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Nimbus Fish Hatchery
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Nimbus Fish Hatchery
28 reviews in English
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Review from Peter C.
Carmichael, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a government run service (fish hatchery) that has turned into toddler entertainment. You walk over to the fish hatchery which is right by the Folsom dam. The kids love the big dam and the sounds of rushing water. Well, maybe its the parents that like the sound of rushing water drowning out the kids whining! Anyway, during spawning season, you can spot tons and tons of fish that are swimming up the ladder. The toddlers love it!
Know that this is a working hatchery and their existence is to fertilize and breed fish which include butchering male fish for their sperm. This is learned in the video that they show in the lobby. Note to parents: you may want to prepare your toddler for what they are about to see in the video. I made that mistake already.
Best thing is it is completely free except for a few nickels that can be used to buy some fish food for toddler delight. -
Review from Em L.
10/23/2011
I despise fish. As in turn my stomach, gives me the chills, makes me want to run away, hate, hate fish.
Because this place uniformly freaks me out, I know they do a great job.
Take the nature lovers & for god sakes, acclimate your kids young unless you want them repulsed by Little Nemo for the rest of their days.
The parking lot is perfect for parking & getting your bike or a picnic out. It's free to park & you can walk the trails around Lake Natoma, or head over to Lake Natoma's picnic grounds without paying for parking.
There are great trails near this place. It gets pretty busy on the weekends. -
Review from B M.
Elk Grove, CA
11/13/2011
3 stars are mostly for the fish buctchers who worked a presentation with pride and respect. Pls be aware that this is a gov't park agency in hick territory, and folks who work there do not have to show you any respect or welcome. They can show on their faces that they dont want you or your type to be there. How hard is that? How do you complain about facial expressions? Good job to these folks who make an honest living with respect for their job and other people!
The visitors there were a bad mix. By the time we wanted to sit down and have our sandwiches, there were a group of few families who occupied ALL of the picnic tables and benches with their shit bags. So we had to share one that had the least junk on it. I nodded and smiled to the man who occupied this table with his kid before I sat down, but he did not seem to like my presense. I thought he was gonna get up and piss a table leg to mark it his. It's a state park, motherfucker!
There were a few pregnant women of other minority races who seemed perfectly at ease there. They probably got knocked up in them barns by the hostile locals. If you are pregnant, and you have a good time at a Fishery with all the fishy smells and dead fish scenes--you man probably does not have other places to bring you to. This park is free.
I asked a tour guide if they sold Salmon on a discount here? Answer was an emotionless 'No, blah blah...'. I asked the receptionist desk if I could walk with a tour guide? Answer: you had to be with a school, and you had to arrange for the guide 6 months ahead of time.
See how misleading other Yelp posts are?
Well, good job again to the fishery WORKERS that were mating the dead fish(yes, they put the male fish sperms into the female eggs--go find out if you have a strong stomach), and ones working the ponds. Bring you little kids there; nothing x-rated, and they will not grow up thinking pork chops grow on trees, and fish are the same with beef and chicken b4 you seperate them at the dinner table. No kidding! -
Review from Tracy A.
Oakland, CA
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Entertainment for kids and adults alike! Make sure you bring some nickels and baggies or cups for the fish food. The trout were just as fun to watch as the salmon. Those poor little guys kept trying to jump upstream but there is a grate that stops them.
Can't wait to go back in October or November when the salmon are actually spawning! -
Review from Betty R.
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is Awesome.
At the moment due to construction the parking lot is closed.
I've been here on numerous occasions with my children. They love to see the fish jump up for the food. There are food vending machines for 5 cents, you get very little food so make sure you bring a bowl/cup and plenty of nickels. We always go in to the visitors center and they have things for the kids to see and read about. Very pretty inside. The people that work inside are super pleasant. Last time we were there the lady behind the counter gave my kids calendars, posters and all sorts of goodies she had.
After feeding and getting informed we take really nice hikes all along the trails. Fun education! They love it... I love it! -
Review from nicole k.
