Middle Fork Feather River and Truckee River Fishing Report 10-17-25

Middle Fork Feather River

Fall fishing on the Middle Fork Feather River continues to produce some really great fish despite the low flows and cold water. Flows are down to 9 cfs on the Portola gauge as work is being done at the dam at Lake Davis (Grizzly Creek is a major tributary of the upper Middle Fork) and the most recent storm failed to add much flow to the river. Water temps are in the upper 40’s to low 50’s.

Isonychia and blue wing olive mayflies are hatching daily with some fish looking up. We are still seeing a few fall caddis as well. Nymphing is still the most productive method and the dry dropper is still my go to rig but tight line nymphing is working well too. We’ve been finding most of our fish in the deeper, slower water and in the current seams near faster currents. Most of the riffles are too skinny to hold fish at these flows.

What’s Working

Nymphs: Plastic Surgeon (14-16), Jigged Pheasant Tail (14-16), Rusty Jig (14-16), Zebra May (18), Zebra Midge (18-20), Electrolyte Baetis (14-16), Czech Bomb olive/yellow, red/black (16-18) Dries: Sparkle Flag (16-18), Film Critic (16-18), Parachute Adams (16-20), Chubby Chernobyl orange (10-12), Parachute BWO (16-20)

Truckee River

Low and clear conditions exist on the Truckee River this fall although the recent storm bumped flows up a little bit. The gauge above Glenshire bridge rose to 150cfs from 120cfs yesterday. Not a huge rise but it’s something. A lot of leaves and pine needles in the water from the winds but this will clear out quickly. Water temps are in the mid 40’s to low 50’s.

Bwo mayflies are hatching mid day with a few fish looking up. October caddis are hatching in the evening and have fish eating the orange Chubby throughout the day. Nymphing is king no matter ones favorite nymphing style. For me it’s the dry dropper rig. Fishing pressure is light so getting your favorite spot is doable and not seeing other anglers is a rare treat on the Truckee River.

What’s Working

Nymphs: Electrolyte Baetis (14-16), Plastic Surgeon (14-16), Jigged Pheasant Tail (14-16), Rusty Jig (14-16), Pat’s Rubberlegs (8-12), zebra midge (18-20), Juju Baetis (18-20), Dries: Sparkle Flag (16-18), Film Critic (16-18), Parachute Adams (16-20), Chubby Chernobyl orange (10-12), Parachute BWO (16-20)

I have available dates in November and December. If cold feet and HOT trout are your thing then book a day with me!