Expert Sacramento River Fishing with Big John's

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Sacramento, CA
$250 - $250 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing on the Sacramento River? This 7-hour trip with Big John's Fishing Guide Service is perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll be casting for prized catches like Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass. The Sacramento's waters are teeming with a variety of fish species, so there's always a chance for an exciting catch. Bring your own snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you're into fly fishing, feel free to bring your gear - the guides are happy to accommodate different fishing styles. As you drift along the river, you'll get to soak in the beautiful California scenery. It's a great way to spend time with family or friends, sharing stories and maybe even some friendly competition over who lands the biggest fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this trip offers a genuine Sacramento River experience.

Expert Sacramento River Fishing with Big John's

River Fishing Action

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Sacramento Striped Bass Species

Stripers Sacramento River Fishing

Striped bass caught in Corning, great fishing

Sacramento Fishing for Stripers

Reel in Adventure on the Sacramento River

Ready for a fish-filled day on one of California's most iconic waterways? Big John's Fishing Guide Service has you covered with our 7-hour Sacramento River trip. We'll get you hooked up with some of the best fishing action around, targeting prized catches like Chinook salmon, striped bass, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our local guides know all the sweet spots to make your day on the water a total blast.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising down the mighty Sacramento, rod in hand, with stunning views in every direction. Our 7-hour trip gives you plenty of time to settle in, find your rhythm, and really get after those fish. We welcome solo anglers, buddies, and families alike – there's room for everyone to get in on the action. You'll be targeting some real beauties out there, including hard-fighting Chinook salmon, acrobatic steelhead trout, schools of American shad, and the always-popular striped bass. The Sac is known for its diversity, so who knows what else might end up on your line!

We're all about making your day comfortable and fun. Feel free to pack your favorite snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. And if you've got some go-to fishing gear you swear by, bring it along! There's nothing like using your own lucky lure to land that trophy catch. Our guides are here to share local knowledge, offer tips, and make sure you're having a blast – whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

Fishing the Sacramento River is all about adapting to what's biting and where. We'll use a mix of techniques to maximize your chances of hooking up. For salmon and steelhead, we often drift fish with roe or artificial baits, letting the current do the work as we float through prime holding spots. When targeting stripers or shad, we might switch it up to trolling or casting lures – there's nothing quite like the thrill of a topwater strike!

If you're into fly fishing, the Sac offers some world-class opportunities, especially for steelhead and shad. We can set you up with some killer fly patterns that the locals swear by. Don't worry if you're new to fly casting – our guides are patient teachers and will have you double-hauling in no time.

Gear-wise, we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the species we're after. But like I mentioned, if you've got some favorite gear, feel free to bring it along. There's just something special about landing a trophy on your own setup.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on the Sacramento River:

Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the river, and for good reason. Sacramento River Chinooks can reach monster sizes, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon. Fall is prime time for these chrome-bright beauties as they make their spawning run. The fight of a fresh Chinook is something every angler needs to experience – they'll test your drag and your stamina!

Striped Bass: Stripers are the bad boys of the Sacramento. These hard-hitting predators cruise the river in schools, ambushing bait and putting on acrobatic displays when hooked. Spring and fall are fantastic for stripers, but you can find them year-round. Topwater action for stripers is some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever do.

Steelhead Trout: Winter is steelhead season on the Sac, and these sea-run rainbows are prized for their fighting ability and taste on the grill. They average 5-8 pounds but can push into the teens. Steelhead are known for their spectacular leaps and long runs – be ready to chase them downstream!

American Shad: Often called "poor man's tarpon," shad offer some of the best light-tackle action you'll find in freshwater. They show up in massive schools during their spring spawning run. What they lack in size (2-4 pounds on average), they more than make up for in numbers and fight. It's not uncommon to hit double digits when the shad are really on.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The Sacramento River isn't just another fishing spot – it's a year-round angling paradise. Each season brings new opportunities and challenges. In spring, you've got the shad run and pre-spawn stripers on the prowl. Summer sees smallmouth bass action heating up in the upper reaches. Fall is salmon central, with big Chinooks pushing upstream. And winter? That's when steelhead fanatics get their fix.

