Salmon are one of the most popular and iconic fish species caught by anglers in Sacramento and along the California coast. Their strength, size, and fighting spirit when hooked make them a highly sought after game fish. Knowing when salmon seasons occur can help anglers plan successful fishing trips during the peak times when these fish are abundant in area waters In this in-depth guide, we will cover everything you need to know about salmon seasons in the Sacramento area and provide tips for catching these incredible fish
Overview of Salmon Runs in Sacramento
There are four main runs of salmon that migrate through Sacramento waters and up local rivers to spawn – fall run late fall run winter run, and spring run. Each run gets its name from when the majority of that salmon population returns from the ocean and begins the journey back upstream to spawn.
Fall run salmon start entering the Sacramento River system in July, with numbers peaking in September and October. These are the most abundant salmon in Sacramento. The late fall run enters the rivers later, from October through December. Winter run salmon come in from November to January, while the spring run enters from March to June.
After entering the river system, the salmon will continue swimming upstream until they reach their spawning grounds. They spawn in late summer to fall for spring run salmon, or fall through winter for the other runs. Eggs hatch after 2-3 months, and juvenile salmon will then migrate back downstream and out to the ocean to feed and mature until they return as adults.
Salmon Seasons in Sacramento
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets the recreational salmon fishing seasons and regulations for each year based on projected run sizes, harvest limits, and conservation needs. Seasons will vary by year, so be sure to always check the current regulations Here are the typical opening and closing dates anglers can expect
- Ocean Salmon Season – Opens in early June and can run through October or November depending on the year. This targets fall run salmon as they gather along the coast before entering the Sacramento River.
- Sacramento River – The river may open as early as July 1st or as late as December 1st for fall/late fall runs. Often re-opens again in January for late fall and winter fish. Closes in mid-December.
- American River – Opens late September and closes December 31 targeting fall run salmon.
- Feather River – Opens September 1 and closes December 31 for fall salmon fishing.
Within each season there are often short 2-4 day openings, 1-2 week closures, and varying bag/size limits set by management agencies. Make sure to always check the current salmon regulations before heading out!
Tips for Catching Salmon in Sacramento
The key to success is fishing during the peak of each salmon run when more fish are moving through the area. Here are some tips for putting yourself in the best position to hook Sacramento salmon:
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Time it Right – Fish the beginning of each season when fresh fish are entering the area in peak numbers. The first couple weeks of a new opener are often most productive.
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Find Migratory Bottlenecks – Target spots like creek mouths, channel dropoffs, and current seams where salmon congregate and hold during their upstream migration.
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Use Bright Lures – Salmon respond well to flash and vibration. Spoons, spinners, and plugs in bright chrome, metallic pink, chartreuse, or UV patterns get their attention.
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Go Deep – When fishing rivers, focus on deeper holes, ledges, and pools where salmon hold and rest during their strenuous spawning run.
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Use Heavy Gear – Salmon put up strong fights. Use sturdy rods/reels with 40-65 lb braided line and leaders to control them.
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Check Flows – Salmon migration is triggered by flow. Check river levels and fish during rising flows when more salmon are moving.
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Be Patient – Persistence pays off. Don’t give up if you haven’t hooked up yet. Keep varying lures and techniques.
With their iconic migratory life cycle, salmon provide unique and rewarding fishing opportunities for Sacramento anglers. By understanding the different salmon runs and timing the seasons correctly, you can maximize your chances of catching these hard-fighting fish. Use the tips outlined here to experience the thrill of landing a big salmon during your next Sacramento fishing adventure!
FAQ
When can you fish for salmon in Sacramento?
King Salmon first appear in the Lower Sac mid-July and they have three runs, of which the late fall run is the most productive. The season is usually open from July–December, which gives you plenty of time to get out and start fishing.
Why is California salmon season closed?
The low ocean abundance forecasts and low 2024 returns led the PFMC to recommend very limited fishing for California’s recreational ocean salmon fisheries and continued closure for commercial fishing to help salmon populations rebound from these difficulties.
What is the best month for salmon fishing?
Peak Salmon Runs are May to September
Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November.
What time of year is the salmon run in California?
The salmon runs are: fall, late-fall, winter and spring. Coleman National Fish Hatchery raises three of the four runs; they do not raise spring-run. The Sacramento River system is home to salmon year round-they may be juveniles, eggs or adults, but you can sometimes find salmon if you look in the right places.