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Salmon Fishing Guide
Northern California Salmon Fishing Guide
Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide
Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Season
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Lake Shasta Salmon Fishing Season
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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 known secret by a handful 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.
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 Chinook Salmon (King) runs each year.
The pride of California rises to challenge the great Columbia river as a
fisherman's dream.
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Nov 14, 2003, Fresh pods are move in. Bill Meadows boats a bright 32 pound King, one of 5 fish landed on his 2 day fishing trip. This fish still has its scales.
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Book a fishing trip now
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Oct 19, 2003, Ted Johnson boats a beautiful 40 lbs hen, one of 18 fish kept during his 4 day game fishing vacation.
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Sacramento River Salmon Fishing
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.
The King Salmon Fishing Season opens July 16th on the lower Sacramento River, and
August 1st on the upper Sacramento River 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.
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Sat Oct 18, 2003 - Another Big Fish, Ted Johnson about to guide a 45 lbs hen to Pro-guide Ken Hoffman´s waiting net after a 20 minute duel. Ted and Steve boated 18 big fish in 4 days for a total of 240 lbs of fillets. Ken landed 2 of the fish. More...
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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.
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Nov 15, 2003, Fireman, Gilbert Nuñez of Santa Maria, CA breaks the River Pirate Year-To-Date fishing record with a 52 lbs King Salmon on his very first Salmon Fishing trip.
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Beginner or Pro to Salmon Fishing?
When salmon migrate up fresh water rivers and streams, the males develop a humped back and
an upturned lower jaw called a kipe. Both male and female's jaws become more boney. Because
of this, hooks are not always set and many fish can easily spit it by rolling or head wagging.
It is possible to land a big game fish not knowing any technique. More often, it is due to a
lot of luck.
It takes skill and graceful technique to consistently boat an angry salmon. There is more to
it than just pumping and reeling. Like what to do when that slugger goes under the boat,
starts wagging its head, or is about to spool the reel. It takes poise to guide the fish to
your side of the boat.
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If you're a beginner or a pro wanting guidance, your Pro-guide Ken Hoffman will be happy to
teach you the techniques and help you hone your skills. He can coach you through the fight,
from the initial hookup, through the middle and end game. He will teach you how to guide a fish to
the waiting net, and improve your hookup to catch ratio.
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Sat Oct 18, 2003 - The Big Boys are in! Steve Mapua battles and lands a 50 lbs King on day 3 of his 4 day safari. This is one of the 7 big fish kept that day.
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Your Master Guide, Ken Hoffman, will be at the boat ready and waiting for you. All the tackle and gear will be prepared for your fishing day.
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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.
View our rates
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Book a fishing trip now
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