UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended        March 31, 2006
                                      --------------

                                       or

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                        to
                               ----------------------    ---------------------

                           Commission File No. 0-31525

                            AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                   California                               68-0352144
        -------------------------------             ------------------------
        (State or other jurisdiction of             (IRS Employer ID Number)
         incorporation or organization)

         3100 Zinfandel Drive, Rancho Cordova, California        95670
         ------------------------------------------------     ----------
            (Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip code)


                                 (916) 231-6700
                         -------------------------------
                         (Registrant's telephone number,
                              including area code)

                                 Not Applicable
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                         if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated
filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ ]    Accelerated filer [X]   Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

No par value Common Stock - 5,624,644 shares outstanding at May 8, 2006.

                                  Page 1 of 74
                 The Index to the Exhibits is located at Page 35
<PAGE>

                          PART 1-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.


                           AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
                             (Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            March 31,     December 31,
                                                                              2006            2005
                                                                          ------------    ------------
ASSETS
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>
Cash and due from banks                                                   $     38,261    $     34,825
Federal funds sold                                                                  --           1,250
                                                                          ------------    ------------
      Total cash and cash equivalents                                           38,261          36,075

Interest-bearing deposits in banks                                               4,844           4,844
Investment securities:
   Available-for-sale, (amortized cost: 2006--$121,155; 2005--$125,468)        119,140         124,189
   Held-to-maturity (market value: 2006--$41,040; 2005--$44,658)                41,715          45,012
Loans and leases, less allowance for loan and lease losses of
   $5,767 at March 31, 2006 and $5,679 at December 31, 2005                    372,754         365,571
Premises and equipment, net                                                      2,013           2,090
Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                                     2,639           2,608
Accounts receivable servicing receivables, net                                   2,049           2,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets                                            18,069          18,152
Accrued interest receivable and other assets                                    11,897          12,222
                                                                          ------------    ------------
                                                                          $    613,381    $    612,763
                                                                          ============    ============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Deposits
     Noninterest bearing                                                  $    161,836    $    164,397
     Interest bearing                                                          334,120         336,309
                                                                          ------------    ------------
             Total deposits                                                    495,956         500,706

Short-term borrowed funds                                                       40,029          39,386
Long-term debt                                                                   8,254           4,270
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                                   5,370           5,655
                                                                          ------------    ------------

             Total liabilities                                                 549,609         550,017
                                                                          ------------    ------------

Commitments and contingencies (Note 3)
Shareholders' equity:
    Common stock - no par value; 20,000,000 shares
       authorized; issued and outstanding - 5,624,644 shares
       shares at March 31, 2006 and 5,604,479 at December 31, 2005              47,531          47,474
    Retained earnings                                                           17,430          16,029
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes (Note 5)                 (1,189)           (757)
                                                                          ------------    ------------

            Total shareholders' equity                                          63,772          62,746
                                                                          ------------    ------------
                                                                          $    613,381    $    612,763
                                                                          ============    ============
</TABLE>

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       2
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                   (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
For the three month periods ended March 31,
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          2006         2005
                                                                       ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
Interest income:
    Interest and fees on loans                                         $    7,338   $    6,202
    Interest on Federal funds sold                                              1            6
    Interest on deposits in banks                                              50           40
    Interest and dividends on investment securities:
       Taxable                                                              1,468        1,208
       Exempt from Federal income taxes                                       252          210
       Dividends                                                                8            8
                                                                       ----------   ----------
         Total interest income                                              9,117        7,674
                                                                       ----------   ----------
Interest expense:
    Interest on deposits                                                    1,794        1,121
    Interest on short-term borrowings                                         441          160
    Interest on long-term debt                                                 90           78
                                                                       ----------   ----------
          Total interest expense                                            2,325        1,359
                                                                       ----------   ----------

          Net interest income                                               6,792        6,315

Provision for loan and lease losses                                            84          217
                                                                       ----------   ----------
       Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses        6,708        6,098
                                                                       ----------   ----------

Noninterest income                                                            634          581
                                                                       ----------   ----------

Noninterest expense:
    Salaries and employee benefits                                          1,965        1,725
    Occupancy                                                                 352          301
    Furniture and equipment                                                   228          227
    Other expense                                                           1,093        1,075
                                                                       ----------   ----------
          Total noninterest expense                                         3,638        3,328
                                                                       ----------   ----------

          Income before income taxes                                        3,704        3,351

Income taxes                                                                1,461        1,300
                                                                       ----------   ----------

          Net income                                                   $    2,243   $    2,051
                                                                       ==========   ==========

Basic earnings per share (Note 4)                                      $      .40   $      .37
                                                                       ==========   ==========
Diluted earnings per share (Note 4)                                    $      .39   $      .36
                                                                       ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

            See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       3
<PAGE>

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Accumulated
                                                 Common Stock                           Other
                                           ------------------------     Retained     Comprehensive   Shareholders'   Comprehensive
                                             Shares        Amount       Earnings     Income (Loss)      Equity          Income
                                           ----------    ----------    ----------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
Balance, January 1, 2005                    5,314,732    $   42,557    $   15,878    $        555    $     58,990

Comprehensive income (Note 5):
   Net income                                                               9,184                           9,184    $      9,184
   Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
       Change in unrealized losses on
         available-for-sale
         investment securities                                                             (1,312)         (1,312)         (1,312)
                                                                                                                     ------------

         Total comprehensive income                                                                                  $      7,872
                                                                                                                     ============

Cash dividends ($0.54 per share)                                           (3,012)                         (3,012)
Fractional shares redeemed                         (1)          (32)                                          (32)
5% stock dividend                             266,801         6,021        (6,021)
Stock options exercised                       113,309           945                                           945
Retirement of common stock                    (90,362)       (2,017)                                       (2,017)
                                           ----------    ----------    ----------    ------------    ------------

Balance, December 31, 2005                  5,604,479        47,474        16,029            (757)         62,746

Comprehensive income (Note 5):
   Net income                                                               2,243                           2,243    $      2,243
   Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
       Change in unrealized losses on
         available-for-sale
         investment securities                                                               (432)           (432)           (432)
                                                                                                                     ------------

          Total comprehensive income                                                                                 $      1,811
                                                                                                                     ============

Cash dividends ($0.15 per share)                                             (842)                           (842)
Stock options exercised                        31,106           284                                           284
Stock option compensation                                        37                                            37
Retirement of common stock                    (10,941)         (264)                                         (264)
                                           ----------    ----------    ----------    ------------    ------------

Balance, March 31, 2006                     5,624,644    $   47,531    $   17,430    $     (1,189)   $     63,772
                                           ==========    ==========    ==========    ============    ============
</TABLE>

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       4
<PAGE>

AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)
For the three months ended March 31,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             2006          2005
                                                                          ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                                            $    2,243    $    2,051
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
       provided by (used in) operating activities:
         Provision for loan and lease losses                                      84           217
         Decrease in deferred loan origination fees, net                         (58)          (91)
         Depreciation and amortization                                           262           255
         Net amortization of investment security
              premiums                                                           201           362
         Gain on sale of securities                                               --           (43)
         Gain on sale of equipment                                                --            --
         Increase in accrued interest
              receivable and other assets                                        673           498
         Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance                      (44)          (44)
              polices
         Decrease in accrued interest payable
              and other liabilities                                             (286)      (11,973)
                                                                          ----------    ----------

                    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities        3,075        (8,768)
                                                                          ----------    ----------

Cash flows from investing activities:
         Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale
                investment securities                                          1,066         1,757
         Proceeds from called available-for-sale investment
                securities                                                        --            --
         Proceeds from matured available-for-sale investment
                securities                                                     2,500         1,250
         Purchases of held-to-maturity investment
             securities                                                           --        (1,056)
         Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities                    --        (3,476)
         Proceeds from principal repayments for available-
                for-sale mortgage-related securities                             609           992
         Proceeds from principal repayments for held-to-
                maturity mortgage-related securities                           3,234         2,494
         Net increase in interest-bearing deposits in banks                       --           (96)
         Net increase in loans                                                (7,209)       (1,742)
         Net (increase) decrease in accounts receivable
                servicing receivables                                            (49)          153
         Proceeds from the sale of equipment                                      --            --
         Purchases of equipment                                                 (102)         (122)
         Net (increase) decrease in FHLB stock                                   (31)          248
                                                                          ----------    ----------

                    Net cash provided by investing activities                     18           402
                                                                          ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

                                       5
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                            <C>           <C>
    Cash flows from financing activities:
         Net (decrease) increase in demand, interest-bearing
             and savings deposits                              $  (13,419)   $      412
         Net increase in time deposits                              8,669           567
         Net increase (decrease) in long-term debt                  3,984           (16)
         Net increase in short-term borrowings                        643         4,801
         Payment of cash dividends                                   (841)         (583)
         Cash paid to repurchase common stock                        (264)         (996)
         Cash paid for fractional shares                               --           (16)
         Stock option compensation                                     37            --
          Exercise of stock options                                   284           587
                                                               ----------    ----------

              Net cash (used in) provided by financing
                 activities                                          (907)        4,756
                                                               ----------    ----------

              Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
                   equivalents                                      2,186        (3,610)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                     36,075        35,115
                                                               ----------    ----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                     $   38,261    $   31,505
                                                               ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       6
<PAGE>

                            AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 March 31, 2006

1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements
contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments)
necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of American
River Bankshares (the "Company") at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three-month periods
ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.

