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Lower American River
FISHING REPORT
Updated - 1/4/26
Scroll down to links for up to the minute Stream Flows,
Lodging Information, Map and Fishing Regulations
CLICK HERE TO SEE LOWER AMERICAN RIVER ACCESS MAP
CLICK HERE TO SEE PDF OF SPECIAL REGS BOOKLET
Current River Conditions 11,400 CFS (1/4/26 @ 3:30 pm)
and Steelhead green.
to concentrate in the slower water near the edges, so it's possible to do well without wading out very far. I ran into a friend who had been fishing the Sunrise area for three days, and he said that fishing has been the best he's seen for several years. He also said that both egg or alevan patterns were working well as were black or brown Rubber Legs.
From a relative standpoint, it seems that this is one of the better openers in several years. If the flows drop more wadable water should be accessable. Unfortunately we will have to contend with several sea lions that are competing with us for fish.
A couple of spots are still available for my January 24th Clinic. Email me if interested vinci.greg@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVIol18qVM8
Important News:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the final nail in the coffin was hammered in a week ago when the Central Valley Flood Control Board, of which the California TU Director Brian Johnson is a member, voted unanimously to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to remove all of the trees and understory along the river between Sac State and Mayhew (near Bradshaw) for the purpose of levee improvements. That's 4 miles of fish and wildlife habit will be completely lost. If you are as devastated as I am about this project it's important to let Brian Johnson know how you feel about his vote. Here is his email: bjohnson@tu.org
Generally Recommended Flies
Swinging - Winter Steelhead: Andy Guibord recommends swinging, Wooly Buggers, Caddis Poopa/olive, Bird's Nest/olive, Slump Busters #10, Zonkers #10, Silver Hilton and Intruders. If using a two fly set up, make sure one of the flies is an egg pattern.
On Top-Half Pounders & Smolts: Cut Wing PMD #18, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18 or #20, Hackle Stacker PMD #18. PMD Parachute #16, Trico Spinner #20, Drowned Trico Spinner #20, Adams Parachute #14,16,18, Elk hair Caddis #14, 16. #18 Olive Parachute (for BWOs)
Indicator Nymphing & Swinging-Adult Steelhead & Half-Pounders/Smolts: Bird's Nests #12,#14, Egg Patterns #12, Caddis Poopah #12, #14, Micro Mayfly/olive #18, Rubber Legs/black #8-#14, Prince Nymph #12, #14, SJ Worm/tan #12, Wooly Buggers #10/black, olive, rusty.
Stripers: Clouser Minnows #1 Hook in white & turquoise/olive & turquoise/gray & turquoise and yellow & turquoise, white & gray.
Shad: Bloody Maria's, Firecrackers, American River Pinky, Green Weeney, Andy's Lipstick, Jeff's Jefe Early Riser (new) and more.
See Anadromous Run Chart at the bottom of the page
LEARN IN ONE DAY WHAT IT WILL TAKE YOU YEARS
TO LEARN ON YOUR OWN
Local Water Orientation Clinics
If you are new to the area or haved fished the American but never had the chance to learn how to fish our local water, consider taking one of our Orientation Clinics www.californiaflyfishingreports.com/clinic-american-river.
CALL or Email me: (916)719-6253 or vinci.greg@gmail.com
Fishing - Very Good: The flows have about doubled since the opener on Thursday making wadeing more difficult. During yesterday's steelhead clinic we stopped at upper Sunrise and observed a few fly fishermen fishing the channel from the island side, so it was obvious that it was possible for some to wade accross. I don't recommend it however even thoug the flows are running high, it's good to keep in mind that during high flows, the fish tend
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Lower American River
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HATCH CHART - LOWER AMERICAN RIVER
ANADROMOUS CHART - LOWER AMERICAN RIVER
About the Lower American River
The lower American River begins near the town of Folsom, CA (yeah, the same Folsom Johnny Cash sang about) where it flows out of Lake Natoma (Nimbus Dam) and travels 24 miles to its confluence with the Sacramento River in downtown Sacramento.
The riparian flood plane, on both sides of the river, is designated as the American River Parkway, which is one of the largest urban parks in the state. It’s a refuge from the stress of the adjacent two million person urban area. With only a short hop over a levee you find yourself in a pristine wilderness that has changed little in 150 years.
The American River hosts several runs of anadromous fish; half pounder Steelhead, winter Steelhead, (smaller and sexually immature fish), Striped Bass, and American Shad. Half pounder Steelhead appear in September and are generally spread out in the river. This is not a large run, but provide some fun fishing for these 18 to 20 inch fish.
The winter Steelhead begin to arrive in December (while the upper half of the river is closed to protect spawning Salmon) and build in numbers until February when they begin to spawn. Though a good population spawn naturally in the river’s gravel, most fish returning to the river are hatchery fish.
In April the Stripers begin to show in anticipation to their spawning in May. They feed on Steelhead. Shad and Salmon smolts that are abundant in the river at that time.
In late April the American Shad begin to arrive and build in numbers into May. Shad provide great sport for most fishermen through June though some of them actually hang around through the summer. Some Shad diehards fish dry flies for them in July.