Sacramento River Fishing Report | February 2026
The report at a glance
Depth
Specific depths not called out. Jeff fishes beads near the bottom behind spawning salmon, where dislodged eggs run down the current and waiting trout hold and feed.
Presentation
Bobber dogging with beads that imitate single salmon eggs coming loose from the redds. For the coming move to Shasta, Jeff plans to run Brad's cut plugs stuffed with tuna off divers and side planers, along with Catch America spoons. The Junior Optimizer Slimline has been very productive for spring browns.
Lures and baits
Beads carry the Sacramento River trout program right now.
At Shasta, Brad's cut plugs stuffed with tuna and Catch America spoons, with the Junior Optimizer Slimline a spring standout in a range of colors.
Advice for this week
Fish beads behind spawning salmon, where trout stack up waiting for eggs to dislodge. When you shift to trolling for browns, run cut plugs off divers and side planers, and do not be afraid to work through colors until one produces.
What is changing
Salmon are in the river now and spawning, dropping single eggs into their redds, with hungry rainbow trout holding behind the redds to feed on dislodged eggs.
Next week
The Sacramento River should run strong through March, with guide trips still available. Jeff then shifts to Shasta Lake for spring browns and promised an update on that fishery next month.
Notable catch
Rainbow trout to about 6 pounds this year, with a lot of fish running 16 to 18 inches.
The Sacramento River is fishing well for rainbow trout in February 2026. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big rainbows, some in the 6 pound range with many at 16 to 18 inches, by bobber dogging beads behind spawning king salmon that are dropping eggs. On Shasta Lake he will fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons for browns.
What is biting on the Sacramento River right now?
Rainbow trout, and the fishing is productive. Capt. Jeff Goodwin is catching big, beautiful rainbows, a few in the 6 pound range this year and many running 16 to 18 inches. King salmon are in the river spawning, and hungry trout stack behind them to feed on dislodged eggs.
How is Jeff catching the Sacramento River rainbows?
Bobber dogging with beads. He fishes beads that imitate the single eggs salmon drop into their redds. The trout sit back and wait for eggs to wash down the bottom, so beads are king for Jeff right now. Water-tested trout and steelhead beads are coming soon to Catch America.
How long will the Sacramento River bite last?
The Sacramento River should run strong through March, and Jeff has a couple more weeks on this fishery before he shifts to Shasta Lake. Guides are available to run trips while the egg bite stays hot behind the spawning salmon.
What will Jeff fish on Shasta Lake next?
He plans to fish Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, run off divers and side planers. He will also push Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons, which have been very productive in spring for browns.
What are the Shasta Lake conditions?
Good. The lake is in great condition with minimal debris and nice, cool water temperatures, which is exactly what is needed. Jeff will report an update on the Shasta fishery next month as he transitions off the Sacramento River.
Watch the full report
Sacramento River February 2026 FAQ
Big rainbow trout, some in the 6 pound range and many at 16 to 18 inches.
Bobber dogging with beads that imitate salmon eggs behind spawning kings.
Spawning king salmon drop eggs into their redds, and trout wait to feed on them.
It should run strong through March.
Brad's Kokanee Cut Plugs and Mini Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna, plus Junior Optimizer Slimline spoons.
The Junior Optimizer Slimline has been very productive.
Great condition with minimal debris and cool water temperatures.
