Fly Fishing Middle Fork Feather River
About The River
The Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River begins in the Sierra Valley where head water streams gather. From here it flows unimpeded to Oroville Reservoir. Designated as a Wild and Scenic river in 1967, the Middle Fork Feather River is a fly fishers paradise. Unrivaled in its scenic beauty as it tumbles through rugged canyons, tall pines and meanders through vibrant meadows. The Middle Fork Feather River is home to native rainbow trout and wild brown trout that are eager to eat a well presented fly. Abundant hatches and lack of pressure make the Middle Fork Feather River the premier fly fishing destination in the Northern Sierra.
Trophy Trout
We fish for rainbows and browns on the Middle Fork Feather River. The fish range from 6” to 20+” with most in the 10-14” range. The native rainbows are abundant with spectacular colors while the wild browns are caught less frequently but equally stunning. We fly fish year round on the Middle Fork Feather River with the most popular season being late spring through the middle of summer. The river fly fishes well throughout the year, with most of the larger fish caught during the colder months.
Guided Trips
We offer guided trips from Clio to the Red Bridge near Quincy and occasionally above Portola. Excellent access for fly fishing is available from Clio to Mohawk, as well as Two Rivers and Camp Layman. Below Sloat, access is provided by USFS maintained dirt roads as well as the Quincy-LaPorte Rd. These guided trips are walk and wade and we may hike via railroad tracks to access some locations.
Fishing Season
Early season (March-May) fly fishing on the Middle Fork Feather River is excellent with blue wing olives and midges hatching daily. March Browns, PMD’s and golden stoneflies also start hatching during the early season. Caddis flies, Little Yellow sallies and green drakes provide some of the best dry fly fishing in June and July. By mid July in most years, the river becomes to warm to 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.
Middle Fork Feather River Fishing Reports
Check out our fishing adventures in the Middle Feather River. Stay up to date on water levels, conditions, and fish activity!
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Middle Fork Feather River Fishing Report 4-30-2026
Middle Fork Feather River April has been a rollercoaster of weather, flows and water temps on the Wild and Scenic… Read more
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Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Report 3-27-2026
Fly fishing continues to improve on the Middle Fork Feather River as flows continue to drop and water temps rise.… Read more
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Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Report 3-18-2026
Middle Fork Feather River Dropping flows and rising water temperatures are helping kick the spring fly fishing season on the… Read more
