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Sacramento's Premier AM River Charter | Gotta Lovitt

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • $300 - $350 price range

Summary

Get ready for prime fishing with this early morning charter on Sacramento's top waters. You'll meet up with Richard Lovitt, your local guide, at 5 AM to catch the best bite times. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of personal attention as you target Striper, Salmon, Shad, and Trout. Richard knows these rivers like the back of his hand and will put you on the most productive spots. He'll set you up with quality gear and share his insider knowledge to help you land some impressive catches. This trip is perfect if you want to make the most of those golden morning hours when fish are most active. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to improve your technique, Richard's expertise will help you get the most out of your time on the water. At $300 per person, it's a great way to kick off your day with some serious fishing action.
Sacramento's Premier AM River Charter | Gotta Lovitt

Sacramento River Catches

previous-image
One angler fishing in CA

Striped bass caught fishing in CA

3 small fishing catches at Waterford

Striped bass fishing in Waterford

Striped bass fishing catch in CA

4 big fish caught while fishing in Waterford

Caught a 30-inch pink salmon while fishing in CA

Fishing in California with a big 36-inch fish

Angler with fishing rod in CA

Striped bass caught in CA

One angler fishing in CA

Striped bass caught fishing in CA

3 small fishing catches at Waterford

Striped bass fishing in Waterford

Striped bass fishing catch in CA

4 big fish caught while fishing in Waterford

Caught a 30-inch pink salmon while fishing in CA

Fishing in California with a big 36-inch fish

Angler with fishing rod in CA

Striped bass caught in CA

One angler fishing in CA

Striped bass caught fishing in CA

3 small fishing catches at Waterford

Striped bass fishing in Waterford

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Sacramento's Sunrise Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the water when the fish are biting? Join me, Richard Lovitt, for an early morning charter that'll have you casting lines as the sun peeks over the horizon. We're talking prime time fishing, folks. This 5 AM start puts you right in the sweet spot when the big ones are most active. Whether you're after hard-fighting stripers or the elusive salmon, we'll be on 'em before most anglers have had their first cup of coffee.

Trip Overview

Here's the deal: we launch at 5 AM sharp from our secret spot on the Sacramento River. I've got room for up to 4 anglers, so bring your buddies or come solo - either way, you're in for some serious action. We'll spend the morning targeting whatever's running hot - could be stripers, salmon, shad, or trout. I provide all the top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a thermos of coffee. This isn't some cookie-cutter tour; it's a hands-on fishing experience with a local who knows these waters like the back of his hand.

What to Expect on the Water

Listen up, because this ain't your average day of fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're after. For stripers, we might be tossing swimbaits or working the bottom with cut bait. If it's salmon season, get ready to troll with plugs or bounce roe off the bottom. Shad fishing? It's all about the light tackle and small jigs. And for trout, we'll finesse some flies or drift some bait. I'll show you the ropes, but be prepared to get your hands dirty. We're not here to watch - we're here to catch fish.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been pulling in some monster stripers - talking 30-pounders that'll test your drag and your biceps. The salmon runs have been solid too, with some bright chromers in the 20-pound class hitting the deck. Shad fishing's been lights out when they're running, and the trout action? Well, let's just say you might want to bring an extra memory card for your camera.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Shad: These "poor man's tarpon" might not be the biggest, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the river. They usually show up in late spring, and when they're on, it's non-stop action. These silver bullets will test your light tackle skills and provide some of the best fun you can have with a rod in your hand.

Striped Bass: The kings of the Sacramento River, stripers are the bread and butter of our fishery. These brutes can top 50 pounds, and they fight like they've got something to prove. They're here year-round, but the best action is usually in spring and fall. When a big striper hits, hold on tight - it's like hooking into a Mack truck with fins.

Lake Trout: Don't let the name fool you - we catch these bad boys in the river too. Lakers are the ghosts of the deep, often hanging in the cooler, deeper holes. They're not the fastest, but they're stubborn fighters that can push 20 pounds or more. Fall is prime time for these tasty devils, and they make for some fantastic table fare.

