When Do Salmon Run at Nimbus Fish Hatchery? A Guide to Viewing Spawning Salmon

Nimbus Fish Hatchery, located along the American River in Gold River, California, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe spawning salmon up-close The hatchery was built to collect Chinook salmon and steelhead from the river for hatchery propagation purposes This allows visitors an intimate look as the fish make their annual fall and winter spawning migrations.

In this article we will cover everything you need to know about visiting Nimbus Hatchery to view spawning salmon and steelhead including when the runs occur, where to see the fish, and tips for making the most of your hatchery experience.

Overview of Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Nimbus Hatchery is operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The hatchery was constructed in 1955 to mitigate losses of salmon and steelhead habitat that occurred due to the construction of Folsom Dam.

Nimbus Hatchery gets Chinook salmon and steelhead from the American River every year and lays eggs on them to make young fish. The hatchery raises the salmon and steelhead fry until they are ready to be put back into the American River and other Central Valley rivers.

The hatchery was specifically located to intercept the natural spawning runs of salmon and steelhead that migrate up the American River every year. This allows the hatchery to collect fish for the propagation program. It also enables visitors to observe the spawning fish that enter the hatchery.

When Do Salmon and Steelhead Run?

The two species follow different migration patterns and run timing:

Chinook Salmon Run

• Season: Late October – December
• Peak: Mid-November

Chinook salmon enter the American River from October to December, with the peak of the run occurring in mid-November. These majestic fish travel upriver to reach the hatchery and spawn naturally in the river.

A lot of salmon can be seen every day during the peak in the hatchery’s holding pools and spawning areas. Visitors are almost guaranteed to see salmon during the peak run.

Steelhead Run

• Season: January – March
• Peak: February

After the fall salmon run is over, Nimbus Hatchery transitions to collect and spawn steelhead through the winter months.

The number of steelhead that return to Nimbus Hatchery is much lower than the fall salmon run. However, visitors in January through March can still observe these strong-swimming trout as they make their upriver migration.

Peak viewing is in February, when daily numbers reaching the hatchery are highest.

Where to View Salmon at Nimbus Hatchery

There are several ideal viewing areas to observe salmon and steelhead at Nimbus Hatchery:

• Holding pools – Get an underwater view of salmon in the holding pools as they await spawning. The salmon are fun to watch as they constantly circle in the pools.

• Fish ladders – Watch salmon and steelhead fight their way up the ladders, making an incredible journey to reach their spawning grounds.

• Spawning beds – In November and December, salmon can be seen paired up and laying eggs in the gravel spawning beds of the natural stream sections.

• Underwater viewing windows – Peer through glass windows to get underwater views of salmon and trout in the holding pools and raceways.

• Interpretive center – Check out informative displays about the life cycle and ecology of salmon and steelhead. Video footage and artifacts provide additional context.

Tips for Observing Salmon at Nimbus Hatchery

To have the best experience viewing spawning salmon and steelhead, keep these tips in mind:

• Arrive when the runs are peaking (Nov for salmon, Feb for steelhead) for best viewing opportunities.

• Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends.

• Bring binoculars and cameras to get good views of the circling, leaping fish.

• Visit the interpretive center first to learn about the hatchery and spawning process.

• Ask hatchery staff questions – they are extremely knowledgeable about the fish and hatchery operations.

• Walk along the nature trail to see salmon redds in the river. Look for wildlife attracted to the salmon runs like osprey and otters.

• Dress for the weather – it can be wet during the fall and winter runs.

• Be respectful of the fish, facility, and other visitors.

Enjoy an Iconic Wildlife Experience

Viewing the salmon spawning runs at Nimbus Hatchery is an iconic Pacific Northwest wildlife experience. As the salmon make their awe-inspiring journey upstream, you have the rare chance to get up-close to these incredible fish in their natural spawning habitat. With the fall run peaking in November and winter steelhead running strong in February, be sure to plan your hatchery visit accordingly. Following the run timing and viewing tips above will help you make the most of this unique opportunity to observe nature’s amazing spectacle of spawning salmon.