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Last Updated July 1st, 2025

Feather River Fishing Report

Current Water Conditions

Flows are beginning to drop and clarity is solid—ideal for both fly anglers and spin fishermen. In the middle fork of the Feather River, flows are averaging around 200 CFS.

Water Temperatures

Water temperatures are averaging in the low 60s.

Hatches

Some Blue-Winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, and Caddis are appearing sporadically throughout the day. With the warmer weather, hatches are minimal, but expect rising fish in the mornings and evenings.

Effective Tactics

Fly anglers are having success with hopper-dropper setups and flying ant patterns. Subsurface, reliable patterns like the hare’s ear and pheasant tail nymphs continue to produce. Target the Mohawk Bridge and Two Rivers areas for the best action. Spin anglers are doing well drifting nightcrawlers with little to no weight through riffles and into deep pools. For lures, go with Rooster Tails or Panther Martins in yellow, red/black, or brown patterns for solid strikes.

Fly Box Must-Haves

Lakes Around the Area

Lake Davis

Water temps are climbing, currently around 72°F, pushing trout deeper. Trolling the main channel in 18–25 feet of water is most productive, with small Rapalas, Needlefish, flashers, and nightcrawler combos getting hits. From shore, Fairview Point and Mallard Cove are the go-to spots—use a 3–4 ft leader with floating nightcrawlers or PowerBait, and be sure to cast as far out as possible. Fly anglers are enjoying a strong damsel hatch on the west side near Jenkins Point and Freeman Creek.

Gold Lake

The lake was recently stocked near the boat ramp and is fishing well. Shore anglers are connecting with rainbows using orange or rainbow PowerBait on a 3–4 ft leader. The dock is in, and early morning trolling with long-lined Scatter Rap Rapalas is producing brown trout up to 5 lbs. For deeper fish, target 25–30 feet using larger plugs like Lymans or Flatfish at trolling speeds around 2.5–3 mph—macs up to 8 lbs are being reported. The best trout trolling action is near Gold Lake Beach Resort and the 4x4 campground at 1.5 mph.

Salmon Lake

Still a sleeper spot for peaceful fishing. The back bay near the outlet to Lower Salmon is producing well. Orange and green PowerBait are top producers from shore. Kayakers drifting nightcrawlers down 15–20 feet are reporting consistent action, especially early and late in the day.

Sardine Lake

This scenic lake received a fresh stock the week of June 22. Expect good action for planted rainbows, especially near the boat ramp and accessible shoreline spots. PowerBait and small spinners should produce well heading into the holiday weekend.