ABOUT

Horseshoe Bar Fish and Game Preserve, Inc. was founded on May 1, 2007. As the first year came to a close we realized we had the opportunity to make Horseshoe Bar Fish and Game Preserve, Inc. something special. We wanted members to be able to enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience that offers great fishing while being respectful conservationists.

While it is rare when members run into each other on the property, members enjoy running into a fellow member while they are there fishing or just relaxing watching the river flow by.

 Members meet one another at club events such as fishing clinics, work parties and philanthropic events. Our annual Veterans & First Responders Event helps rehabilitate seriously wounded veterans by teaching them how to fly fish. At the end of the day there is something special about fishing and spending the night sitting around a campfire trading fishing stories over a cold beer, glass of single malt or fine wine. Let’s not forget a great cigar.

Now in our th year, the fishing has never been better due to a strict catch & release and fish handling policy.

Tight Lines,
Thomas G. M. Bartos
President and Founder

The five miles of river that makes up Horseshoe Bar Preserve (Club) starts just below Oxbow Dam at the point where the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the American River meet. The property is a Federally Deeded mining property from the 1850’s. It is similar to the Mexican Land Grants where the property is owned on both sides of the river to the middle of the river and includes the rocks under the river.

Around 1860 approximately 53 miners with claims on the 1  1/4 mile stretch of the river known as “The Horseshoe” joined together to form a single claim. Working together they successfully bored a tunnel through the mountain diverting the river so they could mine the gold that had been deposited on the Horseshoe. This tunnel, now known as the Tunnel Chute and the 4th Wonder of Placer County.  It  is approximately 80 feet high by 40 feet wide and has a level five rapid at the entrance. The river flows through the tunnel into a 70 foot deep pool, 100 yards wide and 200 yards long. We call it “The Lake” because members enjoy float tubing in it. We keep several row boats there for our members who wish to fish from a boat with their children or parents.

Below The Lake is Gray Eagle Bar named after the city  of Gray Eagle which together with Horseshoe Bar formed a considerable mining community. The river splits at Gray Eagle Bar and forms a side channel that is a favorite for those who like to fish small streams. Over the five miles of river that encompasses the Club there are numerous deep pools that hold large trout.  The rainbows are descendants of Central Valley Steelhead that were trapped when Folsom Dam was built.. In between these pools are numerous stretches of riffles and tailouts with pocket water for those that enjoy short-lining and high sticking.

Below Gray Eagle Bar is a remote area surrounded by steep canyon walls known as “The Cathedral.” The name is derived because of the sheer wall that overlooks the area. Members who enjoy solitude like fishing this area. Due to its distance from the parking area it receives little fishing pressure.

Whispering Pines is the perfect name for our campground set alongside one of the most beautiful and productive areas of the river. Located slightly above the famous Tunnel Chute that was created by miners in the mid 1800’s to divert the river away from the Horseshoe so that they could mine the 1 ¼ mile of river now known as Horseshoe Bar. The Tunnel Chute is one of the most spectacular sights on the river. During the warm summer months breezes flow through the tunnel and are cooled before they pour over the campground at Whispering Pines. These cool breezes create a low whisper as the work there way through the tall pine trees.

There are three units hidden amongst the trees. These units overlook the campground and river yet blend into the natural beauty around them. They are nestled back in areas that allow privacy, yet are close to the center of the campground. Each unit has two twin beds. An outdoor kitchen with a Webber BBQ and three 30,000 BTU burners. There is an additional Weber BBQ that can be used for events. The sinks and work surfaces are stainless steel and provide an excellent work area to prepare your food. The kitchen has a full supply of  cooking utensils you would need as well as silverware and wine glasses . Members need only to bring their food and sleeping bags/linens to enjoy a weekend of great fishing, solitude and a great night’s sleep.

Rules

There are also designated tent sites for those that enjoy tent camping. The bluff above the river has Adirondack chairs and large flat rocks where you can prop up your feet while you relax and enjoy the view and the sound of rushing river.

After cooking up your favorite foods in the outdoor kitchen you can sit around the campfire and enjoy the pristine beauty and tranquility that is Horseshoe Bar Preserve.