Feather River, How Do I Fish This

How Do I Fish This: Lower Feather River

by Matt

The Lower Feather River flows below Lake Oroville and is famous for having one of the largest returns of both wild and hatchery chinook salmon and steelhead in California. This river is considered a tailwater fishery whereas it flows below the tallest dam in the United States, the Oroville Dam. The river is diverted into two parts from the Thermalito diversion pool below the dam: one path towards the Thermalito Afterbay and the other towards it’s natural historical flow through the city of Oroville.

Although the best time of the year to fish the Lower Feather is during the spring and fall, steelhead can be found throughout the system all year round. This fishery is accessible to both new and experienced anglers and is one of the best rivers to learn how to fish for the fly angler’s greatest target, the anadromous steelhead.

Open Season
The regulations for the Lower Feather River can be a bit confusing so I’ve created a cheat sheet for anglers who want to know where exactly they can and cannot fish.
All wild steelhead must be released.

A) From Fish Barrier Dam to Table Mountain bicycle bridge in Oroville.
Closed to fishing all year.

B) From Table Mountain bicycle bridge to Highway 70 bridge.
Open: January 1st – July 15th. Only barbless hooks may be used.
Closed to salmon fishing.
*2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead**
*4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession.
*No take or possession of salmon.
Notice that this section closes July 16th – December 31st to all fishing.
*This section is known as the “low-flow” section stretching from the Feather River hatchery to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.
*No fishing 200ft from Hatchery pipe outlet.

C) From Highway 70 bridge to the unimproved boat ramp above the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall.
Open: All year.
Closed to salmon fishing.
*2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead**
*4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession.
*No take or possession of salmon.

Salmon fishing regluations on the Feather River can vary each year. Please consult DFG regulations for updated information.

D) From the unimproved boat ramp above the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall to 200 yards above the Live Oak boat ramp.
Open: All year for all other species except salmon.
Salmon fishing: July 16th – October 15th
*2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead**
*4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession.
*2 Chinook salmon
*4 Chinook salmon in possession
*This section is the most fished section of the Feather River and is often subjected to regulation misunderstandings. Just remember that this section stretches from the Outlet all the way downstream to Live Oak.
*This section is known as the “high-flow” section due to the added flows from the Thermalito Afterbay.

E) From 200 yards above Live Oak boat ramp to the mouth. For purposes of this regulation, the lower boundary is defined as a straight line drawn from the peninsula point on the west bank to the Verona Marine boat ramp.
Open: All year for all other species except salmon.
Salmon fishing: July 16th – December 16th
*2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead**
*4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead** in possession.
*2 Chinook salmon
*4 Chinook salmon in possession

Access Points
These are the most popular fishing access and riffles in the Lower Feather however there are many other unnamed riffles and access points throughout the river that can be productive.

The first access point most upstream of the Lower Feather is the Hatchery Section that is only open to fishing from January 1st to July 15th.
You can park along Arline Rhine Memorial Drive and hike down to the river.
This section of the river is crossable in certain tailouts and riffles however be cautious of the deceptively deeper runs.
There are several different types of water in this section which can hold fish.

Bridge Riffle/Outhouse Riffle is the first riffle/run in the section of the Feather that is open all year round.
This section is not crossable so plan accordingly on which side you want to spend time on. I find that most anglers prefer the east side as they can hike down further to the other riffles.

Further into the Oroville Wildlife Area is where you will find the remaining fishing access. The majority of this section can be accessed from Fisherman’s Gate formerly known as White Gate.
Robinson’s Riffle is what I consider the beginning of the Wildlife Area section. There are also several good riffles around White Gate that can hold fish.
The last accessible riffle you can fish from this area is Steep riffle.
This section is crossable when the flows are normal or low however be cautious of the deep spots.

The Outlet marks the “high flow” of the Feather River as the water from the afterbay adds more volume to the river.
Wading can much more difficult in the high flow section due to the added flows therefore be cautious when making your way around this section.

