Salmon fishing in northen california.?

Question

I fish regularly but usually go for catfish and bass. Never been salmon fishing and would like to know a good spot for salmon in northen california.

Note: i don't fish in the marina.

Answer 1

Several places to go at different times of the year. You can check the seasons for ocean run Salmon from Monterey north. I have had excellent results fishing the Sacramento River in the Red Bluff, Redding area. The season usually starts the 1st of August and I have fished as late as late Oct. the best quality fish come early in August as they still have their silver color. You can also fish the Trinity river in the late spring, where the fish are not as big, but usually are bright silver still and very firm. The best way to fish these areas is from a boat, power on the Sacramento, and a drift boat on the Trinity. I would recommend finding a guide service if you are just starting out. There also are Salmon in the American River at different times of the year. Check the Ca. Fish and Game web site for openings and closing as the dates will vary from year to year. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I live in the REAL Northern California, and Fishsteelhead has some good suggestions but you cannot TAKE any fish from the Mattole, the Van Duzen or the Eel Rivers. It is strictly -catch-and-release- You can fish, barbless and no bait once the level of water is high enough again but you can't take anything home :(

Trinity and Klamath are your best bets if you are going for Salmon or Steelhead. Like FishSteelhead says, "Read the regs" I bank fish a lot on these smaller rivers and do very well for myself.

Answer 3

I don't think there are any salmon that far south. I've heard that they catch salmon in the Sacramento river up north of you. Check with the local sporting good dealer. They should be able to tell you what there is to fish for in your area.

Answer 4

There be quite a few rivers in Northern CA., just wonderin' what you mean by Northern CA.? My two personal favorites for both Salmon and Steelhead be the Mattole outta' of Petrolia (south of Eureka) and the Trinity (Bob's mention), which is west of Redding.
Links below will show maps of areas and other one be a site for Salmon and Steelie fishin'. The two map links aren't detailed but just search on the Internet for them, if they ain't too far North for ya'? Hope this helped, somewhat ;)...
Trinity River :
http://www.trinityriverrafting.com/map.html (This is off a raftin' site but it'll give an idea of the river).
Mattole River :
http://www.northcoastweb.com/fishing/rivers/matt/SPOT_MAT.HTM
Steelhead and Salmon info.. (good site hold onto it ;) )
http://www.steelheader.net/home/default.shtml

EDIT : On Bob's mention of you checkin' with the DF&G, brought ta' mind that a lot of rivers in CA., can only be fished with barbless hooks. Been fishin' them for a lotta' time and it just slipped my mind ~ brains weathered ;(...

Answer 5

Definately out on a boat - north of the golden gate is usually the best. Many go out of the Mendecino - Fort Bragg area.....colder water to your north = better fishing. We used to go out of Monterey and surrounding areas......fishing for the last couple of years has been spotty due to El Nino currents (warmer water).

Answer 6

ever heard of a website called google?