Nimbus Fish Hatchery - Fish in shop.
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Nimbus Fish Hatchery

4.7
·1k reviews·Gold River, United States

Discover the life cycle of salmon and trout at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, with interactive feeding and educational exhibits for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November

Salmon run season

CrowdMedium
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Nimbus Fish Hatchery - Fish in shop.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Best Time

November

Salmon run season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the life cycle of salmon and trout at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, with interactive feeding and educational exhibits for all ages.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A fun place! Wonderful staff and you can feed the fish."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Feed the Fish!

Feeding the baby fishies in the raceways is a blast for kids and adults alike! :fish:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for special programs like Sunday tot story and art time for engaging family fun. :sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fish Feeding Frenzy

Fish Feeding Frenzy

Delight in feeding the resident salmon and trout. A hands-on activity that's a hit with all ages!

Salmon Ladder Spectacle

Salmon Ladder Spectacle

Salmon Ladder

Witness the incredible journey of salmon as they navigate the ladder during the spawning season.

Interactive Visitor Center

Interactive Visitor Center

Explore informative exhibits detailing the life cycle of salmon and trout, and learn about local aquatic habitats.

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Planning Your Visit

Feeding Fun & Fishy Facts

Bring the kids to Nimbus Fish Hatchery for an interactive experience feeding salmon and trout. Learn about their life cycle through engaging exhibits in the visitor center. Check for special events like tot story time!

Salmon Run Timing is Key

While there are always fish to see and feed, the main salmon run is a highlight. Plan your visit for November to witness salmon making their way up the ladder with their eggs for the best spawning experience.

Best Times

When
November
Why
Salmon run season
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Tot story & art time
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Gold River, CA The raceways (where you feed to steelhead) are open 9am-2pm Feedings are every hour on the hour Cost: FREE #goldriver #nimbusfishhatchery #folsom #ranchocordova #sacramento #thingstodo #norcal #california #trout #salmon #steelhead #americanriver #fish #kidactivities #free
@norcal_with_kids
3.7K likes • 206.5K views

🎯 Feed the Fish!

Feeding the baby fishies in the raceways is a blast for kids and adults alike! :fish:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for special programs like Sunday tot story and art time for engaging family fun. :sparkles:

🐟✨ Free Family Fun in Folsom! — Nimbus Fish Hatchery ✨🐟 Looking for a budget-friendly adventure the whole family will love? Head to Nimbus Fish Hatchery in Folsom/Gold River! Kids get to feed fish, explore nature trails, and learn about salmon & steelhead — all for FREE! 🌊 📍 Location: 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River, CA ⏰ Hours (Labor Day – Memorial Day): • Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 3 PM • Sat & Sun: 9 AM – ...
@miks_outdoors
9 likes • 572 views
Nimbus Fish Hatchery on the American River in Sacramento
findinghappinessoutdoors
8 likes • 281 views

👟 Explore the Trail

Enjoy a nature trail walk and observe local birdlife. :bird:

💡 Visitor Center Gems

Don't skip the visitor center exhibits; they're surprisingly engaging for all ages. :bulb:

🐟Nimbus Fish Hatchery 🐟 This hatchery raises salmon and steelhead trout annually for release into the American River. They have an very informative visitor center where they host an adorable story time followed by a craft for the kids every Sunday. Plenty to explore during your visit as there is also a playground and you can get a close look at the growing fish. Very fun family outing, highly rec...
norcalgogether
6 likes • 447 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Feed the Fish!

Feeding the baby fishies in the raceways is a blast for kids and adults alike! :fish:

📅 Check for Events

Look out for special programs like Sunday tot story and art time for engaging family fun. :sparkles:

👟 Explore the Trail

Enjoy a nature trail walk and observe local birdlife. :bird:

💡 Visitor Center Gems

Don't skip the visitor center exhibits; they're surprisingly engaging for all ages. :bulb:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Nimbus Fish Hatchery as a fun and educational destination, especially for families. The interactive fish feeding and informative exhibits are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended spot for learning about local aquatic life and witnessing the salmon run. Some visitors noted that the salmon run is seasonal, so timing is key for that specific experience.

"Great nature place to bring your kids and learn about the salmon and trout habitat and hatchery. Viewing of different types of birds and also feeding the fish is so fun, even for us adults."

