Freestone · Mixed · Northern California

Middle Fork American River

Middle Fork American River venue image
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A steep, gorgeous canyon freestone that drops toward Auburn, with hydro plumbing up top that nudges the flows around — so it's worth a look before you commit to the long walk in.

Species

About as good as it gets

Low and clear — careful approach country. Take your time — read the water before you cast.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for rainbow trout
Ideal
15°C est.ideal 10–18°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for rainbow trout
  • Temperature10028% weight
  • Flow8022% weight
  • Clarity8518% weight
  • Feeding Time5013% weight
  • Pressure757% weight
  • Insect activity6612% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
15.2°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
29°C
Wind
W 11 km/h
Light breeze
Pressure
1014 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for rainbow trout
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
9 ft #4 rod, floating line, 12 ft tapered leader to 4–5 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Excellent — water temperature is right today, though time of day could be better.
Through the year
0–3 scale · June highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
GrannomHatch
2
2
Evening SedgeHatch
2
3
3
3
2
Western Green DrakeHatch
2
2
Flav (Small Western Green Drake)Hatch
2
3
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Gallery · 1
  1. Terrain map of the venue
    Terrain map
Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • CDFW general trout season; verify the regulated-reach rules
  • Flow is partly hydro-controlled.
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
About this water

A steep, gorgeous canyon freestone that drops toward Auburn, with hydro plumbing up top that nudges the flows around — so it's worth a look before you commit to the long walk in. The wild rainbows hold in the pocket water and the green tailouts, and once the spring melt clears out the river fishes beautifully to a dry-dropper. This is rugged, scrambling country, the kind of place where you earn your trout with your legs as much as your casting. Go in the cool seasons and after the runoff has settled.

  • Mixed
Seasons & zones
  • TroutLast Saturday in April → 15 November
Other water nearby · 3