Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Nimbus Fish Hatchery things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Gold River, CA The raceways (where you feed to steelhead) are open 9am-2pm Feedings are every hour on the hour Cost: FREE #goldriver #nimbusfishhatchery #folsom #ranchocordova #sacramento #thingstodo #norcal #california #trout #salmon #steelhead #americanriver #fish #kidactivities #free
norcal_with_kids
2.4K74
Theres a little museum, playground and you can feed the fish! Big hit with my 4 year old! #sacramento ##fishery #free
winemama26
101
The salmon run has already ended, and the steelhead run has ended, but dozens of them can still be seen swimming upstream in the hatchery's waterways. I'm very interested to see what happens to them after that. I definitely don't want them to die in vain. 02/25/25 I learned a lot today.It was a wonderful salmon hatchery and I was really impressed with being able to feed the salmon myself.In fact, I fed the rainbow trout.It is romantic that they go out to the open ocean, eat a lot, and then return to the same river to spawn.Rainbow trout change name to steelhead.When I was a child, I used to fish for rainbow trout in a fishing pond and eat them grilled with salt.So when I saw the rainbow trout at this hatchery, I wanted to eat some.Both rainbow trout and salmon are very delicious fish, I love them.I would like to come back again when the fish migrate upstream to spawn.Salmon roe marinated in mirin and soy sauce is very delicious.Thank you to the hatchery
kimi k.
00
I've been visiting the Nimbus Fish Hatchery for years, but had an opportunity to visit today and was incredibly impressed by the updates to this facility. Not only is there an extended fish ladder, but new viewing windows to see the an underwater side view of the huge salmon following their instincts to swim upstream, seeking their original home, to spawn and continue the cycle. As an longtime angler who loves fishing California's lakes and rivers, I was fascinated to get an inside look at work being done at the hatchery to preserve the salmon population. The main areas houses massive fish tanks where the fish are raised from eggs to juveniles before being released. Not only is it interesting, but the local trails provide beautiful river views. Visiting Nimbus Hatchery is always interesting and rewarding. I look forward to future visits to learn even more!
Jonathan
00
Great for a group visit or to come as a family. It's best to go when the fish are spawning and jumping the ladder. We came in ealy to mid to November and it was perfect timing. Fun to feed the little baby fish, see the big fish trying to jump up anywhere they can and hear how it all works (we went as a group with a tour). If you live in the greater Sacramento area, this is a great weekend spot to visit. Even better, stop here with your bikes as it's right off the American River Bike Trail!
Heather Haight
00
Well, great news the fish food is free now. You don't need to buy food with nickels anymore! You can just go into the resource center to get a cup of food. I love watching the salmon jump up the ladder and learning about them in the center. There is a cool trail and statue area for the kids to play. They do close early (3:30pm) I believe so it's always fun when we get to come, even if it's only a hour. Parking is free too, this is definitely one of my family's favorite outdoor activities!
Carissa Ragan
00
Nearby Attractions Of Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
Zion Virtual Reality Family Entertainment: Free-walk VR – move around for real
Lake Natoma
Nimbus Overlook
Nimbus Flat State Park (Entrance)

Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area
4.7
(785)
Click for details

Sacramento State Aquatic Center
4.5
(307)
Click for details

Zion Virtual Reality Family Entertainment: Free-walk VR – move around for real
4.6
(128)
Click for details

Lake Natoma
4.6
(116)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse
Narumi Sushi
Taco Bell
McDonald's
Subway

Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse
4.5
(1.1K)
Click for details

Narumi Sushi
4.3
(506)
$$
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Taco Bell
3.6
(309)
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McDonald's
3.5
(429)
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Basic Info
Address
2001 Nimbus Rd, Gold River, CA 95670
Map
Phone
(916) 358-2884
Call
Website
wildlife.ca.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(682 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
cultural
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Nimbus Flat State Recreation Area, Sacramento State Aquatic Center, Zion Virtual Reality Family Entertainment: Free-walk VR – move around for real, Lake Natoma, Nimbus Overlook, Nimbus Flat State Park (Entrance), restaurants: Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse, Narumi Sushi, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Subway