Certain disclosures normally presented in the notes to the financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
omitted. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's 2005 annual report on Form 10-K. The results of
operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 may not necessarily
be indicative of the operating results for the full year.

In preparing such financial statements, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of
the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual
results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that
are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to
the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, the provision for
taxes and the estimated fair value of investment securities.

2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Option Plans

In 2000 and 1995, the Board of Directors adopted stock option plans under which
options may be granted to employees and directors under incentive and
nonstatutory agreements. The plans require that the option price may not be less
than the fair market value of the stock at the date the option is granted. The
options under the plans expire on dates determined by the Board of Directors,
but not later than ten years from the date of grant. The vesting period is
generally five years; however the vesting period can be modified at the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. Outstanding options under the
plans are exercisable until their expiration. New shares are issued upon
exercise.

Adoption of FAS 123(R)

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for the plans under the
recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principals Board ("APB")
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
Interpretations, as permitted by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and FASB Statement
No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure. No
stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized for options granted for
the three months ended March 31, 2005 in the Statement of Income, as all options
granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2006, the
Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No.
123(R), Share-Based Payment, using the modified prospective transition method.
Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in fiscal year 2006
includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments vesting during 2006
that were granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006 based on
the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions
of Statement 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments vesting
during 2006 that were granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the
grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Statement
123(R). Results for prior periods have not been restated and there was no

                                       7
<PAGE>

one-time effect resulting from the adoption of FASB Statement No. 123(R).
Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period on a straight line
accounting basis.

As a result of adopting Statement 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the Company's
income before provision for income taxes and net income for the three months
ended March 31, 2006, was $37,000 and $30,000 lower, respectively, than if it
had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.
Diluted earnings per share and basic earnings per share for the three months
ended March 31, 2006 would remain unchanged had the Company continued to account
for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.

In accordance with FASB Statement No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation - Transition and Disclosure, the following table illustrates the
effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the
fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based compensation to prior periods. Pro
forma adjustments to the Company's consolidated net income and earnings per
share are disclosed during the years in which the options become vested (dollars
in thousands, except per share data).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------
                                                                          2005
                                                                       ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>
        Net income as reported                                         $    2,051
        Deduct:  Total stock-based compensation expense
        determined under the fair value based method for all awards,
        net of related tax effects                                            (16)
                                                                       ----------
         Pro forma net income
                                                                       $    2,035
                                                                       ==========
        Basic earnings per share - as reported
                                                                       $     0.37
        Basic earnings per share - pro forma                           $     0.37
        Diluted earnings per share - as reported                       $     0.36
        Diluted earnings per share - pro forma                         $     0.36
</TABLE>

            The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of
grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton based option valuation model that uses the
assumptions noted in the following table. Because Black-Scholes-Merton based
option valuation models incorporate ranges of assumptions for inputs, those
ranges are disclosed. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility
of the Company's stock and other factors. The Company uses historical data to
estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model.
The expected term of options granted is derived from guidance provided in Staff
Bulletin No. 107 and represents the period of time that options granted are
expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the
contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in
effect at the time of grant.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                                         March 31,
                                                             --------------------------------
                                                                 2006                2005
                                                             ------------        ------------
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>
       Dividend yield                                              2.16%               2.27%
       Expected volatility                                         29.6%               34.1%
       Risk-free interest rate                                     4.68%               3.96%
       Weighted average expected option life                     7 years             7 years
       Weighted average fair value of options
          granted during the period                                $8.76               $6.48
</TABLE>

A summary of option activity under the stock option plans as of March 31, 2006
and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

                                       8
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Weighted
                                                              Weighted        Average        Aggregate
                                                              Average        Remaining       Intrinsic
                                                              Exercise      Contractual        Value
                  Options                      Shares           Price          Term            ($000)
                  -------                    -----------     -----------   -------------    -----------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>
       Outstanding at January 1, 2006            289,393        $  13.22       5.8 years         $4,263
                Granted                           64,699        $  27.80       9.9 years             10
                Exercised                        (31,106)       $   5.70              --             --
                Cancelled                           (386)       $  19.44              --             --
                                             -----------
       Outstanding at March 31, 2006             322,600        $  16.87       6.8 years         $3,574
                                             ===========                   =============   ============
       Exercisable at March 31, 2006             141,053        $   9.78       4.1 years         $2,563
                                             ===========                   =============   ============

</TABLE>

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended
March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $608,000 and $1,508,000, respectively. The intrinsic
value was derived from the market price of the Company's common stock of $27.95
as of March 31, 2006.

At March 31, 2006, the total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not
yet recorded is expected to be $1,012,000. This amount will be recognized over
the next five years and the weighted average period of recognizing these costs
is expected to be 2.9 years.

3. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business there are outstanding various commitments to
extend credit which are not reflected in the financial statements, including
loan commitments of approximately $119,753,000 and letters of credit of
$5,865,000 at March 31, 2006. Such loans relate primarily to real estate
construction loans and revolving lines of credit and other commercial loans.
However, all such commitments will not necessarily culminate in actual
extensions of credit by the Company during 2006 as some of these are expected to
expire without being fully drawn upon.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the
performance or financial obligation of a client to a third party. These
guarantees are issued primarily relating to purchases of inventory or as
security for real estate rents by commercial clients and are typically short
term in nature. Credit risk is similar to that involved in extending loan
commitments to clients and accordingly, evaluation and collateral requirements
similar to those for loan commitments are used. The majority of all such
commitments are collateralized. The fair value of the liability related to these
standby letters of credit, which represents the fees received for issuing the
guarantees was not material at March 31, 2006 or March 31, 2005.

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATION

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted
average common shares outstanding for the period (5,613,163 shares for the
three-month period ended March 31, 2006, and 5,605,385 shares for the
three-month period ended March 31, 2005). Diluted earnings per share reflect the
potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised.
Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted
average common shares outstanding for the period plus the dilutive effect of
options (113,511 shares for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 and
141,522 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005). Earnings per share is
retroactively adjusted for stock splits and stock dividends for all periods
presented.

5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income is reported in addition to net income for all periods
presented. Comprehensive income is made up of net income plus other
comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes,
was comprised of the unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment
securities of $(432,000) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 and
$(925,000) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005. Comprehensive income
was $1,811,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006 and $1,126,000
for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005. Reclassification adjustments
resulting from gain or loss on sale of investment securities were not material
for all periods presented.

                                       9
<PAGE>

6. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has a total of $48,000,000 in unsecured short-term borrowing
arrangements with four of its correspondent banks. There were no advances under
the borrowing arrangements as of March 31, 2006 or December 31, 2005.

In addition, the Company has a line of credit available with the Federal Home
Loan Bank (the "FHLB") which is secured by pledged mortgage loans and investment
securities. Borrowings may include overnight advances as well as loans with
terms of up to thirty years. Advances totaling $48,283,000 were outstanding from
the FHLB at March 31, 2006, bearing interest rates ranging from 2.10% to 6.13%
and maturing between April 3, 2006 and January 24, 2008. Advances totaling
$43,656,000 were outstanding from the FHLB at December 31, 2005, bearing
interest rates ranging from 2.10% to 6.13% and maturing between January 3, 2006
and December 21, 2007. Remaining amounts available under the borrowing
arrangement with the FHLB at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 totaled
$3,551,000 and $3,534,000, respectively.

7. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2006 are summarized
and classified according to the duration of the loss period as follows (dollars
in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Less than 12 Months       Greater than 12 Months           Total
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Fair        Unrealized      Fair        Unrealized      Fair       Unrealized
                                                      Value          Loss         Value          Loss         Value         Loss
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
  Available-for-Sale:
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      U.S. Treasury securities and agencies        $   20,753    $     (344)   $   25,747    $     (467)   $   46,500    $     (811)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mortgage-backed securities                       11,403          (318)       22,748          (775)       34,151        (1,093)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Obligations of state and political
        subdivisions                                   15,852          (274)       10,412          (245)       26,264          (519)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Corporate debt securities                         1,008            (7)           --            --         1,008            (7)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Corporate stock                                      --            --           234           (15)          234           (15)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   $   49,016    $     (943)   $   59,141    $   (1,502)   $  108,157    $   (2,445)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Held-to-Maturity:
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mortgage-backed securities                   $   27,782    $     (444)   $   10,420    $     (266)   $   38,202    $     (710)
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Management periodically evaluates each investment security in a loss position
for other than temporary impairment relying primarily on industry analyst
reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.
Management believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the
contractual terms of the underlying investment securities and that the noted
decline in fair value is considered temporary and is due only to interest rate
fluctuations.

                                       10
<PAGE>

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.

         The following is management's discussion and analysis of the
significant changes in American River Bankshares' (the "Company") balance sheet
accounts between December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006 and its income and expense
accounts for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The
discussion is designed to provide a better understanding of significant trends
related to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity,
capital resources and interest rate sensitivity. This discussion and the
consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this
report are unaudited.