Oakland, CA
1/17/2012
That hatchery doesn't have as much going on right now because salmon spawning is over (Oct-Dec) and spawning for the trout that they have now takes place at 8am on Tuesdays. It's still pretty awesome to see the plethora of steel head and trout in the tanks. Over the phone, they warn that the fish might be hard to see since they swim lower and are more camouflaged, but we didn't find that to be a problem. You have to open the gate to get into some of the areas, and there are vending machines that sell fish food for 5 cents. Bring a cup, or find one in a box in the gated area past the visitor center. The visitor center has an informational video, exhibits and a few "rangers" who are friendly once you get them going, but aren't welcoming on their own. Unfortunately, they don't have tours for the public right now. It is open to the public, so you can just walk around the hatchery - and everything is open air. The dam and hatchery have a number of bike trails/paths so a lot of people bike near this area. Luckily, parking wasn't a problem and it is easily accessible from the freeway. We were there toward the end of the day and were able to see the staff feed the fish - quite the feeding frenzy!
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Review from J G.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
2/17/2011 14 photos
Actually a review for the recreation area connected to the fish hatchery.
We were driving from South Lake to SF, and this was a nice spot to stop, and go for a walk, while the hubby rode his bike. Really nice trails. -
Review from Ashlee J.
Updated - 6/27/2011
This is a fun place to take your kids. My son has been fascinated with feeding the fish since he was a 1 year old. I see couples on dates, elderly & out of towners at the hatchery. For a nickel you get a handful of fish food to feed the trout. In the fall you can feed the salmon. Bring a bag or cup to make it easier to hold. There are picnic tables so pack a lunch, check out the visitor center & the pretty views of the American River.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/17/2010
Fish food is $.05 so bring $1 of nickels & you are golden.
It is right off HWY 50 & parking is easy.
… Read more »
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Review from Susan R.
11/22/2007 15 photos
Located on the banks of the American River, this place is quite a site! We got to watch huge salmon jump up a fish ladder. I had heard about this place before however, I used to come to Sacramento during the summer and the fish jump during the fall/winter months. Therefore, I had never seen the fish jump before!
You can literally watch them jump out of the river onto a "ladder" where they will go to spawn and die. Then, you can view the baby salmon and even feed them for 5 cents. Don't try to feed the adults because they will no longer eat, since they are there to die. (sniff....)
It was interesting to see how beat up the adult fish were. What a goal they have, to jump up river! It is so difficult for them to do that they end up with huge sores and bruises all over their bodies! What an accomplishment!
Hawks were flying overhead, I assume in hopes that some of the salmon wouldn't successfully make the journey. The leap from the river to the ladder looked the biggest, I saw one salmon attempt to make the jump but unfortunately it failed. The hawks found something (I am not sure what) because five of them were flying overhead in formation.
It was amazing to see how long this ladder was that they had to climb. Just when I thought they had reached the top, I realized the ladder turned the corner because they were only halfway there! AMAZING!
Check out my photos!Listed in: State and National Parks
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Review from Renee C.
Sacramento, CA
2/4/2009
This is one of the best places to spend time outdoors in the Sacramento region. I've visited many times and have always loved it. It's free, it's beautiful and it's interesting. Bring nickels to buy fish food (they have gumball-like dispensers), but often the rangers dole out free food. I recommend bringing a container for the food because it will make your hands smell nasty for two days. My kids love this place but it's a good day with friends, a date (if they aren't a douche bag or girly-girl type), or solo.
There are several places to hit when visiting. Two fish pens, on either side of the visitor center, have graduating sizes of hatchlings and fish. The pedestrian path runs along the river and is part of the American River Bike Trail. The visitor center has crazy interactive fish facts and interesting info about the Sacramento region. The gigantic salmon play structure is a must for hyper kids (behind the visitor center). A concrete ramp leads down to the river and former dam site and is a good place to critter watch. Last time we visited there was a river otter sitting on a rock about 15 feet out eating a fish and performing antics for the kids.
