Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Report December 2024

November and December mark significant changes in the Middle Fork Feather River. The temperatures drop, and the water levels rise with winter rain and snow storms. This year, a bomb cyclone and atmospheric river showed up in mid-November, reshuffling the river. Water temperatures dropped out of the 40s and continue to hover around 38-39 degrees. The river came up about 3 feet during the storm but has settled back down a few feet and is fishing well. Water clarity is excellent now; it was 1-2 feet for a bit, and the bite is back on strong. Access to the river is relatively snow-free, although the water and air temperatures are cold!

Streamer Fishing Middle Fork Feather River

The Fish

Last week, the bite was good; I had days where I caught 15 fish in 2 hours and days like yesterday where we covered a ton of water and only caught six or so fish. We caught quality fish, and we were fishing streamers all day.   Just like other seasons, winter fly fishing has its peaks and lows. Overall, spending the day on the river and catching a half a dozen fish is a good day!

Flies and Presentations

This time of year, I primarily fish streamers. Euro Jigging "light" colored Poachers have been very productive in the seams and runs, and stripping the same fly in the frog water has been producing fish. I have been swinging Wooly Buggers on a floating line in the runs as well, with some great results.

Where

I primarily fish the Middle Fork of the Feather River in the winter as the North Yuba gets too cold in that canyon. Since the Middle Fork Feather flows are still low, the entire river is fishing well from Clio down.  

I'm not particularly eager to spell out exactly where I fish and guide, but I usually don't fish in places that are easy to access. I like the challenge of finding less-fished water and the experience of connecting with remote areas.

When and why

During the colder months, I target the warmest part of the day. This time of year is usually 11:00 - 3:00 pm. Although I fish days that work for my calendar, I target changes in weather patterns if a new storm is coming in, the day before the storm arrives, or a few days after the storm, if the water levels and clarity change, tend to be more productive.  

Summary

If you want to fish the Middle Fork of the Feather River over the colder months, bring some streamers, read the weather, and layer up!

Expect the air temperatures to range from the upper 20s to the lower 50s, with water temperatures in the upper 30s.  

Once snow falls, access is limited, and finding water to fish becomes more complex. I float the river in the winter, so if you want to jump on a raft, book a trip, and I am happy to show you how to successfully fly fish the Middle Fork Feather River in the winter months!