But it's not just about the fish. The scenery along the Sac is something else. You might spot bald eagles soaring overhead, otters playing along the banks, or even a bear lumbering down for a drink. It's like fishing in a nature documentary.

Our guides live and breathe this river. They know which holes are producing, what techniques are working, and how to put you on fish no matter the conditions. Whether you're looking to check a species off your bucket list or just want a fun day making memories with family, we've got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get you out on the water! Our Sacramento River trips are perfect for solo anglers looking to hone their skills or buddy up with one of our experienced guides. With diverse species, year-round action, and some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer, this is one fishing adventure you don't want to miss.

Remember, we provide all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your own lucky tackle. Pack some snacks, grab your camera (trust me, you'll want pics of these fish), and get ready for an awesome day on the Sac. Whether you're chasing that personal best Chinook or just want to bend a rod and enjoy the outdoors, we've got the local know-how to make it happen.

Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Big John's Fishing Guide Service a call, and let's get you hooked up with some Sacramento River magic. The fish are waiting – are you ready to join them?

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champions of the Sacramento. These bruisers average 20-30 pounds but can top 50 pounds or more. They start showing up in summer, with peak fishing in fall as they charge upriver to spawn. Look for them in deeper holes and current seams, especially early morning and evening. Kings put up an epic fight, often making long, powerful runs. Trolling with plugs or spinners is effective, as is back-bouncing roe. Fly anglers do well swinging large, flashy patterns. Beyond the thrill of battle, Chinooks are prized for their rich, flavorful orange flesh. Local tip: Pay attention to water temps - kings become more active as the river cools in fall. When you see those tail slaps, it's time to fish!

Shad

Shad are a unique and exciting target on the Sacramento River. These silvery fish typically run 20-24 inches long and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. You'll find them in schools near shore during their spring spawning run, usually April to May. Shad love moving water, so focus on areas with good current. They're not the biggest eaters, but they'll strike small jigs and flies. The real draw is their acrobatic leaps and runs once hooked. For best results, use lightweight gear - a long, sensitive rod paired with 4-6 lb test line. Fly anglers do well with white or yellow flies with red heads. Beyond the fun factor, shad make excellent table fare with delicate, flavorful meat. Local tip: Cast near shore early morning or evening for your best shot at hooking into a feisty American shad.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are prized catches in the Sacramento, known for their acrobatic fights and seasonal runs. These sea-run rainbows typically range from 5-12 pounds, with some topping 20. Look for them in faster runs and deeper pools as they migrate upriver to spawn, usually from fall through early spring. Steelhead can be finicky, so matching your presentation to river conditions is key. Drift fishing with roe or soft beads works well, as does swinging flies in likely holding water. The challenge of hooking one keeps anglers coming back year after year. Beyond the thrill of the catch, steelhead make excellent table fare with rich, pink flesh. Local secret: Focus on seams where fast and slow water meet - steelhead love to hold in these spots to conserve energy.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a hard-fighting favorite here on the Sacramento. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 70 pounds. Look for them near structure like drop-offs, sandbars, and submerged objects. Stripers cruise the river year-round but fishing really heats up in spring and fall. They're structure-oriented predators, so focus on areas with good current breaks. Live bait like herring or anchovies works well, but artificials like swimbaits and topwater lures can trigger explosive strikes too. Stripers put up an impressive battle and make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. For best results, fish early morning or evening when they're most active near the surface. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to feeding stripers.

About the River Barge Flat Bottom

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing on the Sacramento River! This 7-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all levels, whether you're bringing along family or meeting up with friends. The river is teeming with sought-after fish like Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass, so you'll have plenty of chances to reel in a great catch. Feel free to pack your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you've got your own fly fishing gear, bring it along to customize your experience. As you cast your line and soak in the beautiful scenery of the Sacramento River, you'll create lasting memories and maybe even land the big one you've been dreaming about. With a full day on the water, you'll have time to try different spots and techniques, picking up tips from your experienced guide along the way. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this trip offers something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day of fishing on one of California's most iconic rivers!

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