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A wonderful 22-mile tailwater fishery flows right through the heart of California’s state capital and into the Sacramento River. And believe it or not, the lower American River gets less overall pressure than a place such as Fall River during peak season! Keep in mind, however, that there are millions of potential anglers near this stretch of river. The lower American is urban fly fishing, but it’s worth the adventure.

The American doesn’t have trout, but it does have a variety of hearty and challenging game fish. Combining resident and anadromous species, the river offers a chance to try for fish ranging from 1 to 30 or more pounds.

Boaters tend to get the most from this river. Anyone with a canoe, pram, or small skiff will enjoy the many easy-to-get-to access points. Boat traffic and snags present hazards that float tube users should heed. Many tubers find a way to anchor themselves when they find high-quality fly fishing locations. Bank anglers gain access around Discovery and Goethe parks, the California State Exposition (Cal Expo), Arden Way, Howe Avenue and Watt Avenue bridges, and Sunrise Blvd. It’s good to call ahead to check the levels of the dam-regulated river flows. The Sacramento-area fly shops listed in the back of this guide will help.

The easiest way to get to this section of river is to take U.S. Route 50 to either of the suburbs of Fair Oaks or Rancho Cordova. From here many surface streets lead to the river.

American River Striper. Photo by John Sherman.

Types of Fish

Smallmouth and striped bass, American shad, steelhead, salmon (chinook), plus panfish and catfish.

Known Baitfish

Threadfin shad, game fish fry, crayfish.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 6–8 weight, 8–9 feet in length. Some folks enjoy 7–8 weight Spey outfits.

Reels: Mechanical or palm drag. I prefer disk drag systems and large arbors with at least 75 yards of backing.

Lines: For deepwater nymphs and streamers, use modified sink tips in 200 to 300 grain weights, type-4 density uniform sinking line, or shooting head system with type-4 or type-6 sinking head. Use a floating WF line for poppers and shallow streamer work.

Leaders: 1X to 5X, 6–9 feet in length (varies with river conditions).

Wading: Chest-high waders and boots (cleats aren’t usually necessary).

Flies to Use

Streamers: Sea Habit Bucktail (White Knight) #1/0, Chartreuse Deceiver #1/0 and #3/0, Bullet Head #6, Black and Olive Beaded Krystal Bugger #2–10, Olive or Tan Clouser Minnow #2–6, assorted Shad Flies #6, Poxybou Crayfish #4–8.

Topwater & Subsurface: Gurgler #2, Blue Crease Fly #1/0, Madam X #6, Whitlock’s Hopper #8.

When to Fish

Smallmouth Bass: All year, prime times are spring and fall.

Striped Bass: All year, prime time is July through October.

American Shad: Mid-spring through June.

Steelhead: September through March.

Salmon: August through October.

Panfish: Summer months are prime.

Catfish: All year, but summer is prime.

Boat Access

Sailor Bar Park, Sunrise, El Manto, Rosmore, Ancile Hoffman Park, Gristmill, Watt Avenue, Howe Avenue, Discovery Park (mouth).

Seasons & Limits

Restrictions on dates, tackle, and harvest vary per species and sections of the river. Consult the California Department of Fish & Game regulations or a local fly shop.

Accommodations & Services

All lodging and supplies are available in Sacramento.

Rating

I love this place. Overall, a solid 7.5. At times it can be a 9!