Float Trip on the American River with Nor Cal Fly Guides

$
425
-
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 8 hours
Nor Cal Fly Guides B
Response rate: 
53%
Response time:
1 hour
Fly Fishing the American River in Northern Califronia will leave even the most advanced fly fisherman wanting more. That is why a knowledgable American River Fly Fishing Guide will not only educate you on the river sytem and its species, but show you the ins and outs, when, where, why, how and with what. Whether you are swinging for steelhead on the Lower American River or dry fly fishing the South Fork American River, you will be pleasantly pleased with the results.
 
The American River system is where you can start out fishing the Lower American River for shad, striper or steelhead while wet wading on a summer morning, then go eat lunch, get back on the road shoot up hwy 50 and within 45 minutes, have 30 fish on the South Fork American River fishing drys. Fishing the American River is one that can satisfy any fly fishing crave. The Lower American River is known for its shad, striper, steelhead and salmon runs. Shad start to enter the river in late spring, with some entering as early as April, the fishing starts to pick up in late May and early June, with July being the best. Even though the migration has ended the fishing can be great on those late July summer nights. If you have never fought a shad on a fly rod, I highly suggest it, they don’t call it the poor man’s tarpon for nothing. There are two methods used when shad fishing, one is swinging flys specifically tied for shad, the other is drifting flies under an indicator. Either technique is productive when used properly.
 
As far as stripers go, there are some resident fish in the river system year round, but can be extremely hard to catch due to the lack of numbers. When the weather warms so does the water as well as the Striper migration. The stripers start entering the river in early April and they are in the river system through September. Your best numbers in the lower part of the river is between April and May. June is a little slower due to the amount of shad that are  in the river system and the stripers actively feeding on them, but once the shad are gone the fishing really heats up from late July through August, September and sometimes even October depending on the weather and water conditions. The best technique used for stripers is by stripping or swinging clousers with sink tips, full sinks and shoot head lines.
 
Now for the Steelhead, half pounders can be year round, but are mostly caught from late summer to spring. They can be caught using many techniques, from swinging to nymphing and even throwing drys. The best months to be on the water for half pounders are August through October along with March April and May. Don’t be discouraged by the word half pounder, this was the original run before the Eel and Mad river strain (winter run steelhead) was introduced in the 70's. These guys can put up a real fight for their size and most half pounders are wild fish ranging from 16-22" some even pushing 5 pounds and they are always full of spunk. The winter run doesn’t start showing up until the beginning of October, this is also peak time for the salmon run. The winter run steelhead that are on the American came from the Eel and Mad River systems, that was introduce by DFG to protect the steelhead population after the dams where e rected. These fish can be caught throughout the length of river from mid October all the way through March, sometimes even April. These fish range anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. As far as fishing techniques goes, these big boys can be caught with the same techniques used on their half brothers, just scaled up a bit.  If you want to get into steelhead and don't want to travel severals hours and possibly get a big goose egg, the American River is where its at. Not only is it our back yard, but we have 30+ years fishing this river system and we know where these fish hold throughout the year. Come enjoy some backyard fishing on a great river like the American river.


-Brian-
 
Highlights
  • Expert guide
  • Streamside lunch for full day trips
  • Snacks and beverages
  • All essential equipment needed for the day
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rod & Reel
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily8 hours
$
550
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
425
Availability
Fishing Waters
The American River watershed offers fishermen (and fisherwomen) a wide range of experiences, from fly-fishing in the clear streams of the Sierra Nevada to casting for steelhead in ... morethe lower American as it flows through Sacramento. The American River contains two main sections. The North Fork and the Lower American River

The North Fork of the American River is designated as a while trout water. Most of the North Fork flows through a deep canyon carved through metamorphic rock. It has a very rugged character with very steep slopes and a narrow bottom. Deep pools framed by sheer cliffs, waterfalls cascading from 40 to 70 feet, and benches, densely wooded with alder and willow are typical of the beauty found in the North Fork Canyon. The fishery is dominated by Rainbow trout, with an occasional Brown trout (the brown trout are usually lunkers!).

