Nimbus Fish Hatchery

The Visitor Center, raceway ponds, and play areas are currently closed to the public. The parking lot and River Discovery Trail are open until 3:00 p.m. daily, but access is limited due to construction on the fish ladder.

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

Hours

Visitor Center open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.

Raceways (fish rearing ponds) open daily 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Phone Number

(916) 358-2884

Address

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

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

• Visitors Guide to Nimbus Fish Hatchery (PDF)

Tour Information

• Nimbus Fish Hatchery School Group Tour Information (PDF)
• Tour Reservation / Lottery Form (PDF)
• Group Guidelines—Spanish (PDF)
• Self-Guided Group Guidelines—Spanish (PDF)
• ¿Por que un criadero? (PDF)

Educational Information

• CDFW Educational Opportunities (PDF)
• Websites of Interest (PDF)
• Hatchery Overview (PDF)
• Next Generation Science Standards- Hatchery Tour Correlations (PDF)
• Water Pollution Video: “Hey - Something’s Fishy at the River” (YouTube)
• Water Conservation Video: “Water We Do - Its Up to Me and You?” (YouTube)