The American River roars through a markedly varied landscape in lower Northern California. It extends from the remote and wild environment of the Sierra foothills, through Folsom Lake and converges with the Sacramento River. The upper river is set upon stunningly beautiful forests and canyons, while the downriver area is more urban.

The American River is a bastion of river-running species - boasting fisheries for salmon, steelhead, striped bass, and shad. From August to November, the chinook salmon run can be very good. 10-20 pounders will attack brightly colored plugs, spoons, and spinners up and down the river. Anglers also succeed with using live bait such as cut herring and anchovies.

As the temperature drops in November and December, steelhead begin their run up the river and feed in pools and riffles. Large numbers of 6-10 pounders will hit all the standard steelhead baits. Secondary river runners - stripers and shad - are also active in the American River, but their runs are less predictable.

There are also year-round populations of native breeding rainbow and brown trout in the upper river, which appeal to traditional fly fishermen. Wild rainbows are a mandatory catch-and-release species.

Fishing access varies depending on the river section you are trying to access. Be aware that water levels fluctuate, and there are turbulent rapids at various spots.