California
The Low Flow Channel below Oroville Dam is the reason fly anglers care about the Feather River. This roughly 8-mile tailwater section between the Fish Barrier Dam and the Thermalito Afterbay outlet carries cold, clear releases at a mandated minimum of about 600 CFS, supporting a population of wild rainbow trout that average 10-16 inches with some fish reaching 20. The Wild Trout section near the Fish Barrier Dam is catch-and-release only with barbless artificials, and it offers some of the best year-round dry fly and nymph fishing in the Sacramento Valley — reliable BWO and midge hatches on winter afternoons, caddis and mayflies from April through June, and October Caddis in fall.
The river is wadeable at normal operating flows of 600-900 CFS, though the cobble bottom is notoriously slippery — studded or felt soles are not optional. Flows can change within hours based on DWR operations, so check before you go. Beyond trout, the Feather supports hatchery steelhead runs from November through March (the Feather River Hatchery at the Fish Barrier Dam produces about 2 million smolts annually), ESA-listed spring-run Chinook that must be released immediately, and strong American shad runs in May and June that are a blast on a 5-weight with small bright flies.
Oroville is the nearest town, about 25 minutes from Chico and 90 minutes from Sacramento. Summer valley temperatures routinely top 100 degrees, so fish early mornings from June through September. The reach-by-reach regulations are complicated and change frequently due to ESA species management — the Wild Trout section rules differ from the general Low Flow Channel rules, which differ again below the Afterbay outlet. Always check the current DFW booklet before you fish, especially during salmon and steelhead seasons.
| Species | Abundance | Best Season | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Abundant | Year-round | 10-20" |
| Steelhead (winter run) | Seasonal | Nov-Mar | 4-12 lbs |
| Brown Trout | Uncommon | Sep-Nov | 12-22" |
| Chinook Salmon (fall run) | Seasonal | Sep-Dec | 8-25 lbs |
| Chinook Salmon (spring run) | Rare | Apr-Sep | 8-20 lbs |
| American Shad | Seasonal | May-Jun | 2-5 lbs |
| Mountain Whitefish | Rare | Year-round | 10-14" |
No recent fishing reports for Feather River
High temperatures of 94 to 102 degrees expected and low temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk.
A watch or advisory means conditions are favorable for the event. It has not started, so treat it as a reason to check again before you drive out.
WHERE...Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys, Delta and Carquinez Strait, and foothills.
WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT Wednesday.
IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hottest days expected Monday through Wednesday.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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