Middle Fork Feather River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi Reports on 6.28.19

The flows are still a tad high on the Middle Fork Feather River, yet near perfect in the Graeagle area. Downstream of Jamison creek the volume of water is nearly double and very high, but still some areas of fishable water, especially the tail outs of major pools. Water temps will vary depending if you are downstream of a snow melt feeder creek like Gray Eagle, Jamison, or Frazier, or after long sections of frog water the solar radiation of the sun will heat up the water by a few degrees. I recorded the water temps to be at 57 to 60 degrees. Water is clear and looks great. The riparian habitat along the banks of the MFFR have grown so much over the last 5 years, and this spring is probably the most growth I have seen on the river in all my years. Like they say, just add water and sunshine, and it will grow.

Hatches are light, very few golden stone shucks on the rocks, a few caddis, little Yellow Sallies, Little Green stones, and the most prolific bug was the tiny Blue Wing Olives (Pseudocloeon). A few rising trout, but most of the small rainbows ate Carpenter ants with Hogan’s S&M nymph #18 as a dropper, 24 inches below. Fishing pressure was extremely light and not very many footprints in the more secluded areas. First or second week of July will be prime time for the upper Middle Fork Feather River, especially the evenings (think caddis), and downstream near the middle of July.

Some of the creeks in Eastern Plumas County are starting to draw down into shape and are fishable. Jamison and Little Jamison are ready to go right now, while Frazier and Gray Eagle creeks are still pumping with heavy flows. Typical small water tactics apply and are so good for beginner fly anglers to learn from and gain confidence. Speaking of which I still have some spots open for the August 7^th Greagle Creekin Tour, inquire within if you are interested – 530.228.0487 / baiocchistroutfitters.com

See you on the water!