Flows: Variable, Low Flow Channel currently 2,800 cfs / High Flow 12k cfs
Clarity: 3-4 ft steelhead green
Rating: Decent to Good / They’re there if you can get to em!
The Feather River is doing its spring thing. Flows are fluctuating in the Low Flow Channel and have been anywhere from 800 cfs to 5000 cfs in the past month. Current flows are at 2,800 but could definitely go up with the precip in next week’s forecast. Most folks shy away from the Low Flow Channel when it gets above 2000 cfs, but I”ve had some really good days walking and wading the low flow side channels up to 2500 cfs. I’m also 6’7″, so that helps! Anyways, the fish are in the same water at any flows, Find the water that’s about walking speed and 2-6 feet deep, and you’ll be on the fish. Pick apart the water you can fish and maybe you’ll find one!
If you’re nymphing throw prince nymphs, worms, sucker spawn and attractor mays under the indicator. Euro nymphers can throw the same bugs just put something nice and heavy on the bottom like a jigged sculpin or heavy jigged worm. Swing guys need to get down for the most part and can throw a type 6 sink tip on a 5 or 6 weight double hander and swing salmon fry, sculpins in black and olive, and caddis attractors. If it warms up at all the caddis should start popping, and you can switch over to a 1.5 ips sink tip and fish caddis emergers and floating pond smelt in the tailouts and bottoms of the holes where big fish are looking up.
If you’re in a boat, make sure you pick your lines and stay away from hazards. Focus on the soft water and get ready to back row a bunch to get nice long drifts. If you’re wading, please make sure you wear a nice wader belt and snug and a wading staff as well. Don’t wade above your thighs if you don’t have to, the fish are on the seams close to shore anyway. For extra security, you can wear an inflatable life vest which is lightweight and handy if you do happen to take a spill.
Spring steelhead on the Feather are beautiful fish, and there are always some large fish in the high 20s and low 30s caught in conditions like these. Its not a numbers game, but I’ll take a few steelhead over about anything else until the shad come calling!
