Fishing American River & Nimbus Dam
Jan 5, 2021 19:49:37 #
Hello all!
I’m new to Folsom, Ca area and recently retired. I’ve haven’t fished in years and was never very good at it. For me, any day that I could be on a wild river or out on a lake was a very successful day. Didn’t need to catch anything.... although I’ve caught a few rainbows and 5lb brown purely by accident!
I noticed steelhead season just opened on the American River/Nimbus Dam and wonder if any of you all have been out. While I realize I’m going to need some expert instruction on the area and fishing, most all of the guides are fly fishing. I’m still figuring out which end of the worm you thread on the hook more or less whipping a fly!
Any help out there from locals or those that have been in my shoes?
I’m new to Folsom, Ca area and recently retired. I’ve haven’t fished in years and was never very good at it. For me, any day that I could be on a wild river or out on a lake was a very successful day. Didn’t need to catch anything.... although I’ve caught a few rainbows and 5lb brown purely by accident!
I noticed steelhead season just opened on the American River/Nimbus Dam and wonder if any of you all have been out. While I realize I’m going to need some expert instruction on the area and fishing, most all of the guides are fly fishing. I’m still figuring out which end of the worm you thread on the hook more or less whipping a fly!
Any help out there from locals or those that have been in my shoes?
Jan 5, 2021 20:09:18 #
Hey Tocino, welcome to the stage. I fished over there years ago. The best bait for steelhead is salmon roe - either individual eggs, like pautzke's or cured strips of roe - whichever you can get hold of. Night crawlers work as well. I like to fish it under a float with enough weight to keep it down, preferably just off the bottom and just let it drift. A reel with a bait runner or live liner feature allows you to do this very easily. Okuma, Shimano and Penn all make a reel like that, probably others as well. A 9 foot or so steelhead rod keeps your line up off the water so you can control your drift to a degree. I always tell folks who are just starting out with steelhead or salmon to invest in a guide for at least half a day and pick his/her brain and learn as much as you can. That or find yourself a friend with lots of experience to take you and show you how. Folks on here will help a lot if you just ask questions. Good luck.
Jan 5, 2021 20:14:19 #
Tocino: Wow ! What a super lesson in one short paragraph. See what rewards come from being on Stages? I look forward to hearing how you do and seeing pictures. Just Sayin....RJS
Jan 5, 2021 20:31:06 #
I agree RJS, great info and I really appreciate this forum. Been watching from the backseat for 6 months or so.
One of the few forums that you can post on and people don’t belittle you.
Your jabs back and forth are hilarious. The knowledge base here is amazing!
If there are any locals that would like to entertain me I’m certainly open to that.
I know I’m in fishin country!
One of the few forums that you can post on and people don’t belittle you.
Your jabs back and forth are hilarious. The knowledge base here is amazing!
If there are any locals that would like to entertain me I’m certainly open to that.
I know I’m in fishin country!
Jan 5, 2021 20:46:36 #
You are indeed. And that lake right above that dam is full of trout and small mouth bass. Pretty sure the CA state record rainbow came out of Natoma about 20 years ago, caught right up by the dam. Go over the Negro Bar State Park on the north side of the lake, there's really nice day use are over there with picnic tables and such which can be really good fishing this time of year (don't go there in the summer unless you like fishing with 100's of people and kids swimming in the water).
Jan 5, 2021 21:03:57 #
Thanks Spirit! You’re definitely local and your contributions both for me and the others are very much appreciated!
Jan 5, 2021 22:19:03 #
You are more than welcome. Just let me know if I can help. Now get off my lawn.
Jan 5, 2021 22:21:59 #
Jan 5, 2021 22:44:22 #
fishy
Loc: Susanville, CA
Tocino...check out Cal Kellogg's FishHuntShoot productions...fishhuntshoot.com...he has numerous
fishing videos...he is from the area....good stuff
fishing videos...he is from the area....good stuff
Jan 5, 2021 23:16:10 #
Jan 6, 2021 14:44:30 #
Jan 6, 2021 15:43:13 #
Mistycedars
Loc: Boring, OR
Go over Kiene’s Fly Shop in Rancho Cordova. The folks there are very friendly and extremely helpful. They’ll also show you the best places to fish on the American River. They’ll also teach you how to fly fish.
Jan 7, 2021 10:30:02 #
Mistycedars wrote:
Go over Kiene’s Fly Shop in Rancho Cordova. The folks there are very friendly and extremely helpful. They’ll also show you the best places to fish on the American River. They’ll also teach you how to fly fish.
Thanks everyone, so much great advice. I’ll be checking out all of the above. Fly fishing? I never thought that was me, but I have time to learn. Thanks again all!
Jan 7, 2021 16:06:42 #
woodguru
Loc: El Dorado Ca
Tocino wrote:
I agree RJS, great info and I really appreciate this forum. Been watching from the backseat for 6 months or so.
One of the few forums that you can post on and people don’t belittle you.
One of the few forums that you can post on and people don’t belittle you.
That has to do with staying away from politics, Lol
Most guys I know have a no politics on the boat rule unless you are of the same frame of mind.
Jan 7, 2021 16:19:58 #
Thanks Woodguru. I have my own “no politics” rules. Nothing on social media. Nothing with friends or family.
I like my friends and family and have watched family and friends split. Great rule.
I like my friends and family and have watched family and friends split. Great rule.
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