance as much as your tackle.
Striped Bass are what put the Sacramento River on the map for many anglers. These ocean-going fish push up the river system in huge numbers, feeding aggressively on baitfish and providing fast-paced action when you locate a school. They hit hard and fight harder, often jumping completely out of the water before making long, powerful runs that test your drag settings. The best fishing typically happens from March through August when water temperatures are optimal and bait concentrations are highest.
Chinook Salmon represent the pinnacle of Sacramento River fishing, drawing anglers from across the country during peak season. These fish enter the river system in prime condition, silver-bright and incredibly strong from their ocean journey. A 25-pound King will give you a 20-minute battle you won't soon forget, using the current to its advantage while testing every knot and connection in your setup. Peak season runs from mid-July through December, with September and October often producing the largest fish.
Rainbow Trout provide year-round opportunities when other species are off the bite. These colorful fighters are abundant throughout the river system, with many fish reaching trophy size in the nutrient-rich waters. They're perfect for testing your light-tackle skills and offer excellent eating for anglers who want to take a few home. Their willingness to hit various presentations makes them ideal backup targets during slower periods.
Lake Sturgeon are the river's ultimate trophy fish, with some individuals living over 100 years and reaching massive proportions. These bottom-dwelling giants require patience and heavy tackle, but hooking one creates a memory that lasts forever. A big Sturgeon fight feels more like being tied to a submarine than a fish, with slow, powerful runs that can stretch on for what feels like hours. They're available year-round but tend to feed most actively during cooler months.
The Sacramento River consistently ranks among California's top-rated fishing destinations, and shared trips like this fill up fast during peak seasons. Whether you're targeting aggressive Striped Bass during their spring runs or hoping to tangle with a trophy King Salmon during fall migrations, this seven-hour adventure delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The shared boat experience adds a social element that solo trips can't match, often leading to lasting fishing friendships and shared knowledge that makes everyone more successful on the water. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the Trips & Rates page for full details before securing your spot on what could be your best fishing day of the year.
This 24' Alumaweld jet boat cuts through Sacramento River waters with serious power from its 400 HP Chevrolet engine. Built specifically for river fishing conditions, it handles both the shallow spots where stripers hang out and deeper salmon runs with ease. The boat's jet drive system means you won't get hung up on rocky bottoms while chasing fish upstream. On board, you'll find everything needed for a productive day - fish finder to locate schools, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, and GPS to mark those honey holes. The live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh whether you're bouncing anchovies for salmon or drifting sardines for stripers. An icebox handles your lunch and drinks during those long summer sessions. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, with plenty of room for both conventional gear and fly rods. Whether you're vertical jigging for stripers in spring or trolling for kings during the fall run, this boat gets you to the fish efficiently and brings you back safely.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the ultimate prize here - these silver torpedoes average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus when conditions are right. They run deep during our July through December season, staying in 15-30 feet of water along the main channel and deeper holes. What draws people back for kings is the combination of size, fight, and table quality. They'll peel line off your reel in long, powerful runs and their rich, red meat is perfect for the grill or smoker. These fish are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are typically best. We'll troll plugs or drift bait in the deeper water where they stage. Local secret: when the water temperature drops in fall, they become more aggressive and move shallower to feed before spawning, making September and October prime months.
Acipenser FulvescensSturgeon are living fossils that'll give you a fight like nothing else in the river. These prehistoric giants typically run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, with that armor-plated body and barbels for sensing food on the bottom. They're bottom dwellers, so we target deep holes, drop-offs, and slow eddies where they root around for worms and small fish. Available year-round, they're perfect for filling the cooler when other species are slow. What makes sturgeon fishing addictive is the power - once hooked, they'll make long runs and use their bulk to fight you all the way to the boat. The meat is firm and white, great for smoking. These ancient fish can live over 100 years, so we practice catch-and-release on the big breeders. Tip: use a heavy sinker and gob of nightcrawlers, then wait. When they pick it up, they'll move off slowly before stopping to swallow - that's when you set the hook.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in the Sacramento run 12-16 inches typically, with those beautiful pink stripes and spotted backs that make them so recognizable. They stick to cooler water with good flow, usually holding near gravel bars and undercut banks where insects drift by. Since they're available year-round, we can target them when salmon and stripers are off the bite. These fish are scrappy fighters for their size - they'll jump and make quick runs that keep things exciting. The pink meat is excellent eating with a mild, clean flavor. They prefer water temps between 55-65°F, so we'll fish deeper holes during summer heat. Pro tip: keep your bait just off the bottom and watch for subtle taps. Trout often mouth the bait before taking it, so stay alert and set the hook on any strange movement.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the Sacramento's heavy hitters, running 20-40 pounds on average with that classic silver body and dark horizontal stripes. These fish love structure and moving water, so we'll work drop-offs, rocky points, and current breaks where they ambush baitfish. March through August is prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes stripers special is their raw power - they'll make long runs and test your drag system. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste great grilled. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first solid thump, don't set the hook too hard. Let them take it for a second or two before coming tight - they have bony mouths and you don't want to pull the bait away from them.
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