Early Half-pounder Steelhead on the Lower American River.

I think there are some Half-pounders in the American year round.

Time to put your tackle in your vehicle and fish before work if you can.

Right now I would take a #5/6 line single handed rod or #4/5 Switch rod out early.

Just hit a different run every morning starting way down low around River Park / Cal-Expo.

Our little river will be down to 3,000 cfs soon which is wonderful flow.

Use a floating line with a leader the length of your rod to 3x.

Pick out a #10/12 wet fly or nymph of your choice.........be barbless.

You should be stepping into the water at 6:00 am.

Don't wade too deep on the first run because the fish can be in very close.

Old friends like Al Perryman, Neil Hansen and Walt Bennett taught me that about trout and steelhead.

Look for showing or feeding fish in the low light of morning.


They could actually be in any riffle in the entire lower American River but I would be from Watt ave downstream.

If you have not tried it I might be able to go and give you a short drill on the extreme basics which does usually help.



It is so beautiful out early on the American and I love fly casting (without an indicator)



Once you hear they are really in the river (late August with Sept/Oct tops) get out with guide Andy Guibord if you need help.