Fly Fishing for Steelhead on the Feather River - California

Off the Hook Fly Fishing offers the very best fly fishing opportunities on the Feather River for Steelhead. Allow us to arrange an outstanding local fly fishing guide for you. Not only will you have a great time fishing with us, you will learn valuable techniques that will make you a better fly fisher.

The River

The Feather River flows through historic California gold country. It emerges from the bottom of Lake Oroville in the town that also shares it’s name. Over the last few years Steelhead and Salmon numbers have been improving. Steelhead come into the system on the heels of their anadromous cousins making for some pretty darn good fly fishing. The Feather can be a great spot to fly fish for Steelhead before the Trinity river and other coastal California steelheading options heat up.

The Fishing

The Feather is home to both wild and hatchery Steelhead. Most of them are in the 3-6 lb range. Fish to 10 lbs are still a possibility on any given day. Unlike most coastal steelhead rivers, where one or two fish would be a banner day, the Feather often gives up multiple fish during the peak season. Like the miners who scoured these hills looking for “oro” Spanish for gold)anglers who prospect the Feather can expect the area’s Steelhead to be hard fighting bar room brawlers.

When hooked these stout fish frequently charge about recklessly and often take to aerial acrobatics. Our guides fish the river from McKenzie style drift boats. The Feather has some excellent riffles and runs with moderate stretches of frog water (slower moving minimally productive water) in between. They will use the boat as transportation between the most productive water to increase your success and maximize your experience.

The Seasons

Our guides focus their efforts on the Feather in October and November when fishing is at its best. This river is not known for aesthetics. It’s banks are covered with river cobble tailings that remind of the gold rush days. Both the Fall and a short window in the Spring can bring some fairly remarkable fishing for those not as concerned about the scenery.

Although the Feather is open year round most years, it is best in October and November. December to January often brings winter storms to the area and this frequently causes the river to blow out. Because this, fly fishing can be hit or miss this time of year, however do it your self anglers can have some good days. Give us a call for hot flies and current water conditions.

Guide Rates

Full Day - 8 plus hours of guided fishing with lunch and drinks provided $395
Half Day - 4 to 5 hours of guided fishing (available on select rivers) $285
All trips include rods, reels, bottled water, terminal tackle and flies.

Note: California fishing licenses, transportation and Gratuity not included

Book Your Spot

If you would like to learn more about the Feather River or would like to book a guide please call toll free 877-Catch-77 (877-228-2477) or 707-287-2939. We are also available via email at Info@offthehookflyfishing.com should you prefer it.

We offer group trips, corporate fly fishing outings and classes and our gift certificates are very popular.

Directions

From Sacramento the Feather is located 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Sacramento California on highway 70. To get there take I-5 North towards Redding/Yuba City. Take Highway 99 Exit #525B towards Yuba City/ Marysville. Merge onto California Highway 70 North 25 miles to Oroville.

From San Francisco
When visiting the Feather from San Francisco plan on a three hour drive. Take Highway 80 East across the Bay bridge. Continue North towards Sacramento. Look for Highway 5 north and follow the directions above.