Sacramento County is blessed to have a great piece of water running right through the middle of it. The Lower American River spans from its confluence with the mighty Sacramento River at Discovery Park to Nimbus Dam near Hazel Boulevard. It is home to anadromous species of fish, such as, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Striped Bass, and American Shad. There are small populations of Black Bass and Rainbow Trout spread throughout the river system. And the great thing is that there is lots of public access for fishing.
There are two runs of Chinook Salmon in the American River. The winter run spans from October through January. The summer run spans from May through July. Chinook Salmon will attack flies when they are establishing territory. Unfortunately the runs have gotten so low that a closure on Salmon fishing was enacted in all of California.
There are two runs of Steelhead. The winter run starts in November and runs through March. These Steelhead can range from 4 to 15 pounds. Various methods of fishing, such as, dead drifting nymphs or swinging streamers, can be used from a 6 to 8 weight rod. Many Steelhead fishermen use two handed rods. The spring run spans from March to May. This run consists of "halfpounder" or juvenile Steelhead. These fish range from 15 to 24 inches. Many Steelhead fishermen use 5 or 6 weights for these fish.
Striped Bass are the bruisers of the Lower American. Some stay in the system year round. The main season runs as early as March and as late as September. A "Striper" can range from a pound to 50. Most fly fishers I know use 8 weights. Some use 9 weights just in case that trophy size Striper hits.
American Shad season runs from April to July. These fish can run from a pound to 6. Shad are great lightweight tackle fish since they love to run, thrash, and jump. Most fly fishers use a 6 weight.
