Lower American River flows are going up a little on Wednesday.....

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

"Project: Nimbus Dam

Please make the following release changes to the American River:

Date 05/20/2015 - Wednesday

Time 0100

From (cfs) 1250

To (cfs) 1500

Comment: Delta Salinity

Issued by: Randi Field"

.

[Scott V]

Wooohhhhh! Everyone be careful out there with these crazy new "high" flows.


This is just so sad. Hopefully we get a ton of rain next year, even though we have been saying that for 4 years now.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Remember when it was 5,000 cfs during the Shad run?

[Scott V]

Ah yes, the good old days. When only the bravest went out chest deep.

[Jeff C.]

I fished it when it was 12-13K cfs one year and it was red hot. The shad were holding 2-3 ft. from the bank. I had to crawl on my hands and knees through a blackberry patch to get to the only fishable spot. I didn't see another person fishing except for Bruce until it dropped to 8K.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

That's wild stuff Jeff........

[Scott V]

I was wondering how deep do/should you fish for shad? Will a fast intermediate, a sink 3 or 4 work on the AR @ 1200cf? I haven't fished for shad and have tied up a couple infamous bloody maria with a little weight on the fly. I don't like shot on my leader. I'm using a switch rod.
I understand it also depends on the depth of the area and time of day. Chris

If your not touching the bottom after you let your fly dangle, your not low enough. The water flows at a different speed in different sections. Just carry extra heads to swap out depending on where you are fishing.

I generally carry a type I, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

That is just my 2 cents. Others will say others wise and some will agree.

[Jeff C.]

I am currently using a 15 ft. Type 6 sink tip with my Skagit setup but with the bump in flow to 1500 cfs I might have to go to a Type 8 sink tip. It really depends on where you're fishing (current speed and depth). It's best to be 1-2 ft off the bottom during your swing. I have Floating, Intermediate, Type 3, Type 6, Type 8 tips, Mow tips, LC-13, T-14, T-17 and T-20 to fit the conditions

[Mr.Matt]

I use a split shot
Or two..... Gets it down there.