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.
The hatchery parking lot located at 2001 Nimbus Rd, is open from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily.
Facility Closures and Fish Ladder
The visitor center, raceways, fish feeding and play areas at Nimbus Hatchery will stay closed to the public during the Fall 2021 salmon season. The public will not be able to enter the facilities and there is no access to bathrooms or water fountains.
A trail from the hatchery parking lot allows visitors to see stunning views of the American River. There is an ADA- accessible observation deck at the end of the trail.
The new fish ladder will be open for salmon season (November - December 2021) and steelhead trout season (January - February 2022). The ladder was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation and is managed by CDFW.
The new ladder includes 9 large viewing windows that are open for public viewing.
To safely access the end of the ladder near Nimbus Dam, pedestrians should cross at the Hazel Ave/ Gold Country Blvd intersection. There is a fire road open for public access near the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. Pedestrians should not access the ladder using the bike path for safety reasons.