Stripers, salmon, Shad and Steelhead on the Lower American River.
July, 21, 2015
Here's a quick report for those wanting to do some fishing particularly if your favorite fishery is suffering from low, warm water conditions.
There's plenty of water flowing in the American River through Sacramento. The flows are 3720 cfs (66.5 degrees) which has caused quite a bit of clarity issues. Almost every few casts you have to clean off weeds and algae. I've noticed less stripers being caught since the flows increased over a week ago. There have been a few good days of fishing but overall its slowed down. The good thing is that the river is slightly clearing everyday and should continue to get better. I actually like an off-color appearance (3-5 feet) as stripers don't seem as shy when compared to clearer conditions.
If you'd like to swing a fly for stripers with a switch or spey rod I recommend a RIO "Switch Chucker" line. Its heavy forward taper allows for great turnover of larger flies and the integrated running line to head make it perfect for a stripping retrieve which stripers seem to love.
There are still a few shad in the upper river near Sailor Bar, 1-3 fish is a very good evening. This will end in another 1-2 weeks. I did see a nice school at Upper Sunrise 100-200 fish rising just before dark last week.
Expect larger stripers, 10-20 lbs, to be caught in the coming weeks as the shad population leaves the American and big stripers begin to look for food.
Some anglers are already hooking a few salmon (Howe Ave -Sunrise). If you hook one it will be almost impossible to land but really, really fun to fight! They'll grab a striper fly.
Summer steelhead should be moving in the river with these higher flows. I'd start to swing a hairwing patterns: Size 6- Green Butt Silver Hilton, Skunk, Undertaker, Olive Caddis Pupa (steelhead size) etc. Early at first light or just before dark on a floating line and 15' mono leader #10 lb. If the water drops go to #8 lb leader. When you hook one...hold on! This report should continue into mid to late August when we can expect more summer and early fall-run steelhead to arrive.
Please feel free to pass this along since it was just written. Good luck.-JP
Jeff Putnam
Owner/Head Instructor
RIO Products Ambassador
"Fly Fishing is much deeper than the surface reflection" -JP
Jeff Putnam's Fly Fishing Schools
Website: www.jpflyfishing.com
Website: www.jpflyfishing.tv
Email: jeff@jpflyfishing.com
Phone: (916) 366-7554
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Originally Posted by BumpBailey
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