Sacramento River Trolling

I've spent this week learning about the Sacramento River - Walnut Grove area, Miller Park to Sand Cove Park sections.  Navionics depth charts, tide charts, lures, techniques and all.  I've had this poster on my wall as a kid.  It's been a goal to catch a river salmon for a long time.  35 years later, better late than never.  Tips and suggestions for this noob trying to catch a mudsalmon highly appreciated.  I love going out on weekdays, but I'm not able to anymore.  0'dark hundred is when I like to hit the water, or close to it.  One rod is setup for dragging a kwikfish, another for inline spinners.  One thing I wanted to know, is it safe to anchor off(QRAS with a fluke style anchor) and jig the deep spots.

I salmon fish that stretch of the river in a small aluminum boat.  I troll, or drift and jig.  With the 90 degree weather forecast for this weekend, you're going to be dealing with pleasure boaters and fisherman shooting up and down the river.  Some of which have no common sense and will pass you quite close at a high rate of speed.  If I was to brave a kayak, I would hang out near a marina where there's a 5 mph restriction once the idiots show up.  There's a lot of muddy bottom out there.  A fluke anchor will work. 

If your presentation isn't near the bottom, you're missing most of the salmon.  Inline spinners may not work on anchor depending on the current.  Use large flatfish while anchored to get a good action.  Make sure your hooks are sharp.  If there's debris in the water, regularly check your gear to make sure your lure isn't fouled up.  There's also a lot of sunken branches and tree's along the bottom of the river that like to eat tackle.

I was at Roosevelt Cut, right out of Sugar Barge, on Labor Day.  It became a water circus come noon time. Boats churned up the water and we had to get out of the slough.  Tons of boaters speeding, tailgating while speeding, and very close range passing.  Thank you for the insight on the terrain.  I'll have to pick up more flatfish, and then some more of the associated equipment.  What I see on the Navionics webapp vs live sonar when you're out on the water always varies.  I'm probably going to have to pass over these "deep spots" at least once to know what I'm getting into.  You're right about the weather this weekend.  It's still warm out.  I wanted to go next weekend as the forecast will be cooling down, but may have to think about trying to go out on a weekday now.  Thank you Matt!

I troll the river a lot for salmon each year. I always try to troll with with the incoming and against the outgoing. I bounce to be 24" off the bottom with spinners. Jigging can also be very productive but with my pilot house I need windless days which are rare on the delta.

It's been a few years for me since I chased salmon in the river. Don't anchor!! OK in a boat but not safe in a kayak... don't do it!. You can stay near the bottom by peddling your boat (I'm assuming you have a Hobie or another peddle type yak) then slow and feel the weight hit the bottom - peddle again - slow and feel for the bottom - -and repeat. You'll also see current lines going from the topography of the river or structures in the water - make sure you weave in and out of those.

Anchored for about an hour now, near Sand Cove Park. I see stuff passing underneath, but no bites...

I've been wanting to try this in my Yak, but I'm clueless what part of the river to target.
I mainly hear about the norther Sac, but would prefer closer to Sac if possible (shorter drive)
I see a bunch of PB south of Sac on the river, but haven't seen any Kayaks.  current seems slow enough

In addition to trolling, the DWC in W. SAC is supposed to be good for jogging. I’ve seen several caught in front of me. I haven’t been lucky yet. Probably head out there next week.

It was a zoo last Saturday.  A bass tournament was happening at Discovery Park, and lots of boat traffic out on the water by 11AM.  It was a challenge deciding where to anchor.  The river flows South under I-80 and around the bend at Sand Cove, and it gets turbulent in some spots.  I snagged and was trying to pull up on my spreader bar with a Silvertron attached. I brought my pulling sticks that I use for my FG knots, and was pulling and pulling until it broke off the 3oz weight and Silvertron spinner.  Current, current seam, and Eddies are something I just learned, and experienced on Saturday.  In the pic I posted on Saturday, we were in about 18-20 feet of water 30 feet from the bank.  A fluke anchor and 4 foot chain (7.5lbs total weight), was holding my kayak, and my son was tethered off behind me.  All QRS stuff via clam cleats, on both kayaks.  Should we need to separate quickly, no problem.  Throw the paracord out into the water.  Just saw two other 'yaks out on the water.  No one on the bank, 'yaks, or boats caught anything.  Will try again.  I'd like to try the DWC again at the loch, and jig there.  But much cooler weather is needed.

W this "historic" storm coming thru will the fishing improve dramatically w a jump in cfs?