Natomas Salmon - non fishing/non kayak

Went out for a bike ride after work yesterday.  Went along the American River Parkway - which is an awesome resource.  Stopped at the Natomas dam and hatchery.  The salmon (big old slabs) were jumping from the water...I've honestly never seen this before in my ~30 years living here.  To be fair, this section would normally be lined with fisherman...but not this year.  It was non stop jumping action - fun to watch.  Also some police shenanigans...and a YouTuber on the spot...which seemed odd?

Its so nice to see the salmon, they seem a bit late this year but at least some are here.

Thanks for the info and pictures.

Is the visitor center open to feed the fish in the raceways?

Is the visitor center open to feed the fish in the raceways?

I think it's always open, I've never been locked out, but I will check next Tuesday and let you know.  Bring some nickels for food, and a cup to hold it, as sometimes they run out.

That section of the river up to the dam has been closed to fishing for the past 3 or 4 years. Used to be packed with snaggers. Game wardens would have a busy time citing the snaggers.

Yeah, I used to cringe when I'd see people on the wall(2nd pic) throwing 3oz cannon balls up against the dam and then rippin it back in as fast as they could to snag the kings or guys in the wading line, landing a hen, taking only the roe, and tossing the carcass on the bank, over and over. I've spent many hours there in the wading line and have many fond memories of that place. Over the years it got worse and worse with snaggers, fights, and idiots leaving trash everywhere. Sad to see it shut down but completely understand why they did. There are plenty of other locations on the AR to get your feet wet.