Crystal Van Kirk

"What a fun place! Wonderful staff and you can feed the fish (2-3 separate areas for seeing/feeding the fish). The Sunday tot story and art time was lovely and my kids were actually interested in the visitor center exhibits (unlike at most museums, etc). A fun play area outside too if it’s not too hot out (does have shade which was helpful). We plan to come back in November when the salmon are coming up the ladder with their eggs."

Emily Eshraghi

"Had the best time exploring Nimbus Fish Hatchery with my wife. Nice short trip from Plymouth and there were salmon making it up the ladder! I highly advise a visit! Will go back."

Lep Stewart

What People Like

Interactive fish feeding
Educational exhibits
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Salmon run is seasonal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a short trip from Plymouth. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is the most common method. Check local maps for the best route. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available at the hatchery, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

Absolutely! Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience for exploring the exhibits and trails. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Nimbus Fish Hatchery is generally free, making it an accessible and affordable outing for families. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. TikTok

While entry is free, there might be a small fee for fish food, which is typically purchased on-site. This helps support the hatchery's operations. Reddit

Yes, Nimbus Fish Hatchery is very family-friendly! They often have specific programs like tot story and art time, and the fish feeding is a huge hit with toddlers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can feed the salmon and trout, explore the visitor center exhibits about aquatic life, walk the nature trail, and observe local birds. Reddit

The prime time to see salmon making their way up the ladder is typically in November during their spawning season. Reddit

Yes, kids love feeding the fish and exploring the interactive exhibits. They also host special events like tot story time. Reddit

There is an outdoor play area available, which is great for kids to burn off energy, and it offers some shade. Instagram

The nature trail and surrounding areas are often good spots for birdwatching, offering a chance to see various local species. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Specific dining facilities are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to pack snacks or plan for meals before or after your visit. TikTok

Picnicking is usually permitted in designated areas, so bringing your own food and drinks is a good option for a longer visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the excitement of fish feeding, the dramatic salmon ladder during spawning season, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. TikTokReddit

Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a dream destination for families! The fish feeding is an absolute highlight, providing endless entertainment for little ones (and adults!). Don't miss the visitor center exhibits, which are surprisingly engaging and educational, explaining the salmon and trout life cycle in a way kids can understand. Reddit

Look out for special events like tot story and art time on Sundays, and make sure to explore the outdoor play area for some extra fun. The nature trail also offers a chance for gentle exploration. It's an affordable and enriching outing that combines learning with hands-on activities. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Nimbus Fish Hatchery is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as admission is typically free. The primary cost might be for fish food, which is usually inexpensive and well worth the interactive experience. Reddit

This destination offers significant value, providing educational exhibits, engaging activities like fish feeding, and opportunities for nature walks, all without a hefty price tag. It's a perfect way to enjoy a fulfilling day out without breaking the bank. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Salmon Run

The salmon run is the most anticipated event at Nimbus Fish Hatchery, typically occurring in November. This is when adult salmon return to their natal streams to spawn. Visitors can witness this incredible natural phenomenon as the fish navigate the salmon ladder, a crucial passage designed to help them overcome obstacles on their journey upstream. Seeing this migration is a powerful reminder of the salmon's life cycle and the importance of conservation efforts. Reddit

While the main run is in November, the hatchery always has fish in various stages of development. Even outside of the peak spawning season, you can observe juvenile salmon and trout in the raceways, offering a continuous opportunity to learn about these fascinating aquatic species. Reddit

Pro Tip: For the best viewing experience of the salmon ladder, try to visit on a day with moderate water flow and clear conditions. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer softer light for photography. TikTok

Family Fun at the Hatchery

Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of education and entertainment. The fish feeding activity is a guaranteed hit with children, providing a hands-on way to interact with the hatchery's residents. The visitor center is designed to be engaging, with exhibits that explain the complex life cycle of salmon and trout in an accessible manner, making it an educational outing that doesn't feel like a chore. Reddit

Beyond the exhibits and feeding, the hatchery features an outdoor play area where kids can expend energy, and a nature trail perfect for a leisurely stroll and spotting local wildlife. The hatchery also hosts special events, such as tot story and art time, which are specifically tailored for younger visitors, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Instagram

Key Takeaway: The combination of interactive feeding, educational displays, and play spaces makes Nimbus Fish Hatchery a well-rounded family outing that caters to both fun and learning. Reddit

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