Lake Oroville is fishing well for winter spotted bass. We are not seeing huge numbers of fish but good size – fewer fish but most are pretty big. Best fishing has been up the Middle Fork as the clarity is best up the middle fork. The North Fork is fishing well as well but water has color and finding “cleaner” water is the challenge. Fish are holding on points and rock walls, not having move into the moving water coves and such yet. Best fishing has been using the Float and Fly Rig with a 9-10’ drop from the indicator. Best flies have been wakasagi minnow patterns, Chuck Ragan’s Drop Dead Minnow in Olive and Black we have found to be the best.
With high water most places the Lake remains a great option to fish and get out on the water. Fishing will only continue to improve over the next 3-4 months as top water and stripped fly options as well as plenty of float and fly fishing start to pick up.
