Middle Fork Feather River Fishing Report 1-30-25

Middle Fork Feather River

The Middle Fork Feather River is fishing well in the afternoons when water temps rise a degree or two and the fish enter into a short feeding period. Flows are down to 65 cfs on the Portola gauge and water temps are hovering in the mid 30’s. There are sparse midge hatch’s daily and a few BWO’s around in the afternoon. Otherwise it’s pretty quiet. I’ve been mostly fishing the dry/dropper rig lately and having good success on the dropper. Streamer and trout spey fishing has slowed way down this January as fish aren’t moving very far toffee in the cold water. Fish have mostly been in the slower deeper water and have a tendency to be stacked near feeder streams especially if the water in that feeder is a degree or two warmer than the main river.

We are expecting a powerful series of storms that will be certain to bring the river flows up. How much will be determined.

Unfortunately tragedy struck as a young fisherman lost his life on the Middle Fork Feather River this week after he fell in the river. This is a stark reminder that even though the weather has been benign that it is still January, the water is 36 degrees and there is plenty of anchor ice along the shore. And it is cold in the shade.

My best advice to those that are fishing the river this winter is stick to the areas that are easier access, use caution in and around the river and maybe not fish the areas that are better explored during the warmer seasons.

Winter fishing can be very enjoyable, but does have serious consequences if one is not careful. Be safe out there, please. No fish is worth losing ones life.

I have availability in February and March for the Skwala hatch. Book your adventure here https://jayclarkflyfishing.com/book-trip/

What’s Working

Nymphs: Electrolyte Baetis Jig (16-18), Pheasant Tail Jig (16-18), Plastic Surgeon (16-18), Raindrop perdigon (16-18), Pat’s Rubberlegs (10), Simple Skwala (10) Jigged Bunny Streamer natural, olive, white (10-12) Dries: Sparkle Flag BWO (14-16), Parachute Adams (16-20), Griffiths Gnat (18-22) Parachute BWO (16-20) Streamers: Dolly Llama olive/white, natural (8-10). Sculpzilla white, natural, tan, olive (10)