Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Located in eastern Sacramento County, Nimbus Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release to the American River. The Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center offers fun and educational activities for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy the on-site nature trail along the American River to view wildlife, as well as the American River Parkway trail directly adjacent to the Nimbus Hatchery.

Visitor Information

Location: 2001 Nimbus Road, Suite F, Gold River, CA 95670

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The raceways (little fish ponds) close at 2:30 p.m. daily.
The hatchery parking lot located at 2001 Nimbus Rd is open 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily.

Contact: (916) 358-2884, NimbusFish@wildlife.ca.gov

Directions: Off Highway 50, 18 miles east of Sacramento. Travel north on Hazel Ave. 0.7 mile, make a left hand turn at Gold Country Blvd. Travel 200 yards to the parking lot entrance on the right. MAP(opens in new tab)

Visitors Guide to Nimbus Fish Hatchery (PDF)(opens in new tab)

More about this Facility

Tours

2022-2023 Nimbus Hatchery Visitor Center School Tours

At a glance:

For K-12 school groups only
Non-peak season tours available by reservation (throughout the school year)
1.5 hour in-person guided tours for grades K-12
NGSS-aligned
Content areas: salmon life cycle, water systems, human impact on the environment, river habitats
45 minute live virtual tours via Zoom for those who cannot travel to site

The peak visitation season tours are booked. We are taking reservations for non-peak season tours (2023 only).

Submit a Tour Request(opens in new tab)

For questions, please call (916) 358-2884 or email Stephanie.Ambrosia@wildlife.ca.gov. Do not call Nimbus Hatchery directly.

Tours for Community-based Organizations

If you are a community-based organization and would like to schedule a tour, please call (916) 358-2884 or email Stephanie.Ambrosia@wildlife.ca.gov. This includes scout groups, professional and non-profit organizations, nursing care centers, etc. Do not call Nimbus Hatchery directly.