The Fish Sniffer

(Sacramento) Rick Torres of Rick’s Guide Service reported “fair to good” steelhead fishing on the upper section of the American River since opening day, with most fish going to drift boats who can access the choice spots.  

“Bank anglers are also scoring and it’s getting better with each passing day,” Torres reports. “Most fish are being caught between Sailor Bar and Sunrise with some fish being taken above Gristmill. Water clarity has been clearing a bit and is choice for steelhead fisherman. Salmon are still present in the river, so please remember to release kings and wild steelhead.” 

Big fish honors go to Matt Dittmer of Foresthill, who caught a 10.5 pound steelhead m measuring 31 inches. 

Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motor Sports Guide Service reported good action on opening day.

“The Burgess boys helped me ring in the New Year by floating the American for steelies,” said Lampkin. “We scored one 27 inch, 8+ pound hen to the boat out of 3 hook ups. The fish were hitting anything chrome  Little Cleo spoons tossed and drifted or back trolled hot shots with a nightcrawler trailer.”  

Hatchery numbers to date are very encouraging. “It’s looking like a better than average year so far for steelhead,” reported Gary Novak, Nimbus Fish Hatchery Manager. “On Thursday, December 27, we counted 801 adult steelhead and 4 half pounders in our fish trap.

That makes for a total of 1119 adult steelhead and 6 half pounders to date. “We’re over 600 fish over the same time last year,” said Evans. “Our largest steelhead weighed between 14 and 15 pounds.”