Kid-Friendly Salmon Fishing on Sacramento River

Published Date: September 26, 2025
Fishing

Sacramento, CA
$250 price range

Summary

Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? This full-day trip on the Sacramento River is perfect for young anglers. Over 7 hours, we'll target Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass in a safe, fun environment. Our guides are great with kids, providing all the gear and know-how to help them learn the basics. Whether they prefer rod-and-reel or want to try fly fishing, we've got them covered. The river offers a beautiful backdrop for a day of outdoor adventure. It's a relaxed pace, so there's plenty of time for snack breaks and enjoying the scenery. We focus on making sure the kids have a blast while they learn, hopefully catching their first fish! It's a great way to introduce them to freshwater fishing and create some lasting family memories on the water.

Kid-Friendly Salmon Fishing on Sacramento River

Kids' River Fishing Fun

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Sacramento Striped Bass Species

Stripers Sacramento River Fishing

Striped bass caught in Corning, great fishing

Sacramento Fishing for Stripers

Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun on the Sacramento River

Get ready for a day of splashing good times and big smiles on the mighty Sacramento River! Our full-day kid-friendly fishing trip is perfect for introducing young anglers to the joys of freshwater fishing. We've designed this 7-hour adventure to keep kids engaged, excited, and hopefully reeling in some impressive catches. From Chinook Salmon to Striped Bass, we'll target a variety of species that'll have your little ones hooked on fishing in no time.

Trip Overview

Picture this: A sunny day on the Sacramento River, your kids learning to cast their lines into the sparkling water, and the thrill of their first tug on the rod. That's what we're all about at Big John's Fishing Guide Service. We've fine-tuned this trip to be the ultimate kid-friendly fishing experience. Our seasoned guides are pros at working with young anglers, making sure everyone stays safe while having a blast. We'll provide all the gear and know-how, so all you need to bring is snacks, drinks, and a sense of adventure. Whether your kids are first-timers or budding fishing enthusiasts, we'll tailor the day to their skill level and interests.

What to Expect on the Water

Our day kicks off bright and early, but don't worry - the excitement of the trip will wake up even the sleepiest kiddos. We'll start with a quick safety briefing and fishing 101 session. Then it's time to hit the water! We use comfortable, stable boats that are perfect for families. Throughout the day, we'll try different spots along the Sacramento River, giving your kids the best shot at landing a variety of fish. We mix it up between rod-and-reel fishing and fly fishing, so they'll get to try different techniques. Our guides are patient teachers, always ready with a helping hand or a fun fish fact to keep the little ones engaged. And hey, if the fish aren't biting, we've got plenty of river games and wildlife spotting to keep everyone entertained.

Top Catches This Season

The Sacramento River is teeming with fish, and we've got our sights set on some real crowd-pleasers. Chinook Salmon are the kings of the river, and landing one of these silvery beauties is a thrill for anglers of any age. We also target Shad, often called the "poor man's tarpon" for their acrobatic fights - perfect for keeping kids excited. Steelhead Trout are another favorite, known for their beautiful coloring and spirited battles. And let's not forget about Striped Bass, which can put up a great fight and make for some awesome photos. Our guides know all the best spots and times to target each species, maximizing your kids' chances of reeling in a memorable catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: These powerful fish are the stars of the Sacramento River. Also known as King Salmon, they can grow up to 50 pounds or more! We typically target them in the fall when they're running upriver to spawn. Kids love the challenge of reeling in these big guys, and the feeling of landing a Chinook is something they'll never forget.

Shad: These feisty fish are perfect for young anglers. They're abundant in the river from May to July and put up a great fight for their size. Shad are known for their acrobatic leaps and runs, which always gets the kids cheering. Plus, they're easier to catch than some other species, boosting confidence for novice fishers.

Steelhead Trout: These sea-run rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers of all ages. They're in the river year-round but are most active in the winter months. Steelhead are known for their beautiful coloration and their tendency to leap out of the water when hooked. Kids get a kick out of trying to spot them in the clear, rushing water.

