Top-Rated Sacramento Fishing on Feather River

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Sacramento, CA
$250 price range
Updated Date: September 26, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing action on the Feather River with Big John's Fishing Guide Service. We'll be targeting a variety of species including Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass. Our experienced guides know all the best spots and will provide the gear you need for a successful outing. Whether you prefer traditional rod and reel or want to try your hand at fly fishing, we've got you covered. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to explore one of Northern California's premier fishing destinations. You'll learn new techniques, improve your skills, and hopefully land some impressive catches. Don't forget to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. With room for just one guest, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and instruction. It's a great chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful river environment while pursuing some of the area's most sought-after game fish.

Top-Rated Sacramento Fishing on Feather River

River Fishing Highlights

null

Sacramento Striped Bass Species

Stripers Sacramento River Fishing

Striped bass caught in Corning, great fishing

Sacramento Fishing for Stripers

Salmon & Shad Bonanza on the Feather River

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a day of non-stop action on the legendary Feather River? We're talking about hooking into hard-fighting Chinook salmon, acrobatic shad, and maybe even a trophy striper or steelhead if luck's on our side. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our full-day trip is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your drag screaming. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal on the Water?

Picture this: You're drifting down the Feather, surrounded by stunning scenery, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale thump. Our expert guides know every pocket, riffle, and honey hole where the big ones like to hang out. We'll set you up with top-notch gear (or bring your own if you prefer), show you the hottest techniques, and make sure you're in prime position to land some real beauties. From the moment we push off until we pull back to shore, it's all about maximizing your time on fish. And trust me, when a 30-pound Chinook decides to take your bait, you'll be grinning from ear to ear!

Fishing Know-How & River Smarts

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be drifting eggs for salmon, swinging flies for steelhead, or tossing lures for stripers. If you're into fly fishing, the Feather's got some killer runs where we can set you up with a sweet drift. For conventional anglers, we'll rig you up with bait or artificials that the fish just can't resist. Our guides are masters at reading the water, so we'll adjust our tactics on the fly to keep those rods bent. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll teach you everything you need to know, from setting the hook to playing a big fish like a pro.

Fish Tales: The One That Didn't Get Away

You know, there's nothing quite like seeing an angler's face light up when they land their first big salmon or feel the explosive power of a shad on light tackle. Last season, we had a father-son duo out who'd never fished the Feather before. By the end of the day, they'd landed a pair of 20-pound Chinooks and a whole mess of shad. The kid was practically bouncing off the boat with excitement! It's moments like these that keep us coming back to the river day after day.

Target Species Breakdown

Chinook Salmon: These silver torpedoes are the kings of the Feather River, and for good reason. Weighing in anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, hooking into one of these bad boys is like trying to stop a freight train. They start showing up in late summer, with the peak run happening in September and October. When a big king decides to take your offering, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life!

Shad: Don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, these little dynamos are some of the scrappiest fish you'll ever tangle with. The Feather River shad run kicks off in May and can last well into July. These "poor man's tarpon" are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Plus, they're a blast on light tackle or fly gear. When the shad are in, it's not uncommon to rack up double-digit days.

Steelhead Trout: The ghosts of the river, these sea-run rainbows are prized for their elusiveness and fighting spirit. Winter-run fish start showing up in December, while summer-run steelhead begin their journey upriver in August. Landing one of these chrome-bright beauties is a real feather in any angler's cap. They're not always easy to come by, but when you do hook up, it's pure magic.

Striped Bass: Feather River stripers are like the bullies of the schoolyard – they're big, mean, and always looking for a fight. These hard-hitting predators can top 30 pounds, and they'll test your gear and your skills. We typically target them in the spring and fall, using a variety of techniques from trolling to casting big topwater lures. When a big striper blows up on your bait, it's enough to make even the most seasoned angler weak in the knees.

Lock In Your Spot on the River

Look, I could go on all day about the killer fishing we've got here on the Feather, but why not come experience it for yourself? Our full-day trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels, and we guarantee you'll walk away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a few fish stories of your own to tell. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and shad seasons, so don't wait to book your adventure. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water where the big ones are waiting. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or King Salmon, are the giants of the Feather River. These powerful fish can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. They start their spawning run in late summer, peaking in fall. Look for them in deeper holes and runs, especially near gravel bars. Chinooks are known for their hard-fighting ability and long, powerful runs. They'll test your gear and stamina like no other freshwater fish. Trolling with plugs or bait works well, as does back-bouncing roe in deeper holes. Bank anglers can score by drifting roe under a float. The meat is prized for its rich, orange color and flavor - great for grilling or smoking. Early morning is often best, when fish are most active. Local tip: Focus on fishing the inside of river bends where salmon rest on their journey upstream.

Shad

Shad are a unique fish that make for an exciting catch on the Feather River. These silvery, thin-bodied fish typically run 20-24 inches long and put up a surprisingly good 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 target areas with strong current within 30 feet of the bank. Light tackle is the way to go - a long, lightweight rod paired with small flies or lures in white or yellow. What makes shad special is their delicate, flavorful meat. The roe is considered a delicacy too. For best results, try fishing early morning or evening when they're most active. My pro tip: Cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally with the current for more bites.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, returning to the Feather River to spawn. They average 24 inches but can reach 45 inches and over 20 pounds. Look for them in deeper pools and runs, especially near gravel bars where they spawn. Fall through spring is prime time, with winter being peak season. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic fights and long runs. They'll test your tackle and skills like few other fish. Fly fishing with nymphs or swinging streamers works well, as does drifting roe or casting spinners. These fish are wary, so stealth and precise presentations are key. For eating, many anglers practice catch-and-release to protect wild populations. If you keep one, they're excellent smoked. Pro tip: Focus on fishing the seams where fast and slow water meet - steelhead love to hold in these spots.

Striped Bass

Stripers are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find in the Feather River. These powerful swimmers can grow over 3 feet long and 20+ pounds. Look for them around structure like sandbars, drop-offs, and shorelines with moving water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers follow bait fish migrations. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live bait like herring or anchovies is tough to beat. Stripers are structure-oriented, so focus on underwater ledges, points, and current breaks. Early morning and dusk are peak feeding times. What makes them fun to catch is their aggressive strikes and strong runs. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. For best results, try trolling or casting near creek mouths where bait congregates. Local tip: Match your lure size to the bait fish you see jumping - stripers can be picky eaters.

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 out on the Feather River! We're talking about a full-day fishing trip where you'll have the chance to reel in some impressive catches. From Chinook Salmon to Shad, Steelhead Trout, and even Striped Bass, there's a whole bunch of fish species waiting for you. Whether you're into traditional rod and reel fishing or prefer the finesse of fly fishing, we've got you covered. Our expert guides know all the best spots and will hook you up with the gear you need for a successful day on the water. Don't forget to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. If you're a fly fishing enthusiast, feel free to bring your own equipment too. This trip is all about having a great time and hopefully landing some impressive fish. So grab your hat, sunscreen, and sense of adventure - the river is calling!

Sitemap