Private full-day shad float on the American River
8 Hours fishing
one to two anglers people
Rods, flies, fly equipment
Float the American River near Fair Oaks and fish for American shad with a private guide. Try fly-fishing tactics like nymphing or swinging shad darts and nymphs during the seasonal run.
A California fishing license, one-day license, and Steelhead report card are required and not included. Gratuity is not included.
Cancel 7+ days before your trip for a 100% refund. Cancel 7–3 days before and you are charged 50% of guide rates. Cancel within 72 hours and you are charged full guide rates with no refund or transfer.
Bring a valid California fishing license and a Steelhead report card; they are required and not included. Gratuity is not included.
Arrive 15 minutes early to sign documents.
Bring a camera, dress comfortably, and check the forecast before you go. Pack sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a sun hat.
American River, Fair Oaks
The guides here consistently earn glowing praise, with Joel, Bobby, Jasper, and Taylor all mentioned by name for their patience, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm. Reviewers highlight how these guides work hard to put clients on fish, often leading to impressive catches including 17-20 inch trout in beautiful, uncrowded locations like the Carson and Truckee Rivers. What stands out is their ability to tailor experiences to different skill levels—complete beginners report gaining real confidence, while more experienced anglers appreciate the detailed local knowledge about flies and fishing spots. The shop itself gets kudos for knowledgeable staff who freely share advice about gear, water conditions, and where to fish. Several reviewers mention stopping in just for recommendations and leaving with helpful guidance. The retail side seems well-stocked with quality gear like Orvis rods. One visitor did note the shop runs a bit small, and there was a minor complaint about closing early on a Saturday, but these seem like isolated issues in an otherwise stellar operation that's clearly beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Fished on the East Carson with Jake ( otherwise know as Jacob). 07/06/26: Highly recommend this guide. Book him by name. Jake handled situations well on the fly. Pun intended haha. He gave me real time coaching and short efficient lessons that were extremely helpful. I landed my first fish on a fly rod in just a few short casts. We landed 9-10 fish and lost 3. We had multiple fly rods rigged up to cut time changing flies and setups. Fished with an Indicator rig as well as a dry fly and caught fish on both. The real time coaching as i fished was what made the experience worth it. I feel confident I took away a lot of techniques that I will be Able to use on my own now. 18” rainbow on an indicator rig pictured.
James Tatum
July 6, 2026
Fished on the East Carson with Jake ( otherwise know as Jacob). 07/06/26: Highly recommend this guide. Book him by name. Jake handled situations well on the fly. Pun intended haha. He gave me real time coaching and short efficient lessons that were extremely helpful. I landed my first fish on a fly rod in just a few short casts. We landed 9-10 fish and lost 3. We had multiple fly rods rigged up to cut time changing flies and setups. Fished with an Indicator rig as well as a dry fly and caught fish on both. The real time coaching as i fished was what made the experience worth it. I feel confident I took away a lot of techniques that I will be Able to use on my own now. 18” rainbow on an indicator rig pictured.
James Tatum
July 6, 2026
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