UPDATE: 5-24-23
With flows starting to come down after peak runoff on the Clio stretch,(600 cfs on the Portola gage) fishing is much improved. Water temps are in the low 60’s here and a smattering of bwo’s, PMD’s, yellow sallies and caddis are present. Flows below Graeagle Cr are bigger (estimated around 800 cfs) and colder(low 50’s). Fishing slower deeper water close to the bank with a white bunny jig on a tight line is productive at this time. Swinging a white Sculpzilla on the Trout Spey rig is very effective right now in the Graeagle area. Flows at Camp Layman are still too big to safely wade and fish. Another week or so and it will be game on for the Wild and Scenic Middle Feather River. Book your Middle Feather Adventure now to ensure the dates you want to fish. Limited availability in June with more open dates in July and August.
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, the river is home to wild rainbow trout as well as a few brown trout eager to eat a well presented fly. Abundant hatches and lack of pressure make the Middle Feather Fly Fishing a great destination.
The section of river that I guide is from Clio to the Red Bridge near Quincy. Good access to the river is available in Graeagle 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.
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
