Local anglers are enthusiastically anticipating this year's "double salmon opener" on the Feather and Sacramento rivers. This year's salmon seasons will reflect an increase in opportunities for local anglers compared to the previous four years. Feather River anglers will be allowed to fish for salmon from July 16 to Dec. 11, from 1,000 feet below the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet downstream to the mouth of the Feather River.

The Sacramento River will be divided into three salmon fishing zones. The lower zone runs from the Highway 113 Bridge near Knight's Landing downstream to the Carquinez Bridge, and will be open for salmon fishing from July 16 through Dec. 11.

The middle Sacramento River zone stretches from 150 feet below the lower Red Bluff [Sycamore] boat ramp downstream to the Highway 113 Bridge boat ramp downstream to the Highway 113 Bridge, and will be open for salmon fishing from July 16 through Dec. 18.

The upper Sacramento River zone goes from the Deschutes River Road Bridge near Anderson, and down to a point 500 feet upstream from the Red Bluff Diversion Dam. This section of river will be open for salmon fishing from Aug. 1 through Dec. 18. On all Central Valley rivers, the daily bag and possession limit is two Chinook salmon. Local guide Kevin Brock is optimistic about the openers. "Both rivers should have decent openers; although the Feather may be a little better. There are a lot more fish than last year in both rivers", said Brock. "Having the opener on both rivers at once will help spread the people out."

Brock added, "With the high water this year, lures should work better than bait. Good choices for boaters will be a silver/chartreuse K15 Luhr Jensen Kwikfish with a sardine wrapper, or a silver/chartreuse #6 Blue Fox Vibrax Spinner from shore. These fresh early-season fish should be bright and beautiful. Don"t be surprised if a salmon over 30 pounds or even larger is caught on opening weekend."

Enthusiasm is running high, noted Dave Ebright at Chico Sportsman's Den. "Local folks are really excited; they can't wait for the opener", observed Ebright. "Everyone is hoping for a good run. Probably more anglers will be on the Sacramento than the Feather; it is a lot easier for them to disperse out along the Sacramento."