Fishing the South Fork

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

Outdoor Recreation & Retail

The River Store

The River Store

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

Camp Lotus

Camp Lotus

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

Sutter Center Market

Sutter Center Market

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

Marshall Gold Mercantile

Marshall Gold Mercantile

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

Creative Soul Artisan Markets

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

Betty Sederquist Photography

P.O. Box 797, Lotus, CA 95651

www.sederquist.com 530-626-0985