Jon’s American River Report
5/26/2025
Flows: 3,740 cfs
Clarity: Clear
Rating: Good to Great!
Shadstravaganza is here! The American is producing epic fishing right now for shad with some bonus steelhead and striper in the mix as well. We touched over 40 shad up to 24 inches and 3 steelhead on my last trip with a bunch of double hook ups as well! Shad are throughout the system, but focusing on middle to upper river is your best bet for numbers. Swinging, nymphing and whatever else you want to do will work to find these fiesty, hard fighting fish. Look to riffles, runs, and tailouts to find shad. They’ll bite morning and evening, but tend to be more receptive to smaller patterns when its bright out.
If you’re swinging, look for long runs with nice drop offs and undulating gravel bars as well as deep slots and tailouts of course! Swing type 6 tips in the deep slots and type 3s in the shallower runs and tailouts. Most classic shad patterns will work just fine, but swinging some bright soft hackles or smaller swing patterns with hot spots will produce fish mid day. Nymph anglers can throw a variety of flies under the bobber. Bloody Maria’s, hot spot caddis, and attractor mays are all working. Switch up colors if a fly gets cold!
Bottom line is that shad are awesome and you should get out and catch a few before this incredible run is gone! She should go strong for another 2 to 3 weeks and begin to taper off as we head into later June. Shad are the perfect way to hone your fish playing skills on the fly rod so get out and test your mettle on these reel burners!
Fish ON!
Happy’s Lower American River Fishing Report – Shad Update
The shad bite on the Lower American River is officially on fire! More fish are pushing in daily, and anglers are starting to see those classic thick pods we wait for all spring/summer. If you’ve been waiting for the green light, this is it.
Current Conditions:
Flows are holding at around 3,800 CFS, which is still a bit high for comfortable and safe wade fishing. That said, if you’re determined and can tuck into a soft edge or inside seam (and don’t mind sharing with other hopeful waders), you can absolutely find success. Expect competition at the more obvious access points.
Productive Methods:
Boaters are having the upper hand right now with better access to the prime holding water. Drifting nymphs has been very effective, and perdigons are standing out as the top producer. Their quick sink rate gets them down fast in the heavy current, right where the fish are stacked.
Gear Tips:
A 5/6 weight two hand rod or 6/7 weight single hand rod with a full intermediate or sink-tip line is ideal for swinging. For nymphing, a Euro setup or an indicator rig with enough weight to get down is key. Don’t forget your shad darts and flashy patterns—chartreuse and olive are always staples this time of year on my boat.
Bonus Tip:
The high, cold flows from ongoing snow runoff have brought a bonus: half-pounders and some adult steelhead are hanging around in the system. These fish are taking advantage of the cooler temps and increased flows, and they’re showing up as bycatch while targeting shad. It’s a welcome reminder to keep your gear in good shape and be ready for something bigger to grab on.
Final Word:
Fishing is hot, fish numbers are only getting better, and it’s just going to keep ramping up. Whether you’re floating or managing to get your feet wet, now’s the time to hit the Lower American and get in on the action.
