Sacramento River Beginner Fishing - Big John's

Published Date: September 26, 2025
Fishing

Sacramento, CA
$250 price range

Summary

Ready for a fun day of fishing on the Sacramento River? This 7-hour trip is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at catching Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, or Striped Bass. Don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with all the equipment and know-how you'll need. Our guides are friendly and patient, showing you the ropes whether you prefer traditional rod-and-reel or want to give fly fishing a go. As you learn the basics and gain confidence, you'll also get to soak in the beautiful river scenery. It's a full day on the water, so bring along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. By the end of the trip, you'll have new skills under your belt and hopefully some good catches to brag about. This laid-back adventure is all about learning, enjoying nature, and making some great fishing memories.

Sacramento River Beginner Fishing - Big John's

Reel-Life River 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 the Fun: Sacramento River Adventure

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line on the mighty Sacramento River? Big John's Fishing Guide Service has cooked up a real treat for you - a full day of beginner-friendly fishing that'll have you hooked in no time. Whether you're a total newbie or just looking to brush up on your skills, we've got you covered. We're talking seven solid hours of casting, catching, and soaking up the beauty of one of California's most legendary waterways. And the best part? You might just land yourself a trophy Chinook salmon, feisty shad, acrobatic steelhead, or hard-fighting striped bass. So grab your hat and let's dive into what makes this trip a can't-miss experience!

A Day on the Sacto: What to Expect

Listen up, because here's the lowdown on your day with us. We'll meet up bright and early, probably before the roosters are even thinking about crowing. Don't worry though, that first cup of coffee will kick in once you feel the excitement of being on the water. Our seasoned guides will get you all set up with top-notch gear - we're talking rods, reels, tackle, the works. No need to stress if you've never held a fishing pole before; we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.

We'll cruise to some of our favorite honey holes, spots where the fish just can't resist biting. You'll learn the ins and outs of different techniques, from good old rod-and-reel to the artistry of fly fishing. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of feeling that first tug on your line. Throughout the day, we'll share tips, tricks, and plenty of fish tales (some of them might even be true). Don't forget to pack some grub and drinks to keep your energy up - trust me, you'll need it when you're reeling in the big ones!

Fishing the Sacto: Techniques & Spots

Alright, let's talk shop about how we'll be fishing this beautiful river. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might try a few different methods. For salmon and steelhead, we often use a technique called "boondoggling" - don't let the funny name fool you, it's deadly effective. We'll drift along, bouncing roe or artificial lures near the bottom where those big boys like to hang out.

When it comes to shad, light spinning gear is the name of the game. We'll show you how to work small, flashy lures that these "poor man's tarpon" just can't resist. And for those hard-fighting stripers? We might troll with plugs or do some cast-and-retrieve with swimbaits.

As for spots, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. We might hit the Barge Hole for some salmon action, drift through the famous Bend Area, or work the riffles near Anderson for some hot shad fishing. Every stretch of this river has its own personality, and we'll make sure you experience the best of what the Sacto has to offer.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the all-star lineup of fish you might tangle with on this trip:

Chinook Salmon: These silver bullets are the kings of the river, and for good reason. Averaging 10-20 pounds (with some monsters pushing 40+), hooking into one of these is like trying to stop a freight train. They're known for their hard runs and acrobatic leaps. Fall is prime time for these beauties, but you can find some action in the spring too.

Shad: Don't let their size fool you - these 2-5 pounders fight like fish twice their size. They show up in huge numbers from May to July, and the action can be fast and furious. There's a reason they call them "poor man's tarpon" - their aerial displays are something to behold.

Steelhead Trout: Winter is when these sea-run rainbows shine. Typically in the 5-10 pound range, they're known for their spectacular fights and beautiful coloration. Hooking one of these on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget.

Striped Bass: These transplants from the East Coast have made themselves right at home in the Sacto. They can range from a few pounds up to 30+, and they hit like a ton of bricks. Spring and fall are your best bets for these bruisers, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.

Time to Wet a Line!

Well, folks, there you have it - a full day of fishing fun on the mighty Sacramento River. Whether you're dreaming of battling a chrome-bright salmon, experiencing the thrill of a shad blitz, or feeling the power of a trophy striper, this trip has something for everyone. And remember, with our expert guides by your side, you'll be fishing like a local in no time.

So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and the Sacramento is ready to show you why it's one of the best fishing destinations in California. Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some memories that'll have you coming back year after year. Trust me, once you experience the magic of the Sacto, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the biggest salmon in the Sacramento. Most are 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but 30-pounders aren't uncommon. They're in the river year-round, but fishing peaks in fall during the spawning run. Look for them in deep holes and near cover like submerged logs. Chinook are famous for their hard fights and rich, flavorful meat. To catch them, try trolling with plugs or herring at dawn or dusk. Fly anglers do well swinging large, bright flies in chartreuse or pink on cloudy days. Chinook are light-sensitive, so fish deep with weighted gear. A local secret: target the downstream ends of deep pools where salmon rest on their upstream journey. The mix of current and depth concentrates fish in these spots.

Shad

Shad are a tasty, silver-sided fish that run up the Sacramento River to spawn. Most are 20-24 inches long, though some reach 30 inches and 12 pounds. They're known for their delicate flavor - the meat and roe are both prized. Look for shad in spring, especially April and May, as they migrate upstream. They tend to hug the shorelines to avoid strong currents. Light tackle works well - a long, lightweight spinning or fly rod is perfect. For lures, try small flies in white or yellow with red heads. Shad put up a spirited fight on light gear, which makes them fun to catch. Here's a local tip: cast your line near shore in areas with stronger current, within about 30 feet of the bank. The shad use these spots as rest areas on their journey upstream.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to the Sacramento to spawn. They average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches and 55 pounds. Look for them in faster currents near cover like boulders or fallen trees. The best fishing is from mid-fall through spring when they're running upriver. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic fights and selective feeding habits, making them a challenge to catch. They're also excellent eating fish. For fly fishing, try swinging flies like the Golden Demon or Silver Hilton on a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod. Conventional anglers do well drifting or back-trolling with roe or lures. A local tip: focus on tail-outs of pools where steelhead rest on their journey upstream. The seam between fast and slow water is often productive.

Striped Bass

Stripers are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes in the Sacramento. Most caught are 20-40 pounds, but they can top 70 pounds and 5 feet long. Look for them near structures like sandbars, drop-offs, and moving water. They're often within yards of shore, hunting for food. Stripers are year-round residents but fishing heats up in spring and fall. They're popular for their powerful runs and excellent eating - the meat is sweet and flaky. To target them, use live bait like herring, menhaden, or bloodworms. An 8-14 foot rod with braided line works well. For best results, fish early morning or evening when stripers move into shallower water to feed. A local trick: cast near bridge pilings or other structures where stripers ambush prey.

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 a laid-back day of fishing on the Sacramento River! This 7-hour trip is perfect if you're new to angling and want to learn the ropes. We'll be targeting big catches like Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass. Don't worry about gear - our friendly guides provide everything you need and will show you the basics. Whether you prefer traditional rod-and-reel or want to try your hand at fly fishing, you'll pick up useful skills while taking in the gorgeous river views. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. By the end, you'll have gained confidence, made some great memories, and hopefully caught a few fish too! It's a fun, relaxed way to spend a day on the water and get hooked on fishing. No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and let our guides do the rest.

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