Northern California Dreaming

When you look north from the sandy beaches of Southern California with a little imagination you can almost make out the cold rivers, mountain creeks and rocky coastline far to the north. You may as well be headed to an alien world. There’s no denying how fantastic the saltwater fishing in Southern California is, but any Californian angler knows the potential held in the giant rivers to the north. The San Joaquin, The Sacramento, The Klamath and others are all world famous and even though the quality of fishing is hardly what it once was, there is still fishing and scenery unlike most other states in the country. 

Join us in exploring some of the superb waterways flowing through the northern section of the Golden State. From lakes, to massive rivers, to creeks, which hold everything from stripers to bass to trout. 

The Delta 

Possibly the most famous fishing water in the state. The Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers join together to form a massive waterway flowing into San Francisco Bay and then the Pacific. This massive network of rivers and sloughs was once home to one of the greatest king salmon runs in the lower 48. But even with tenuous salmon numbers and oft closed salmon seasons, the delta still offers unmatched fishing. 

Striped bass were introduced to the Delta in the 1870s and today its estimated that millions of stripers still travel up the delta every year.  

American shad are another introduced species that still thrives today and offers a great fight on light tackle.

Other species worth note are largemouth bass, sturgeon, catfish, trout, steelhead and more. 

Clear Lake. Best bass fishing in the West?

Tucked into the rolling hills separating the Central Valley and the coast, and locally referred to as the bass capital of the West, Clear Lake is a warm water bass haven. The 68 square mile lake is the state’s largest natural, freshwater lake and plays host to multiple bass tournaments. Crappie, bluegill, carp and catfish are also prevalent and available to target. 

The lake’s largest bass weighed in at over 17 pounds and while the record has stood for over 30 years, anglers are sure the new record is waiting in the weedbeds somewhere. 

Recent fires have devastated the surrounding vegetation, but the lake still offers beautiful local views and a great relief from the oppressive central valley summer heat.

The new, old Klamath 

The Klamath may originate in Oregon, but most of its water runs through northern California. This historic salmon and steelhead fishery was damned for years, which seriously affected the native fish populations. Now, however, with the removal of the four dams, the river is running free for the first time in over a century. The data isn't out yet on how the dam removal will affect salmon populations, but returning salmon have already been spotted in areas they haven't inhabited in over 100 years.

Other species available to anglers are various year round and sea-run trout species and steelhead. Bank fishing, fishing access sites, large stretches of public land and floating opportunities are all viable options for fishing the newly freed river. Needless to say, wherever you plan on fishing, you will be doing within towering conifer trees, mountain backdrops,and newly cleared water that Northern California has to offer.

Small water wonderland

The Sierra Nevadas on the east and the coastal mountains to the west both feature countless snow fed creeks draining into the greater Sacramento Valley. Pick just about any highway or road going up into the mountains and you’re bound to find beautiful pocket water full of hungry rainbows.

If small water is your preferred fishing style, or you’re looking to get a child their first tight line, small creeks are a must. Mill Creek, Deer Creek, Battle Creek and the Truckee River are just some examples of small water fisheries with countless others flowing from the mountains. California has the third most public land of any state in the country and lucky for anglers, most high mountain creeks are completely accessible from National Forest land. Mid-summer will be the best time for water levels and your best time to check these small water paradises out. Make sure and check your local regulations, but many creeks are open to all types of fishing like live bait, lures, flies, or catch and keep 

The Pacific Ocean. Heard of it?

There’s a small body of water when you look out west, called the Pacific it is vastly different from its So Cal counterpart. The cold, rocky, waters are home to various species of rock and kelp bass, ling cod, salmon and halibut. Cities like Fort Brag, Bodega Bay, Shelter Cove and even San Francisco are classic fishing cities with excellent opportunities even during changing regulations, the north coast is accessible by beach, by dock, or by local guide and should be looked into for a truly unique trip.

Wherever you are in the Golden State, (except maybe Death Valley) most likely you’re not too far from some great fishing. North, south, coastal, or mountains, California has a robust history of fishing that you can add to.

Now let’s go fishing.