Fishing enthusiasts can choose from a number of trails to access the river canyon, most of them dropping steeply from the canyon rim down to the water. While visitation peaks in the summer, primarily driven by hikers/swimmers, late spring into mid-summer is typically the height of the boating season. The highest boatable reach is known as Generation Gap (12 miles), run by only the most experienced Class V boaters, which can only be accessed by a three-mile long walk. The next lower reach, known as Giant Gap (14 miles), is also Class V and is accessed by a two-mile hike down the Euchre Bar Trail. Although overnight camping permits are not required, if visitors want a campfire, they will need to obtain a fire permit.

The Lower American River is a short stretch of river, flowing through the city of Sacramento, is the most heavily used recreation river in California. It provides an urban greenway for trail and boating activities and is also known for its runs of steelhead trout and salmon.
Destination
Truckee is a charming western mountain town. Truckee is geared toward both summer and winter tourism where visitors can hike, climb, shout into surrealistic caverns, or eat a superb ... moremeal, all before their head hits the pillow. Truckee is located along Interstate 80 and the Truckee river runs on the east side of town down the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in to Reno, Nevada. Truckee's elevation is 5,899 ft and around 16,000 people call it home. Truckee's annual snow pabck makes it the fifth snowiest city in the United States. For fly fishermen and paddlers alike the Truckee river is the main attraction. The river runs once gentle and through gurgling rapids as it changes its face almost constantly.
Red Bluff is a city in and the county seat of Tehama County, California, United States. The population was 14,076 at the 2010 census, up from 13,147 at the 2000 census. Red Bluff is ... moreon the northern edge of the Sacramento Valley, and is the third largest city in the Shasta Cascade region. It is about 30 mi south of Redding, 40 mi northwest of Chico, and 125 mi north of Sacramento.
 (1)
Nestled in the north end of the Sacramento Valley, Shasta County and its three Cities - Redding, Anderson, and Shasta Lake - are 545 miles north of Los Angeles; 162 miles north of ... moreSacramento; 433 miles south of Portland, Oregon; and 592 miles south of Seattle, Washington.

In 2004, as an effort to increase tourism in the area, the Sundial Bridge, designed by world-renowned architectural designer Santiago Calatrava, was completed. The Sundial Bridge casts its gnomon shadow upon a dial to the north of the bridge accurately once a year during the Summer Solstice. With the objective of providing pedestrian access to the north and south of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge has not only lived up to its purpose but has also become an icon for the City of Redding in the present day.

Redding is one of the best places to launch for Trophy Rainbow Trout & Trophy Steelhead Fishing in Northern California. A number of great rivers are within an easy drive and local guides can on any given day help you figure out where the fishing is great.

The Klamath river, Sacaramento river, Trinity River and the Feather river are all being frequented by local guides and fly fisher.
Outfitter
 (12)
We are a team of friendly and knowledgeable fly fishing guides, with a combined 40 years of fly fishing experience, dedicated to making your adventure on the water with us as enjoyable ... moreand informative as possible. We want you to succeed in all of your fishy endeavors, and we will take the time with you to make sure that you have all the techniques and skills necessary to catch fish wherever you go. Float or Walk and wade with us on one of Northern California's finest rivers and streams and we will accommodate our guiding style to meet your needs and abilities. With our extensive fly fishing knowledge and experience on waters all over Northern California, we will guide you on a fly fishing trip you will not soon forget.

