The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20050426082443/http://www.riverpirate.com:80/steelhead_fishing.asp

Fish & Sleep Special - 1 Day Fishing & 1 Night Lodging

 River Pirate
 Home
 Fishing Guide
 The Boat
 Guided Fishing
 Guided Tours
 An Experience
 Fishing Records
 Top Anglers
 Fishing Report
 Photo Gallery
 Weather Report
 

 Fisheries
 Fishing Season
 The Quarry
 Salmon Fishing
 Steelhead Fishing
 Sturgeon Fishing
 Trout Fishing
 Striper Fishing
 Shad Fishing
 

 Fishing Venues
 Sacramento
 Shasta
 

 Contact us
 Rates
 Availability
 Reservations
 Specials
 Guest Comments
 What to bring
 Map
 Mailing List
 Fishing Forum
 About us
 

 Redding
 Anderson
 Information
 Entertainment
 Lodging
 Dining
 Shopping
 Services
 

 Fishing
 Resources
 Directories
 Directories 2
 Fishing Charters
 Fishing Guides
 Fishing Guides 2
 Fishing Info
 Fishing Info 2
 Fishing News
 Fishing Tackle
 Fishing Clubs
 Outfitters
 Lady Anglers
 

 USA Resources
 Lodging
 Shopping
 Shopping 2
 Services
 Miscellaneous
 

 World Wide
 Resources
 Lodging
 Shopping
 Shopping 2
 Services
 Miscellaneous
 Miscellaneous 2
 

 Other
 Personal
 

 Webmasters
 Advertise
 Add URL
 Link to Us
 Apply for Award
 Award Winners
 Our Awards
 
 
 login
 

Professional Master Guide

Steelhead Fishing Guide

Northern California Steelhead Fishing Guide
Sacramento River Steelhead Fishing Guide


Sacramento River Steelhead Fishing Season
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul  Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                       
    Closed     Fair     Good     Peak

Northern California Steelhead Fishing

      In the brisk dawn air we cast the Vicki Ann off and gently glided just above the first steelhead fishing hole. A light fog lay over the river like a thin cotton blanket. The stands of grass along the riverside barely rustled in the quiet morning breeze as we cast our glo-bugs. Drifting down the riffle, my heart pounded in quiet anticipation. Suddenly my line went taut and the pole was almost yanked from my hand. From about 100 feet out, a silver bullet shot out of the water as the steelhead angrily waged its head to spit the hook. "Fish on!" I yelled.

      With incredible bursts of speed, the enraged steelhead bolted down river. The reel squealed as yard after yard peeled off almost spooling me. This fish had big shoulders and was muscling line, using the river's flow to its advantage. I cranked furiously as we followed the fish down stream to keep from spooling out. After an intense 15 minute duel of wits, we had the prize in the boat, a beautiful 12.4 pound buck in brilliant crimson spawning colors.

      If not for Ken Hoffman's skill in keeping with the fish and the blow-by-blow coaching, I would have lost the fish. After years of frustrating trial-and-error steelhead fishing on my own, it's painfully obvious I should have hired a guide from the start. Not just any guide, but the best steelhead fishing guide I could find.
--- Steve Mapua  

Nov 10, 2003 Dean Henderson from Fernley, Nevada, lands a new River Pirate steelhead fishing record. This beautiful hatchery male weighted in at 16.02 lbs. Nov 10, 2003 Dean Henderson from Fernley, Nevada, lands a new River Pirate steelhead fishing record. This beautiful spawning male weighted in at 16.02 lbs.

Book a fishing trip now
Book a fishing trip

Sacramento River Steelhead Fishing

This beauty was caught on a trip with Ken, the River Pirate, in Northern California. Click to enlarge Manny is holding a beautiful 24 inch Steelhead from the Sacramento River.
      A year round fishery on the "Sac", as locals fondly call the Sacramento River, steelhead fishing peaks in December and lasts till March. The heavy Winter run of up to 35,000 fish is an unparalleled bounty. Who would have thought, "Sacramento River Steelhead Fishing?"

      Unlike their King Salmon cousins, the wild steelhead stocks, "natives," return to the ocean after spawning. To help in keeping the gene pool vibrant, these natural spawners can not be taken. The hatchery stocks which have their adipose fins clipped can be kept.


Beginner or Pro to Steelhead Fishing?

      Steelhead trout are hard fighting fish that mix long fast runs and aerobatic leaps. They are extremely crafty and will do most anything to avoid being caught.

      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 steelhead. 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.

      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.

Beginner or Pro, your guide Ken Hoffman will be happy to coach you through the fight, every step of the way. Beginner or Pro, your guide Ken Hoffman will be happy to coach you through the fight, every step of the way.

      He can coach you through the fight, from the initial hookup, through the middle and end games. He will teach you how to guide a fish to the waiting net, and improve your hookup to catch ratio.

Sacramento River Steelhead Fishing Guide

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. 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 your fishing day.
      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 steelhead 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 steelhead fishing so productive.

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

View our rates
View our rates
Book a fishing trip now
Book a fishing trip


Northern California Fishing Reports

L3 Rods, Only the Best
Your Online Marine Super Store
Your Guide to Fishing Guides
Redding Real Estate

Best Fishing Websites
Reach a highly targeted market
Sign Guestbook
Bronco Fix - Early Bronco

The Original Bottle Cap Lure
 
Hawaii Fishing
Alaska Fishing
Alaska Adventures
Alaska Fishing Lodge
Canada Fishing
Skagway Fishing
Seattle Fishing
Seward Fishing
Oregon Fishing
Captain Jacks
Nautical Jewelry
Seattle Sushi Bar
Beaverton Childcare
Website Optimization
Link Helpers
Pac-Online Service

Area Guides
Fishing the Carolinas
OnlineCoast.com
Coastal Restaurants
Brunswick Cnty NC
Oak Island NC
Southport NC
Bald Head Island, NC
Ocean Isle, NC
Holden Beach NC
Myrtle Beach SC
Wilmington NC
Old Southport NC
Asheville NC
Charlotte NC
Hickory NC
Raleigh NC
SouthPortDesign.com

HindSight Fishing Charters World Class Website Award



 
Reservations | Mailing List | Advertise | Add URL   
 Reservations:  (530) 365-5833
 
 
 special thanks to steve h
California Licensed & Bonded
Licensed & Bonded

© 1999-2005 River Pirate Guide Service
All bait and tackle provided
CA license required
top Up to six anglers