Lake Oroville Report by: Capt. Hogan Brown
Lake Oroville fishing has been fair to good. Over the last 14 days, the lake level has risen from 765.91 feet to 825.99 feet—a total increase of 60.08 feet since December 19th. A rising lake is a good thing, as it puts fish on the feed and moves them tight to the bank.
Water clarity has been an issue at times, but it has not shut fishing down by any means. Moving around the lake to find fishable water has been relatively easy, and after the most recent large deluge, water clarity has improved and is currently good.
The best method for catching fish has been the float-and-fly technique. Fishing a dark-colored 1/16 oz fly 6–8 feet below the float has produced the best results. That said, when the lake is rising, there are opportunities to fish topwater presentations right on the bank. For this approach, finding good water clarity and a windless stretch of bank is usually key.
Most fish have been located on points at the edges of coves or larger rock indentations. We have not been finding fish in waterfalls or flowing water, as one might expect. The bite can be fickle throughout the day, so don’t leave actively feeding fish in search of bigger or more fish. Stick with what’s working and make multiple laps through a productive zone if you find fish. Barometric changes and storm movement will also affect the bite.
Overall, the lake is a great option when rivers are blown out and winter storms are moving through. There are always areas where you can get out of the wind and find clean, fishable water.