NCFG practices catch and release on all boats. We respect the sport of fishing and wish to give all anglers the opportunity to experience the gratification we strive to give each of our clients.
Type:
Fishing
Fishing Reports
The shad are finally gone, YYEEEEESSSSSS!!!!! This means that its time for striper fishing again, and it has been getting better over the past few weeks. We are seeing the typically ... moreshakers, but a few bigger fish from 3-7lbs have been hooked as well, this will continue though Sept and is a great half day trip. We are also getting into a good number of half pounders and if you are in the right place at the right time you will hook a few adults pushing 6lbs. Personally I love this time of year for a few reasons, during the week there are few rafters on the water and you can target both stripers, steelhead and even salmon (if they are in) in the same day with some good success. Great time of year to swing your light weight 2 handed rods and in the evening throwing dries can be epic. All in all, a great time of year to be on the American, crowds are gone and fishing is pretty good. As fall approaches its only going to get better.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Friday, 11 Aug, 2017
Fish Caught:
9-12 fish
With our local waters finally at fishable flows (the American River is at 6400), its nice to be fishing close to home and on some good to great fishing. Summer is going to be good ... moreand our Fall should be great. The AR has been a sight for long driving eyes as its been fishing great for both shad and stripers. Most of the shad fishing has been up top from Rosemore up, as well as the crowds. But if you can get out early, you will miss the crowds and be off before it gets too hot. Also there are some huge stripers cruising up top but getting them to eat is another story. My striper trips have been from Sunrise down for full days, and Gristmil down for half days, and boy has it been good! We are seeing a ton of shakers, and in the mix are plenty of 2-5lbers. The big fish unfortunately are stuffed with shad right now, but those smaller fish will keep you busy. We are having some good top water action too if you can get on early enough, and plenty of fish to go around whether a full or half day, 1 or 2 anglers. As the shad start leaving the river, the striper fishing will only get better. Best way to fish for stripers is on early off early, get your fix and beat the heat. No better time than now and the next few months. Time to get your 8wt bent.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Tuesday, 20 Jun, 2017
Fish Caught:
9-12 fish
This is the one river that has recently surprised us. Both myself and Tom recently went out in search of Steelhead, Striper and Shad and we were pretty happy with the outcome. Now ... morewe didn't find any steelhead, but we have the Feather for that, the shad are slowly making there way in, as far up as Gristmil, but the numbers are not great yet, but if you put in your time you will get a few. Give it another week or so and shad fishing should be really good. With the nice high flows, this should be one epic shad run, nothing like hooking 20,30 even 40 fish in just a few hours, and the fight is nothing but incredible. Now lets talk about the Striper fishing. We found many willing stripers to eat our flies from 16" to 7lbs, with many grabs, some nice ones to the boat and many big ones seen swimming around. Even though its "NOT STRIPER TIME" yet, now is the time to target these bruisers on the fly before it gets to crowded. We are using 8wt rods throwing 350gr striper lines and our special clousers to get the job done. Want to get into some fishing without the drive for fish that pull like Mack trucks, look no further than the American River. Dates are already filling up in June for shad and striper trips, and with very few days in May, time to think about your next trip.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Thursday, 5 May, 2016
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Custom policy
  • Cancellations made 30 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Float Trip on the American River with Nor Cal Fly Guides.
12 reviews   0 comments
Communication
(5.0 of 5)
Scheduling
(5.0 of 5)
Advice
(5.0 of 5)
Boat Comfort
(5.0 of 5)
Outfitter Review
Great local resource & guide service
Nor Cal Fly Guides have become my go-to resource for many of the rivers within 3-4 hours of SF Bay Area. This is an excellent team of guides that will put you on fish, educate you on the waters and help beginners learn the sport while others seek ways to improve their skills. I thoroughly benefit from and enjoy the fishing report Brian often prepares for his clients and I always catch fish and learn ... more more about the rivers when we are out on our guided trips together.
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Outfitter Review
Numerous trips with Brian
My friends and I have fished with Brian on numerous two day trips on the Trinity and Feather Rivers for Steelhead. Brian has worked hard to get us onto fish and we always did. He searched for river sections that didn't have "boat hatches" and typically we didn't encounter other boats. He has an excellent conservation ethic and is a joy to spend the day on the river. Even on slow days, Brian worked ... more his butt off trying to find fish.
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1
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Outfitter Review
Simply The Best!
I recently booked a full-day trip on the Feather River in Oroville CA with Brian Clemens of NorCal Fly Guides. The experience was astounding. He put my daughter on fish by her third cast and she just continued to hook 'em all day! She brought 7 steelhead to the boat! Hooked twice as many but they were LDR's. No worries though as she was so very excited about it. The trip was her birthday present from ... more Dad and Mom. Brian truly knows where the steelhead live and puts you on them quickly. He provided a delicious river-side lunch, made by his wife with love. Those sandwiches were so delicious! My daughter actually wanted to know exactly what was used to make them. LOL If you're dreaming of hiring a guide so you can finally land a steelhead do not hesitate to contact NorCal Fly Guides. You will NOT regret it. p.s. Don't forget your sunscreen. Ouch!