Once a year they do the spawning run and it is the coolest thing since Logan's Run. Puts mating and dying in perspective. They open the ladders, huge fish jump all the way up to the plant attached to the center, and the rangers separate the males from females. You can watch it all through the glass wall in the center. They squirt the sperm out of the males (I'm not kidding--it's so cool!) and cut eggs out of the females, then mix them in containers. Like old school IVF. The run starts on a different day each year, but usually is around November 1. If you call the visitor center leading up to this time they will let you know when a date is settled on.
The rangers are always nice and should get a special shout out for running such a cool place and tolerating a million questions from the kids and squirting fish sperm. -
Review from Sarah R.
Orangevale, CA
7/13/2011
I have been on sooo many school trips with the kids here ... they should give me a job! LOL! But its always fun, people who work there are super nice and MY KIDS LOVE IT and always have a Blast.
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Review from Emily W.
Sacramento, CA
8/8/2008
I had no clue this was here! My friend and I went for a ride on the bike trail from Goethe Park to Hazel. The ride ends right at the fish hatchery. What a nice surprise!
After riding a good 15 miles on the bike it was a great stopping place. We spend about 40 minutes walking around there.
It is a great - FREE- place to take children. Great for a day trip. You can always go swimming at Lake Natoma across the street to. Make a whole day trip... -
Review from Caroline F.
Rancho Cordova, CA
8/12/2009
Clueless how to entertain your kids during the summer or other vacation? Are they getting on your nerves? Take them to the fish hatchery. It's fun, it's free, it's educational, and I haven't met a kid that didn't like it.
For a nickel, you can purchase a handful of fish food, but my suggestion is to bring a lot of nickels, along with plastic cups to put the food into. Especially if you have a kid that likes to dump the whole cup into the water at once (that's happened to me!)
There is a great visitor center with some educational things inside, including an informational video about the salmon.
What's great about this place is that you can visit month to month and see how they grow. I believe the salmon are at their largest around Thanksgiving and they're pretty huge then!
And when you're done watching the fish, you can take a walk alongside the river, or go to the Old Spaghetti Factory for some lunch! -
Review from Sargon B.
San Jose, CA
3/27/2010
This review is more about the nearby trails than the fish hatchery itself. Writing a yelp review about nature makes as much sense as transcribing a visual and sensory dream. I'll try...
Itinerary: Park your car at the fish hatchery and make your way across the bridge and onto the other side of the water. It is here that the beautiful trails begin. The views atop the hillside are majestic, and more often than not, you'll be witness to the trance-like unison movements of the crew teams practicing on the water.
If you want solitude, then familiarize yourself with the horse trails. Otherwise, the bike path will be fun enough - just adhere to bike path etiquette. Be creative and spontaneous but be safe too...
I've run up the hill many times and can't get enough of it.
Things to do:
- nothing - just enjoy it!
- hiking
- walking , jogging, running
- biking
- fishing
- check out the fish hatchery and exhibits
Why go: Well, some times you just need to unwind and this is the place. -
Review from Linsey F.
Sacramento, CA
11/16/2008
After parking here for years to use the bike trail- I finally explored the whole fish hatchery and I was really impressed! This place is so cool! I highly recommend making a visit during salmon season (Oct thru December). Its fun, informative and even better- free!
You can walk around and look at all the little trout that are waiting to be released into the wild. They have dispensers where if you pay 5 cents you can get a handful of fish food.
The visitors center has a ll sorts of exhibits explaining everything from fish eggs to salmon spawning process to watershed management. Its geared for kids- but as an adult I found it really interesting.
My favorite part is the fish ladder where you can watch the hugest salmon I have ever seen. They also have a little trail that goes along the river with interpretive panels.
Definitely check out the fish hatchery! -
Review from Pam M.
Folsom, CA
4/29/2010
This is a favorite date spot for us. We always carry a roll of nickels in the car to buy food. It is also a good idea to bring your own container to hold the fish food.
