Fishing Report 1-26-24

Middle Feather River

Winter fishing on the Middle Feather continues to surprise and amaze this January. Flows have been fluctuating from ~120cfs to around 180 and back while water temps have come up to 42 degrees. This week, fish were caught on a variety of techniques with nymphing providing the most consistent action. Trout spey has been hit or miss. On Tuesday, I enjoyed a few hours swinging soft hackles on a floating line to actively feeding fish landing a couple nice fish. Then yesterday, after no luck earlier in the week, I connected to a heavy fish swinging a sculpin on a heavy tip. Unfortunately after a couple head shakes it was gone. I did land a handful of decent rainbows on the olive sculpzilla.

Dry/dropper is my go to rig for most nymphing situations and the explosive, yet unexpected, grabs on the big dry illustrate why. The fish on the Feather are looking up a bit more each day in expectation of the arrival of our first big bug of the year; Skwala stoneflies. I’m still running a chubby for the big dry and have had numerous fish explode on it over the past few days. So exciting!! Skwala imitations have made their way into the big dry box and will be seeing action soon. For nymphs I have been using baetis nymphs,. Sweet Tea Jig size 14-16, Plastic Surgeon size 14-16 and jigged Rainbow Warriors 14-16 all worked well this week.

Looks like another round of weather is headed to the Northern Sierra next week. Could blowout the river or just cause a rise in flows depending on how much moisture is on tap and snow levels. Either way the trout will be waiting and willing!