Fishing Report-Flows Dropping
Well, the word on the street is that spring has officially sprung… or at least it’s trying. The fish are waking up, flows are moving all over the place, and if you’re still waiting for “perfect” water, you’re gonna miss the bus. This is when those who make the effort catch the fish—big ones too.
Intro to Fly Fishing Clinic – May 18th!
Always wanted to learn fly fishing but don’t know where to start? This one-day clinic on May 18th is built for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on the fundamentals. We’ll cover everything you need to get confident on the water—without overwhelming you with too much fly nerd talk (unless you ask for it).
What You’ll Learn:
Gear and tackle basics (what you actually need, not what the shop wants to sell you)
Casting essentials and how to avoid tangling yourself in trees
Reading water: where fish hang out and why
A few killer fly patterns and how to fish them
Date: May 18, 2025
Cost: $175 per person
Location: Deer Creek area (details provided after registration)
Spots are limited—reserve your spot today!
Whether you’re brand new or just need a refresher, this clinic will get you dialed for a season full of fish and fun.
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She was fishing great… until the Bureau decided to hit us with the classic “double espresso” release—bumping flows from 4,000 to 10,000 CFS practically overnight. That kind of change throws fish off like someone shook their snow globe, and they’re still trying to get settled.
Flows are still sitting at 10,000 CFS, which is plenty drift-boat-friendly, but don’t count on any wading unless you’re wearing a life jacket and have questionable judgment. The good news? There’s little to no precipitation in the forecast, so flows should start dropping soon—and when they do, expect the bite to improve fast.
Fishing is fair right now, with some players still willing to eat if you put it in the right place. Yellow eggs are still a must-have with the sucker spawn in full swing, and big stoneflies are moving around enough to get noticed. We’re also seeing a few early-season caddis and some tiny PMDs, so it’s not a bad idea to trail a small mayfly off the back of your rig.
Tip: Once the river drops below 7,500 CFS, it starts to open up some killer walk-in wade water. If hiring a guide isn’t in the cards right now but you still want a crack at a Lower Sac trophy, head to Bonnieview or Anderson River Park and start exploring. You might be surprised what you find.
✔ Key Flies Right Now:
Eggs (10mm, 12mm, yellow) – Sucker spawn is still in full effect.
Rubberlegs (#6-8) – Big stoneflies = big eats.
Bird’s Nest (#14-16), Cinnamon Caddis Poopah (#14-16), Olive Hot Spot (#16-18) – Caddis action is picking up.
PMD Nymphs (#16-18) – Just starting to show up, but worth carrying.
✔ Flow Tip: The Lower Sac’s flows change regularly due to weather and agricultural demands. Always check before heading out to avoid surprises. You can monitor flows here.
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Low Flow Feather River
Flows dropped again—now sitting right around 1,000 CFS as of today. This is where things start to get fun. Spring fishing is on the upswing. The flowers are blooming, bugs are hatching, and the fish are finally starting to settle into more predictable patterns.This week, I was out doing Steelhead in the Classroom releases with some junior high students (big shoutout to science teachers everywhere), and while flipping rocks for macroinvertebrates, it was clear: spring bugs are here. We saw a ton of mayflies—mostly tiny PMDs and BWOs, size 18 and smaller. There were also a few sucker spawn eggs still rolling around.
So, all the usual patterns still work—just downsize a bit. Think small and green: Hogan’s SN Nymph, Olive Hotspot, caddis jigs, or a tiny Waltz Worm. My go-to remains the olive Bird’s Nest. And yes, a little yellow egg pattern still has its moment.
Tip: This is the time to fish light and tight. Target slower water, inside seams, and spots with a soft current cushion. The fish are there—you just have to match the menu and mind your drift.
Key Flies:
S&M Nymphs (#16-18, olive or brown)
Redheaded Stepchild (#16-18)
Hydropsyche Caddis (#14-16, olive)
Perdigons (#14-18, olive or brown)
Yellow Sucker spawn Patterns
Flow Tip: The Feather’s flows can change fast. The only reliable way to check them is by calling (530) 534-2307and listening to the recorded update for both the High and Low Flow sections.
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Flows have dropped to right around 6,000 CFS, and for the first time in weeks, it’s starting to feel fishy. If you’ve been waiting for the green light to chase steelhead on the High Flow—this is it. The drop in water has opened up a ton of fishable water, and things should only improve as flows continue to stabilize. From Thermalito all the way down to Gridley, it's setting up nicely for spring.
We’ve been moving some quality fish on the usual suspects: small caddis jig-style nymphs, yellow egg patterns to match the sucker spawn, and attractors like the Olive Hotspot or Hogan’s SN Nymph. These fish are hungry—but not reckless—so think subtle over flashy.
