Rainbow Trout Of The Sacramento River
Our trip to the Sacramento River was long overdue and provided some of the hottest trout action we’ve ever experienced. Our guide, Tim Stumpf, displayed tremendous boat handling skills in challenging water as he pushed into unfished areas that were loaded with big native Pitt River rainbow trout. Tim’s knowledge of the water and carefully developed techniques kept us consistently on fish and hooked up.
We used a variation of “free-drifting” or “side-drifting”, as it’s sometimes called, using glo bugs. Color and presentation were the key. Free-drifting provides a very natural drift that’s essential in provoking a big native to bite. “Matching the hatch” in selecting color was equally as important. These fish were laying in back of salmon redds intercepting stray eggs. Once we found the right color our glo bugs were a perfect match and were hit with reckless abandon.
The trout averaged a solid 15” with fish in excess of 20” landed and plenty more bigger than that we spooked or caught fleeting glimpses of.
This is a particularly enchanting part of the world. In close proximity to this fishery are dozens of other world class fishing opportunities. In 10 minutes you can be to Lake Shasta, a bass and trout mecca of some reknown. The magnificent Trinity Alps are close by, along with dozens of other top performing lakes, creeks and rivers. I’m looking forward to spending more time in Northern California over the next several years sampling the tremendous diversity and quality fishing that has become synonymous with the area.
| Show#: |
4018 |
| Host: |
Trey Carskadon |
| Guide: |
Tim Stumpf of Tim Stumpf's Guide Service |
| Phone: |
530-246-2358 |
| Location: |
Sacramento, California |
| Species: |
Rainbow Trout |
| Date: |
3/04/01 |
| How: |
"Free-Drifting" and "Side-Drifting" |
| Equipment: |
Gear Rod: 7’6” Fin Nor Medium Spin Rod This rod was perfectly matched to the application. The specific name and model number are: Power Lite IM6 / Model #: PLS726M. This is a two-piece IM6 that’s rated for 10 to 17’ test. Reel: Fin Nor Light Spinning This reel matched up very nicely and was well balanced with the rod. Nice drag, very reliable, with a long cast spool. Model: Estima ES 300. Line: 8 lb. Trilene XT Lures: Glo bugs, small flatfish |
| Environment Conditions: |
Water conditions low and clear |
| Tips: |
Special Note: This is regulated as a catch-and-release fishery. |
