Feather River Fishing Report - Less Traffic Now

Date
Monday, 19 Dec, 2016
Water Clarity
Moderately Clear
Report
As some of you know, I did spend a bunch of time on the Feather this year, but when it became to crowded, I decided to head up to the Trinity. There were some epic early season egg bite days, but once the egg bite become full swing you would see 6-8 boats, and a bank angler in every fishable spot. This made for tough fishing for everyone. Despite all that, the fishing was pretty good up until early Nov, then came the fishing pressure, and the fishing definitely suffered. Now that the pressure all but disappeared, the fishing as picked up slightly, and will be looking good come the New Year,. This is also when the upper river opens. Currently the river is experiencing a bit of color, which I would call a brownish green, it is fishable at this point,, but give it a week or 2 and it will be that steelhead green that we all seek. Once this happens, this place will fish extremely well, and Ill be guiding it on a regularly daily basis. PLEASE, dont forget the salmon are done spawning now, so please try not to walk through the tailouts where are their eggs are. The winter run started to show their scales prior to storm and will continute to trickle in throughout the next few months. Want to try swinging, the Feather is definitely the place, and in about a month or so, the salmon eggs will hatch, and swinging an alevin pattern will give you that tug that we all search for. Prime time for this is the end of Jan to mid March. If you are looking to get out and learn how to fish the Feather in the winter/early spring book your trip now while prime dates are still available. If spring is your thing, book well in advance as this is my busiest time of year.

Nymphs: Princes, Caddis, Eggs, Worms, Copper Johns, Mays
Swinging: sculpins, olive streamers, flesh flies, alevins, white or olive wooly buggers

Guides Tip: Dont stay in one spot, the fish are spread throughout the entire system. Fish a spot for a while with the usual bugs, if nothing happens time to move.
 
Fishing Water Report
First federally designated “wild and scenic” river – that is the distinction held by the Feather River. Starting near Beckwourth, California, the river flows through to Lake Oroville. ... moreAt the upper end the river is gentle and welcoming. By the time you approach the lower reaches, the waters are cascading through step canyons, complete with white water rapids. Surrounded by large boulders, waterfalls and rigid cliffs, this section is wild and beautiful but can intimidating to the novice hiker or boat’s man. 

Fishermen in search of a truly authentic river experience will enjoy sightings of Bald Eagles, mule deer and beaver. In addition to fishing, the calmer sections of the river play host to kayakers and swimmers.
Reporting Outfitter
 (12)
We are a team of friendly and knowledgeable fly fishing guides, with a combined 40 years of fly fishing experience, dedicated to making your adventure on the water with us as enjoyable ... moreand informative as possible. We want you to succeed in all of your fishy endeavors, and we will take the time with you to make sure that you have all the techniques and skills necessary to catch fish wherever you go. Float or Walk and wade with us on one of Northern California's finest rivers and streams and we will accommodate our guiding style to meet your needs and abilities. With our extensive fly fishing knowledge and experience on waters all over Northern California, we will guide you on a fly fishing trip you will not soon forget.

NCFG practices catch and release on all boats. We respect the sport of fishing and wish to give all anglers the opportunity to experience the gratification we strive to give each of our clients.
Reported Trip
 (1)
  • Expert guide
  • Streamside lunch for full day trips
  • Snacks and beverages
  • All essential equipment needed for the day
Our guides pride themselves in their vast knowledge of the Feather River, and having a great Feather River Fly Fishing Guide will not only make for a fantastic outting, but it will ... morealso increase your tight lines.

The Feather River is one of California's best kept secrets, and is misunderstood by many anglers. The Feather River is an awesome steelhead fishery, and has one of the largest steelhead runs in the valley. This tailwater fishery begins in the town of Oroville below Oroville Dam and continues flowing south until it meets up with the mighty Sacramento River at Verona.

The Feather River holds plentiful amounts of both hatchery and wild fish year round, and one that produces four runs of steelhead, three big runs being Spring, Fall and Winter, with a small run of half pounders in the summer. For those that has fished for these mighty steelhead, you definitely get a sense of their power and greatly appreciates the fight of these Feather River fish. The Springers, March-May, this run is full of hot wild fish that will give your drag a worthy work out, and to me act more like large trout eating normal nymphs and drys. The Summer run is just that, and are a smaller version of the spring run fish. The Fall run, Sept-Nov follow the salmon up the river, and gorge themselves on eggs, eggs and more eggs, this is the infamous "EGG BITE". These fish are extremely healthy, and will make you sweat for every inch. The winter fish, Dec-Feb, are big, brutes that will have you screaming for more, and with most fishing the other valley rivers, you can usually have the river to yourself. Whats nice about the Feather River is no matter the time of year, you can find steelhead scattered throughout the river.

No wonder why we love this river so much, its a year round steelhead fishery. The New Year opens up the low flow section above the hwy 70 bridge, getting a boat in there is pretty tough, but this is where a knowledgeable guide comes into play, whether a drift trip or walk and wade, he can put you in key locations throughout this area and get you into fish. No matter what you are fishing for, the Feather River has it all, from salmon to steelhead, to stripers and shad, it is an all around, year round fishery. Come join me on one of the largest steelhead runs in the Sac Valley, and be ready for a fish that will make you earn your photo finish.

-Brian
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