You know that silence when you wake up at 5 AM and it is already 75 degrees outside? Summer in Sacramento is not just about blasting the AC and hiding in Folsom Lake. It is the prime time for people who know where to look.
And here is why summer 2026 is special.
The King is back on his throne. After three years of silence and a full fishing ban, Chinook salmon season is open again. July 16 is the start on most parts of the Sacramento River. You can keep two fish per day, but no more than four total. The population crashed because of the drought. But after good water years and serious restoration work, the fish are running. Biologists expect between 250,000 and 300,000 returning adults. That is the best number in recent memory. Most of these fish are four years old. They grew up in silence during the ban. People say the average weight will be around 25 to 35 pounds.
But salmon is not the only story. Summer heat moves fish and changes your gear.
Want to catch striped bass? Go to the Delta. That is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet. In June and August, striped bass are very active. The best tactic is trolling with umbrella rigs or big soft baits along deep channels. The real secret here is the tide. The best bite starts when the water drops and the fish concentrate along the levees in only six inches of water. If you move from place to place as the water warms up, you can hit two strong waves of action in one season.
Tired of the river? Folsom Lake is your natural air conditioner. The water is always cooler than the air around it. In summer, the main targets are largemouth bass and spotted bass. Look for them in the coves among the flooded trees where they hide from the sun. Run your bait right over the branches and get ready for a hard strike. Locals know they bite on senkos and drop shots. For the depth lovers, there is also small Chinook in the lake, caught at 30 to 50 feet deep.
Do not forget the American River Parkway. This is where the city noise fades away. You can fish right in the middle of town under the palm trees. In summer, before the main salmon run starts, the American shad bite is excellent. Bring light spinning rods and bright lures.
In this heat, you need a few tricks. Fish hate the midday sun as much as you do. The best times are early morning and dusk. Trout go deep into cool water layers. For bass, look for shade under bridges and docks. The temperature there is always a couple of degrees lower. If the fish are not biting, switch to a smaller and slower bait. In summer, fish save energy.
Remember that the Sacramento River is expected to have high water flow this year. Always check the current conditions on the CDFW website before you go. And make sure your fishing license is valid.
And here is why summer 2026 is special.
The King is back on his throne. After three years of silence and a full fishing ban, Chinook salmon season is open again. July 16 is the start on most parts of the Sacramento River. You can keep two fish per day, but no more than four total. The population crashed because of the drought. But after good water years and serious restoration work, the fish are running. Biologists expect between 250,000 and 300,000 returning adults. That is the best number in recent memory. Most of these fish are four years old. They grew up in silence during the ban. People say the average weight will be around 25 to 35 pounds.
But salmon is not the only story. Summer heat moves fish and changes your gear.
Want to catch striped bass? Go to the Delta. That is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet. In June and August, striped bass are very active. The best tactic is trolling with umbrella rigs or big soft baits along deep channels. The real secret here is the tide. The best bite starts when the water drops and the fish concentrate along the levees in only six inches of water. If you move from place to place as the water warms up, you can hit two strong waves of action in one season.
Tired of the river? Folsom Lake is your natural air conditioner. The water is always cooler than the air around it. In summer, the main targets are largemouth bass and spotted bass. Look for them in the coves among the flooded trees where they hide from the sun. Run your bait right over the branches and get ready for a hard strike. Locals know they bite on senkos and drop shots. For the depth lovers, there is also small Chinook in the lake, caught at 30 to 50 feet deep.
Do not forget the American River Parkway. This is where the city noise fades away. You can fish right in the middle of town under the palm trees. In summer, before the main salmon run starts, the American shad bite is excellent. Bring light spinning rods and bright lures.
In this heat, you need a few tricks. Fish hate the midday sun as much as you do. The best times are early morning and dusk. Trout go deep into cool water layers. For bass, look for shade under bridges and docks. The temperature there is always a couple of degrees lower. If the fish are not biting, switch to a smaller and slower bait. In summer, fish save energy.
Remember that the Sacramento River is expected to have high water flow this year. Always check the current conditions on the CDFW website before you go. And make sure your fishing license is valid.
This summer will be hot in every way. Salmon is back. The Delta is full of bass. The lake offers shade and trophy fish.