Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam)
river in California
The section immediately below Oroville Dam provides consistent cold water, creating prime conditions for both migratory and resident fish.
Salmon are actively spawning
- 01Salmon are actively spawning, providing a critical food source (eggs) for Steelhead and Rainbow Trout.
- 02Look for active Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Midges remain a consistent, year-round food source in the tailwater section.
- 04Striped Bass are likely chasing baitfish throughout the river system.
- 05Expect challenging but rewarding Steelhead opportunities by targeting pockets away from salmon pods.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Glo Bug (Orange)
Fall is prime spawning season for salmon, and trout along with steelhead will key into dislodged eggs, a crucial calorie source.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olive hatches are a staple of fall fishing, and this low-profile dry fly is effective for selective trout and steelhead feeding on emergers and adults.
Egg Sucking Leech
Leeches and egg patterns are highly effective during the fall salmon run, appealing to predatory Steelhead and larger trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black)
A versatile streamer mimicking leeches and baitfish, effective year-round and particularly in the fall for aggressive trout, steelhead, and striped bass.
Prince Nymph
This general attractor nymph is a reliable subsurface pattern, especially noted for Steelhead, and effective for a variety of aquatic insects active in the fall.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, and this pattern is excellent for finicky trout and steelhead, especially in cooler fall water.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A superb general searching nymph, mimicking various mayfly nymphs that are active in fall, making it a staple for trout and steelhead.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
An excellent baitfish imitation, ideal for targeting aggressive Striped Bass that are actively feeding in the Feather River during the fall.
Where to fish and who to ask
Gridley Boat Launch
Downstream access point, popular for drift boats and wade fishing.
Oroville Afterbay
Transition water below the dam, excellent for both resident trout and migrating steelhead.
Thermalito Diversion Pool
Accessible area with good holding water for steelhead.
Fly shops within 40 miles
North Valley Fly Fishing
Fish First
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
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Quick answers
Common questions about Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam).
What flies work best on Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam) right now are Glo Bug (Orange) (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO) (80% confidence), Egg Sucking Leech (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam)?
Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam) holds Steelhead. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Feather River (Low Flow Section below Oroville Dam) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.