Sacramento River
Sacramento River Boating Guide
The Sacramento River is a fantastic escape from everyday stressors and the summer heat. The 375 miles of river flowing from Mount Shasta to the San Francisco Bay is California’s largest river. There are many scenic touring trips throughout this river, which provide a breath-taking view of Sacramento. This river attracts over 8 million visitors a year for fishing, boating, swimming, and site-seeing activities. Propular tour routes along the Sacramento River include a 21-mile trip from Redding to Balls Ferry and a 33-mile trip from Balls Ferry to Red Bluff.
Wildlife and Fishing
Sacramento’s salmon fishery is among the most abundant in the state. Over 70% of the salmon caught in California occurs in the Sacramento River, and generates over 100 million dollars annually.
The riverside forests ribboning the river also home a habitat of diverse wildlife. Some of the mammals commonly seen include deers, river otters, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Other animals commonly seen include tutles and 200 different species of diverse birds.
Fish commonly found in the Sacramento include chinook salmon, pacific lampret, rainbow trout, striped bass, blueguil, Sacramento suchers, and various others.
Attractions
Sacramento River has an array of remote islands, ranging from small to large. Since many of these islands are only accessible by boat, you will most likely have a lot of privacy. Some of the popular islands include Twitchell Island, Sherman Island, and Decker Island. These islands are open for you to explore as you wish.
Near every cluster of docks and free achorage points lay more points of interest. From little restaurants to RV camps with cabins, you will surely find something interesting.
Some of the popular restaurants located along the Sacramento River include Crawdads on the River, Swabbies on the River Restaurant & Bar, and Rio City Cafe.
Boating Safety
In order to boat in the Sacramento River, we recommend your boating skills are equal to Class 2 level difficulty. Despite the calm appearance of the river, cold water, overhanging trees and strong eddies pose threats to unaware boaters.
River flow and hazards change daily. We recommend you make yourself aware of the Sacramento River flow conditions before setting sale. In order to find out the most up-to-date river flow conditions for the Sacramento River, call the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation at (916) 275-1554.
Alcohol and boating can be a DEADLY MIX. Alcohol consumption can result in an inability to react safely during a dangerous situation.