What You'll Find at Centimudi Boat Ramp
Centimudi Boat Ramp is a public launch facility on the lower Sacramento River near Orland, California, roughly 100 miles north of Sacramento. The ramp provides direct access to a productive stretch of river used for striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and sturgeon fishing. The facility is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and sits in an agricultural area with minimal development nearby.
The ramp itself is a single-lane concrete launch with a modest parking area. It's best suited for smaller boats — aluminum skiffs, jon boats, and modest center-console rigs — rather than large cabin cruisers. The river here is relatively narrow and moves at a moderate pace, making it manageable for anglers with basic boat-handling skills, though current and seasonal water levels do change the character of the water.
Key Takeaways
- Centimudi is a single-lane public ramp on the lower Sacramento River near Orland, open year-round and free to use with a valid California fishing license.
- The ramp works best for smaller boats under 20 feet; the parking area is limited and fills quickly on weekends during peak seasons.
- Striped bass and largemouth bass are the primary target species, with best fishing from late fall through spring when water temperatures drop.
- Summer water levels can be low and current fast; check with local tackle shops or the Department of Fish and Wildlife for current conditions before launching.
- No fuel, food, or restroom facilities are available at the ramp itself; the nearest services are in Orland, about 10 miles south.
Seasons and Water Conditions
The Sacramento River at Centimudi fishes best from October through April, when water temperatures drop and striped bass move into the lower river to feed. Winter and early spring typically produce the most consistent action, though water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on releases from upstream dams and winter rainfall. December through February is peak season for both striped bass and sturgeon.
Summer (June through August) is slower for striped bass but can produce catfish and largemouth bass in the shallower areas and along the banks. Water levels drop considerably in late summer, and current can become swift. Spring (March through May) is a transition period — water temperatures warm, striped bass move upriver, and the ramp can experience high water and strong current following snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada.
Before launching, check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website for current Sacramento River flow rates and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for any temporary closures or advisories. Local tackle shops in Orland can also provide real-time conditions and recent catch reports.
Species You Can Target
Striped bass are the primary draw at Centimudi. They range from 12 to 30 inches and respond to live bait (shad, herring), soft plastics, and topwater lures. Most stripers are caught by drifting live bait or casting along current breaks and deeper holes. Fall and winter produce the most consistent striped bass fishing.
Largemouth bass inhabit the slower backwater areas and along the banks, especially where vegetation or fallen timber provides cover. They respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater presentations. Spring and early summer are best for largemouth, though they can be caught year-round in the warmer shallows.
Catfish are abundant and often overlooked. They bite readily on chicken liver, cut bait, and prepared stink baits, especially at night and during summer. Sturgeon are present but require patience and specialized tackle; they're most common in winter and respond to live shad or large cut bait fished on the bottom in deeper holes.
Launch Conditions and Boat Suitability
The ramp is a single concrete lane with a moderate slope — adequate for hand-launching small boats or using a trailer winch. The parking area holds roughly 15 to 20 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends during peak season. There is no attendant, no fuel dock, and no boat launch fee. The ramp is open during daylight hours; confirm current hours with the Department of Fish and Wildlife or local ranger stations.
Boats under 20 feet are ideal. The river is narrow enough that larger rigs become difficult to maneuver, and the parking area cannot accommodate long trailers. The ramp itself can be slippery when wet, and the current can be strong — use caution when backing down, especially in spring or after heavy rain. Low-water periods in late summer may expose rocks and debris; scout the launch area before backing in if you're unfamiliar with current conditions.
Regulations and Licensing
All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid California fishing license. Licenses are available online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at many tackle shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is useful if you're visiting from out of state.
Striped bass have a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of two fish. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily bag limit. Sturgeon have a 40-inch minimum and a 1-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no size or bag limit. Regulations change periodically, so check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you fish.
The ramp is located on public land managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Camping is not permitted at the ramp itself, but the area is close to several campgrounds and motels in Orland and nearby communities.
Getting There and Nearby Services
Centimudi Boat Ramp is located off County Road 200 near Orland, in Glenn County. From Interstate 5, take the Orland exit and follow local roads north toward the river. GPS coordinates are approximately 39.75°N, 121.75°W. The drive from Sacramento takes about 90 minutes; from the San Francisco Bay Area, plan for 3 to 3.5 hours.
Orland, about 10 miles south, has fuel, groceries, and restaurants. The nearest tackle shop is in Orland and can provide current conditions, bait, and local knowledge. There are no facilities at the ramp — bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. Several RV parks and motels in Orland serve anglers planning a multi-day trip.
What Makes Centimudi Different
Centimudi is a working-class ramp without the crowds or amenities of larger Sacramento Valley launch sites. It attracts serious striped bass anglers and locals who know the river well. The lack of facilities and limited parking mean it stays quieter than more developed ramps, but it also means you need to be self-sufficient — bring everything you'll need for the day.
The lower Sacramento River at this location is narrower and more intimate than the main stem upriver, which can make for better sight-fishing and more predictable current patterns. If you're comfortable with a small boat and basic river navigation, and you're targeting striped bass or catfish, Centimudi offers solid fishing without the infrastructure overhead of larger facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a launch fee at Centimudi?
No. The ramp is free to use with a valid California fishing license. There is no day-use fee, parking fee, or facility charge.
Can I launch a large cabin cruiser at Centimudi?
The ramp is designed for smaller boats. The parking area is limited, the river is narrow, and the ramp itself is a single lane. Boats over 20 feet are difficult to maneuver and not recommended. Larger boats are better suited to ramps on the main Sacramento River near Red Bluff or further downstream.
What's the best time to fish for striped bass here?
October through April is peak season, with December through February typically the most productive. Water temperatures are cooler, and striped bass are actively feeding. Summer is slower for stripers but better for catfish and largemouth bass in the shallows.
Are there restrooms or drinking water at the ramp?
No. The ramp has no facilities. Bring your own water, food, and supplies. Orland, about 10 miles south, has all services including restaurants, groceries, and gas stations.
What should I check before launching in spring?
Check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website for current Sacramento River flow rates and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for any advisories. Spring water levels can be high and current swift following snowmelt. Local tackle shops in Orland can provide real-time conditions and recent catch reports.