         Certain matters discussed or incorporated by reference in this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q including, but not limited to, matters described
in "Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may
contain words related to future projections including, but not limited to, words
such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "may," "will," "should,"
"could," "would," and variations of those words and similar words that are
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) variances in the actual versus projected growth in assets; (2) return on
assets; (3) loan and lease losses; (4) expenses; (5) changes in the interest
rate environment including interest rates charged on loans, earned on securities
investments and paid on deposits; (6) competition effects; (7) fee and other
noninterest income earned; (8) general economic conditions nationally,
regionally, and in the operating market areas of the Company and its
subsidiaries; (9) changes in the regulatory environment; (10) changes in
business conditions and inflation; (11) changes in securities markets; (12) data
processing problems; (13) a decline in real estate values in the Company's
operating market areas; (14) the effects of terrorism, the threat of terrorism
or the impact of the current military conflict in Iraq and the conduct of the
war on terrorism by the United States and its allies, as well as other factors.
These factors and other cautionary statements and information set forth in this
report should be carefully considered and understood as being applicable to all
related forward-looking statements contained in this report, when evaluating the
business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries.

         Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. By their
nature, they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future results
and shareholder values may differ significantly from those expressed in these
forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any
forward-looking statement. Any such statement speaks only as of the date of this
report, and in the case of any documents that may be incorporated by reference,
as of the date of those documents. We do not undertake any obligation to update
or release any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report any new
information, future event or other circumstances after the date of this report
or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
To gain a more complete understanding of the uncertainties and risks involved in
the Company's business, this report should be read in conjunction with the
Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and
its 2006 reports filed on 8-K.

         Interest income and net interest income are presented on a fully
taxable equivalent basis (FTE) within management's discussion and analysis.

Critical Accounting Policies

General

         The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
("GAAP"). The financial information contained within our statements is, to a
significant extent, financial information that is based on measures of the
financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. We use
historical loss data, peer group experience and the economic environment as
factors, among others, in determining the inherent loss that may be present in
our loan and lease portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the
historical factors that we use. Other estimates that we use are related to the

                                       11
<PAGE>

expected useful lives of our depreciable assets. In addition, GAAP itself may
change from one previously acceptable method to another method. Although the
economics of our transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would
impact our transactions could change.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

         The allowance for loan and lease losses is an estimate of the credit
loss risk in our loan and lease portfolio. The allowance is based on two basic
principles of accounting: (1) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies," which requires that losses be
accrued when they are probable of occurring and estimable; and (2) SFAS No. 114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," which requires that losses
be accrued based on the differences between the value of collateral, present
value of future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market
and the loan balance.

         The allowance for loan and lease losses is determined based upon
estimates that can and do change when the actual risk or loss events occur. The
analysis of the allowance uses an historical loss view as an indicator of future
losses and as a result could differ from the loss incurred in the future.
However, since our analysis of risk and loss potential is updated regularly, the
errors that might otherwise occur are mitigated. The use of factors and ranges
is inherently subjective and our actual losses could be greater or less than the
estimates. The Company's goal is to maintain an allowance for loan and lease
losses that is between the lower and upper ranges as described above. If the
allowance for loan and lease losses falls below the lower range of adequate
reserves (by reason of loan and lease growth, actual losses, the effect of
changes in risk ratings, or some combination of these factors), the Company has
a strategy for supplementing the allowance for loan and lease losses, over the
short term, so that it would again fall within the lower and upper acceptable
ranges. For further information regarding our allowance for loan and lease
losses, see "Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity" discussion later in
this Item 2.

Stock-Based Compensation

         The Company previously accounted for its stock-based compensation under
the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board
("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
interpretations. Since the Company's stock option plan provides for the issuance
of options at a price of no less than the fair market value at the date of the
grant, no compensation expense was recognized in the financial statements unless
the options were modified after the grant date.

         In January 1, 2006, the Company began to apply SFAS 123 (R) on a
modified prospective method. Under this method, the Company is required to
record compensation expense (as previous awards continue to vest) for the
unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the
date of adoption. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of
grant and amortized over the service period using an option pricing model.
Critical assumptions that affect the estimated fair value of each option include
expected stock price volatility, dividend yields, option life and forfeiture
rates and the risk-free interest rate.

Goodwill

Business combinations involving the Company's acquisition of the equity
interests or net assets of another enterprise or the assumption of net
liabilities in an acquisition of branches constituting a business may give rise
to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity
over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed
in transactions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The value
of goodwill is ultimately derived from the Company's ability to generate net
earnings after the acquisition. A decline in net earnings could be indicative of
a decline in the fair value of goodwill and result in impairment. For that
reason, goodwill is assessed for impairment at a reporting unit level at least
annually following the year of acquisition. The Company performed an evaluation
of the goodwill, recorded as a result of the Bank of Amador acquisition, during
the fourth quarter of 2005 and determined that there was no impairment. While
the Company believes all assumptions utilized in its assessment of goodwill for
impairment are reasonable and appropriate, changes in earnings, the effective
tax rate, historical earnings multiples and the cost of capital could all cause
different results for the calculation of the present value of future cash flows.

                                       12
<PAGE>

General Development of Business

         The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company was incorporated under the laws of
the State of California in 1995. As a bank holding company, the Company is
authorized to engage in the activities permitted under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended, and regulations thereunder. Its principal office is
located at 3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 450, Rancho Cordova, California 95670 and
its telephone number is (916) 231-6700. The Company employed an equivalent of
124 full-time employees as of March 31, 2006.

         The Company owns 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of
its banking subsidiary, American River Bank, and American River Financial, a
California corporation which has been inactive since its incorporation in 2003.

         American River Bank was incorporated and commenced business in Fair
Oaks, California, in 1983 and thereafter moved its headquarters to Sacramento,
California in 1985. American River Bank operates five full service offices and
one convenience office in Sacramento and Placer Counties including the head
office located at 1545 River Park Drive, Suite 107, Sacramento, and branch
offices located at 520 Capitol Mall, Suite 100, Sacramento, 9750 Business Park
Drive, Sacramento, 10123 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks and 2240 Douglas
Boulevard, Roseville, and the convenience office (limited service office)
located at 3100 Zinfandel Drive, Suite 450, Rancho Cordova, and three full
service offices in Sonoma County located at 412 Center Street, Healdsburg, 8733
Lakewood Drive, Windsor, and 50 Santa Rosa Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Rosa,
operated under the name "North Coast Bank, a division of American River Bank."
North Coast Bank was incorporated and commenced business in 1990 as Windsor Oaks
National Bank in Windsor, California. In 1997, the name was changed to North
Coast Bank. In 2000, North Coast Bank was acquired by the Company as a separate
bank subsidiary. Effective December 31, 2003, North Coast Bank was merged with
and into American River Bank.

         On December 3, 2004, the Company acquired Bank of Amador located in
Jackson, California. Bank of Amador was merged with and into American River Bank
and now operates three full service banking offices as "Bank of Amador, a
division of American River Bank" within its primary service area of Amador
County, in the cities of Jackson, Pioneer and Ione.

         American River Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation up to applicable legal limits. American River Bank does
not offer trust services or international banking services and does not plan to
do so in the near future. American River Bank's primary business is serving the
commercial banking needs of small to mid-sized businesses within those counties
listed above. American River Bank accepts checking and savings deposits, offers
money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, makes secured and
unsecured commercial, secured real estate, and other installment and term loans
and offers other customary banking services. American River Bank also conducts
lease financing for most types of business equipment, from computer software to
heavy earth-moving equipment.

         American River Bank owns 100% of two inactive companies, ARBCO and
American River Mortgage. ARBCO was formed in 1984 to conduct real estate
development and has been inactive since 1995. American River Mortgage has been
inactive since its formation in 1994.

         During 2006, the Company conducted no significant activities other than
holding the shares of its subsidiaries. However, it is authorized, with the
prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the
"Board of Governors"), the Company's principal regulator, to engage in a variety
of activities which are deemed closely related to the business of banking.

         The common stock of the Company is registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is listed and traded on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "AMRB."

                                       13
<PAGE>

Overview

         The Company recorded net income of $2,243,000 for the quarter ended
March 31, 2006, which was $192,000 above the $2,051,000 reported for the same
period of 2005. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2006 were
$0.39 versus $0.36 for the first quarter of 2005. The return on average equity
(ROAE) and the return on average assets (ROAA) for the first quarter of 2006
were 14.41% and 1.49%, respectively, as compared to 14.08% and 1.43%,
respectively, for the same period in 2005.

         Total assets of the Company increased by $618,000 (0.1%) from
$612,763,000 at December 31, 2005 to $613,381,000 at March 31, 2006. Net loans
totaled $372,754,000 at March 31, 2006, up $7,183,000 (2.0%) from the
$365,571,000 at December 31, 2005. Deposit balances at March 31, 2006 totaled
$495,956,000, down $4,750,000 (0.9%) from $500,706,000 at December 31, 2005.

         The Company ended the first quarter of 2006 with a Tier 1 capital ratio
of 10.9% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.1% versus 10.6% and 11.9%,
respectively, at December 31, 2005.

         Table One below provides a summary of the components of net income for
the periods indicated:

Table One:  Components of Net Income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     For the three months
                                                        ended March 31
                                                 -----------------------------

(Dollars in thousands)                               2006             2005
                                                 ------------     ------------

Net interest income*                             $      6,875     $      6,385
Provision for loan losses                                 (84)            (217)
Noninterest income                                        634              581
Noninterest expense                                    (3,638)          (3,328)
Provision for income taxes                             (1,461)          (1,300)
Tax equivalent adjustment                                 (83)             (70)
                                                 ------------     ------------

Net income                                       $      2,243     $      2,051
                                                 ============     ============

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average total assets                             $    608,549     $    580,293
Net income (annualized) as a percentage
  of average total assets                                1.49%            1.43%

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE)

                                       14
<PAGE>

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

         Net interest income represents the excess of interest and fees earned
on interest earning assets (loans and leases, securities, Federal funds sold and
investments in time deposits) over the interest paid on deposits and borrowed
funds. Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of
average earning assets. The Company's net interest margin was 5.12% for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 and 4.96% for the three months ended March 31,
2005.

