The Lower American River From Nimbus dam down is A
great place to get away for the day. Located within half an
hour for most people in the Sacramento area, It feels like you
miles away when your Fly Fishing on the American river. The
Lower American River is Mostly known for its
Salmon and Steelhead run's, The American river is host to great
spring Shad fishing and Stripers as well. The American river
is kind of a metro / wilderness adventure. If fished by land
you are usually close to freeways or homes. If fished
floated with
boat you have access to a whole new fishery.
November usually marks the beginning of the American river
steelhead season. The season usually extends to march and
sometimes April. For some unknown reason Steelhead fishing seem
to draw people into a challenge that usually dose not end well for the
angler. It is usually cold, wet, rainy or all three. It's
the highest of highs when you hook up, and yet still feels rewarding
if you get nothing. We have been fishing the American river for
Steelhead for about ten years and the one thing that stays true is the
fact that you never know if it will be a good day. but you
always seem to enjoy it.
We fish the American river for steelhead with two methods.
Swinging and indicator fishing. Which ever one you prefer is the
one we will do. It is often said nothing beats a perfect swing
and getting smashed by a large buck. I often say if you really
want to catch fish put on a nymph and a Glo bug. Either way you
choose is fine by us. We just want you to enjoy yourself.
The American river is a great way to get warmed up for trout
season. While the water is still high at your favorite
stream you can head on down to the Lower American river for some Shad
fishing. It can be exiting with the occasional 50+ fish
day.
When you get board of catching Shad it is time to start
chasing those huge Striped Bass that make their way up the
American river each year. With fish ranging from 5 to 50
pounds how can you go wrong. Either fooling them with a
sink tip, or stripping in a large top water fly and having
them crush it at the surface, it all sounds like a great
time to us.
This year we are extremely excited about doing more two
handed spey fishing for steelhead. The Lower American
river is a great spot to use a spey rod combined with a
streamer and a natural swing across the current. The
takes are vicious or delicate depending on the fishes mood.
We will use our drift boat to cover lots of ground and fish
all the runs effectively.
