Guided Trips and Lessons
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Float the Lower American River, casting to steelhead, stripers, and shad on beautiful, urban-accessible waters.
Shuttle included for easy logistics.
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Full Day (Up to 2 anglers): $650
Half Day (Up to 2 anglers): $500
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Learn the art of swinging flies with two-handed rods, chasing local fish with timeless techniques on our home waters.
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Half Day: $400
(Float is optional for additional $100)
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Fine-tune your casting and rigging for success on the Lower American and beyond. Build better habits for accuracy, presentation, and river reading.
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2 Hours: $200
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Learn to safely and confidently row a drift boat on dynamic rivers like the American. We'll cover water reading, ferry angles, and oarsmanship basics.
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4 Hours: $300
Deposit/Cancellaton Policy
We require a 50% deposit upon booking. The balance is due 48 hours before the trip. Your deposit is fully refundable if you cancel 15 business days or more prior to your trip. Deposits are not refundable if you cancel within 15 days prior to your trip. In the event that the river is unfishable due to high flows, we will reschedule and we will apply your deposit to your next trip.
Guide availability
Here’s my current guide schedule. Dates with events are already booked or unavailable.
If a morning, evening, or day looks open, it probably is—reach out to confirm and reserve your trip.
📝 Pro tip: If you only see a morning or evening trip booked, the rest of the day may still be open.
Want a sunset session or a pre-dawn start? Just ask.
Essentials
Fishing License - All clients must have a valid CA Fishing License, as well as a CA Steelhead Report Card to fish on the Lower American River. You will need to provide proof at the beginning of the day, so we can properly fill it out together. Purchase Here
Sunscreen - SPF is essential for a long day on the water with very limited shade. I always have some on the boat as well.
Polarized Sunglasses - Green, amber, and blue lenses work best in our river environment
Tackle - We provide high-quality fly fishing gear, but feel free to bring your own. We use 6wt rods for shad and steelhead, 8wt rods for striped bass, and 7wt rods for black (largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth) bass. Flies will be provided.
Food n' Drinks - Water, ice and snacks are provided on all trips. Additionally, lunch is provided on full day trips ONLY. We have a large cooler on board so BYOB.
Gear - Guide will provide essential fishing gear (i.e. rods, lines, flies, net, etc.)
What To Bring
November-April
Waders
Warm Base Layers
Fleece of Puffy Jacket
Rain Jacket
Hat or Beanie
Sunglasses (Green, copper, amber lenses work best)
Wool Socks
Warm Neck Gaiter (optional)
Chapstick / Sunscreen
Water Bottle
May-October
Sun Shirt
Sweater or Puffy Vest
Hat
Sunglasses (Green, amber, blue lenses work best)
Wet Wading Boots or Water Shoes
UPF Neck Gaiter (optional)
Chapstick / Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
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All clients must have a valid CA Fishing License, as well as a CA Steelhead Report Card to fish on the Lower American River. You will need to provide proof at the beginning of the day, so we can properly fill it out together. Purchase Here
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Please see above for recommended personal gear.
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You can cancel by emailing us at brandon@runningbearflyco.com.
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While a fish is not guaranteed, you Will walk away with a remarkable experience, along with water and fishing knowledge.