         The fully taxable equivalent interest income component increased from
$7,744,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 to $9,200,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2006, representing an 18.8% increase. The increase in the
fully taxable equivalent interest income for the first three months of 2006
compared to the same period in 2005 is broken down by rate (up $1,121,000) and
volume (up $335,000). The rate increase can be attributed to increases
implemented by the Company during 2004 and 2005 and continuing through the first
quarter of 2006 in response to the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") increases
in the Federal funds and Discount rates. Increases by the FRB have resulted in
fifteen 25 basis point increases since June 2004. The overall increasing
interest rate environment since June 2004 has resulted in an 83 basis point
increase in the yield on average earning assets from 6.02% for the first quarter
of 2005 to 6.85% for the first quarter of 2006. The volume increase was the
result of a 4.4% increase in average earning assets. Average loan balances were
up $12,838,000 (3.6%) in 2006 over the balances in 2005, while average
investment securities balances were up $12,127,000 (7.7%), during the same
period. The increase in average loans is the result of concentrated focus on
business lending, the demand for commercial real estate and the effects of a
favorable local market. The increase in investment securities is primarily due
to the Company investing its excess funds in investment securities--these excess
funds were created by an increase in deposit balances and other borrowings.

         Interest expense increased $966,000 (71.1%) during the first quarter of
2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005. The average balances of interest
bearing liabilities were $18,062,000 (4.9%) higher in 2006 versus 2005. The
higher balances accounted for a $158,000 increase in interest expense. The
higher average balances in interest bearing balances was created by internal
growth in the Company's deposits and borrowings. Increased rates accounted for
an additional $808,000 in interest expense for the three-month period. The
increase in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities was a result of the
higher interest rate environment since June 2004. Rates paid on interest bearing
liabilities increased 95 basis points on a quarter-over-quarter basis from 1.51%
to 2.46%.

         Table Two, Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets, and Table
Three, Analysis of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income and Expenses,
are provided to enable the reader to understand the components and trends of the
Company's interest income and expenses. Table Two provides an analysis of net
interest margin on earning assets setting forth average assets, liabilities and
shareholders' equity; interest income earned and interest expense paid and
average rates earned and paid; and the net interest margin on earning assets.
Table Three sets forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest
expense from changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and
changes in average interest rates.

                                       15
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table Two:  Analysis of Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended March 31,                          2006                                     2005
                                     -------------------------------------    -------------------------------------

(Taxable Equivalent Basis)              Avg                         Avg          Avg                         Avg
(Dollars in thousands)                Balance       Interest     Yield (4)     Balance       Interest     Yield (4)
                                     ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>                <C>     <C>           <C>                <C>
Assets:
Earning assets:
  Loans and leases (1)               $  370,557    $    7,338         8.03%   $  357,719    $    6,202         7.03%
  Taxable investment
     Securities                         141,330         1,468         4.21%      133,731         1,208         3.66%
  Tax-exempt investment
     securities (2)                      27,588           333         4.90%       23,055           278         4.89%
  Corporate stock                           567            10         7.15%          572            10         7.09%
  Federal funds sold                        124             1         3.27%        1,144             6         2.13%
  Investments in time deposits            4,844            50         4.19%        5,841            40         2.78%
                                     ----------    ----------                 ----------    ----------
Total earning assets                    545,010         9,200         6.85%      522,062         7,744         6.02%
                                                   ----------                               ----------
Cash & due from banks                    32,899                                   28,239
Other assets                             36,352                                   35,554
Allowance for loan & lease losses        (5,712)                                  (5,562)
                                     ----------                               ----------
                                     $  608,549                               $  580,293
                                     ==========                               ==========

Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
  NOW & MMDA                         $  172,406           654         1.54%   $  181,273           449         1.00%
  Savings                                35,878            34         0.38%       39,051            37         0.38%
  Time deposits                         124,270         1,106         3.61%      107,211           635         2.40%
  Other borrowings                       50,735           531         4.24%       37,692           238         2.56%
                                     ----------    ----------                 ----------    ----------
Total interest bearing
  liabilities                           383,289         2,325         2.46%      365,227         1,359         1.51%
                                                   ----------                               ----------
Demand deposits                         155,883                                  148,836
Other liabilities                         6,229                                    7,162
                                     ----------                               ----------
Total liabilities                       545,401                                  521,225
Shareholders' equity                     63,148                                   59,068
                                     ----------                               ----------
                                     $  608,549                               $  580,293
                                     ==========                               ==========
Net interest income & margin (3)                   $    6,875         5.12%                 $    6,385         4.96%
                                                   ==========   ==========                  ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

(1)  Loan and lease interest includes loan fees of $301,000 and $260,000 during
     the three months ended March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively.
(2)  Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on
     certain securities that is exempt from federal income taxes. The effective
     federal statutory tax rate was 34% for the three months ended March 31,
     2005 and 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
(3)  Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total
     average earning assets.
(4)  Average yield is calculated based on actual days in quarter and annualized
     to actual days in year.

                                       16
<PAGE>

Table Three:  Analysis of Volume and Rate Changes on Net Interest Income and
Expenses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 over 2005
Increase (decrease) due to change in:

Interest-earning assets:                    Volume       Rate (4)    Net Change
                                          ----------    ----------   ----------
   Net loans and leases (1)(2)            $      223    $      913   $    1,136
   Taxable investment securities                  69           191          260
   Tax exempt investment securities (3)           55            --           55
   Corporate stock                                --            --           --
   Federal funds sold                             (5)           --           (5)
   Investment in time deposits                    (7)           17           10
                                          ----------    ----------   ----------
     Total                                       335         1,121        1,456
                                          ----------    ----------   ----------

Interest-bearing liabilities:
   Demand deposits                               (22)          227          205
   Savings deposits                               (3)           --           (3)
   Time deposits                                 101           370          471
   Other borrowings                               82           211          293
                                          ----------    ----------   ----------
     Total                                       158           808          966
                                          ----------    ----------   ----------
Interest differential                     $      177    $      313   $      490
                                          ==========    ==========   ==========

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  The average balance of non-accruing loans and leases is immaterial as a
     percentage of total loans and leases and, as such, has been included in net
     loans.
(2)  Loan fees of $301,000 and $260,000 during the three months ending March 31,
     2006 and March 31, 2005, respectively, have been included in the interest
     income computation.
(3)  Includes taxable-equivalent adjustments that primarily relate to income on
     certain securities that is exempt from federal income taxes. The effective
     federal statutory tax rate was 34% for the three months ended March 31,
     2005 and 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
(4)  The rate/volume variance has been included in the rate variance.

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses

         The Company provided $84,000 for loan and lease losses for the first
quarter of 2006 as compared to $217,000 for the first quarter of 2005. Net loan
and lease (recoveries) charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2006
were $(4,000) or less than .01% (on an annualized basis) of average loans and
leases as compared to charge-offs of $37,000 or .04% (on an annualized basis)
for the three months ended March 31, 2005. For further information please see
"Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity."

Noninterest Income

         Table Four below provides a summary of the components of noninterest
income for the periods indicated (Dollars in thousands):

Table Four:  Components of Noninterest Income
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Three Months Ended
                                                                 March 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            2006         2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service charges on deposit accounts                      $      209   $      168
Accounts receivable servicing fees                              104           90
Gain on sale of securities                                       --           43
Merchant fee income                                             129          106
Income from residential lending                                  65           53
Bank owned life insurance                                        44           45
Other                                                            83           76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total noninterest income                      $      634   $      581
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       17
<PAGE>

         Noninterest income was up $53,000 (9.1%) to $634,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2006 as compared to $581,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 2005. The increase in noninterest income for the quarter can be
attributed to increases in service charges (up $41,000 or 24.4%), merchant fee
income (up $23,000 or 21.7%), and fees from accounts receivable servicing (up
$14,000 or 15.6%); there were no gains on sale of securities during the first
quarter of 2006, compared to gains totaling $43,000 in the first quarter of
2005.

Noninterest Expense

         Noninterest expense increased $310,000 (9.3%) to a total of $3,638,000
in the first quarter of 2006 versus the $3,328,000 recorded in the first quarter
of 2005. Salary and employee benefits increased $240,000 (13.9%). The salaries
component increased $200,000 (14.3%) mainly as a result of market-condition
salary adjustments, additional administrative staff to address the burden of
more stringent compliance and regulatory issues, and service personnel to help
achieve strategic growth in business banking. At March 31, 2006, the Company and
its subsidiaries employed 124 persons on a full-time equivalent basis as
compared to 122 at March 31, 2005. The employee benefits and taxes component
also increased as a result of the increase in employees. On a
quarter-over-quarter basis, occupancy expenses were up $51,000 or 16.9%. The
increase is related to normal rent increases in the Company's leased facilities
and costs associated with the Company's new administration office lease, which
was occupied in October 2005. Furniture and equipment remained substantially the
same year over year. Other expenses for the first quarter of 2006 were
$1,093,000, an increase of $18,000 (1.7%) over the prior year quarter. The
efficiency ratios (fully taxable equivalent) for the 2006 and 2005 first
quarters were 47.3% and 46.5%, respectively.

