VIDEO: Humpback whale spotted in Sacramento River near Rio Vista

RIO VISTA, Calif. (KGO) -- A humpback whale was spotted in the Delta near the Rio Vista Bridge on the Sacramento River, drawing attention from witnesses who said the animal came close to shore.

The whale was first spotted by anglers around noon Wednesday, according to the report. Witnesses said they saw the humpback whale swimming near the shoreline in the area of the bridge.

The sighting recalls one of the region's most notable marine visitors, Humphrey the Humpback Whale, who traveled into the Sacramento River and drew crowds to Rio Vista in 1985 and again in 1990.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Humphrey the whale leaps into hearts of Bay Area residents in 1985

All this talk about a whale in the SF Bay conjures up memories of what may be the Bay Area's most famous marine visitor -- Humphrey the whale.

Visitors flocked to the town to see Humphrey during those appearances. The whale ultimately had to be rescued and guided back to the ocean.

It was not immediately clear how long the whale would remain in the area.