Rainbows Galore: I went on a 5 mile hike along the American River this weekend. The main trail was about 300 feet elevation above the river. The final 1/4 mile leads down to the river.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

I went on a 5 mile hike along the American River this weekend. The main trail was about 300 feet elevation above the river. The final 1/4 mile leads down to the river.

At the end of the hike, thinking I could save some time hiking back, I thought I’d follow the river at the river’s edge. This worked good for about ten minutes before I was scaling boulders and wading through waist-deep water. I finally hit canyon walls that forced me to retreat to the trail. But, as luck would have it, I found a 20 to 30 foot hole (a couple of them actually) that was full of beautiful fat rainbows that looked to be 20+ inches. Having no fishing gear with me I began plotting my return.

My guess is this spot has been fished very rarely, if at all. It’s not navigable by boat and only some lunatic who though they could find a shortcut by hiking into a canyon for an hour (me) would have stumbled upon it.

I’ll be heading back real soon with my pole. Any suggestions of what I should use for bait since this is not normally my type of fishing? I’ll report back with better pics.

This was what awaited me after I was one hour into my hike back

Not a great pic but if you lol close....

Jeremy Loc: America

Steve-o wrote:

I went on a 5 mile hike along the American River t... (show quote)

Worm. Power bait. Flies. Crickets. Bobber with worm. Use 4 lb leader or 6 high quality mono. Water is clear. Salmon egg. Your back pack will hold all the different types of bait. I remember using crickets in Central California near Sequoia National Park.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I'd go with a 4 piece fly rod you could put in a pack for ease of carry. Black wooly buggers and hares ear nymph would be my bet.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Nice. Thanks for the input. I’ve never fly fished. Always wanted to. Maybe this is the time.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Jeremy wrote:

Worm. Power bait. Flies. Crickets. Bobber with worm. Use 4 lb leader or 6 high quality mono. Water is clear. Salmon egg. Your back pack will hold all the different types of bait. I remember using crickets in Central California near Sequoia National Park.

Thanks Jeremy. I actually have a few of those things and can get the others.

I’m planning to catch and release but if I get a few I think I may have to filet one or two and pack em in ice and bring them home.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Steve-o wrote:

Thanks Jeremy. I actually have a few of those things and can get the others.

I’m planning to catch and release but if I get a few I think I may have to filet one or two and pack em in ice and bring them home.

This is near Auburn.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Steve-o wrote:

I went on a 5 mile hike along the American River t... (show quote)

Good luck, and don't fall in. If you have never fly fished before, I would bring a short 2-piece, light action, spinning rod with some Mepps spinners. Rainbows are very dumb, they will hit a spinner. If you have never fly fished before you will spook them with your cast. They are not that dumb.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

flyguy wrote:

Good luck, and don't fall in. If you have never fly fished before, I would bring a short 2-piece, light action, spinning rod with some Mepps spinners. Rainbows are very dumb, they will hit a spinner. If you have never fly fished before you will spook them with your cast. They are not that dumb.

I get it. LOL. I think I’ll take your advice and save the fly experience for another time

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Don't wait too long - the streams close on the 15th of November.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Spiritof27 wrote:

Don't wait too long - the streams close on the 15th of November.

Good point. That includes the American I take it. ??

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Good luck!

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Steve-o wrote:

Good point. That includes the American I take it. ??

I'm pretty sure the part of the American you're talkin about is closed in the winter, but check the regs because other parts are open year round. Don't go fishin in California without your law degree.

I used to go up there a lot in the summer once the snow melt settled down, that is a beautiful stretch of river. My hiking days are pretty much behind me, I'm afraid. My mind says I can, but my body betrays me. So thanks for the photos, I sure do appreciate them.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Steve-o wrote:

I went on a 5 mile hike along the American River t... (show quote)

Going that far in I’d take a look at what kind of bait is there. In Wyoming we’d catch whatever bugs were nearby and slay the fish. Feed they’re used to.

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Spiritof27 wrote:

I'm pretty sure the part of the American you're talkin about is closed in the winter, but check the regs because other parts are open year round. Don't go fishin in California without your law degree.

I used to go up there a lot in the summer once the snow melt settled down, that is a beautiful stretch of river. My hiking days are pretty much behind me, I'm afraid. My mind says I can, but my body betrays me. So thanks for the photos, I sure do appreciate them.

I’ll update under the same heading in this forum when I get up there. I’m getting close to the same stage of life so I gotta make these next couple of years pay off. I’ll include a lot of pics. 👍

Steve-o Loc: Nor.Cal. Sacramento Area

Catfish hunter wrote:

Going that far in I’d take a look at what kind of bait is there. In Wyoming we’d catch whatever bugs were nearby and slay the fish. Feed they’re used to.

Appreciate that. Nothing better than the natural stuff they’re used to. I’ll turn over some rocks and try to see what’s on the usual menu.