Provision for Income Taxes

         The effective federal and state tax rate for the first quarter of 2006
was 39.4% versus 38.8% for the first quarter of 2005. The increase is related to
the Company's higher taxable income resulting from a move up from the 34% tax
tier to the 35% tax tier, for federal income tax purposes.

Balance Sheet Analysis

         The Company's total assets were $613,381,000 at March 31, 2006 as
compared to $612,763,000 at December 31, 2005, representing an increase of 0.1%.
The average balance of total assets for the three months ended March 31, 2006
was $608,549,000, which represents an increase of $28,256,000 or 4.9% over the
average balance of $580,293,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2005.

Investment Securities

         The Company classifies its investment securities as held to maturity or
available for sale. The Company's intent is to hold all securities classified as
held to maturity until maturity and management believes that it has the ability
to do so. Securities available for sale may be sold to implement asset/liability
management strategies and in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment
rates and similar factors. Table Five below summarizes the values of the
Company's investment securities held on March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

                                       18
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table Five: Investment Securities Composition
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)

Available-for-sale (at fair value)                     March 31, 2006   December 31, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                <C>
Debt securities:
   U.S. Government agencies                           $         46,500   $         49,119
   Mortgage-backed securities                                   35,349             36,326
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions
                                                                35,665             37,106
   Corporate debt securities                                     1,007              1,014
   Corporate stock                                                 619                624
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total available-for-sale investment securities        $        119,140   $        124,189
=========================================================================================
Held-to-maturity (at amortized cost)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt securities:
   Mortgage-backed securities                         $         41,715   $         45,012
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total held-to-maturity investment securities          $         41,715   $         45,012
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

Loans and Leases

         The Company concentrates its lending activities in the following
principal areas: 1) commercial; 2) commercial real estate; 3) multi-family real
estate; 4) real estate construction (both commercial and residential); 5)
residential real estate; 6) lease financing receivable; 7) agriculture; and 8)
consumer loans. At March 31, 2006, these categories accounted for approximately
22%, 41%, 1%, 27%, 1%, 2%, 2% and 4%, respectively, of the Company's loan
portfolio. This mix was relatively unchanged compared to 21%, 42%, 1%, 28%, 1%,
2%, 2% and 3% at December 31, 2005. Continuing economic activity in the
Company's market area, new borrowers developed through the Company's marketing
efforts, and credit extensions expanded to existing borrowers resulted in the
Company originating over $68 million in new loans during the quarter; however,
loan and lease paydowns and payoffs resulted in net increases in balances for
commercial ($4,546,000 or 5.8%), commercial real estate ($2,036,000 or 1.3%),
multi-family real estate ($139,000 or 3.7%), residential real estate ($333,000
or 7.1%), lease financing receivable ($214,000 or 2.7%), and consumer loans
($1,290,000 or 10.8%). Despite the new borrowers, the Company experienced a
decrease in real estate construction ($1,115,000 or 1.1%) and agriculture
($230,000 or 2.8%) as a result of paydowns. Table Six below summarizes the
composition of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

Table Six: Loan and Lease Portfolio Composition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     March 31,     December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)                                 2006            2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial                                         $     82,517    $     77,971
Real estate
   Commercial                                           156,536         154,500
   Multi-family                                           3,906           3,767
   Construction                                         101,933         103,048
   Residential                                            5,013           4,680
Lease financing receivable                                8,181           7,967
Agriculture                                               7,899           8,129
Consumer                                                 13,190          11,900
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total loans and leases                                  379,175         371,962
Deferred loan and lease fees, net                          (654)           (712)
Allowance for loan and lease losses                      (5,767)         (5,679)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net loans and leases                         $    372,754    $    365,571
===============================================================================

         A significant portion of the Company's loans and leases are direct
loans and leases made to individuals and local businesses. The Company relies
substantially on local promotional activity and personal contacts by American

                                       19
<PAGE>

River Bank officers, directors and employees to compete with other financial
institutions. The Company makes loans and leases to borrowers whose applications
include a sound purpose and a viable primary repayment source, generally
supported by a secondary source of repayment.

         Commercial loans consist of credit lines for operating needs, loans for
equipment purchases, working capital, and various other business loan products.
Consumer loans include a range of traditional consumer loan products such as
personal lines of credit and loans to finance purchases of autos, boats,
recreational vehicles, mobile homes and various other consumer items.
Construction loans are generally comprised of commitments to customers within
the Company's service area for construction of commercial properties,
multi-family properties and custom and semi-custom single-family residences.
Other real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by first trust deeds
on commercial and residential properties typically with maturities from 3 to 10
years and original loan to value ratios generally from 65% to 75%. Agriculture
loans consist primarily of vineyard loans and development loans to plant
vineyards. In general, except in the case of loans under SBA programs or Farm
Services Agency guarantees, the Company does not make long-term mortgage loans;
however, American River Bank has a residential lending division to assist
customers in securing most forms of longer term single-family mortgage
financing. American River Bank acts as a broker between American River Bank's
clients and the loan wholesalers. American River Bank receives an origination
fee for loans closed.

Risk Elements

         The Company assesses and manages credit risk on an ongoing basis
through a total credit culture that emphasizes excellent credit quality,
extensive internal monitoring and established formal lending policies.
Additionally, the Company contracts with an outside loan review consultant to
periodically review the existing loan and lease portfolio. Management believes
its ability to identify and assess risk and return characteristics of the
Company's loan and lease portfolio is critical for profitability and growth.
Management strives to continue its emphasis on credit quality in the loan and
lease approval process, active credit administration and regular monitoring.
With this in mind, management has designed and implemented a comprehensive loan
and lease review and grading system that functions to continually assess the
credit risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio.

         Ultimately, underlying trends in economic and business cycles may
influence credit quality. American River Bank's business is concentrated in the
Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a diversified economy, but
with a large State of California government presence and employment base, in
Sonoma County, through North Coast Bank, a division of American River Bank,
whose business is focused on businesses within the three communities in which it
has offices (Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Healdsburg) and in Amador County, through
Bank of Amador, a division of American River Bank, whose business is focused on
businesses and consumers within the three communities in which it has offices
(Jackson, Pioneer, and Ione) as well as a diversified residential construction
loan business in numerous Northern California counties. The economy of Sonoma
County is diversified with professional services, manufacturing, agriculture and
real estate investment and construction, while the economy of Amador County is
reliant upon government, services, retail trade, manufacturing industries and
Indian gaming.

         The Company has significant extensions of credit and commitments to
extend credit that are secured by real estate. The ultimate repayment of these
loans is generally dependent on personal or business cash flows or the sale or
refinancing of the real estate. The Company monitors the effects of current and
expected market conditions and other factors on the collectability of real
estate loans. The more significant factors management considers involve the
following: lease rate and terms, capitalization rates, absorption and sale
rates; real estate values and rates of return; operating expenses; inflation;
and sufficiency of repayment sources independent of the real estate including,
in some instances, personal guarantees.

         In extending credit and commitments to borrowers, the Company generally
requires collateral and/or guarantees as security. The repayment of such loans
is expected to come from cash flow or from proceeds from the sale of selected
assets of the borrowers. The Company's requirement for collateral and/or
guarantees is determined on a case-by-case basis in connection with management's
evaluation of the creditworthiness of the borrower. Collateral held varies but
may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment,

                                       20
<PAGE>

income-producing properties, residences and other real property. The Company
secures its collateral by perfecting its security interest in business assets,
obtaining deeds of trust, or outright possession among other means.

         In management's judgment, a concentration exists in real estate loans
which represented approximately 70.5% of the Company's loan and lease portfolio
at March 31, 2006, down from 71.5% at December 31, 2005. Although management
believes this concentration to have no more than the normal risk of
collectability, a substantial decline in the economy in general, or a decline in
real estate values in the Company's primary market areas in particular, could
have an adverse impact on the collectability of these loans and require an
increase in the provision for loan and lease losses which could adversely affect
the Company's future prospects, results of operations, profitability and stock
price. Management believes that its lending policies and underwriting standards
will tend to minimize losses in an economic downturn, however, there is no
assurance that losses will not occur under such circumstances. The Company's
loan policies and underwriting standards include, but are not limited to, the
following: (1) maintaining a thorough understanding of the Company's service
area and originating a significant majority of its loans within that area, (2)
maintaining a thorough understanding of borrowers' knowledge, capacity, and
market position in their field of expertise, (3) basing real estate loan
approvals not only on market demand for the project, but also on the borrowers'
capacity to support the project financially in the event it does not perform to
expectations (whether sale or income performance), and (4) maintaining
conforming and prudent loan to value and loan to cost ratios based on
independent outside appraisals and ongoing inspection and analysis by the
Company's lending officers.

Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans and Leases

         Management generally places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when
they become 90 days past due, unless the loan or lease is well secured and in
the process of collection. Loans and leases are charged off when, in the opinion
of management, collection appears unlikely.

