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Updated May 6, 2026

AMERICAN RIVER/above Folsom — The flows at Chili Bar have risen to at1848 cfs as what is left of the snowpack is melting rapidly. The river is zero limit, artificial lures only with barbless hooks through the end of May, and with the higher flows, there are areas of stained waters.

AMERICAN RIVER/Sacramento – Sacramento received 3.43 inches of rain this April which is more than three times the monthly normal.  This recent rain has increased flows in the American River and cooled the water.  Dennis Phanner with Sacramento Pro Tackle believes this cooler water has somewhat “reset the spawn” and although the striper bite is decent, it’s not red hot.  The good news is we are expecting a prolonged striper run on the American River into late May.  Also, American shad are now starting to show up and will really heat up mid-May.

SACRAMENTO RIVER/below Keswick – The Sacramento River from Keswick Dam to Hwy 44 remains closed until Aug 1st to allow for the Chinook Salmon spawn.  However, south of Hwy 44 to Anderson, Shannon Engh with The Fly Shop in Redding is reporting the rainbow trout bite has been hot.  Flows are consistent at 6,000 CFW with no scheduled releases.  There is some bank access from city parks in Redding, but best bet is indicator nymph fly fishing from a drift boat.  Top three nymphs right now are Patch Rubber Legs, Olive Hot Spots, and Sweat Tea nymphs.

SACRAMENTO RIVER/Colusa – Tommy Triplett with Kittles Outdoors and Sport Co. in Colusa is reporting the striper bite has slowed with lower flows in Sacramento River.  Now the stripers are moving down river, and the best bet is in the Tisdale area trolling P-Line Predator or Yo-Zuri plugs or drifting minnows.  American shad are starting to show around Lovey’s Landing RV Park.  Triplett added, “pound for pound, shad are one of the most exciting fish to catch, they fight like a steelhead”.

SACRAMENTO RIVER/ Metro – Dennis Phanner reported good striper action in the Knights Landing Area and at the confluence of Sacramento and Feather Rivers.  Anglers are fishing the clear water at the color line where the Feather River meets the Sacramento River.  Boaters are drifting minnows and trolling diving plugs with a trailing rubber worm.  Bank anglers are using blood and pile worms.

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