Float Trip on the Feather River with Nor Cal Fly Guides

$
425
-
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 8 hours
Nor Cal Fly Guides B
Response rate: 
53%
Response time:
1 hour
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 also 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 
 
Highlights
  • Expert guide
  • Streamside lunch for full day trips
  • Snacks and beverages
  • All essential equipment needed for the day
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rod & Reel
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily8 hours
$
550
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily4 hours
$
425
Availability
Fishing Waters
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.
Destination
Red Bluff is a city in and the county seat of Tehama County, California, United States. The population was 14,076 at the 2010 census, up from 13,147 at the 2000 census. Red Bluff is ... moreon the northern edge of the Sacramento Valley, and is the third largest city in the Shasta Cascade region. It is about 30 mi south of Redding, 40 mi northwest of Chico, and 125 mi north of Sacramento.
 (1)
Nestled in the north end of the Sacramento Valley, Shasta County and its three Cities - Redding, Anderson, and Shasta Lake - are 545 miles north of Los Angeles; 162 miles north of ... moreSacramento; 433 miles south of Portland, Oregon; and 592 miles south of Seattle, Washington.

In 2004, as an effort to increase tourism in the area, the Sundial Bridge, designed by world-renowned architectural designer Santiago Calatrava, was completed. The Sundial Bridge casts its gnomon shadow upon a dial to the north of the bridge accurately once a year during the Summer Solstice. With the objective of providing pedestrian access to the north and south of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge has not only lived up to its purpose but has also become an icon for the City of Redding in the present day.

Redding is one of the best places to launch for Trophy Rainbow Trout & Trophy Steelhead Fishing in Northern California. A number of great rivers are within an easy drive and local guides can on any given day help you figure out where the fishing is great.

The Klamath river, Sacaramento river, Trinity River and the Feather river are all being frequented by local guides and fly fisher.
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.
Type:
Fishing
Fishing Reports
Boy has this river been a saving grace for me this year. With most of the Nor Cal rivers blown out from January to May, it was tough to get out on the water to work, but when June ... morecame around that was a different story. The flows and clarity on the Feather became good enough to get out and fish it and boy were we surprised. Lots and lots of fish to be had and not a single angler in site. For almost a month we had this river to ourself, and it was fishing consistently everyday. Lots of half pounders from 14-18" and a handful of fish from 18-22" everyday and the occasional 22-26" fish was hooked as well. The fishing continued will into July as the flows decreased, and now that the flows are at a steady 1500cfs in the low flow, we are still hitting a good number of halfies with an adult mixed in every so often. We are starting to see the salmon in the low flow, finally, and in a few weeks they should be stacked. If you havent been on the feather yet this season, I would recommend checking it out, it has completely changed, a lot like the Yuba, a completely new river. With the showing of the salmon that means only one thing, the "EGG BITE" is soon to follow. Oct Nov is prime time for the egg bite on the Feather and if you are looking to book, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Friday, 11 Aug, 2017
Fish Caught:
9-12 fish
Steelhead, striper and shad oh my, we have been having a few trifectas over the past 2 weeks, and its only getting better. Steelhead are thoughout the river system, but the further ... moreup you go the better it gets. Typically we are the only boat/anglers on the water, and the lack of fishing pressure truly shows, hitting a dozen steelhead ranging 14-20" is pretty easy right now, so hooking more is definitely likely. There are some bigger fish in the system as well, some pushing 8lbs, good luck landing these toads. On top of the steelhead fishing, we are even sticking a few stripers when targeted and a good number of shad too, it is the place to be right now. The river has definitely changed with the high water, and with it being 2300cfs in low flow, wade carefully. Fall is going to be sweet on this river and very busy, so as I always say, if you are looking to book a trip on the Feather, I highly recommend booking well in advance. "EGG BITE" will be here sooner than you think.

