|
Nimbus Hatchery Site # 150 | |||
| Located on the banks of the American River, Nibmus Hatchery raises 4 million King Salmon and 430,000 Steelhead Trout every year. Explore the visitor center, watch fish climb the fish ladder November through February, play on the super salmon, stroll the River Discovery Trail and feed young fish in the raceways (5 cents/ handful of food). Visitor Center open 10-3 PM, outdoor grounds open 7:30 - 3 PM daily. Birdwatching is at its best in during fall and winter salmon season attracting many species of gulls. | |||
 | Seasonal - these sites have high wildlife values during certain seasons, though they may have recreational value year-round. | ||
| Background: | |||
| Chinook salmon and steelhead migrating upriver cannot bypass Nimbus or Folsom dams to reach 120 miles of upstream spawning gravels. Some spawn on the 7-mile stretch between Watt Avenue and the dams, most use the fish ladder below Lake Natoma and spawn at Nimbus Hatchery, which raises four milion salmon and 430,000 steelhead each year. Adjacent American River Hatchery raises several strains of rainbow trout. | |||
| The Habitat: | |||
| Riparian | |||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | |||
| Walk on asphalt or level gravel to hatchery facilities (ponds and Visitor Center). The ADA accessible trail is about 1/4 mile roundtrip and surfaced with decomposed granite. | |||
| Viewing Tips: | |||
| See salmon spawning and rearing in fall and early winter, steelhead in winter. Rainbow trout rearing can be seen year-round. Self guiding tour. On American River Parkway. Universally accessible viewing. | |||
| Site Notes: | |||
| Nimbus Hatchery benefits from programs established by the Bureau of Reclamation's Central Valley Project Conservation Program (CVPCP) and the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Habitat Restoration Program. For more information, visit website and for information on endangered species click here | |||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | |||
| State Parks at Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma, American River Parkway with the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Mather Field (vernal pools), Phoenix Field (vernal pools) and Maidu Regional Park | |||
| Visitor Information: | |||
| Visit Rancho Cordova (916) 290-5166 Visit website | |||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | River access - sunup to sundown, hatchery ponds - | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: | |||
 Paved. | |||
| Roads available year-round. | |||
| Road Hazards: Watch for bicycles crossing entrance to parking lot | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 175 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:<1/4 mile | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: | |||
| Parking Notes: Finding parking spaces can be challenging during November | |||
| How to Get There: | |||
| From Sacramento, take Highway 50 to Hazel Avenue (Exit 21). Turn left onto Hazel, cross over freeway, and turn left to Gold Country Boulevard (second light). Immediately, turn right and go down to the hatchery parking lot. | |||
|
View Larger Map | |||
