Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing Middle Fork Feather River
California
The Middle Fork Feather River is almost 100 miles long. It
drains one of the most rugged parts of the northern
Sierra Nevada Range. It's formed in a large basin that's
surrounded by mountains called the Sierra Valley
Channels by the confluence of several small streams, the
largest of which is Little Last Chance Creek.

The river leaves the Sierra Valley to enter a gorge farther
downstream in the Plumas National Forest. It picks up the
water from more tributary streams in this area including
Nelson Creek, Onion Valley Creek, Bear Creek, Willow
Creek and the North Fork Middle Feather River.

The Middle Fork Feather River continues through another
canyon to join the South Branch Middle Fork Feather
River. Below there, the river flows into Lake Oroville.
Below the tailwater of Oroville Dam, the river eventually
flows into the Sacramento River.

From the Sloat upstream, the Middle Fork Feather River
is accessible from highway #89. It's stocked in this area
and easy to fish but the best fishing takes place below
Sloat. Fly fishing Middle Fork Feather River requires
some effort in this area, but it's worth it. The river flows
into a canyon that's difficult to access but has plenty of
wild, rainbow trout and some nice brown trout. It can be
accessed at La Porte Road at one point but other than
that, you can count on making some long hikes to reach
the best water. The river in this area consist of large
pools connected by long runs and riffles of fast water.  

The river has a few nice hatches of stoneflies, mayflies
and caddisflies. Terrestrials also work during the Summer.

Seasons:
The season is follows the general California Trout Fishing
Season.
Spring:
The spring part of the season is usually very short
because of runoff. Fly fishing Middle Fork Feather River
is usually tough on most Spring days.
Summer:
Summertime is the best time to fish the river starting as
soon as runoff ends which is usually in late June. In late
Summer, the river is best fished early and late.
Fall:
Early Fall can also be good.

Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Guide - Gear,
Tackle and Flies
Type of Stream
Tailwater

Species
Rainbow Trout (wild and stocked)
Brown Trout (wild and stocked)

Size
Medium to Large

Location
Northern Sierras

Nearest Towns
Beckwourth
Sloat
Oroville

Season
Last Sat. of April to November 15

Access:
Easy to Difficult, depending on the
section

Non-Resident License
State of California

Weather
National Weather Service Link

Middle Fork Feather River Fly
Fishing Guide - Gear, Tackle and
Flies
Free Shipping Continental U. S.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Middle Fork
Feather River
California
Photo Courtesy Steven Lamb
Options For Selecting Flies:
1. Email us with the dates you will be
fishing this stream and we will send
you a list of our fly suggestions. Please
allow up to 24 hours for a response.

2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will
help you decide which flies you need.

3. Call or email us with a budget for
flies and we will select them and get
them to you in time for your trip.

Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders
over $50 are shipped Priority Mail.