The great fishing here is one of the river’s better-kept secrets.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.”
The primary game fish are the rainbow and brown trout. Lucky anglers might catch brown trout up to eight pounds in size, although rainbows between 10 and 12 inches in length are more common.
Non-game fish in the river include the Sacramento pikeminnow, Sacramento sucker, California roach, and riffle sculpin. Landlocked Kokanee Salmon were introduced in 1998 in Folsom Lake and some make the run as far as the Chili Bar dam.
The California Department of Fish and Game plants catchable rainbow trout every year at the state park in Coloma from the opening of trout season in April into summer.
The best fly fishing is below Greenwood Creek is during the weekdays, when flows have been running at the minimum to sustain fishery flows. Low levels, however, make for difficult boat access. Good bank fishing access is available through trails downstream about 1.5 miles from the parking lot. Follow the trail to the river and head downstream, there are several access points to fish from.
Anglers 16 years or older must have a fishing license (available at Sutter Center Market). Basic fishing supplies are available locally at Sutter Center Market, Ponderosa Park, Camp Lotus, and Coloma Resort.
For more information on fishing in the area check out Trout Unlimited
1032 Lotus Rd, Lotus, CA 95651
Kayaking-Rafting-Camping. Sales, rentals & World Class Kayak Instruction. Clothing, snacks, drinks, sundries and outdoor accessories. Visitor's info, local experts, maps & books. Over 35 years in Lotus. theriverstore.com 530-626-3435
5461 Bassi Rd, Lotus, CA 95651
Friendly and beautifully maintained, natural setting with lodging and camping. Deli, store, 1/2 mile of riverfont. Inside the main building you will find everything you need from soda, beer, s'mores fixings, general camping supplies, tshirts and... www.camplotus.com 530-622-8672
378 Hwy 49, Coloma, CA 95613
ATM & EBT accepted. Groceries, beer, wine, liquor, lotto, river/camping supplies, & fishing licenses. Close to Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Open 7 days a week. 530-626-0849
310 Back St, Coloma, CA 95613
Find unique gifts, gold nuggets and jewelry, souvenirs, books, clothing, historic items and more. Located in the visitors center at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP. www.marshallgold.com 530-622-6198
7170 CA-49, Lotus, CA 95651
Creative Soul Artisan Market provides a space to showcase the inspiring handmade talents of Artisans. www.facebook.com 530-906-6005