         At March 31, 2006, non-performing loans and leases were 0.04% of total
loans and leases. The recorded investments in loans that were considered to be
impaired totaled $153,000 at March 31, 2006 and $91,000 at December 31, 2005.
There were no loan concentrations in excess of 10% of total loans not otherwise
disclosed as a category of loans as of March 31, 2006 or December 31, 2005.
Management is not aware of any potential problem loans, which were accruing and
current at March 31, 2006, where serious doubt exists as to the ability of the
borrower to comply with the present repayment terms or that would result in a
material loss to the Company. Table Seven below sets forth nonaccrual loans and
loans past due 90 days or more as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

Table Seven:  Non-Performing Loans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                March 31,    December 31,
                                                        2006           2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Due 90 days or more and still accruing:
   Commercial                                       $         39   $         24
   Real estate                                                --             --
   Lease financing receivable                                 --             --
   Consumer and other                                          2             --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonaccrual:
   Commercial                                                 --             --
   Real estate                                                14             15
   Lease financing receivable                                 98             52
   Consumer and other                                         --             --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-performing loans                          $        153   $         91
================================================================================

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Activity

         The Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL")
to cover probable losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio, which is
based upon management's estimated range of those losses. The ALLL is established
through a provision for loan and lease losses and is increased by provisions
charged against current earnings and recoveries and reduced by charge-offs.

                                       21
<PAGE>

Actual losses for loans and leases can vary significantly from this estimate.
The methodology and assumptions used to calculate the allowance are continually
reviewed as to their appropriateness given the most recent losses realized and
other factors that influence the estimation process. The model assumptions and
resulting allowance level are adjusted accordingly as these factors change.

         The adequacy of the ALLL and the level of the related provision for
loan and lease losses is determined based on management's judgment after
consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to: (i) local and
regional economic conditions, (ii) borrowers' financial condition, (iii) loan
impairment and the related level of expected charge-offs, (iv) evaluation of
industry trends, (v) industry and other concentrations, (vi) loans and leases
which are contractually current as to payment terms but demonstrate a higher
degree of risk as identified by management, (vii) continuing evaluations of the
performing loan portfolio, (viii) ongoing review and evaluation of problem loans
identified as having loss potential, (ix) quarterly review by the Board of
Directors, and (x) assessments by banking regulators and other third parties.
Management and the Board of Directors evaluate the ALLL and determine its
appropriate level considering objective and subjective measures, such as
knowledge of the borrowers' business, valuation of collateral, the determination
of impaired loans or leases and exposure to potential losses.

         The Company establishes general reserves in accordance with Statement
of Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 5., Accounting for Contingencies, and
specific reserves in accordance with SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan. The ALLL is maintained by categories of the loan and lease
portfolio based on loan type and loan rating; however, the entire allowance is
available to cover actual loan and lease losses. While management uses available
information to recognize possible losses on loans and leases, future additions
to the allowance may be necessary, based on changes in economic conditions and
other matters. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of
their examination process, periodically review the Company's ALLL. Such agencies
may require the Company to provide additions to the allowance based on their
judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

         The adequacy of the ALLL is determined based on three components.
First, is the dollar weighted risk rating of the loan portfolio, including all
outstanding loans and leases. Every extension of credit has been assigned a risk
rating based upon a comprehensive definition intended to measure the inherent
risk of lending money. Each rating has an assigned risk factor expressed as a
reserve percentage. Second, established specific reserves consistent with SFAS
No. 114 "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" are assigned to
individually impaired loans. These are estimated potential losses associated
with specific borrowers based upon estimated cash flows or collateral value and
events affecting the risk rating. Third, the Company maintains a reserve for
qualitative factors that may affect the portfolio as a whole, such as those
factors described above, including a reserve for model imprecision consistent
with SFAS No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies".

         It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan and
lease losses at a level adequate for known and inherent risks in the portfolio.
Our methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative
and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan and lease losses that
management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Based on information
currently available to analyze inherent credit risk, including economic factors,
overall credit quality, historical delinquencies and a history of actual
charge-offs, management believes that the provision for loan and lease losses
and the allowance for loan and lease losses are prudent and adequate.
Adjustments may be made based on differences from estimated loan and lease
growth, the types of loans constituting this growth, changes in risk ratings
within the portfolio, and general economic conditions. However, no prediction of
the ultimate level of loans and leases charged off in future periods can be made
with any certainty.

           The allowance for loan and lease losses totaled $5,767,000 or 1.52%
of total loans and leases at March 31, 2006 and $5,679,000 or 1.53% of total
loans and leases at December 31, 2005. Table Eight below summarizes, for the
periods indicated, the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses.

                                       22
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table Eight: Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                          Three Months
                                                                    Ended
                                                                  March 31,
                                                          ------------------------
                                                             2006          2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Average loans and leases outstanding                      $  370,557    $  357,719
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allowance for possible loan and lease losses at
beginning of period                                       $    5,679    $    5,496

Loans and leases charged off:
   Commercial                                                     --            --
   Real estate                                                    --            --
   Consumer                                                       --            --
   Lease financing receivable                                     --           (38)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                             --           (38)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off:
   Commercial                                                     --            --
   Real estate                                                    --            --
   Consumer                                                       --             1
   Lease financing receivable                                      4            --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                              4             1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loans and leases recovered (charged off)                       4           (37)
Additions to allowance charged to operating
  Expenses                                                        84           217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for possible loan and lease
  losses at end of period                                 $    5,767    $    5,676
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net (recoveries) charge-offs to average
  loans and leases outstanding (annualized)                      .00%          .04%
Provision for possible loan and lease losses
   to average loans and leases outstanding (annualized)          .09%          .25%
Allowance for possible loan and lease losses to loans
  and leases, net of deferred fees, at end of period            1.52%         1.58%
</TABLE>

Other Real Estate

         At March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company did not have any
other real estate ("ORE") properties.

Deposits

         At March 31, 2006, total deposits were $495,956,000 representing a
decrease of $4,750,000 (0.9%) from the December 31, 2005 balance of
$500,706,000. Noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $2,561,000 (1.6%) while
interest-bearing deposits increased $2,189,000 (0.7%).

Other Borrowed Funds

         Other borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2006 and December 31,
2005, consist of advances (both long-term and short-term) from the FHLB. Table
Nine below summarizes these borrowings:

                                       23
<PAGE>

Table Nine: Other Borrowed Funds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             March 31, 2006        December 31, 2005
                                           -------------------    -------------------

                                              Amount     Rate        Amount     Rate
                                           ----------   ------    ----------   ------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>     <C>            <C>
          Short-Term borrowings:

             FHLB advances                 $   40,029     4.33%   $   39,386     3.73%
             Advances from correspondent
                 banks                             --       --            --       --
                                           ----------   ------    ----------   ------

          Total Short-Term borrowings      $   40,029     4.33%   $   39,386     3.73%
                                           ----------   ------    ----------   ------

          Long-Term Borrowings:

             FHLB advances                 $    8,254     4.37%   $    4,270     4.10%
                                           ----------   ------    ----------   ------
</TABLE>

         The maximum amount of short-term borrowings at any month-end during the
first quarter of 2006 and 2005 was $51,684,000 and $32,857,000, respectively.
The FHLB advances are collateralized by loans and securities pledged to the
FHLB. The following is a breakdown of rates and maturities on FHLB advances
(Dollars in thousands):


                                             Short Term           Long Term

                Amount                        $  40,029            $  8,254
                Maturity                    2006 to 2007         2007 to 2008
                Average rates                   4.33%                4.37%

         The Company has also been issued a total of $3,000,000 in letters of
credit by the FHLB which have been pledged to secure Local Agency Deposits. The
letters of credit act as a guarantee of payment to certain third parties in
accordance with specified terms and conditions. The letters of credit were not
drawn upon in 2006 or 2005 and management does not expect to draw upon these
lines in the future.

Capital Resources

         The current and projected capital position of the Company and the
impact of capital plans and long-term strategies is reviewed regularly by
management. The Company's capital position represents the level of capital
available to support continuing operations and expansion.

         The Company and American River Bank are subject to certain regulations
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, which require maintenance of certain levels of
capital. Failure to meet these minimum capital requirements can initiate certain
mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if
undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory
framework for prompt corrective action, American River Bank must meet specific
capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and
certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. The Company's and American River Bank's capital amounts and
classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about
components, risk weightings and other factors. At March 31, 2006, shareholders'
equity was $63,772,000, representing an increase of $1,026,000 (1.6%) from
$62,746,000 at December 31, 2005. The ratio of total risk-based capital to risk
adjusted assets was 12.1% at March 31, 2006 compared to 11.9% at December 31,
2005. Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets was 10.9% at March 31,
2006 and 10.6% at December 31, 2005.

         Table Ten below lists the Company's actual capital ratios at March 31,
2006 and December 31, 2005 as well as the minimum capital ratios for capital
adequacy.

                                       24
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table Ten:  Capital Ratios
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets        At March 31,    At December 31,     Minimum Regulatory
                                          2006              2005          Capital Requirements
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>                    <C>
Leverage ratio                             7.9%             7.7%                  4.00%

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital                 10.9%            10.6%                  4.00%

Total Risk-Based Capital                  12.1%            11.9%                  8.00%
</TABLE>

         Capital ratios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that capital
exceeds the prescribed regulatory minimums and is adequate to meet future needs.
Management believes that both the Company and American River Bank met all their
capital adequacy requirements as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

         The Company, through a Board of Director's authorized plan, may
repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 5% annually of the Company's common
stock. Repurchases are generally made in the open market at market prices. (See
Part II, Item 2, for additional disclosure).

