Northern California Spring Fishing Season

Striped Bass

Feather River, Sacramento River

With the epicenter of California Striped Bass fishing not far from the State capital of Sacramento, this wonderful fishery is convenient to get to, and typically includes warm weather and a ton of bent rods!

It is not unusual to catch 20-50 fish in a day of fishing, and while these fish usually average 4-6lbs, there are fish caught over the 50lb mark every year. Good weather and lots of hookups makes for a great time to bring out the whole family or introduce your children to fishing.

To top it off these fish are fabulous table fare! Fishing is done out of my powerboat and can accommodate up to 6 fishermen. Fishing here begins around the beginning of April and will last till mid May most years.

Spring Chinook Salmon

Klamath River, Trinity River

Spring Chinook or "Springers" are considered by many to be the best eating salmon in the world! Because these fish reside 4-5 months longer in freshwater than their fall run brethren, their fat content is extremely high. This results in an incredibly rich, delicious salmon.

In the Klamath, fishing for these fish is done while on anchor in my powerboat, waiting for the fish to swim by and pick up our lures. This is a very relaxing fishery, but when a fish latches on, pandemonium ensues! In addition, I will cook a hot breakfast and provide coffee while we wait for one of our rods to bend. I can accommodate up to 6 anglers for this fishery. 

Fishing for Springers on the Trinity is limited but there is a period every spring when flows are conducive to intercept salmon on their way to the hatchery. This time frame changes every year and is dependent on how much water is being released from Lewiston dam. Springer fishing on the Trinity is done out of the drift boat and can accommodate 3 anglers.

The spring run of salmon gets underway the latter half of May and will continue through June.