In a paper published online last week in the journal Biological Conservation, a team of California researchers revealed a surprising finding: Juvenile winter-run Chinook aren’t just using the Sacramento River as rearing habitat; after hatching, they also venture in large numbers into the river’s tributaries, including creeks that feed into it below Redding, as well the Feather and the American rivers.

http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article187861334.html

It appears this is an average year for the number of fall-fun Chinook Salmon returning to spawn in the American River.

The numbers were expected to be much lower because of high water temperatures and predators when the fish were juveniles heading to the ocean during the drought.

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/11/28/higher-than-expected-number-of-chinook-salmon-return-to-american-river/

It appears this is an average year for the number of fall-fun Chinook Salmon returning to spawn in the American River.

The numbers were expected to be much lower because of high water temperatures and predators when the fish were juveniles heading to the ocean during the drought.

http://www.capradio.org/articles/2017/11/28/higher-than-expected-number-of-chinook-salmon-return-to-american-river/

Most days, you'll find Bob Sparre on the American River, taking people to the best fishing spots in the region. He loves it so much, he made it his job more than 28 years ago. On the river, Sparre is at home.

"I spend a lot of time on the American. I grew up on the American. I could ride my bike down the river in five minutes," Sparre said.

This time of year, the catch of the day is salmon.

"Right now, we're fishing for King salmon. They range anywhere from five pounds to about 30, 35 pounds," Sparre said.

But on this trip, when we boarded Sparre's boat at dusk, we didn't go fishing.

http://fox40.com/2017/10/26/homeless-on-the-american-river/

Rivers need to be reconnected with floodplains to provide essential nutrients for fish and needed habitat for birds, which will require targeted flows, says Dale Hall of Ducks Unlimited.

https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/10/24/floodplains-adjacent-to-the-sacramento-river-should-be-natures-pantry

Salmon finally showed up last week! Flows dropped from 3,380 cfs a week ago to 2,500 cfs over the weekend. New salmon are starting to show up at Sailor Bar. Trolling FlatFish plugs is catching some salmon in the lower river each morning. Good numbers of kings were caught on roe fished below bobbers last week at Sunrise.

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/outdoors/hunting-fishing/fishing-line/article178108166.html