Tributaries of the Middle Fork of the American River

By: Bill Carnazzo

Date: May 2004

Among the many tributaries to the Middle Fork of the American River are El Dorado Creek, the Rubicon River, and the North Fork of the Middle Fork.

Access to El Dorado Creek is via the Foresthill Road. A few miles past Foresthill you'll see a sign for Michigan Bluff, where there is a 3 mile trail down the canyon to the stream. Because the trail is part of the Western States 100 trail, watch for runners and riders on horseback. Dogs should be kept on a leash to avoid spooking horses. The stream is small but full of Brown trout and Rainbows that are eager to take standard dries and small nymphs properly presented. A large fish is 12 inches, but they all run and jump, and their colors are spectacular. Watch for rattlesnakes, carry plenty of water or a filter, and allow a couple of hours for the uphill climb back to Michigan Bluff.

The North Fork of the Middle Fork is a small river, and somewhat difficult to wade due to the large size of the rocks in the stream bed. A wading staff is a must, and there are rattlesnakes and poison oak to contend with. Access is via Foresthill Road, and Mosquito Ridge Road. It is 10 miles to the bottom of the canyon, where you will cross a bridge across the river. Once across, you will see a sign for the North Fork of the Middle Fork trail, which follows the river but remains high above it. The trail is narrow and there is a steep drop off on the river side, so extreme care is needed in hiking. There are several miner's trails down to the river. The fish range from 8 inches to 16 inches in length...all Rainbows, except for a few Browns in the upper reaches. Golden Stones are hatching, along with a light colored mayfly equivalent in size to a #14 hook. A flashback Hare's Ear has been the star pattern so far this year, along with a flashback PT. A size 14 in each of these is what the fish like at present.

The Rubicon River has many forks that flow into Hell Hole Reservoir. From there, it flows through a steep canyon down to its terminus at Oxbow Reservoir. There are many access points. It is best to obtain a Forest Service Tahoe National Forest map to locate trails and access points. There are many rattlesnakes along the rocky banks of the Rubicon. Never step over a log, and before going around rocks on shore, bang your wading staff (a must) on the rocks ahead of you. If you hear a buzz, back off and give the snake a wide berth. Remember that you are in their habitat...not the reverse. The Rubicon is an early morning, early season fishery. The water warms significantly during the day, and the action slows considerably as the sun gets higher. Never venture onto this stream, or any of the others mentioned above, by yourself. A mishap such as a broken leg, badly sprained ankle, or a snake bite, can create a dangerous situation if you are alone. It gets hot in the canyon, so have plenty of water or preferably a filter bottle. At the present time, #14 nymphs work well (Hare's Ear, Prince, Trigger Caddis, HBI, etc.). Standard dries in 14s and 16s will take Rubicon trout, which are mostly Rainbows in the 8-18 inch range.

Having fished and guided these streams for many years, I never ceased to be amazed at how beautiful they are once you lace on the boots and hike in a short distance. This kind of fishing is for those willing to hike a bit, and who don't mind the "minimalist" approach to what is carried. All you need is a fly box or two, split shot, nippers, forceps, tippet down to 6x, a small rod equipped with a light reel and a floating line, floatant, bug repellent, water, a hat, wading staff, and food. All of this can be carried in a good fanny pack or small day pack. Don't forget the wading shoes and a stuffable rain shell (if only to keep the mosquitoes away). BC

Back to Articles