Seasons
Winter

The hatchery section opens on January 1st and fishes well to about March. Egg patterns, San Juan worms, and attractor nymphs are the go-to during the early months.
Swinging alevins can be productive however they start working better as more fry and smelt start to develop. You can find these baby salmon concentrated near the bank and in softer water.
Try to fish during an overcast or when the water is tinted to maximize your chances of hooking up.
Although most anglers will gather in the hatchery section during the winter, steelhead can be found throughout the system. The closer you’re fishing towards the hatchery the better.

Spring

The spring is my favorite time of year to fish the Feather. The weather is more comfortable and most of the winter crowds are gone.
Most of the spring-run steelhead are a mix of half-pounders and adult fish. These fish don’t tend to be as big as their fall-run cousins but they fight the hardest.
Spring-run steelhead are the most beautiful fish in the Feather River.
Fly selection can vary a lot this time of year but I find that caddis and bright patterns tend to work the best. Bird’s nests, prince nymphs, and similar flies in a size 14 are my go-tos this time of year.
The Sacramento suckerfish will spawning in February and March therefore sucker spawn patterns can work well.
You also have the option of swinging nymphs and emergers this time of year especially when the water warms up in April.

Summer

I’m not entirely sure if the fish caught in the summer are summer-run or spring-run but they are there.
The summer is perhaps the toughest time of year to fish the Feather River. Fish early and get off the water by noon.
I’ve had the most luck nymphing with midge and bright patterns during this time of year.
Cover water and keep moving until you find some fish.

Fall

The fall is the best time of the year to fish the Feather. Starting in September the salmon will begin to return to the river to spawn and the steelhead will be following behind.
Most of the fall-run steelhead are adults ranging from 18” – 22”. These fish are darker in complexion compared to the spring-run.
Fall on the Feather River tends to be the most crowded season of the year especially during weekends in October and November. Try fishing lower down the river to avoid the crowds.
Fly patterns that work during this time of year are egg patterns, caddis pupa, San-Juan worms, and attractors.
These fish aren’t too picky and the secret as always is finding them. They don’t call them the fish of a thousand casts for nothing.

Fish Species
Rainbow Trout/Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Hardhead
Sacramento Suckerfish
Sacramento Pike Minnow

Gear
6WT fast action rod
5WT – 7WT switch rod
Floating line
Rio versileader
9′ 3x or 4x tapered leaders

Fly Patterns

  • Nymphs
    • Pheasant tail #14 – 16
    • Copper John #14 – 16
    • Prince nymph #12 – 16
    • Psycho prince #12 – 16
    • Zebra midge #16 – 18
  • Wet Flies
    • Bird’s nest #12 – 16
    • Morrish dirty bird #12 – 16
    • Fox’s poopah #12 – 16
    • San Juan Worm #6 – 8
  • Egg Patterns
    • Sucker spawn #4 – 8
    • Unreal egg #4 – 8
    • Glo-bug #4 – 8
  • Streamers
    • Sculpinno #4 – 6
    • Alevins #10 – 16
    • EZ Alevin #8 – 10

Techniques
Indicator nymphing is the most common and productive fly fishing tactic used on the Feather River. The patterns you’ll need to use will depend on the time of year.

Swinging flies is not as common as indicator nymphing on the Feather River however can still be productive. The fly patterns that are used for nymphing are the same as the ones used for swinging. The riffles and runs on the Feather River are relatively shallow therefore a floating line and a long leader can work perfectly fine. Adding a splitshot or a Type-III versileader can help you reach the deeper pools and runs in the system. Swinging is the best way to cover water and search for steelhead while on foot.

The most important aspect of fishing the Feather River is finding water that has not already been fished. This river can get crowded during the spring and fall, especially the latter, so plan your visit accordingly.

