While there is the possibility of catching stripers in the American year round, spring marks when the better numbers show up as well as more sizeable fish. They will often be keyed in on whatever the hatchery is releasing into the river, sometimes it is smolts so 4-6” long clouser smolt imitations are ideal, and other being when the hatchery releases millions of fry all at once, so throwing very small minnow patterns can be effective. Sometimes you can find boils of the striper actively feeding on the fry and throw your fly into the middle of the frenzy.
Summer (June, July and August)-
Shad season really comes into full swing during the first part of June. June is one of the best months year after year to book a shad trip, they can generally reliably be caught unless there is a large spike in CFS to the river. Swinging and stripping on single hand and two hand rods are extremely effective and the most common way to target them but nymphing, and even dry fly techniques at times can be employed to bring them to the net. Shad are an excellent opportunity for beginner fly anglers and kids to catch fish, and also to practice fighting fish on a fly rod.
As the shad come up the river in bulk the stripers follow behind, eating many of them. Summer on the American is often when the big linesiders are generally caught, and is the best time to book a striper trip. We have both drift and jet boats that can get to the hard to reach areas and really help us find the big ones.
“Half Pounders” or small steelhead can be caught during summer but their runs can vary year to year, it is best to call and check how the run is at any particular time during summer to see if it is worth it. When they are in they are often keyed in on caddis nymphs and dries.
Fall (September October November)-
September usually yields pretty consistent striper fishing but can vary. Once it gets into October and November, the numbers often significantly decline and the Delta or the Sac become better options.
Fall half pounders action can vary from year to year but more and larger winter run fish start showing up in November, but the uppermost section of the river closes for spawning.
Winter (December January February)-
Big Eel River strain winter steelhead are the name of the game in the winter months. While the uppermost section of river is still closed in December, it reopens on January 1st and provides some quality fishing opportunities. We target these fish out of a drift boat as there are no jets allowed this time of year, and indicator nymphing from the boat is extremely effective. There are many quality swinging runs as well where you might get a chrome bright chunker fresh from the ocean to gobble a good swung fly from a single or two handed rod.
Fishing The American River
A drift boat is a great way to access the American River year round. Ample boat ramps and parking areas with a local shuttle service make it optimal. Jet boats are employed by some who don’t want to row or choose to chase striper in the lower, slower sections of the river. People that want to walk and wade for preference or to learn should still do a float trip as the guide can take you from productive section to productive section to make the most of your time wading. The same is to be said for swinging trips, a boat is still a vital tool that can get you from spot to spot and allow you to fish around some of the islands found throughout the river.
If you want to swing then shad and steelhead are the best targets on the AR. If you like to rip and strip streamers then striped bass are ideal. If you want a chance at a trophy steelhead and enjoy indicator nymphing then winter steelhead from a drift boat are right up your alley. The American is a special fishery that is often overlooked since it is in the middle of a big city but provides excellent angling.
