There are Half-pounder Steelhead in the Lower American River.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Called Andy Guibord at Kiene's Fly Shop today.....

He said they had recently caught some HPSH at Watt Avenue.



I met two fisheries biologist this evening at Watt Avenue on the river to give them some free fly casting instruction.

They are going to be doing a study on the Lower Yuba River for wild Rainbow trout using fly fishing methods for collection.



After I left them I noticed 2 guys fly fishing above the Watt Avenue Bridge.

I went up and talked to one of them.....he said he was the one that Andy was talking about.

He had caught a 20 incher recently on a Spey rod.

He was swinging, across and down stream with a floating line and #10 creme colored caddis pupa/nymph.



Put your waders and a light outfit in your vehicle.

I take a long sleeve shirt because it is getting cool in the AM and PM.


6am till 9am or 6pm till 9pm is best.


Sept/Oct is normally good.


Go down below Sac State in River Park........


Fish barbless and let them go.....

[Phil P]

I found a run that is holding fish above watt ave, but have not been able to connect yet. I've tired midge and caddis patterns without any luck, thinking about trying some streamers or more classic steelhead flies. Any suggestions?

[PV_Premier]

Try a small green butt skunk type pattern. Size 10 or 12.

[Smitty Fish]

Try some soft hackles. Green, tan or orange. Size 12 or 14. Swing um!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

When Half-pounders first come into the river in late August / early September they seem to be more aggressive and hit larger #8/10

attractor and insect patterns but after they are in the river for a while they get more like resident trout and you need to get the size

of your tippet and fly down smaller and imitate the insects like the caddis.



Veteran Steeelheaders like Mark Kranhold and Andy Guibord tie up nice small Sculpin streamer and fish them on sink-tips.




Right at dark you might have an evening with a big swam of egg laying adult caddis so a #12/14 caddis dry fished into these feed

Half-pounders can be exciting. Look for splashy rises very late near the willow on the bank.



American river expert Jeff Putnam showed us how he swings a caddis dry in a smooth tail out on calm evening for American Shad.

It should work for Half-pounders too.


Sept/Oct mornings and evening are usually good.