Try fishing the access points downstream and work your way upstream to avoid driftboats that are drifting down the river.

Fish early in the morning before everyone gets on the water or later during the day when everyone has left. Mornings are always the most productive however afternoons and evenings are when the hatches start coming off.

The low-flow section is usually kept at 600-900 CFS and the high-flow section at 1200 CFS. You can find out the current flows/release by calling the automated flow release recording (530) 534-2307.

Cover water and fish every nook and cranny that looks fishy. Steelhead fishing is a game of hide-and-seek. Stay alert and be prepared to hook into chrome when you least expect it. It’s a good idea to be observant and keep and eye on where others are hooking up and marking that location in your head. Steelhead are well-known to occupy the same holding spots as they work their way upstream.

The spring-run and fall-run fish will hold in different spots for whatever reason so you’ll have to do some exploring to find which spots are productive.

Caddis are the primary food source for the fish in the Feather River. The majority of the fish I catch come off of various caddis patterns from larvae to emergers and even dry flies. The fish on the Feather can often be picking so prepare to have different colors such as olive, cinnamon, and amber. A steelhead on a caddis dry is possible if you are lucky enough to catch a caddis hatch in the spring.

Sacramento suckerfish, hardhard, and pikeminnow are common catches when fishing for steelhead on the Feather. If you happen to catch one of these don’t be discourage as they are a sign that you are doing something right.

It is possible to fly fish for salmon in the Feather River however they are notoriously difficult to catch on a fly because they’ve stopped eating. Swing big bright steelhead patterns on an 8WT switch rod through riffles and runs in the morning or late in the evening when the salmon are active. The Oroville Wildlife Area is open one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.

The strain of steelhead found in the Feather River don’t get as big as their coastal cousins but they fight and pull just as hard. These fish are more “football” shaped and average 18” – 22” however there are some big +10# fish that show up in the Feather River system each year. Be sure to have your DFG Steelhead Tag Card signed before you fish. This river is heavily patrolled by DFG wardens so pinch down your barbs in the hatchery section and know where you can and can’t fish for salmon.

How Do I Fish This, Putah Creek

How Do I Fish This: Putah Creek

by Matt

Putah Creek originates from springs high above Cobb Mountain and meanders downstream from Lake Berryessa to the valley floor. It is one of the few wild trout streams that is coming into its prime.
Putah Creek is a relatively short 4.5 mile tailwater fishery that runs below Monticello Dam. Famously named the “Green River” by the Clearwater Credence Revival, the nutrient rich waters of Lake Berryessa create a habitat for trout unlike any other within California.

Prior to 2010, Putah Creek was managed as a put-and-take fishery. Past pictures and stories of trophy brown trout continue to circulate the internet however, the fishery has drastically changed since its designation as a wild trout fishery in 2014. Instead of brown trout, which no longer occupy the creek, a self-sustaining population of wild rainbow trout have become the dominant fish in the Putah Creek system.

Putah Creek is well-known as a technical fishery. Fluctuating flows, submerged trees, weedy bottoms, overhanging branches, tight fishing quarters, deep runs, and thorny blackberry bushes are just a few of the many elements that contribute to the creek’s notorious fishing difficulty. Although these elements create a great habitat for growing giant trout, they can puzzle inexperienced anglers who are unfamiliar with the creek.

Open Season
A) From Lake Solano to Monticello Dam.
Open all year
*Only artificial lures with barbless hooks
*Zero limit. Catch-and-release only.

There is an unwritten rule to not fish the creek from November/December through February. These fish are winter spawners that have very limited spawning habitat. Please respect this amazing fishery and leave the fish alone during the spawn.

Access Points

There are several fishing access points with parking lots along HWY 128 in addition to turn offs. There is no fee to park with exception of Lake Solano. A $10 parking fee at all fishing access spots was implemented on July 1st, 2019.

