Flows: Currently holding at 1400, but could go up with next week’s precip 

Clarity: 4-5 ft olive green 

Rating: Fair to Good

The American has actually been pretty fun for me recently. I’ve fished it 3 times in the last couple of weeks and have found fish from Sailor all the way to Gristmill. Down running and a few up running adults can be found from Sailor to Rossmoor; juveniles are everywhere. Last outing we hooked 1 really nice adult that gave me the adipose fin and took off, and about a dozen or more juveniles. We’ve found an adult on every float and ideally some more fresh springers should be on their way any day now! 

The river is easy to wade at current levels so there’s plenty of water to go around. Nymph anglers throw pale eggs, sucker spawn, alevins, caddis in size 12-16, worms and mays sizes 14-16. Spey folks can throw type 6 tips in the deeper, faster runs with sculpins, alevins, and fry. Go to a type 3 or lighter if you see caddis popping or fish slashing the surface for fry and throw unweighted or floating fry and caddis emergers in olive and tan. I’ve even seen some fish eating dries, midges, and baetis,  but you’d have to be really patient and look to the seams and tailouts. 

The American is always good for an adult or two, and they are going to be memorable fish if you’re able to find one. Something about the spring fish right now, they pack a mean punch and take a lot of skill and a little luck to land, especially if they eat a size 16 flash back pt. If you’re boating, make sure you cover water while being mindful of bank anglers, and if you’re wading, work a few spots well. Everyone thinks boats have the advantage, but a seasoned walk-and-wade angler at good flows can work the water more thoroughly and find some great fish, too! Make sure you check CDEC for current flows, have fun, and be safe out there. 

FISH ON! 

-Jon Hubbard