American River - Rancho Cordova Bank Fishing?

It looks like a last minute trip to the mother-in-law's in Rancho is suddenly happening for me this weekend.  Good news is she's fun and we get along unlike the in-law stereotype, bad news is my plans to surf and / or fish at home this weekend are cancelled...

She is a few blocks from the American River in Rancho, on the south side across from Ancil Hofffman.  I won't have time to kayak, but will probably end up hanging out at the river with the fam.  Wondering if there is anything to catch from shore there right now and if it's worth brining a rod, I have no experience with the area.

If any of you do have local knowledge and want to share I'd appreciate it.  Let me know, and thanks!

apparently Shad are biting
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95313.0

planning to give this a go one of these days

Oh interesting, thanks.

All I have is big ocean jig heads, but I could throw a grub on a drop shot or carolina and try that. Or bring a sabiki as the other poster suggests. 

This page (http://www.bassjack.com/shad_tips.htm) seems to indicate the dropshot or carolina would work, and seems like a good pile of info for a shad newb like me.

It doesen't seem to mention hook size however, but based on the sabiki comment I'm guessing small?  Like 6 or something?

Also, I wonder if my all purpose old 7' medium uglystik or my 9' light surfperch rod would be better?  The latter can certainly cast farther if that matters...

Anyone have advice on what to look for in terms of water depth, speed, structure, etc. in that area?

And, I will certainly look this up myself as well, but if anyone knows off the top of their head about hook / barb regs in that reach of the American let me know.

Fun to think about how to go after a new-to-me fish.

Like mentioned above, shad.

If you take your car to the river, make sure you park in a safe location to avoid break in.

Good luck,
Al

Oh interesting, thanks.

All I have is big ocean jig heads, but I could throw a grub on a drop shot or carolina and try that. Or bring a sabiki as the other poster suggests. 

This page (http://www.bassjack.com/shad_tips.htm) seems to indicate the dropshot or carolina would work, and seems like a good pile of info for a shad newb like me.

It doesen't seem to mention hook size however, but based on the sabiki comment I'm guessing small?  Like 6 or something?

Also, I wonder if my all purpose old 7' medium uglystik or my 9' light surfperch rod would be better?  The latter can certainly cast farther if that matters...

Anyone have advice on what to look for in terms of water depth, speed, structure, etc. in that area?

And, I will certainly look this up myself as well, but if anyone knows off the top of their head about hook / barb regs in that reach of the American let me know.

Fun to think about how to go after a new-to-me fish.

The river upstream from Ancil Hoffman Park is Barbless only. The longer rod will most likely be you best bet but either will work. Tie a 3/32 to 1/4 jig head. Sometimes a few splitshot spaced a foot or two above the jig helps depending on the current. Toss on a 1/2 or 1" Pink or Chartruse curly tail jig and go for it. In Rancho there are several areas to try. Look at the water just below the Sunrise bridge. They like the deeper moving water, not the riffles. The Rossmore and ElManto areas are close and can be real good at times.
Good Luck, Kevin.

Using those jigs under a bobber are very effective as well and u end up with less snags...adjust the length based on the depth of the river...want to be close to the bottom.

Awesome, thanks guys.  I've gone from mildly disappointed that my weekend plans changed to excited to try something new! 

Appreciate the knowledge.  All of it, but in particular the comment that "they like the deeper moving water, not the riffles."  It's pretty easy to look up rigging for any species (and also, to some degree fish will bite suboptimal presentations as long as it's in front of their face).  But that kind of behavior info often only comes from hard earned experience or the kindness of strangers so it's golden.  Much appreciated.

Like mentioned above, shad.

If you take your car to the river, make sure you park in a safe location to avoid break in.

Good luck,
Al

Are there particular spots to avoid?

No fish yet but the local 12 year olds are giving me some tips and bait so I have hope, and it's an amazing day, 80ish with a gentle breeze...

Fishing was great, catching was awful. Threw grubs on a carolina rig and under a bobber.  Didn't see anyone get anything, don't think the fish were by Ancil Hoffman today.  But the sun was hot, the beer was cold, family was happy and my 5 year old got some impressive casts in with a grownup spinning reel, so no complaints here!  Thanks for the tips to those that provided them!