North Fork American River - North Fork Dam - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam - Water Flow Chart
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam - Weather report & radar
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| February | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| March | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner |
| April | Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Wing Olives | Cloudy Days | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| May | Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Golden Stonefly |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Hoppers | Mid-morning/Mid-afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Hoppers | Mid-morning/Mid-afternoon | 6-10 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Caddis | Afternoon/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Rusty Spinner |
| November | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner | |
| December | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midges |
| Blue Wing Olives | Some Cloudy and Cool Evenings | 16-18 | Rusty Spinner |
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam Access Points
The North Fork American River, specifically around the North Fork Dam, is one of the most scenic spots for fly fishing. Here are the best access points:
- Mineral Bar Campground: Situated close to Colfax, the facilities here make it an ideal starting point. There’s a modest day usage fee.
- Green Valley Access Point: This is a less crowded spot closer to the dam, but involves a strenuous hike.
- Mumford Bar Trail: A challenging option, this access point leads to extreme remote stretches of the river. Be prepared for a steep trek.
- Ponderosa Way: Found above the dam, Ponderosa offers easier access but, it can be seasonally restricted due to weather conditions.
Note: As conditions can change quickly, always check local updates before attempting to access these points.
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam Fishing Spots
The North Fork American River – North Fork Dam area offers excellent settings for fly fishing, laden with diverse fish species. It is recommended for both seasoned anglers and newcomers. The hotspots include:
- China Bar: Accessible from Foresthill Bridge, this spot is famous for shad and king salmon fishing.
- Shirttail Creek: Located upstream from the North Fork Dam, it’s an ideal spot for rainbow trout fishing.
- Codfish Creek: A serene location, excellent for winter steelhead fishing.
- Clementine Lake: Near the dam, it’s known for brown and rainbow trout fishing.
- North Fork Dam: Most popular spot favored for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and carp fishing.
Always remember to check local regulations before fishing as seasonal changes may affect availability of certain fish species and fishing legality.
North Fork American River – North Fork Dam Local Fish Species
- Trout: The most common species targeted by fly fishermen in the North Fork American River, specifically Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
- Chinook Salmon: Highly-prized for their size and strength, Chinook Salmon are a fall-spawning fish favored by fly fishers.
- Coho Salmon: Also known as Silver Salmon, they are somewhat smaller than Chinooks but provide a rewarding challenge to fly fishermen.
- Steelhead: They are ocean-going Rainbow Trout which return to the river for spawning, providing a significant challenge to even experienced fly fishermen.
- Shad: They are strong fighters and thus, a popular target amongst fly fishers. The Shad run generally occurs in late spring/early summer.
- Bluegill: They present a fun and relatively easy challenge, perfect for beginners. Though small, they are known to put up a good fight on a fly rod.
- Bass: Both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass can be targeted in the North Fork American River, offering a different type of fly fishing experience.
- Sturgeon: While not traditionally targeted by fly fishers due to their size, Sturgeons are a highly-prized catch.
About the North Fork American River – North Fork Dam
The North Fork American River weaves an intriguing history almost as scenic as its natural attractions. Graced by the North Fork Dam, this river is an integral part of California’s watery heart. The area’s traditional natives, the Nisenan Indian tribe, once lived along the river before the rush of European explorers.
With the interesting traces of the Gold Rush era, the North Fork Dam became a significant part of the exciting historical tapestry. Erected in 1869, it ignited a powerful surge of growth and industry, fuelling California’s development.
- Gold Discovery: Gold was discovered near the river in 1848, adding substantial significance to it.
- Construction of the Dam: The Dam was established in 1869, acting as an irrigation source for mining.
- Promotion of Recreation: Today, it’s renowned for recreational activities, acting as a prominent spot for rafting and fishing.
Thus serving as a silent witness to a vibrant historical saga, the North Fork Dam paints a rich canvas of fascinating stories of the past.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