The first access point is the Putah Creek Wildlife Area. There are two undeveloped parking lots about a mile downstream from Monticello Dam.
This section contains a variety of different water. Riffles, runs, and pools both deep and shallow can be found all throughout this section of Putah Creek.

Continuing downstream you will find the Canyon Creek Resort which is a private stretch of water only accessible by occupants however if you can cross the creek you can fish the opposite side.

Once you pass the Canyon Creek Resort keep an eye out for a deer sign along the creek. There is a short turnout where you can park in the section cleverly known as “Deer Sign”.
The first type of water you’ll see upon hiking towards the creek is a long deep run. Below the run there are a few riffles, runs, and pools however the access is better if you can cross the creek.
The long deep run is crossable in certain areas at flows below 200 CFS or you can hike down to it from the Putah Creek Wildlife Area.

Fishing Access #1 and #2 is the first parking lot access downstream.
This section contains deep runs and pools along with a few shallow riffles and runs. Unlike the other fishing access points, access #2 has no parking lot and can be found as you hike downstream along the trail.

Access 3 Spawning Riffle

Fishing Access #3 is the second parking lot access downstream.
Some of the deepest runs in comparison to the other access points can be found in this section. There is a small riffle at the end of access #3 before the water turns into glassy spring-creek looking water.

Access 4 Run

Fishing Access #4 is the third parking lot access downstream.
This section is essentially a long run with a tailout, pool, and run. The run eventually shallows out and connects with access #5. The shallow area is crossable at flows below 450 CFS.

Access 5 Riffles

Fishing Access #5 is the last parking lot access downstream.
The creek wraps around an island creating beautiful riffles and pools in this section. Access #5 is relatively shallow, easily wadeable, and crossable at flows below 500 CFS.

Below Access #5 the creek turns into Lake Solano.

Seasons
Spring

March 1st is when the season begins on Putah Creek. The majority of the fish have finished spawning and the flows are usually increased from a very low 100 CFS to about 200 CFS. The flows will gradually rise as the season continues.
Try to stay out of the water and if you must cross be aware that there may still be active unhatched eggs within the creek.
Midges and BWOs are usually the go-to for Putah Creek throughout the year and spring time is no exception.
Putah tends to attract crowds during the spring since it is easily wadeable and crossable therefore you will have to think outside the box if you are left with water that has already been fished.

Summer

The summer flows begin at 400 CFS and tend to peak at 600 CFS. Mornings and evenings will often fish the best.
As the weather warms up the caddis will become more active. Patterns that imitate emerging pupae such as prince nymphs or Fox’s poopah are good options.
I like to fish Putah Creek with my Hero Sculpin streamer during the summer. You’ll need to cover a lot of water but there’s a good chance that you’ll get a big take from a Putah Creek trophy bow.
The fishing can be tough this time of year but don’t let the high flows intimidate you the fish always need to eat.

Fall

Similar to the spring tradition of crowds on Putah, the fall is when anglers tend to pick their rods back up and head out to their favorite creek access. The flows will gradually be reduced providing access to areas that were unfishable during the summer.
Streamers will continue to work along with nymphs during the fall as the trout fatten up to prepare for the spawn.
November is when anglers will stop fishing Putah Creek due to the spawn. Depending on the timing of the spawn some guides and anglers will stop fishing the creek even earlier to help keep this fishery healthy. This ultimately means the end of the season until March.

Winter

The fish will be spawning during this time. With the creek at minimal flows it is best to avoid fishing to prevent from interfering with the spawn.
Leave the creek alone and fish the other great winter fisheries nearby such as the Lower American, Lower Yuba, Feather, and Sacramento River.

