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Last Updated October 16th, 2025

Feather River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

The Feather River continues to fish well despite lower flows. Water clarity is good, and the river was stocked through town near all the bridges about a month ago. Action is still good.

Water Temperatures

Water clarity is good, and temperatures are holding in the high 50s.

Hatches

Hatches can be sporadic with the changes in weather. No certain hatches to report.

Effective Tactics

Fly anglers are finding the most success by nymphing or stripping woolly buggers through riffles and pools. The Mohawk Bridge area has been fishing particularly well. For spin fishermen, black, yellow, and brown Rooster Tails in size 2 have been reliable producers. Bouncing nightcrawlers through riffles and into deeper pools is another tried-and-true technique that continues to bring in fish.

Fly Box & Lures Must-Haves

Lakes Around the Area

Lake Davis

Lake levels at Davis remain high with excellent water clarity and temperatures also in the 50s. Trout are starting to move closer to the surface and in toward the shoreline. By the end of the month, fishing should be picking up significantly. Mallard Cove and Fairview Point have been the most productive spots for shore anglers. Orange and rainbow PowerBait are performing best, along with inflated nightcrawlers. A leader length of 3 to 4 feet is recommended for bait fishing. Fly anglers have been focusing on the west shore near Freeman Creek and Cow Creek, picking up fish under indicators set about 18 inches deep. Small blood midges are proving to be the most effective fly pattern.

Frenchman Lake

No recent conditions to report for Frenchman Lake.

Gold Lake

Gold Lake conditions are looking great with good water levels, clear water, and temperatures around 55°F. Trout trollers are finding success moving at 1 to 1.5 mph near the 4x4 campground and in front of the beach resort, running lures down 6 to 12 feet. Needlefish, Kastmasters, and flashers tipped with crawlers are working well. Trolling from the outlet along the north side in front of the houses has also been productive. Big browns and mackinaw are starting to rise from the depths, and anglers targeting these larger fish are long-lining large Rapalas, Lyman lures, and Tomic plugs in the 6 to 15 foot range. The morning bite has been noticeably stronger than the afternoon, and trolling a bit faster—around 2.5 to 3 mph—near the islands and along the shoreline by the houses has produced the best results.

Sardine Lake, Packer Lake, & Salmon Lake

These high-country lakes can have limited access with the snowfall that just hit the area. Conditions may vary. The lodges are closed for the season, so if you can access them, fishing may be good with the low traffic.