Top-Rated Sacramento Fishing on Feather River

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Sacramento, CA
$250 - $250 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of fishing on the Feather River? We've got you covered. Our trips cater to all types of anglers, whether you prefer rod and reel or fly fishing. The river's teeming with a variety of fish - Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, and Striped Bass, to name a few. Our expert guides know the best spots and will set you up with all the gear you need for a successful outing. It's just you and the river, so you'll have the full attention of your guide to help you land that big catch. Don't forget to bring some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. If you're into fly fishing, feel free to bring your own equipment, or we can provide it. The Feather River offers beautiful scenery and plenty of fish, making it a perfect spot for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Get ready to cast your line and enjoy a day on the water with us!

Top-Rated Sacramento Fishing on Feather River

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

Sacramento Fishing Charters: Reel in the Action

Get ready to chase some serious fins on the Feather River! Big John's Fishing Guide Service is hooking you up with a top-notch fishing adventure in the heart of California. Whether you're itching to wrestle with a monster Chinook or finesse your way into some Shad action, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Grab your lucky hat and let's hit the water for a day you won't soon forget!

What to Expect on the Water

Our Sacramento Fishing Charters are all about giving you a real taste of what makes the Feather River such a powerhouse for anglers. We're talking about a full-day mission to track down some of California's most prized game fish. You'll be riding in style on our fully-equipped boat, with all the gear you need to land the big one. Don't sweat it if you're new to the game – our guides have forgotten more about these waters than most folks ever learn. We'll show you the ropes, from setting up your rig to reading the river like a pro. And hey, if you're a fly fishing fanatic, bring your favorite rod along. We're all about matching your style to get those reels singing.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

On our Sacramento Fishing Charters, we mix it up depending on what's biting and where. You might find yourself drifting eggs for Chinook, or working a jig for some hard-fighting Stripers. If the Shad are running, we'll show you the magic of the "Shad dart" – a little lure that drives these fish crazy. For you fly folks, swinging streamers for Steelhead is an art form we're always happy to teach. We're not just casting and hoping here; we're using tried-and-true techniques that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Our guides are always dialed into the latest hot spots and what presentation is working best, so you're in for some serious action.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: These silver bullets are the kings of the Feather River, and for good reason. Chinooks in these parts can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and they fight like their tails are on fire. Best time to target them is fall, when they're charging upriver to spawn. There's nothing quite like the heart-pounding moment when a big King slams your bait and the fight is on!

Shad: Don't let their size fool you – these "poor man's tarpon" punch way above their weight class. Shad hit like freight trains and put on aerial displays that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They typically show up in late spring, and when the run is on, it's non-stop action. Plus, they're a blast on light tackle or fly gear.

Striped Bass: Stripers are the bullies of the river, and tangling with one is like picking a fight with a linebacker. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. They're here year-round, but spring and fall see some epic topwater action that'll test your drag and your nerves.

Steelhead Trout: The acrobats of the river, Steelhead are prized for their spectacular fights and stunning beauty. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Winter is prime time for Steelhead, and hooking into one of these chrome-bright missiles is an experience you won't soon forget.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Big John's tend to become regulars, and it's not just because of the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's the whole package – the rush of the river, the thrill of the hunt, and the stories you'll tell for years to come. Our guides aren't just experts; they're characters in their own right, with a boatload of river wisdom and jokes that are almost as good as their fishing skills. We keep things relaxed and fun, but we're dead serious about putting you on fish. And let's be real – there's something special about being out on the water, away from the grind, with nothing but the sound of the river and the zip of your line. It's the kind of day that recharges your batteries and reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fish are calling, and Big John's Fishing Guide Service is ready to answer. Our Sacramento Fishing Charters on the Feather River are the real deal – world-class fishing, expert guides, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newbie hoping to land your first big catch, we've got you covered. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to prove your fish stories). The river's waiting, the fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let another season slip by – book your charter now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it. Let's make some waves and catch some giants!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of the Feather River. These monsters can top 30 pounds, with thick, muscular bodies perfect for powering upstream. You'll find them in deeper pools and runs, especially during their fall spawning run. Best fishing is usually early morning or evening when they're most active. Anglers prize Chinooks for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful orange meat. They can be finicky, so presentation is key. Try trolling with plugs or spoons, or drift fishing with roe. Here's a pro tip: Chinooks are light-sensitive, so use weighted baits to get down where they're holding. When you hook one, hang on tight - these bruisers will test your gear and your stamina in an epic battle. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

Shad

Shad are a unique fish that make for an exciting catch on the Feather River. These silvery swimmers usually run 20-24 inches long and put up a great fight for their size. You'll find them in coastal waters and rivers, especially during their spring spawning run. That's when we target them, typically April and May. Shad love moving water, so focus on areas with strong current within 30 feet of the riverbank. Light tackle works best - a long, lightweight rod paired with small lures or flies. White or yellow flies with red heads are my go-to. Anglers love chasing shad for the thrill of the catch, but they're also prized for their delicate, flavorful meat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, let it run a bit before reeling in. That tires them out and makes landing easier.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, and they're a prized catch on the Feather River. These streamlined beauties average about 24 inches but can reach over 40 inches and top 20 pounds. Look for them in faster-moving sections of the river, especially near cover like boulders or fallen trees. The best fishing typically runs from mid-fall through spring when they return to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious pink flesh. Fly fishing is popular, with both wet and dry flies working well. For conventional gear, try drifting or back-trolling. Here's a local secret: a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod can be deadly for swinging flies through likely holding spots. Whatever method you choose, be ready for an adrenaline-pumping battle when you hook into one of these chrome rockets.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a blast to catch on the Feather. These powerful fighters can grow over 3 feet long and 20-40 pounds, with distinctive dark stripes down their sides. You'll find stripers near structures like sandbars and drop-offs, often cruising the bottom in moving water close to shore. They're around year-round, but fishing heats up in spring and fall. Early morning or late evening are prime times. Anglers love stripers for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty white meat. Live bait like herring or squid works great, but artificial lures can be effective too. Here's a tip: use a thinner, sensitive line with little stretch - it'll help you feel those subtle bites and set the hook quickly. Stripers can be finicky, so be patient and prepared to change up your approach if needed.

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 some stellar fishing action on the Feather River? You're in for a treat with Sacramento Fishing Charters! We've got the inside scoop on where the big ones are biting, whether you're after Chinook Salmon, Shad, Steelhead Trout, or Striped Bass. Our seasoned guides know this river like the back of their hand and are eager to share their secrets with you. Bring your favorite rod or try your hand at fly fishing – we're cool with either style. Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the catch of the day. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing or forgot your gear; we've got you covered with all the equipment you need. This personalized trip is perfect for solo anglers looking to hone their skills or just enjoy a peaceful day on the water. With our know-how and the river's abundance, you're bound to have some great fish tales to tell by the end of the day. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the Feather River for some serious fishing fun!

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