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Last Updated August 20th, 2026

Feather River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

The Feather River is settling into the summertime blues, with low flows, hot weather, and water temperatures around 75 degrees making for slower fishing overall. Your best chance for action will be during the cooler early morning hours or from late afternoon into the evening, although anglers should still expect fishing to be a bit challenging. Dry flies are producing some action, with Parachute Adams, Black Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Blue-Winged Olives, and Yellow Humpies all worth trying. For anglers throwing hardware, Rooster Tails and Panther Martins worked through the faster-moving water and rapids can pick up fish. Bouncing nightcrawlers through the rapids and allowing them to drift naturally into deeper pools is another productive approach. With water temperatures running high, focus your efforts on cooler periods of the day and areas with faster, more oxygenated water.

Fly Box & Lures Must-Haves

• Parachute Adams
• Parachute Blue-Winged Olives
• Black Elk Caddis
• Yellow Humpy
• Rooster Tails
• Panther Martins
• Nightcrawlers
  

Lakes Around the Area

Lake Davis

Water temperatures are in the upper 60s in the morning and climbing to mid 70s in the afternoon. As temperatures continue to rise, trout are moving into deeper water, making shore fishing more challenging. The dam and Honker Cove remain the best areas for shore anglers, where it's still possible to reach productive depths. If you're fishing from shore, expect to put in a little more time between bites. Floating nightcrawlers or PowerBait fished 3–4 feet off the bottom have been the most effective bait presentations. Trollers are finding success working the main channel and around the dam, targeting fish suspended 40–50 feet deep.

Gold Lake

Most of the Lakes Basin lakes, including Gold, Salmon, Packer, and Sardine, have been recently stocked, but the summertime blues are still making shore fishing fairly slow. Anglers who can get out on the water at Gold Lake in a kayak, paddleboard, or boat are finding better success. Dropping nightcrawlers, PowerBait, or salmon eggs over the side has been productive, while casting and trolling lures from a watercraft can also help locate more active fish. Despite the slower summer conditions, the recently stocked lakes like Gold Lake are still worth getting out and enjoying.