The Middle Fork Feather River offers some of the most scenic and rewarding fly fishing in the Sierra Nevada. This pristine river flows through a beautiful canyon landscape and provides excellent opportunities for wild trout fishing.
The stretch near Portola, CA is known for its healthy populations of wild rainbow and brown trout. These fish typically range from 8-14 inches, with occasional trophy specimens exceeding 18 inches. The river features a perfect mix of pocket water, riffles, runs, and deep pools that create diverse fishing environments.
Best seasons: Late spring through fall provides the most consistent fishing. Spring runoff usually subsides by mid-June, and summer evening fishing can be exceptional with caddis and mayfly hatches. Fall offers beautiful colors and aggressive pre-winter feeding.
Popular flies:
Dry flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Snowshoe Sallie, and Parachute Madam X (sizes 12-16)
Nymphs: Carot, Miller's Plus One, and Thread Quill (sizes 14-18)
Streamers: Thin Mint Bugger and Kreelex for larger browns
SEASONS ON THE MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
Spring (March-May)
High, cold water from snowmelt early in season
Blue-Winged Olives and March Browns appear as water warms
Nymphing deep pools most effective early spring
Water clarity improves by May with increasing dry fly opportunities
Best flies: Carot, TJ Hooker, BWOs, March Browns
Streamer fishing effective for aggressive fish using Buggers and flashy patterns
Summer (June-August)
Prime season with stable water levels and ideal temperatures
Prolific caddis and stonefly hatches, especially in evenings
Terrestrial patterns (ants, beetles, hoppers) become effective
Fish early mornings and evenings during warmest months
Lighter tippets (5X-6X) necessary as water clears
Best flies: Elk Hair Caddis, PMDs, terrestrials, attractor patterns
Fall (September-November)
Cooling water extends productive fishing hours
Brown trout become aggressive pre-spawn
October Caddis creates exciting dry fly action
Blue-Winged Olive hatches return
Streamers increasingly effective for larger fish
Fewer anglers and spectacular fall colors enhance experience
Best flies: October Caddis, BWOs, streamers
Winter (December-February)
Limited access due to snow at higher elevations
Sections near Portola occasionally fishable on mild days
Focus on midday hours and deep, slow pools
Extremely slow presentation required
Best flies: Midge larvae, small stonefly nymphs
Challenging but potential for larger fish
SUGGESTED TECHNIQUES
The Middle Fork Feather River near Portola offers diverse fly fishing opportunities requiring adaptive techniques. In pocket water sections, high-stick nymphing with stonefly patterns and smaller droppers excels, while the evening hours call for dry fly presentations with caddis and mayfly patterns where current seams meet. During summer, focus on early mornings and evenings with terrestrials along grassy banks and attractor patterns in riffles. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing opportunities—use strip-and-pause retrieves near undercut banks and woody structure for aggressive browns. Throughout the season, reading water is essential; target bubble lines, oxygenated riffles during low water, and deeper runs during midday heat. Adjust your approach to match conditions, using lighter tippets (5X-6X) during clear water periods and more substantial offerings during spring runoff.