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Northern California Salmon Fishing
Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide

Professional Master Guide

Northern California Salmon Fishing

      In the hunt for the elusive King Salmon, fishermen have journeyed far to the north. Yes, Alaska salmon fishing and Canada salmon fishing are legendary. Others have tried hunting for Chinooks in Oregon and Washington. A little know secret by a handfull of anglers is about to be revealed. Some of the most productive King Salmon fishing happens in a small nook in Northern California around the towns of Redding and Anderson.

Click to enlarge Click to enlarge  2003 Fall Run. Kevin with a 32 pound salmon, and a big smile.
      What is this mystical watershed? The Sacramento River. The "Sac" (as locals fondly call the Sacramento River), stretches 384 miles and drains a third of California’s water.

      History reports a time when Salmon runs were so thick you could walk on the backs of fish to cross the river. Those days are long gone, but through careful conservation and restoration projects, the life blood of the river flows again with more impressive Salmon runs each year. The pride of California rises to challenge the great Columbia river as a fisherman's dream.

      The California state record 88 lbs. Chinook salmon was caught in the Sacramento River. The fall run is the best time of the year to angle for these highly spirited fish.

Click to enlarge Frank boats a 56 lbs. King Salmon caught in the lower Sacramento River, fishing the 2002 fall run. More...

Sacramento River Salmon Fishing

      The King Salmon Fishing Season opens August 1st as they arrive is small numbers. The Chinook Salmon (Kings) arrive as though they were an invading force advancing in their chrome silver armor. These scouts strike out at Kwick Fish and lay waste to roe that get in their path. Even in the little time these sluggers spend in fresh water, their teeth grow and the strikes can be vicious.

      As September rolls on, the army of Kings start massing, battling upstream to a sure victory. Like an opposing force we fish for these highly spirited fish by back-trolling our Kwick Fish and bounce our roe.

      By October, the army is in full force and the battles continue. The King Salmon Fishing Season is at its peak hitting a crescendo about mid-October.

      In November and December, the Big Boys of 40, 50, 60, and possibly 70 pounds start showing up. This is the best time to land a beautiful Trophy Fish! Depending on the weather the season may drag even into the beginning of January. These are monsters and the fights are intense.

Click to enlarge Click to enlarge  Your Master Guide, Ken Hoffman, will be at the boat ready and waiting for you. All the tackle and gear will be prepared for the day's fishing.

Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide

      The Sacramento River watershed's constantly changing water levels peak and recede in annual cycles. This flux is both natural and man-made. Knowledge and experience of these rhythms can mean the difference between a productive salmon fishing trip and a waste of valuable fishing time. Having someone who can pinpoint the best time and place to fish is what makes guided salmon fishing so much more productive than spending your years on trial and error.

      The River Pirate’s Pro-guide, Ken Hoffman, has over 30 years' experience salmon fishing in the Sacramento River basin. Ken knows the watershed thoroughly and will enjoy showing you the best fishing Northern California has to offer.

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