Chum Salmon: These bulldogs of the salmon world might not get as much press as their Chinook cousins, but they're a blast to catch. They show up in the fall, usually weighing 8-12 pounds, and they've got an attitude problem - which is exactly what we want! When they're fresh from the ocean, they're chrome-bright and full of fight.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get a kick out of every trip. There's something special about being on the water as the world wakes up. The mist rising off the river, the sound of that first big fish smashing your bait - it's addictive. And let's be honest, the bragging rights don't hurt either. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, I'll put you on fish and make sure you have a day to remember.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, here's the bottom line: if you want to experience some of the best fishing Sacramento has to offer, this is your chance. We're talking prime time, premium spots, and a guide who eats, sleeps, and breathes this river. At $300 per angler, it's a steal for a morning of world-class fishing. But here's the kicker - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're serious about getting in on this action, don't wait. Give me a shout, and let's get you on the books. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon may not be the biggest salmon, but they're feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. Most range from 8-15 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. We find them in coastal rivers from late summer through fall as they run upstream to spawn. Look for chums in faster water like riffles and tailouts. They hit hard and make blistering runs, often cartwheeling across the surface. While not as prized for eating as other salmon, smoked chum is delicious. To entice a strike, try drifting colorful flies or eggs under a float. My go-to setup is a pink or chartreuse jig under a bobber - chums can't seem to resist it. Just be ready for an explosive take when they grab it!

Chum Salmon

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the kings of cold, deep water. These big char average 5-15 pounds but can top 40 pounds in some lakes. We find them suspended over deep basins, usually 30-100 feet down. Spring and fall are best as the fish move shallower. Lakers are prized for their fight and delicious flesh. They make long, powerful runs and really test your stamina on light tackle. To land a trophy, try jigging or trolling big spoons and minnow-imitating lures near underwater points and shoals. The key is finding the right depth - these fish are very temperature-sensitive. My top tip: use your electronics to locate schools of baitfish. The lakers won't be far behind.

Lake Trout

Shad

Shad are a feisty little fish that pack a lot of fun into a small package. Most run 2-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. We find them in the Sacramento River from spring through fall, usually in 10-30 feet of water near current seams and eddies. May and June are peak months when they're running upstream to spawn. Anglers love shad for their acrobatic jumps and hard pulls. They're also tasty eating if you don't mind the bones. To hook into shad, I like using small, brightly colored jigs or flies. Cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally with the current - that's when they tend to strike. Keep your line tight and be ready for some fast action when a school moves through.

Shad

Striped Bass

Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills and gear. We get some big ones in the Sacramento area, with 10-20 pounders common and 30+ pound fish possible. Look for stripers around structure like pilings, rocks, and drop-offs. They love moving water, so target areas with good current. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the fish migrate. Stripers hit hard and make powerful runs - hang on tight! They're also excellent eating. To land a trophy, try live bait like shad or anchovies near dawn or dusk. Or toss big swimbaits and topwaters for an exciting surface bite. Just remember to fish the tide changes for best results.

Striped Bass

About the Gotta Lovitt Guide

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 1

Manufacturer Name: Kodiak V8

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Rise and shine, early birds! This AM Charter Trip with Richard Lovitt gets you on the water at 5:00 AM sharp, just as the Sacramento River comes alive. You'll be casting lines when the fish are most active and hungry, giving you a real shot at landing some impressive catches. Whether you're after stripers, salmon, shad, or trout, Richard knows all the prime spots to maximize your chances. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and expert tips from your guide. Richard provides quality gear, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. This trip is perfect for dedicated anglers who want to make the most of those golden morning hours on the water. Don't miss out on this chance to fish Sacramento's top waters during the best time of day. Grab your coffee, meet Richard at the launch site, and get ready for a productive morning of fishing. Book your spot now and set yourself up for some serious angling action!
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Discover Sacramento’s premier fishing adventures with Gotta Lovitt Guide! Ready for an unforgettable day on the water? Book your trip today and reel in the excitement!

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