Inflation

         The impact of inflation on a financial institution differs
significantly from that exerted on manufacturing, or other commercial concerns,
primarily because its assets and liabilities are largely monetary. In general,
inflation primarily affects the Company and it subsidiaries through its effect
on market rates of interest, which affects the Company's ability to attract loan
customers. Inflation affects the growth of total assets by increasing the level
of loan demand, and potentially adversely affects capital adequacy because loan
growth in inflationary periods can increase at rates higher than the rate that
capital grows through retention of earnings which may be generated in the
future. In addition to its effects on interest rates, inflation increases
overall operating expenses. Inflation has not had a material effect upon the
results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries during the periods
ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

Liquidity

         Liquidity management refers to the Company's ability to provide funds
on an ongoing basis to meet fluctuations in deposit levels as well as the credit
needs and requirements of its clients. Both assets and liabilities contribute to
the Company's liquidity position. Federal funds lines, short-term investments
and securities, and loan repayments contribute to liquidity, along with deposit
increases, while loan funding and deposit withdrawals decrease liquidity. The
Company assesses the likelihood of projected funding requirements by reviewing
historical funding patterns, current and forecasted economic conditions and
individual client funding needs. Commitments to fund loans and outstanding
letters of credit at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were approximately
$119,753,000 and $5,865,000 and $137,802,000 and $3,393,000, respectively. Such
loan commitments relate primarily to revolving lines of credit and other
commercial loans and to real estate construction loans. Since some of the
commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total
commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

         The Company's sources of liquidity consist of cash and due from
correspondent banks, overnight funds sold to correspondent banks, unpledged
marketable investments and loans held for sale and/or pledged for secured
borrowings. On March 31, 2006, consolidated liquid assets totaled $93.0 million
or 15.2% of total assets compared to $99.2 million or 16.2% of total assets on
December 31, 2005. In addition to liquid assets, the Company maintains
short-term lines of credit in the amount of $48,000,000 with correspondent
banks. At March 31, 2006, the Company had $48,000,000 available under these
credit lines. Additionally, American River Bank is a member of the FHLB. At
March 31, 2006, American River Bank could have arranged for up to $54,834,000 in
secured borrowings from the FHLB. These borrowings are secured by pledged
mortgage loans and investment securities. At March 31, 2006, the Company had
advances, borrowings and commitments (including letters of credit) outstanding
of $51,283,000, leaving $3,551,000 available under these secured borrowing
arrangements. American River Bank also has informal agreements with various
other banks to sell participations in loans, if necessary. The Company serves

                                       25
<PAGE>

primarily a business and professional customer base and, as such, its deposit
base is susceptible to economic fluctuations. Accordingly, management strives to
maintain a balanced position of liquid assets to volatile and cyclical deposits.

         Liquidity is also affected by portfolio maturities and the effect of
interest rate fluctuations on the marketability of both assets and liabilities.
The Company can sell any of its unpledged securities held in the
available-for-sale category to meet liquidity needs. These securities are also
available to pledge as collateral for borrowings if the need should arise.
American River Bank has established a master repurchase agreement with a
correspondent bank to enable such transactions. American River Bank can also
pledge securities to borrow from the FRB and the FHLB. The principal cash
requirements of the Company are for expenses incurred in the support of
administration and operations. For nonbanking functions, the Company is
dependent upon the payment of cash dividends from American River Bank to service
its commitments. The Company expects that the cash dividends paid by American
River Bank to the Company will be sufficient to meet this payment schedule.

Off-Balance Sheet Items

         The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of
its customers and to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and letters
of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and
interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the balance sheet.

         The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
the other party for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is
represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company applies
the same credit policies to commitments and letters of credit as it does for
loans included on the consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit
were the only financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. The Company has
not entered into any contracts for financial derivative instruments such as
futures, swaps, options or similar instruments. Loan commitments and standby
letters of credit were $125,618,000 and $141,195,000 at March 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005, respectively. As a percentage of net loans and leases these
off-balance sheet items represent 33.7% and 38.6%, respectively.

         The Company has certain ongoing commitments under operating leases.
These commitments do not significantly impact operating results.

         Certain financial institutions have elected to use special purpose
vehicles ("SPV") to dispose of problem assets. The SPV is typically a subsidiary
company with an asset and liability structure and legal status that makes its
obligations secure even if the parent corporation goes bankrupt. Under certain
circumstances, these financial institutions may exclude the problem assets from
their reported impaired and non-performing assets. The Company does not use
these vehicles or any other structures to dispose of problem assets.

Other Matters

         Effects of Terrorism. The terrorist actions on September 11, 2001 and
thereafter and the current military conflict in Iraq have had significant
adverse effects upon the United States economy. Whether the terrorist activities
in the future and the actions of the United States and its allies in combating
terrorism on a worldwide basis will adversely impact the Company and the extent
of such impact is uncertain. Such economic deterioration could adversely affect
the Company's future results of operations by, among other matters, reducing the
demand for loans and other products and services offered by the Company,
increasing nonperforming loans and the amounts reserved for loan and lease
losses, and causing a decline in the Company's stock price.

           Website Access. American River Bankshares maintains a website where
certain information about the Company is posted. Through the website, its annual
report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form

                                       26
<PAGE>

8-K, and amendments thereto, as well as Section 16 Reports and amendments
thereto, are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is
electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"). These reports are free of charge and can be accessed through the
address www.amrb.com by clicking on the SEC Filings link located at that
address. Once you have selected the SEC Filings link you will have the option to
access the Section 16 Reports or the Reports filed by the Company by selecting
the appropriate link.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market Risk Management

         Overview. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in
market prices and rates. The Company's market risk arises primarily from
interest rate risk inherent in its loan, investment and deposit functions. The
goal for managing the assets and liabilities of the Company is to maximize
shareholder value and earnings while maintaining a high quality balance sheet
without exposing the Company to undue interest rate risk. The Board of Directors
has overall responsibility for the interest rate risk management policies. The
Company has a Risk Management Committee, made up of Company management that
establishes and monitors guidelines to control the sensitivity of earnings to
changes in interest rates.

         Asset/Liability Management. Activities involved in asset/liability
management include but are not limited to lending, accepting and placing
deposits and investing in securities. Interest rate risk is the primary market
risk associated with asset/liability management. Sensitivity of earnings to
interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change in a different time
period or in a different amount from that of interest costs on liabilities. To
mitigate interest rate risk, the structure of the balance sheet is managed with
the goal that movements of interest rates on assets and liabilities are
correlated and contribute to earnings even in periods of volatile interest
rates. The asset/liability management policy sets limits on the acceptable
amount of variance in net interest margin and market value of equity under
changing interest environments. The Company uses simulation models to forecast
earnings, net interest margin and market value of equity.

         Simulation of earnings is the primary tool used to measure the
sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes. Using computer-modeling
techniques, the Company is able to estimate the potential impact of changing
interest rates on earnings. A balance sheet forecast is prepared quarterly using
inputs of actual loans, securities and interest bearing liabilities (i.e.
deposits/borrowings) positions as the beginning base. The forecast balance sheet
is processed against three interest rate scenarios. The scenarios include a 200
basis point rising rate forecast, a flat rate forecast and a 200 basis point
falling rate forecast which take place within a one year time frame. The net
interest income is measured during the year assuming a gradual change in rates
over the twelve-month horizon. The simulation modeling indicated below attempts
to estimate changes in the Company's net interest income utilizing a forecast
balance sheet projected from the end of period balances.

         Table Eleven below summarizes the effect on net interest income (NII)
of a +/-200 basis point change in interest rates as measured against a constant
rate (no change) scenario.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Table Eleven: Interest Rate Risk Simulation of Net Interest as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (In thousands)                                            $ Change in NII              $ Change in NII
                                                                from Current                from Current
                                                              12 Month Horizon            12 Month Horizon
                                                               March 31, 2006             December 31, 2005
                                                               --------------             -----------------
<S>                                                               <C>                          <C>
             Variation from a constant rate scenario
                 + 200bp                                          $  547                       $    774
                 - 200bp                                          $ (903)                      $ (1,250)
</TABLE>

         The simulations of earnings do not incorporate any management actions,
which might moderate the negative consequences of interest rate deviations.
Therefore, they do not reflect likely actual results, but serve as reasonable
estimates of interest rate risk.

                                       27
<PAGE>

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

      The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of March 31,
2006. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures are effective in timely making known to them material information
relating to the Company and the Company's consolidated subsidiaries required to
be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

      During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, there have been no changes in the
Company's internal controls over financial reporting that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls.

