This spring is shaping up to be a Striped bass season to remember. From the California Delta to the turbid waters of the Sacramento and Feather Rivers, river guides and anglers alike have been cashing in on some of the best fishing in recent years.  It's not just limits in the boats who are out on the water, its limits and all you want fishing throughout the day.  Many guides could have limits for their clients within the first hour of their fishing trip, and that's not an exaggeration.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin delta Striped bass fishery has been very good as well and is likely to continue for many, many weeks to come.  The San Joaquin side of the delta is still fishing the best and currently has great water temps and visibility.  With the impending high water releases from Shasta and Oroville Dams, the Sacramento River side of the delta will surely slow in fishing productivity.

Most of the Striped bass I've been catching, both in the Delta and Feather River, have yet to spawn.  This means more good Striper fishing until they spawn and head back down river.  Many long time guides agree that there will be good Striper fishing in the Sacramento and Feather Rivers well into June this year.  With poor salmon runs forecasted this year, this Striper fishery just might keep a lot of people in the fishing industry in business.

Just about every technique for catching Stripers is working well right now, at least until flows go up again. When the water releases begin again, many anglers will resort back to fishing the slow edges of the Sacramento and Feather Rivers.  Once again, you will see lots of boats anchored up and lots of live minnows hanging over the rails.  This minnow plunking was a relatively new experience for me this year, but let me tell you, it works!

If you have never been Striper fishing, its truly something you should consider doing this year. Pound for pound, Stripers are some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish available to us here in Northern California.  Lots of hard pulling fish means lots of fun and a supply of fresh fillets for fish tacos. Fishing just doesn't get any better on the water than it is right now.  I'm switching over to Kokanee salmon on Whiskeytown Lake, but there are a lot of great guides out there who have openings and can get you out on the water to catch these amazing Striped bass.