Salmon Fishing Guides of Northern California, operating as Championship Sportfishing Outfitters and 916Fish.com, is led by Captain Brandon Beachum, who has guided salmon fishing on the Feather River since 1994. Based in Sacramento, Brandon fishes daily across the Sacramento, Feather, and American Rivers, the California Delta, San Francisco Bay, and valley lakes, earning a reputation as one of California’s top fishing guides.
The business targets Salmon, Steelhead, Shad, Striped Bass, Sturgeon, Trout, Kokanee, Halibut, and Rockfish depending on the season and location. Feather River king salmon trips use back-trolling flatfish lures, casting spinners, and drifting roe, with the most productive stretch running between Yuba City and Oroville. Spring brings Delta striper trips, following migrating schools upriver, with striped bass up to 40+ lbs common and Captain Brandon known for a strong track record on trophy-sized fish. Late fall Sacramento River salmon trips (Colusa to Red Bluff) focus on quality over quantity, targeting larger, older fish in quieter, cooler-water conditions — a 53.85 lb salmon has been landed on one of these trips. Trout and steelhead trips round out the offering, set against Sacramento River scenery that includes bald eagles, golden eagles, wild turkey, deer, bobcats, and wild pigs.
The fleet includes a 21-foot river jet boat for freshwater trips and a 30-foot six-pack vessel (“Champion”) for Delta sturgeon and striper trips on Suisun Bay, plus San Francisco Bay saltwater trips for salmon, stripers, sturgeon, halibut, and rockfish via a sister operation, SFBayFish.com.
With 17 reviews on Yelp, guests consistently praise Captain Brandon for his hard work, clean boat, punctuality, and genuine care in creating memorable trips for both experienced anglers and first-timers, including kids catching their first striper.
For anglers looking for an experienced, multi-decade fishing guide across the Sacramento, Feather, and American Rivers, the Delta, or San Francisco Bay, Salmon Fishing Guides of Northern California offers a well-reviewed operation with Captain Brandon Beachum.
