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Fishing around Sacramento
AI field guide · refreshed weeklySacramento Fall Fishing: Stripers, Catfish, and Largemouths in Early September
What's biting
Striped Bass
Where: Sacramento River main channel, deeper holes near Folsom and Nimbus dams; American River confluence; Deer Creek sloughs.
Early fall transition—stripers are moving into deeper, cooler water as surface temps stay warm. Fish dawn and dusk with live shad (6–10 cm), anchovies, or swimbaits; work current breaks and structure 3–6 m deep. Trolling shad imitations along the main channel also productive.
Caution: Check current size and bag limits with CDFW; regulations change seasonally.
Largemouth Bass
Where: Sacramento River backwater sloughs, oxbow lakes, and tule-lined edges; Lake Natoma.
Still active in warm water; target early morning and late evening around submerged wood, tule beds, and drop-offs in 1–3 m. Use topwater plugs, soft plastics (4–6 inch), or crankbaits; retrieve slowly in the heat.
Caution: Verify current size and possession limits before fishing.
Channel Catfish
Where: Sacramento River lower reaches, sloughs, and slow-moving backwaters; American River lower sections.
Nocturnal and heat-tolerant—fish after dark with cut mackerel, chicken liver, or stink baits in 1–2 m of slack water. Set lines or use a simple rod-and-reel rig; catfish bite aggressively once the sun sets.
Caution: No specific caution, but confirm current regulations with CDFW.
Carp
Where: Sacramento River sloughs, oxbow lakes, and slow backwater channels; margins with aquatic vegetation.
Abundant year-round; early fall is excellent for sight-fishing in shallows (0.5–1.5 m) at dawn. Use corn, dough balls, or specialized carp baits; cast ahead of cruising fish and wait for a confident take.
Caution: Not regulated as game fish in California; check local rules on any private water.
American Shad
Where: Sacramento River main channel and lower American River, especially near current breaks and deeper pools.
Fall run is underway; shad respond to small spoons (2.5–5 cm), shad darts, and light jigs in 2–4 m. Fish moving water at dawn; retrieve with a steady, moderate pace.
Caution: Verify current season dates and limits with CDFW before fishing.
Best times
Dawn and dusk this week, especially Sept 8–9 before the wind picks up. Catfish and carp fish well after dark. Stripers and shad bite best in current and cooler water early in the morning. Avoid midday heat; water temps remain 27–29°C (81–84°F).
Waters to try
- Sacramento River (main channel and sloughs), American River (lower reaches), Lake Natoma, Deer Creek, Folsom Reservoir (cooler, deeper water for stripers and kokanee), Nimbus Fish Hatchery area.
Regulations
All fishing in California waters is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Check current season dates, size limits, and daily bag limits at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing before you go. Regulations vary by species and water body and change seasonally. A valid California fishing license is required.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗The fishing note for Sacramento, every week
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