Fish Species
Rainbow Trout

Gear
5WT 6WT
Floating line
Rio versileaders
9′ – 12′ 4x or 5x tapered leaders

Fly Patterns

  • Nymphs
    • Pheasant tail #16 – 18
    • S&M nymph #16 – 18
    • Copper John #16 – 18
    • Prince nymph #14 – 18
    • Zebra midge #18 – 20
    • Juju baetis #18
    • Juju midge #18
    • Micro may #18
    • Putah riffle special #18
    • WD-40 #16 – 20
  • Wet flies
    • Soft hackle #14 – 18
    • Bird’s nest #14 – 18
    • San Juan Worm #6 – 8
  • Dry flies
    • Adams #18
    • EH caddis #18
  • Streamers
    • Woolly bugger #4 – 6
    • Sculpinzilla #4
    • Zonker #4
    • Hero Sculpin #4 – 6

Techniques
Nymphing is the most commonly used fly fishing tactic on Putah Creek. Although smaller fish can be found rising for flies during warm evenings, Putah Creek trout feed subsurface 95% of the time. Surprisingly the large trout that live in Putah Creek love to eat tiny flies. The rig I use most is an indicator, splitshot, and size 16 nymph along with a size 18 dropper. More often than not I will get the +20” fish to eat the size 18 dropper. My go-to colors on Putah Creek are black and olive in darker tones.

When the flows are high use a long 10′ or 12′ 5x leader and a heavy splitshot to get your flies down to the fish. When the flows are low you can often get away with using a standard 9′ leader. Being able to read water and adjusting your set-up accordingly is absolutely critical when fishing Putah Creek. I typically will add or remove splitshot several times throughout the day depending on the type of water I’m fishing. Putah Creek is where I learned the art of indicator adjustment. My favorite strike indicators are the locking indicators because they can be adjusted quickly and easily. Most anglers on Putah Creek including myself tend to use smaller indicators 1/2 inch or less for a stealthier approach and to detect softer bites. The creek is small but deceptively deep therefore extending your leader tippet can help get your flies down quicker and help you fish deeper. Putah Creek is full of thick weeds so check your flies often for green gunk the fish don’t like to eat flies with gunk on them.

Streamers work well on Putah Creek when the flows are +200 CFS. I like to use an extra fast sinking 10′ versileader, 4′ 10# mono leader, and streamer tied on a loop knot. Cast your streamer upstream, let it sink, and once it begins to swing make steady two inch retrieves. Cover as much water as you can when fishing streamers. I can typically cover the entire creek in about four to five hours when fishing streamers. I usually don’t hook many fish on streamers but when I do they’re usually the big ones. The heavier line helps a lot when trying to land large fish on Putah Creek. 10# mono will always be more forgiving than 5x tippet. Here are a few more helpful tips on streamer fishing. 

Putah Creek is a jungle creek lined with blackberry bushes and overhanging trees that prevent you from backcasting. Learn to roll cast and roll cast well.

Be prepared to fight a trophy fish. 10% of the trout in Putah Creek are trophy sized fish so you’ll eventually hook one if you fish the creek often. Fighting these fish can be tough so be prepared with a decent sized net and refined fish fighting skills. You’ll lose more trophy fish than you land so keep calm and fish on.

I believe that the optimal fishing flows on Putah Creek is around 200 – 350 CFS. The wading can be a bit challenging but is safe and doable. All of my crossing spots are crossable at these flows giving me access to about 90% of the creek. Anything in the 100-150 CFS range in my opinion is too low making it both tough to fish and tough to find fish. Flows over +450 CFS I would consider high and limiting although still fishable if you put in the work.

The creek can get crowded on weekends and sometimes even weekdays. If you find yourself on Putah during one of these days the best advice I can give you is to look for water that may have been missed or return to a prime spot later in the day. Never overlook the nooks, crannies, slow water, etc. I’ve seen and caught myself some amazing fish in spots that people overlook trying to get to the more popular spots.

Putah Creek has a significant New Zealand mudsnail infestation. To help prevent spreading these invasive snails be sure to thoroughly clean your gear or let it completely dry out for a few days before jumping into another body of water.

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Keep Calm and Fly Fish™