UPDATE: 4-30-24
Runoff is in full force on the Middle Feather at this time with flows around 550cfs on the Portola gauge. Great hatches are occurring daily with bwo’s, March browns and PMD’s on the menu. Water clarity is not an issue at all and water temps are hovering in the 50’s. Nymphing, dry fly and streamers are all working very well. Crowds are still light especially mid week. For the best action, walk a bit away from popular access points like the Green Bridge and Mohawk Bridge. Please respect private property along the river.
Whats Working
Dry flies: Film Critic (18-20) , Sparkle Flag (16-18), Para BWO (16-20) Parachute Adams (16-20) Nymphs: Plastic Surgeon (16-18), Raindrop perdigon (16-18), Hot bead PT (16-18), Black wire baetis (16), and bunny jigged streamers (10). Streamers: Sculpzilla Olive,tan and natural (10) and the Dolly Llama in olive and white(6). Fishing is good and will only get better this spring. I am booking spring and summer dates at this time. Book now!
A great Middle Feather brown trout
About the River
The Wild and Scenic Middle Feather River begins in the Sierra Valley where head water streams gather. From here it flows unimpeded to Oroville Reservoir. Designated a Wild and Scenic river in 1967, the Middle Feather is unrivaled in its scenic beauty. Tumbling through rugged canyons, tall pines and meandering through verdant meadows, the river is home to wild rainbow trout and brown trout.These fish are eager to eat a well presented fly. Abundant hatches and lack of pressure make the Middle Feather River a great fly fishing destination.
Winter wonders on the Middle Feather
The section of river that I guide is from Clio to the Red Bridge near Quincy. Good access to the river is available from Clio to Mohawk, as well as Two Rivers and Camp Layman. A couple of forest roads provide access between Sloat and Red Bridge. All fly fishing here is done while walk/wading and it is not uncommon to do a bit of hiking between spots
The Dump Run near Clio
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Early season fishing can be good to great depending on the water year. Streamers account for the largest trout caught in the spring. Prolific hatches mark early summer season with dry fly fishing at its finest. By mid July in most years, the river warms up to the point that we can no longer safely practice catch and release. When this occurs I stop fishing here until water temps drop in the fall. Cool crisp mornings and brilliant colors await the fly fisherman in the fall.
Lodging options:
Quincy: https://plumascounty.org/Places-To-Stay-Quincy
Graeagle: https://plumascounty.org/Places-To-Stay-Graeagle-Cromberg
