Nelson Creek Confluenceon Middle Fork Feather River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Terrestrial fishing
- 01Terrestrial fishing, including hoppers and ants, remains very strong.
- 02Larger October Caddis are becoming a significant factor on the surface.
- 03Trout are actively feeding on both surface and subsurface presentations.
- 04Top Flies This Week: October Caddis (Dry) #8, Schroeder ess Parachute Hopper #8, Chernobyl Ant #10, Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun #20, Woolly Bugger (Olive) #6.
- 05With no specific USGS flow data available for the Middle Fork Feather River, target classic fall holding water: deeper runs, slower pools, and the seams along faster currents. Focus on areas with overhanging vegetation for terrestrials.
- 06During the warmer parts of the day, keep an eye out for larger October Caddis fluttering on the surface and be ready with a dry fly. In cooler periods, switch to nymphing deeper runs with Baetis imitations or stripping a streamer.
What to tie on at Nelson Creek Confluence
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity remains strong in early fall, and hoppers are a substantial food source, especially along grassy banks where trout are actively feeding.
October Caddis (Dry)
Larger October Caddis are becoming a factor as the river enters its prime fall season, providing significant food for opportunistic trout.
Buy at AmazonChernobyl Ant
Large terrestrial ants continue to be a strong food source, drawing aggressive strikes from trout actively feeding on the surface.
Buy at AmazonPurple Haze
A proven attractor pattern that effectively entices aggressive trout, especially when terrestrials are active or during early fall hatches.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are a key event on the Middle Fork, with this low-profile dry fly effectively mimicking emergers and adults for selective trout.
Buy at AmazonJujubaetis
A highly effective Baetis nymph that perfectly imitates the abundant subsurface activity of Blue-Winged Olive nymphs, a consistent food source in fall.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing aggressive, larger trout in the cooling fall waters.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent all-around nymph that mimics a variety of aquatic insects, a reliable choice for prospecting deeper runs in the fall.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.