UPDATE: 3-17-24
March started off stormy with a mix of rain and snow, turning to snow at all elevations. Flows increased to around 1000cfs in Graeagle which made for limited areas to fish. Now springlike weather has returned and the flows have come down a couple hundred cfs, which is the exact opposite of what I expected. Water temps have come up to the mid 40’s most days.Water clarity has been an issue but the fish dont seem to mind. Swinging streamers on the trout spey set up has been productive with some quality fish coming to hand. The fish have been feeding on the surface again and there are solid hatches of midges, baetis and march browns. Black winter stones are about and the skwalas will get going again with the warmer temps that are coming.
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), Simple Skwala (10), and bunny jigged streamers (10). Streamers: Sculpzilla Olive, white and natural (10) and the Dolly Llama in olive and white(6). Fishing is good and will o0nly 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
