The American River begins its journey in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the west side of Lake Tahoe, in the El Dorado and Tahoe National Forests. The Upper American River, which is a trout fishery, flows for 150 miles to the Folsom Dam. The Upper American River is discussed in a separate stream description. The Lower American River offers fishing for several anadromous/migratory species: steelhead, king salmon, striped bass, and American shad. This portion of the river extends from Nimbus Dam downstream to where it joins the Sacramento River in Sacramento, and offers year round fly fishing opportunities. Steelhead fishing tends to grab the most attention in the Lower American River. The steelhead runs consist of the following:
Spring runs of the small, half pound steelhead, with fish averaging 14 inches in length.
Fall runs of the same steelhead, with fish averaging slightly larger sizes, around 16 inches in length, though they can be larger. The fall run occurs in September and October.
Winter runs of the big boys – the large steelhead that run from early December through March, which vary in size between 6 and 10 pounds, and can grow as large as 20 pounds.
King (Chinook) salmon can begin running as early as September, with October as the best month for fly fishing for the larger salmon. These salmon typically run between 10 and 20 pounds and even larger.
Though the fish are in the river throughout the year, anglers fish for striped bass pirmarily in summer. The American shad run is typically fished during May and June, though they can be in the river for a much longer period of time.
Because the Lower American River is a tailrace, care must be taken while fishing it, as water levels can fluctuate quickly. Depending on these water levels, the river can be fished by wading or by floating the river in a boat. The best flowrate for wading the river is in the 1500 cfs range.
Seasons:
The species being fished for determines the season.
Spring:
As discussed above, March and April are good for the smaller steelhead. Also, later in spring, the shad are running.
Summer:
Striped bass fishing peaks during the summer.
Fall:
Fall fly fishing on the American provides some of the best opportunities of the year. The smaller steelhead are abundant in September and October, while October also features prime fishing for king salmon.
Winter:
Steelhead fishing in the American River is at its best December through March.
Fly Fishing Equipment & Riging for the American River.
The fly fishing equipment you need for the Lower American River depends on the season and species for which you are fishing. A 5 or 6 weight fly line will be the best choice for the majority of fly fishing. The larger species, such as the king salmon, will require a 7 to 8 weight fly line. MORE
US 50 parallels the river from a distance, while cross streets will take you over to the river. Many good access points exist, from Hazel Avenue near the Folsom Dam, down to the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in the Discovery Park area.
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