Striped Bass: "Stripers" as we call them, are hard-fighting fish that can grow to impressive sizes. They're in the river from spring through fall, with the best fishing usually in the warmer months. Kids love targeting stripers because they often hunt in schools, meaning when you find one, you might find many!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Sacramento River that keeps families coming back year after year. Maybe it's the rush of watching your kid reel in their first big catch, or the peaceful moments spent together on the water. Our guides have seen countless kids go from tentative first-timers to confident anglers over the course of a single trip. The Sacramento River offers such a diverse fishing experience that no two trips are ever the same. One day you might be battling a big Chinook, the next you could be reeling in Shad after Shad. And let's not forget the stunning scenery - from soaring eagles to playful otters, there's always something to see on the river.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to create some lifelong memories with your kids on the Sacramento River? This full-day fishing trip is more than just a chance to catch fish - it's an opportunity to bond, learn new skills, and spark a passion for the outdoors. Our experienced guides will ensure your family has a safe, fun, and hopefully fish-filled day on the water. We've got all the gear covered, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and don't forget those snacks!). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Give us a call or check our online calendar to snag your preferred date. Trust us, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. Let's get your kids hooked on fishing!

Learn more about the animals

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champions of the Sacramento River. These brutes average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them from July through December as they make their spawning run. Kings prefer deeper holes and cut banks during the day, moving into riffles at dawn and dusk. Backtrolling with sardine-wrapped plugs is a local favorite, but roe under a float also takes fish. The real thrill is battling these powerhouses - be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. Fresh from the ocean, Chinooks are prized for their rich, orange flesh. For a sure-fire technique, try bouncing roe along the bottom in tail-outs below deep pools. Kings can be finicky, so matching your presentation to water conditions is crucial. Whether you're after world-class fishing action or a gourmet meal, Sacramento River Chinooks deliver on both counts.

Shad

Shad are a favorite target on the Sacramento River, known for their delicate flavor and spirited fight. These silvery fish typically run 20-24 inches long and weigh 3-5 pounds. Look for them in coastal waters and rivers from April to May as they migrate upstream to spawn. Shad love moving water, so focus on areas with good current near shore. They're not picky eaters, but small jigs and flies in bright colors work well. The real fun is in the fight - pound for pound, shad pull harder than most freshwater fish. For best results, use light tackle and let them run. A local trick is to fish the "shad fattener" fly - a small chartreuse and white pattern that drives them wild. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just want to bend a rod, shad offer exciting action for anglers of all skill levels.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout, spending time in both fresh and saltwater. On the Sacramento, they typically run 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. These chrome-bright fighters migrate upriver from fall through spring, with winter being prime time. Look for them in deep pools, at the heads of riffles, and along current seams. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic jumps and long runs when hooked. Fly fishing with nymphs or swinging streamers are popular techniques, but spin fishing with small lures or roe also produces. For a local edge, try drifting a single salmon egg behind a small cluster - steelhead can't resist. Patience and stealth are key, as these fish spook easily. The challenge of fooling a wild steelhead keeps anglers coming back year after year. It's catch-and-release for wild fish, but hatchery steelhead make great eating if you want to keep one for the grill.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills on the Sacramento. These powerhouses average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for stripers around structure like bridge pilings, rocky banks, and submerged trees. They're most active at dawn and dusk, cruising the shallows for baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass follow schools of shad. Anglers love stripers for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Live bait like anchovies or sardines work great, but throwing topwater lures at dawn can be a blast. For a sure-fire local technique, try drifting live minnows along current seams. The key is matching your presentation to the water conditions. When you hook into a big striper, hang on tight - these fish don't give up easily. Their firm white meat also makes excellent table fare if you keep a few for dinner.

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

Ready for a kid-friendly fishing adventure on the Sacramento River? Join us for a full day of angling fun tailored just for young fishing enthusiasts. Our 7-hour trip introduces kids to the joys of freshwater fishing in a safe, supportive environment. We'll target popular species like Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass while our experienced guides teach basic techniques and offer hands-on instruction. All gear is provided, so your little anglers can focus on having a great time on the water. Whether trying rod-and-reel or fly fishing, kids will love the excitement of reeling in their catches against the beautiful backdrop of the Sacramento River. Remember to pack some snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high throughout this outdoor adventure. It's the perfect way to spark a lifelong passion for fishing and create lasting memories on the river.

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