                                       28
<PAGE>

                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

         From time to time, the Company and/or its subsidiaries is a party to
claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The
Company's management is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings to
which either it or its subsidiaries may be a party or has recently been a party,
which will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results
of operations of the Company or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

         There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously
disclosed in the registrant's Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2006.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

         On September 20, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized
a stock repurchase program which calls for the repurchase of up to five percent
(5%) annually of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. Each year the
Company may repurchase up to 5% of the shares outstanding (adjusted for stock
splits or stock dividends). The number of shares reported in column (d) of the
table as shares that may be repurchased under the plan represent shares eligible
for the calendar year 2006. The repurchases are to be made from time to time in
the open market as conditions allow and will be structured to comply with
Commission Rule 10b-18. Management reports monthly to the Board of Directors on
the status of the repurchase program. The Board of Directors has reserved the
right to suspend, terminate, modify or cancel this repurchase program at any
time for any reason. The following table lists shares repurchased during the
quarter and the maximum amount available to repurchase under the repurchase
plan.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Period                  (a)                (b)                    (c)                           (d)
                             Total Number        Average Price     Total Number of Shares         Maximum Number (or
                             of Shares (or      Paid Per Share     (or Units) Purchased as   Approximate Dollar Value) of
                                Units)            (or Unit)           Part of Publicly        Shares (or Units) That May
                              Purchased                              Announced Plans or       Yet Be Purchased Under the
                                                                         Programs                  Plans or Programs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                <C>                   <C>                             <C>
         Month #1
     January 1 through            5,441             $ 23.56                5,441                          274,783
     January 31, 2006
         Month #2
    February 1 through            5,500               24.51                5,500                          269,283
    February 28, 2006
         Month #3
     March 1 through              None                 N/A                 None                           269,283
     March 31, 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total                  10,941             $ 24.04               10,941
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

             None.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

             None.

                                       29
<PAGE>

Item 5.  Other Information.

             None.

Item 6.  Exhibits.

        Exhibit
        Number                      Document Description
        ------                      --------------------

        (2.1)   Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger by and among the
                Registrant, ARH Interim National Bank and North Coast Bank,
                N.A., dated as of March 1, 2000 (included as Annex A). **

        (2.2)   Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger by and among the
                Registrant, American River Bank and Bank of Amador, dated as of
                July 8, 2004 (included as Annex A). ***

        (3.1)   Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference
                from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
                10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2004, filed with the
                Commission on August 11, 2004.

        (3.2)   Bylaws, as amended.

        (4.1)   Specimen of the Registrant's common stock certificate,
                incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's
                Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30,
                2004, filed with the Commission on August 11, 2004.

        (10.1)  Lease agreement between American River Bank and Spieker
                Properties, L.P., a California limited partnership, dated April
                1, 2000, related to 1545 River Park Drive, Suite 107,
                Sacramento, California. **

        (10.2)  Lease agreement and addendum between American River Bank and
                Bradshaw Plaza Group each dated January 31, 2000, related to
                9750 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, California. **

        (10.3)  Lease agreement between American River Bank and Marjorie G.
                Taylor dated April 5, 1984, and addendum dated July 16, 1997,
                related to 10123 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, California. **

        (10.4)  Lease agreement between American River Bank and Sandalwood Land
                Company dated August 28, 1996, related to 2240 Douglas
                Boulevard, Suite 100, Roseville, California. **

       *(10.5)  Registrant's 1995 Stock Option Plan. **

       *(10.6)  Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1995 Stock
                Option Plan. **

       *(10.7)  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1995 Stock
                Option Plan. **

       *(10.8)  Registrant's Stock Option Gross-Up Plan and Agreement, as
                amended, dated May 20, 1998. **

       *(10.9)  Registrant's Deferred Compensation Plan dated May 1, 1998. **

                                       30
<PAGE>

       *(10.10) Registrant's Deferred Fee Plan dated April 1, 1998. **

       *(10.11) American River Bank Employee Severance Policy dated March 18,
                1998. **

       *(10.12) First Amendment dated December 20, 2000, to the Registrant's
                Deferred Compensation Plan dated May 1, 1998, incorporated by
                reference from Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant's Annual Report
                on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2000, filed with
                the Commission on April 2, 2001.

       *(10.13) Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Incentive Compensation
                Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the
                Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
                June 30, 2001, filed with the Commission on August 14, 2001.

        (10.14) Lease agreement and addendum between North Coast Bank, N.A. and
                Rosario LLC, each dated September 1, 1998, related to 50 Santa
                Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, California. **

        (10.15) Lease agreement between American River Bank and 520 Capitol
                Mall, Inc., dated August 19, 2003, related to 520 Capitol Mall,
                Suite 100, Sacramento, California, incorporated by reference
                from Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the period
                ended September 30, 2003, filed with the Commission on November
                7, 2003.

       *(10.16) Employment Agreement between Registrant and David T. Taber
                dated August 22, 2003, incorporated by reference from Exhibit
                10.30 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the period ended
                September 30, 2003, filed with the Commission on November 7,
                2003.

        (10.17) Lease agreement between R & R Partners, a California General
                Partnership and North Coast Bank, N.A., dated July 1, 2003,
                related to 8733 Lakewood Drive, Suite A, Windsor, California,
                incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 to the Company's
                Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003, filed with
                the Commission on November 7, 2003.

       *(10.18) Salary Continuation Agreement between American River Bank and
                Mitchell A. Derenzo dated August 22, 2003, incorporated by
                reference from Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
                period ended September 30, 2003, filed with the Commission on
                November 7, 2003.

       *(10.19) Salary Continuation Agreement between the Registrant and David
                T. Taber dated August 22, 2003, incorporated by reference from
                Exhibit 10.34 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended
                September 30, 2003, filed with the Commission on November 7,
                2003.

       *(10.20) Salary Continuation Agreement between American River Bank and
                Douglas E. Tow dated August 22, 2003, incorporated by reference
                from Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the period
                ended September 30, 2003, filed with the Commission on November
                7, 2003.

       *(10.21) Registrant's 2000 Stock Option Plan with forms of Nonqualified
                Stock Option Agreement and Incentive Stock Option Agreement. **

        (10.22) First Amendment dated April 21, 2004, to the lease agreement
                between American River Bank and 520 Capitol Mall, Inc. dated
                August 19, 2003, related to 520 Capitol Mall, Suite 100
                Sacramento, California, incorporated by reference from Exhibit
                10.37 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                period ended June 30, 2004, filed with the Commission on August
                11, 2004.

                                       31
<PAGE>

       *(10.23) Registrant's 401(k) Plan dated September 20, 2004, incorporated
                by reference from Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant's Quarterly
                Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2004,
                filed with the Commission on November 12, 2004.

        (10.24) Agreement between Bank of Amador and the United States Postal
                Service, dated April 24, 2001, related to 424 Sutter Street,
                Jackson, California. ***

        (10.25) Ground lease agreement between Bank of Amador and the James B.
                Newman and Helen M. Newman, dated June 1, 1992, related to 26675
                Tiger Creek Road, Pioneer, California. ***

       *(10.26) Salary Continuation Agreement between Bank of Amador and Larry
                D. Standing dated April 1, 2004, and related Endorsement Split
                Dollar Agreement dated April 1, 2004. ***

       *(10.27) Amended and Restated Director Retirement Agreement dated as of
                August 1, 2003, between Bank of Amador and Larry D.
                Standing. ***

       *(10.28) Employment Agreement between Registrant and Larry D. Standing
                dated December 3, 2004. ***

        (10.29) Item Processing Agreement between American River Bank and
                Fidelity Information Services, Inc., dated April 22, 2005,
                incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's
                Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 27, 2005.

        (10.30) Lease agreement between Registrant and One Capital Center, a
                California limited partnership, dated May 17, 2005, related to
                3100 Zinfandel Drive, Rancho Cordova, California, incorporated
                by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Report on
                Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 18, 2005.

        (10.31) Managed Services Agreement between American River Bankshares and
                ProNet Solutions, Inc., dated September 8, 2005, incorporated by
                reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form
                8-K, filed with the Commission on September 9, 2005.

       *(10.32) American River Bankshares 2005 Executive Incentive Plan,
                incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's
                Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on October 27,
                2005.

        (10.33) First Amendment to Commercial Lease Agreement between R. & R.
                Partners, and North Coast Bank, a division of American River
                Bank, dated January 2, 2006, related to 8733 Lakewood Drive,
                Suite A, Windsor, California, incorporated by reference from
                Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K, filed with
                the Commission on January 3, 2006.

       *(10.34) First Amendment to the American River Bankshares 2005 Executive
                Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to
                the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission
                on March 17, 2006.

        (14.1)  Registrant's Code of Ethics, incorporated by reference from
                Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                the period ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on
                March 19, 2004.

                                       32
<PAGE>

        (21.1)  The Registrant's only subsidiaries are American River Bank and
                American River Financial.

        (31.1)  Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section
                302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        (31.2)  Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section
                302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        (32.1)  Certification of Registrant by its Chief Executive Officer and
                Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
                Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

                *Denotes management contracts, compensatory plans or
                arrangements.

                **Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-36326) filed with the Commission
                on May 5, 2000.

                ***Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-119085) filed with the Commission
                on September 17, 2004.

                                       33
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                             AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES




May 9, 2006                                  By: /s/ DAVID T. TABER
-----------                                      -------------------------------
                                                 David T. Taber
                                                 President
                                                 Chief Executive Officer


                                             AMERICAN RIVER BANKSHARES



May 9, 2006                                  By: /s/ MITCHELL A. DERENZO
-----------                                      -------------------------------
                                                 Mitchell A. Derenzo
                                                 Chief Financial Officer
                                                 (Principal Financial and
                                                    Accounting Officer)

                                       34
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit Number                    Description                             Page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3.2           Bylaws, as amended.                                      36

   31.1           Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant
                  to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        72

   31.2           Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant
                  to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.        73

   32.1           Certification of American River Bankshares by its
                  Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
                  pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
                  of 2002.                                                 74

                                       35