Fishing Journal and News - Cal Fishing Guides & Reports

Bass Fishing Basics

Fishing for bass can be a bit different from fishing for salmon or trout. It’s helpful to know what bait to use, and where the bass tend to hide. Here we will cover some bass fishing tips to get you started.

Bass Fishing Basics

When it comes to the bass fishing basics, there are two main tips to learn: What bait to use, and what type of weather is optimal. Below are the reasons why:

What Bait to Use

Choose a type of bait that is similar to what they would be hunting for in the area that the bass live. Bass can feed on anything from plastic worms and crawfish, to small bait fish like minnows and sardines. Try to match your bait to the food that is currently attracting the bass in its environment.

The bass could also be eating something specific depending on the season and what is available to it. Some bass fisherman say that the rule to seasonal bait is to use anything that resembles crawfish earlier in the year, and using silver colored or chromatic type of bait that resembles shad during the summer months.

Save Your Bait

If possible, you can save shreds of previous bait instead of throwing them out. Bass are aggressive hunters when they’re hungry. They usually stay covered (by rocks, grass, boat docks, etc.) somewhere in hiding waiting for prey to unknowingly pass them so they can attack and feast by surprise. Bass will take anything they can to eat and are known to be attracted to a target that is already injured. If you have something that has already been nibbled on, keep using it when you are out seeking bass.

Know the Weather

Before you head out to go fishing, know what the upcoming forecast will be and plan around that. Fish act differently when the weather changes. The clouds make bass fish more active and eager to go hunting. When there is more sunlight, bass tend to be in hiding waiting for prey to pass them by. The best time to fish is during overcast or while a wall of clouds are coming through before some rain. Bass are also known to be stimulated by a wind.

In Conclusion

It helps to know the bass fishing basics before heading out on the boat and casting your line into the water. It’s important for any angler (expert or novice) to understand bass and the relationship they have with their environment, because knowing this will make for a successful fishing trip. However, no matter what fish you’re going after and wherever you end up fishing, always remember to be patient and remain persistent. Here at Sac River Guide, we are prepared to answer all your fishing needs, and take you to the best locations to catch various fish.

When is Trout Season in California?

When is trout season in California? Fortunately, you can fish for trout year-round in California. California has some of the best spots in the world to go trout fishing any day. While you can go trout fishing every day, part of the year you cannot take the fish with you. This is when trout season comes into play. Trout season is the best time to catch trout and keep some for yourself. The number of fish you can take may vary according to where you are fishing. This is mainly to promote sustainable fishing.

When is Trout Season in California

When is Trout Season in California?

Trout season is year -round fishing on the Sacramento River. We like to practice the catch and release method year- round, although April through November you are allowed to retain 2 hatchery trout per angler. The trout fishing regulations vary across the state and depend on the area fishing and the body of water you are fishing. There are also days dedicated for free fishing, normally scheduled in July and September of every year.

Trout Season

Trout fishing in most spots is only allowed from an hour before sunrise, to an hour after the sun has set. Some spots are open to fish up to two hours from sunset. Night fishing is not allowed in most places.

Rules to Follow When Trout Fishing

Following the fishing regulations handed down by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are extremely important. These regulations cover all year round fishing for trout and all species for fishing in California. Some of these rules include:

When is Trout Season in California

Fishing License

A California Fishing License from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is the first step that one must take before fishing. Any person sixteen years and over is required to have a fishing license to fish at any time of the year.

Fishing Limits

Fishing limits and bag limit are very important and can be found in the handbook provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Different areas of the river will have different limits so it’s smart to know exactly what area you are fishing, the town and landmarks, such as bridges and dams, as to be able to correctly identify the body of water and be able to follow the laws written in the Fish & Game Regulation handbook regarding that specific area.

To Summarize

In conclusion, trout fishing is one of the best ways to bond with your friends or family. So, when is trout season in California? There are areas that trout fishing is a year-round activity, and the Sacramento River, California’s largest river, out of Redding, California is a great place to start your fishing adventures. Trout fishing in California is a great way to spend quality time together. Sac River Guides and California Fishing Guides is ready to help you prepare your bait, and catch several trout.

Types of Live Fish Bait

There are many different types of live fish bait used in various regions. Whether you’re a beginner or expert fisherman, it helps not only to know how to rig live bait, but also how to use it and for what species to use it for. Here are some of the most popular options for fish you would find in freshwater.