I enjoy throwing the food into the water away from the fish and watch them swim fast to the food. For just a few nickels, I can feel like a kid again. -
Review from Lauren J.
Rancho Cordova, CA
1/6/2010
Yep!! This place is super cool! right off the bike trail, and excellent destination on bike, plus great easy access by car as well. Lots of fun for big and little kids!
My son loves getting handfuls of fish food and feeding the masses,
an awesome way to spend a casual afternoon with the fam! -
Review from Zak F.
Carmichael, CA
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great place to stop and relax if you're on the bike trail.
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Review from Sunny L.
3/19/2009
The fish Hatchery. Sometimes, I wish that i can be a sushi chef when i come here.
But anyways, I like the Salmon festival they throw here.
Especially the SALMON BBQ :)
Fun for kids. Fun for enthusiasts. Fun For all.
Pros: The nice people
Cons: You can eat the live Salmon :P -
Review from Darren R.
Rancho Cordova, CA
Updated - 11/2/2010 6 photos
The fish ladder is now open. Go and enjoy the spectacle!
Listed in: Fun for the kids
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2010
This is a great, inexpensive place to take the kids, and for adults to enjoy as well. It is a great… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany P.
El Dorado Hills, CA
1/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great place to spend a few hours with the kiddos for a few bucks. Bring nickels to buy fish food from the machines and a cup or bag to put it in (unless you wanna make trips back and forth). There is plenty of parking and easy access.
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Review from Suzanne T.
Orangevale, CA
6/29/2009
Number one spot to go when the Ladder is open and the fish are jumping.
Parking is free - the fish show is free - the gorgeous natural setting is relaxing and so serene.
Bring nickles if you want to feed the fish.
Fantastic field trip especially when they take the eggs. We go every year and it never gets dull. -
Review from Carrie M.
Folsom, CA
6/16/2011
My 3 year old son and I just went on the tour. It was so fun and informative. The tour guide was incredible and so friendly to the kids and guardians. We will definitely be back and really appreciated this wonderful experience!
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Review from Mom E.
Sacramento, CA
1/28/2011
Take lots of nickels and a baggie or cup to hold fish food. My kids were entertained for quite some time just throwing food at the fish and watching them respond. The interpretive center is a great learning opportunity with hands on exhibits and auditory input. Call ahead to find out if the naturists will be working in the lab - you can watch them harvesting eggs!
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Review from K M.
Sacramento, CA
6/16/2011
We worked with Laura to arrange a tour for a group of kids ages 14 months to 4 years. Genelle gave the tour and did an awesome job. The kids had a fantastic time in the visitors center and then we did a great walk on the trail. At the end of the tour, we got fish food to feed the trout and we finished the day with bagged lunches at the picnic tables. These folks are super friendly and have so much to share with the kids. This is a real gem. Go check it out if you have never been before. Ask Genelle to lead your tour, you won't regret it!
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Review from Vendetta J.
Folsom, CA
7/23/2010
Hands down the most fun you can have with the spare change dug out of the couch and car seats. The information center is very well done, and the docents are patient, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I love feeding the fry - they all scramble for the food like little piranha.
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Review from Antoinette O.
Cameron Park, CA
3/15/2008
I go to this place a lot during the spring to enjoy the scenery. I would recommend going here during the Salmon Festival which is held in mid-October. You can feed the salmon for free, enjoy the entertainment, food vendors, and then walk off the calories by going on the small trail along the river. Keep an eye out for white cranes located along the trail, right after the hatchery.
Listed in: Doggy Style
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Review from J M.
San Diego, CA
8/5/2009
Love this place. Used to go fishing here, below the actual hatchery, with my pops, uncles, and cousins back when you could actually fish for Salmon. It breaks my heart that you could not Salmon fish last year. It was always fun to hike up to the hatchery and feed the salmon and see how everything works. Great place for kids and adults. Come see it before there are no more Salmon :(
