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California fly fishing

Middle Fork Feather River

Fly fishing the Middle Fork Feather River in California near Clio, Graeagle and Portola, a Wild and Scenic river with brown and rainbow trout.

  • 124 miRiver length
  • 2Game fish
  • 16Access points
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In the FlyFishFinder app Middle Fork Feather River Every access point, mapped Today's top 10 rivers near you Live flows from nearby gages Today's rating Premium Open in the app

About the Middle Fork Feather

The Middle Fork Feather is a great fly river in the northern Sierra. It is listed as California Heritage and Wild Trout water. Hatches begin in June and often last into November.

The fish are brown trout and rainbow trout. The rainbows are native, and browns now sustain themselves. Trophy browns are in the river.

Clio to Mohawk has good access. The stretch near Portola, Graeagle and Mohawk Bridge is easy to reach. Lavezzola Creek and Long Valley Creek are nearby. Spring and fall are the best seasons.

Midges, blue-winged olives, March browns, skwalas, pale morning duns, golden stoneflies and salmonflies show up on the chart. Hopper season and October caddis fill in the rest.

Check the current California regulations for opening dates and limits.

Live conditions

Gages near Middle Fork Feather River

Is the Middle Fork Feather fishing today?

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See how it's fishing

Data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.

Fish you'll catch

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Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout

Hatching in November

What's on the water in the Lower Sacramento watershed this month, and the fly to match.

Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, CDC Dun
44–58°F
All 10 hatches this year
Midge
Midge
#22-26, Zebra Midge
34–65°F
Blue-Winged Olive
Mayfly
#18-22, CDC Dun
44–58°F
March Brown
Mayfly
#12-14, March Brown
52–62°F
Skwala Stonefly
Stonefly
#8, Skwala Adult
44–54°F
Pale Evening Dun
Mayfly
#14-16, PED Comparadun
56–68°F
Salmonfly
Stonefly
#4-6, Stimulator
50–60°F
Golden Stonefly
Stonefly
#6-8, Elk Hair Stone
55–65°F
Pale Morning Dun
Mayfly
#16-18, Sparkle Dun
55–68°F
Hopper Season
Terrestrial
#10, Parachute Hopper
65–78°F
October Caddis
Caddis
#8, Orange Stimulator
48–58°F

Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.

Tips for fishing the Middle Fork Feather

  • Start at Clio or Mohawk

    Both have good access.

  • Fish spring and fall

    Summer can warm the upper river.

  • Nymph first

    Nymph fishing is productive.

  • Release wild fish

    Handle them gently.

  • Check opening dates

    Seasons and limits change.

Every access point on the Middle Fork Feather, in your pocket.

  • 16 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
  • Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
  • Bite forecast for the days ahead
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Middle Fork Feather River FAQ

What is the best time to fly fish the Middle Fork Feather River?

Spring and fall.

Where can I fly fish the Middle Fork Feather River?

Clio to Mohawk has good access. The app map shows mapped access points along the river.

Can you wade the Middle Fork Feather River?

Yes in many places.

What flies work on the Middle Fork Feather River?

Nymphs, caddis, hoppers and mayfly dries. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working on the Middle Fork Feather today.

What fish are in the Middle Fork Feather River?

Brown trout and rainbow trout.

Are there special rules on the Middle Fork Feather River?

Yes. Check the current California regulations before you go.

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