Types of Live Fish Bait

Worms: Red Worms and Nightcrawlers
Insects: Mealworms, Wax Worms (grubs), Grasshoppers and Crickets
Minnows: Golden Shiners, Flatheads, Creek Chubs and Suckers

Fishing with Live Worms

Worms are the most common types of a live bait option. They’re a staple and you’ll typically have an easy time finding red worms and nightcrawlers at your local bait shop. Alternatively, you can dig them up in your backyard. They’re often stored or sold in breathable-lid foam containers. A dozen or two dozen worms should be sufficient for a day of fishing. Essentially, all freshwater species love worms, but they’re best used to target small bass near shore or off the dock. Red worms, on the other hand, are great for Rainbow Trout in stocked lakes and streams.

Fishing with Insects

Insects are typically readily available as bait, but they’re the least common type of live fish bait. Grasshoppers and crickets are a great option when targeting trout in small streams and grubs are a default option for ice fishing. Hoppers come in cardboard boxes or small crates, while grubs are typically sold in plastic pucks. Keep them dry and try to avoid too much heat.

Fishing with Live Minnows

Minnows will typically catch larger fish, but they’re the most challenging types of fish bait. Getting the best results with minnows involves providing lively minnows near their natural location where the fish you’re after are feeding. This will often be near the bottom, where cover such as boulders, vegetation and rocks are present. However, you also need to consider the outlay of the water body, such as hump, point or drop off as well as structure (changes in depth). You can use Minnows to catch Striped Bass.

In Conclusion

Understanding the different types of live fish bait helps you to fish better. If you’re a beginner, you can start with nightcrawlers along with a sinker to catch fish such as Rainbow Trout. Over time, you’ll be ready to target larger fish such as various Bass and Trout, along with King and Kokanee Salmon. Whether you are looking to catch a specific fish, or spend a day out on the river, our guides here at SAC River Guide are ready to help you meet your fishing goals.

River Fishing Tips and Tricks

River fishing is one of the most relaxing freshwater fishing experiences out there. Before going out on the water, you’ll need to ensure your tackle box and fishing poles are ready for the type of fish you’re looking to catch. In some cases, wading out on the river can be more rewarding than staying on shore. So, are you looking for some river fishing tips and tricks? Here we will cover everything you need to know for your upcoming fishing trip. Check out the latest fish reports and boat counts.

River Fishing Tips and Tricks

When it comes to fishing in rivers, it’s important be aware of proper techniques, and the best locations in the river. Below we will cover three different techniques to use when river fishing, as well as four locations to try fishing at.

Techniques for River Fishing

Upstream

In-line spinners may be used to try to catch rainbow or brown trout via upstream casting. This technique seeks to emulate the natural motion of fish food as they go downstream. Get the spinner upstream, then reel the lure by following the river’s flow.

Bottom Bounce

Fishing hobbyists can use Carolina Rigs to try to bottom-bounce soft plastic or live bait in line with the river current. This technique is especially useful if you’re going for small mouth bass, and when fishing along deep cuts and channels.

Best Spots to Catch Fish in a River

When fishing in rivers, think of spots where fish might naturally hide to protect themselves from predators. Examples include bank structures, overhanging branches and calmer currents.

Near Large Rocks or Islands

Check and see if there are any large rocks or small islands in the middle of the river. Fish like to rest facing upstream on these locations as they’re relatively calmer than other areas.

On Stumps and Clumps of Vegetation

Are there any trees or bushes with overhanging brushes or vegetation? These areas provide shade and protection for fish, and they’ll likely choose this spot when they’re resting.

Eddies

In river fishing, the calmer the water, the higher the chances of finding (and successfully baiting) fish. Simply casting to the spot won’t do, instead California Fishing Guides recommends casting the rod upstream and allow the lure to drift along the calmer areas.

Converging Currents

Check and see if there are any shifts and changes that indicate converging currents or drop-offs. These spots will contain plenty of drifting food sources and are good places for fish to rest or feed in.

In Conclusion

With enough practice, and the right use of lure and fishing techniques, you will be reeling in an impressive catch in no time. The key to perfecting these river fishing tips and tricks is to practice and keep a keen eye on your surroundings. Be patient, allow the lure to settle naturally, and you’ll have a fish sooner than you’d think. More importantly, relax, settle down and enjoy your time out on the river. No matter what type of fish you’re trying to catch, our guides here at SAC River Fishing Guide are prepared to help you catch the big one.