American River Fishing Report
Report Updated March 17, 2010
Nice fishing, no people
A nice spring football caught by one of JD's clients Tuesday
The American has been fishing pretty darned well, all things considered. Guide JD Richey reports catching adult steelies on all but two trips this winter and Tuesday’s outing was no different. While drifting crawlers and pulling plugs, they ended up with the nice spring steelie in the pic above, plenty of action on smaller fish and then, they lost a chrome late-running winter steelie of approx 9 pounds right at the net on a drift from Sailor Bar down to Rossmoor.
No sign of stripers yet, though it’s mainly because nobody’s trying. There should be a few down low at the moment.
The water’s still low and there’s hardly a soul out on the water…despite the gorgeous weather.
Current & Forecasted Flow
Take a closer look…this slick graph shows you current river flow, height and projected flows, which will help you plan upcoming trips. Keep in mind steelhead and salmon fishing is best as a river is on the drop — and typically tough when a stream’s on the rise.
Current Weather
American River map
About the American River
The American winds its way 23 miles through the heart of California’s Capitol City from Nimbus dam to its confluence with the Sacramento River. Though it bisects a major metropolitan area, you’d never know it when you’re on the water. There’s a ton of wildlife in the scenic green belt along the river and surprisingly good fishing to be had as well.
The American’s once epic salmon runs have recently fallen on hard times but anglers still see some nice winter steelhead action from November through March on mostly hatchery fish that can sometimes reach 16 or even 18 pounds. In May, a huge run of shad hits the river and they are followed by striped bass that can occasionally top the 50-pound mark. Both species are present until mid summer and then things settle down here from mid July until the fall.
Photos from the American by JD
Spring steelhead on the American River
Species of the American River
Fall Chinook
Striped Bass
American Shad
Steelhead
Photos from the American:
Riffle below Ancil Hoffman Park
The Lower American, just up from Watt Ave.
Deer crossing near Goethe (River Bend) Park