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Outfitter Review
Look no further for a Nor Cal guide!
These guys go above and beyond to make your outing the best it can be. If you're out to hook some fish, they seem to know the best places to be to locate them no matter the session. Their professionalism and respect as their client makes you feel high class and makes for an outing that you just won't forget. Thanks guys! Looking forward to the next trip.
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Outfitter Review
Exceptional guide
Gone out twice with Brian. Both days we landed 20 fish. Both times were on different rivers. This guy can flat out put you on the fish. Great personality and always a good time. Highly recommend.
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Outfitter Review
Brian is the BEST
I have been fishing with Brian for about 5 years. I met him while learning to fly fish, he was my first and last on the water instructor. As is usually the case, "you learn more doing than you do practicing". I booked a trip with Brian and that started a great relationship as both good friends and good fishing partners. As others have said, Brian is a lot fun to fish with, and can definitely put you ... more on the fish. We have fished all but one of the waters Brian guides on, and have never come up with an empty net! I have never been out with a more qualified and patient guide. Sometimes my casting leaves a lot to be desired, but Brian is ever the mentor, if you need it, like I do. Landing the fish is just part of the fun! I would highly recommend novice and expert alike to book a trip with Nor Cal Fly Guides. You won't be disappointed. Dave S.
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Outfitter Review
Great people, great experience
Brian is a blast to fish with and he knows how to find the fish! I would highly reccomend booking him for a trip if you are in the area. You won't be dissapointed! He knows his rivers and most importantly is a thoughtful and patient teacher. Fishing with him is like fishing with a good buddy.
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Outfitter Review
Extremely impressed with Brian and NorCal...
I can be frank and simple with this review, Brian and NorCal were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and fun to fish with. I am usually a DIY fisherman when I travel, but I am glad that I didn't do that this time. It felt like fishing with a long time friend rather than a guide. As a long time fly fisherman Brian was able to quickly educate me on a fist time steelhead trip. Brian was also able ... more to break some bad, self taught habits and teach me a few new things. The full day float down the Feather River was simply awesome, as we got into several wild steelhead, something this Georgia guy doesn't get to see. I am friends/family with several guides in the Southeast and I can honestly say that Brian would rank among the best in all standards associated within the industry. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Brian and NorCal.
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Outfitter Review
Don't scroll past this
As a retired guide I could just go fish in my own boat but I keep coming back to NorCal Fly Guides because of the friendliness and knowledge. They are the guys I would fish with on any of my journeys. The boats are clean, the company great. The lunches are thoughtfully prepared and the best part is they are great people. Gear can often be a pain with many guides. It can be beat up, not cleaned, sticky ... more and just plain worn out. Not here. They know what flies are working regardless of flows and weather and we always have a great time.
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Outfitter Review
Fish On!!
I have never had a bad trip out with Brian. We have always caught fish, always had a ton of laughs, and have always came back home with great memories. Brian is a very patient and knowlegable guide (requirement for my skills) who will make sure you have fun and learn something new. Most importantly, the man will put you on the fish. I cannot recommend him enough.
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Committed to a Great Experience
Brian worked hard to get us on the water, at the right time to avoid the crowds. We found that sometimes, on some rivers this is necessary. These are all things that you want from a guide. Someone who knows the water intimately so you don't have to put in the time. Some of us have to work... Above all things he is good with all levels of anglers, even young kids and knows the techniques that make ... more it the easiest and least stressful on them and the whole group. If you're looking for a guide that will adapt to your wants and needs this is the guy for the job. 5+ Stars for boat comfort... Our fault. We put 2 adults and one 6yr old in a drift boat but we where greeted by two seats in the bow. Something you don't see often and after asking Brian this is something he only puts in when he knows the group is larger than the usual two anglers.
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Outfitter Review
WE WERE ON FISH ALL DAY!
I actually got my fill of fishing for once. Brian is an excellent boat captain and has great people skills – he was very respectful, helpful and attentive during the entire trip. The food was great and the fish were gorgeous, Brian emailed me many beautiful photos to memorialize out trip. This was an unbelievable value! Thanks Brian, I am recommending you to all my friends.
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