Nymphing has been the main game for steelhead, but getting them on the swing has been fun as well.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Tuesday, 20 Jun, 2017
Fish Caught:
13-19 fish
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 ... morebite 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:
Date:
Monday, 19 Dec, 2016
Even though its not as good as it was a few weeks ago, we are still hooking 8 to 12 hook fishing a day with fish ranging from 16 to 26", not bad for steelhead fishing in my book. Nymphing ... moreof course is the main producer here, with princes, caddis and mays as the main flys, and trying worms, sucker spawns and even eggs for tougher days. Fly selection has been a bit more important the last few weeks. Swinging this time of year can be awesome, especially with the nice caddis hatches we are seeing. With flows just ramping up in the High Flow to 2k cfs, this will bring up not only the spring run salmon, but also more hot spring run steelhead that we all seek. Fishing should continue to be good, sometimes even great for the next month, maybe 6 weeks, and slowly taper off after that. Looking to hook into some sweet steelhead, this is the only place in town, and there are still some nice fish to be had. Remember, I don't have to many days remaining in May, book now before they are gone. Also, don't forget about the fall fishing on the Feather, dates are being booked now for the egg bite, dont wait to book.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Thursday, 5 May, 2016
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Custom policy
  • Cancellations made 30 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Float Trip on the Feather River with Nor Cal Fly Guides.
13 reviews   0 comments
Well Planned
(5.0 of 5)
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(5.0 of 5)
Experience
(5.0 of 5)
Value
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Communication
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Scheduling
(5.0 of 5)
Advice
(5.0 of 5)
Boat Comfort
(5.0 of 5)
Outfitter Review
Great local resource & guide service
Nor Cal Fly Guides have become my go-to resource for many of the rivers within 3-4 hours of SF Bay Area. This is an excellent team of guides that will put you on fish, educate you on the waters and help beginners learn the sport while others seek ways to improve their skills. I thoroughly benefit from and enjoy the fishing report Brian often prepares for his clients and I always catch fish and learn ... more more about the rivers when we are out on our guided trips together.
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Outfitter Review
Numerous trips with Brian
My friends and I have fished with Brian on numerous two day trips on the Trinity and Feather Rivers for Steelhead. Brian has worked hard to get us onto fish and we always did. He searched for river sections that didn't have "boat hatches" and typically we didn't encounter other boats. He has an excellent conservation ethic and is a joy to spend the day on the river. Even on slow days, Brian worked ... more his butt off trying to find fish.
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Outfitter Review
Simply The Best!
I recently booked a full-day trip on the Feather River in Oroville CA with Brian Clemens of NorCal Fly Guides. The experience was astounding. He put my daughter on fish by her third cast and she just continued to hook 'em all day! She brought 7 steelhead to the boat! Hooked twice as many but they were LDR's. No worries though as she was so very excited about it. The trip was her birthday present from ... more Dad and Mom. Brian truly knows where the steelhead live and puts you on them quickly. He provided a delicious river-side lunch, made by his wife with love. Those sandwiches were so delicious! My daughter actually wanted to know exactly what was used to make them. LOL If you're dreaming of hiring a guide so you can finally land a steelhead do not hesitate to contact NorCal Fly Guides. You will NOT regret it. p.s. Don't forget your sunscreen. Ouch!
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Outfitter Review
Look no further for a Nor Cal guide!
These guys go above and beyond to make your outing the best it can be. If you're out to hook some fish, they seem to know the best places to be to locate them no matter the session. Their professionalism and respect as their client makes you feel high class and makes for an outing that you just won't forget. Thanks guys! Looking forward to the next trip.
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Outfitter Review
Exceptional guide
Gone out twice with Brian. Both days we landed 20 fish. Both times were on different rivers. This guy can flat out put you on the fish. Great personality and always a good time. Highly recommend.
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Outfitter Review
Brian is the BEST
I have been fishing with Brian for about 5 years. I met him while learning to fly fish, he was my first and last on the water instructor. As is usually the case, "you learn more doing than you do practicing". I booked a trip with Brian and that started a great relationship as both good friends and good fishing partners. As others have said, Brian is a lot fun to fish with, and can definitely put you ... more on the fish. We have fished all but one of the waters Brian guides on, and have never come up with an empty net! I have never been out with a more qualified and patient guide. Sometimes my casting leaves a lot to be desired, but Brian is ever the mentor, if you need it, like I do. Landing the fish is just part of the fun! I would highly recommend novice and expert alike to book a trip with Nor Cal Fly Guides. You won't be disappointed. Dave S.
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Outfitter Review
Great people, great experience
Brian is a blast to fish with and he knows how to find the fish! I would highly reccomend booking him for a trip if you are in the area. You won't be dissapointed! He knows his rivers and most importantly is a thoughtful and patient teacher. Fishing with him is like fishing with a good buddy.
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Extremely impressed with Brian and NorCal...
I can be frank and simple with this review, Brian and NorCal were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and fun to fish with. I am usually a DIY fisherman when I travel, but I am glad that I didn't do that this time. It felt like fishing with a long time friend rather than a guide. As a long time fly fisherman Brian was able to quickly educate me on a fist time steelhead trip. Brian was also able ... more to break some bad, self taught habits and teach me a few new things. The full day float down the Feather River was simply awesome, as we got into several wild steelhead, something this Georgia guy doesn't get to see. I am friends/family with several guides in the Southeast and I can honestly say that Brian would rank among the best in all standards associated within the industry. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Brian and NorCal.
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Outfitter Review
Don't scroll past this
As a retired guide I could just go fish in my own boat but I keep coming back to NorCal Fly Guides because of the friendliness and knowledge. They are the guys I would fish with on any of my journeys. The boats are clean, the company great. The lunches are thoughtfully prepared and the best part is they are great people. Gear can often be a pain with many guides. It can be beat up, not cleaned, sticky ... more and just plain worn out. Not here. They know what flies are working regardless of flows and weather and we always have a great time.
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Fish On!!
I have never had a bad trip out with Brian. We have always caught fish, always had a ton of laughs, and have always came back home with great memories. Brian is a very patient and knowlegable guide (requirement for my skills) who will make sure you have fun and learn something new. Most importantly, the man will put you on the fish. I cannot recommend him enough.
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Committed to a Great Experience
Brian worked hard to get us on the water, at the right time to avoid the crowds. We found that sometimes, on some rivers this is necessary. These are all things that you want from a guide. Someone who knows the water intimately so you don't have to put in the time. Some of us have to work... Above all things he is good with all levels of anglers, even young kids and knows the techniques that make ... more it the easiest and least stressful on them and the whole group. If you're looking for a guide that will adapt to your wants and needs this is the guy for the job. 5+ Stars for boat comfort... Our fault. We put 2 adults and one 6yr old in a drift boat but we where greeted by two seats in the bow. Something you don't see often and after asking Brian this is something he only puts in when he knows the group is larger than the usual two anglers.
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WE WERE ON FISH ALL DAY!
I actually got my fill of fishing for once. Brian is an excellent boat captain and has great people skills – he was very respectful, helpful and attentive during the entire trip. The food was great and the fish were gorgeous, Brian emailed me many beautiful photos to memorialize out trip. This was an unbelievable value! Thanks Brian, I am recommending you to all my friends.
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Brian is highly recommended
"Brian comes highly recommended. With a busy work schedule in law enforcement and a family I don't have a lot of free time. When I want to catch fish and have a great time I can count on Brian. He always seems to get me on the fish no matter what we're chasing. He is hands on and very knowledgeable. I always learn a lot when I'm on the water with him and have a memorable experience. So if you want ... more to catch fish, learn a lot and have a great time give Brian a call."Mike Robertson
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