And here's your golden hour tip: don't sleep on the evening swing. As the sun drops, caddis start to get active, and swinging soft hackles or caddis emergers through tailouts can light things up. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to connect with a spring steelhead—and way more fun than watching a bobber.
Tip: Focus your efforts on softer inside bends, drop-offs, and seams where fish can hold without working too hard. With more visibility and less pushy water, you’ll find more fish in predictable holding water—and more willing players.
As long as flows stay consistent, this could be the best window we’ve had on the Feather in months. If you're ready to hit it and want to cover water the right way, let's get you on the boat.
Key Flies:
S&M Nymphs (#16-18, olive or brown)
Redheaded Stepchild (#16-18)
Hydropsyche Caddis (#14-16, olive)
Perdigons (#14-18, olive or brown)
Yellow Sucker spawn Patterns
Flow Tip: The Feather’s flows can change fast. The only reliable way to check them is by calling (530) 534-2307and listening to the recorded update for both the High and Low Flow sections.
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Still on the rise—sitting at 6,400 CFS as of today—and yeah, it’s just as miserable to wade as it sounds. If you're thinking about Parks Bar, don’t bother. With these flows, you’d have better luck fly fishing from a kayak in a car wash.
Give it time, though. These flows tend to drop quicker than you’d expect once runoff slows down, especially with little rain in the forecast. When that happens, it’s going to come back to life fast.
Access is still a big issue. With the road to the Highway 20 bridge closed, it’s tough to get into the productive stretches without putting in way more effort than should be required for a public river. If that frustrates you as much as it does me, reach out to the Yuba County Board of Supervisors and let them know this access situation needs to change. It’s public land, and anglers should be able to get to it.
Tip: Once flows finally drop and stabilize, hit those inside seams and tailouts with something flashy. A jigged PMD, a copper bead Hare’s Ear, or anything with a little shimmer can turn heads when fish are freshly re-adjusting.
Want to see this change? Call the Yuba County Board of Supervisors and ask when they plan on reopening access. The more anglers that call, the more likely we are to see movement on this issue.
For now, unless you enjoy wading in chest-deep water with questionable footing, you’re better off picking a different river.
Access Issues:
The Yuba County Board of Supervisors closed the south-side access at Parks Bar Bridge, which makes getting to the river a bit more “adventurous.”
There’s no indication that they plan to reopen it anytime soon. If you were hoping for a quick fix, well… don’t.
For now, Hammon Grove is your best bet once flows drop, but until then, maybe pick another river unless you’re training for an Ironman.
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Deer Creek ,Hat Creek and other mountain Streams
Most of the high-country streams are still running cold and high, making for tough conditions. But if we can avoid another warm rainstorm, expect May to be prime time for these waters.
✔ Want to Learn More About Small Stream Fishing? If you’re a member of Chico Area FlyFishers, I’m putting on a free clinic on Deer Creek covering Introduction to Fly Fishing Small Streams. This is a great chance to learn how to read small water, pick flies, and fish pocket water effectively.
📌 Date: May 3 – Contact Chico Area FlyFishers for details!
✔ Bonus Tip: Start prepping your salmon fly and golden stone patterns—the first big hatches of the season aren’t far off!.
Mountain Trout (Hat Creek, Deer Creek, etc.)
Hat Creek is already waking up, and dry-fly eats are officially on the menu. Think early season caddis, midges, and those sneaky little mayflies fluttering around on warm afternoons. Other small streams like Deer Creek and Butte Creek are still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, but trust me—it’s almost go time.
The general trout season opens the last Saturday in April, and this year is shaping up to be off the hook. Water levels are looking solid, temps are rising, and bugs are starting to move. If you’re into small water, tight casts, and wild trout with an attitude, this is your season to shine.
Tip: A size 12 stimulator with a soft hackle or small pheasant tail dropper is a deadly combo right now. Fish it through pocket water, seams, and around boulders—anything that looks trouty probably holds one.
🎣 Bonus: I’ll be teaching an Intro to Fly Fishing Small Streams Clinic on May 18th at Deer Creek—FREE for Chico Area FlyFishers members. Whether you're brand new or just looking to sharpen your small water game, this is a great way to learn about reading water, fly selection, and fishing tiny creeks with big potential.
👉 For details and to sign up, visit chicoareaflyfishers.com
Final Word
Spring’s finally stretching its legs, and so should you. From steelhead in the valley to dry-fly eats in the mountains, everything’s starting to click. Flows are still a bit wild in places, but that just means we’re days (not weeks) away from some of the best fishing of the year.
Whether you’re swinging for chrome, Euro-nymphing small water, or just trying to sneak in a couple casts after work—every cast is an adventure (see what I did there?). Stay safe, fish smart, and don’t forget to check flows before you go.
Tight lines, PJ
Bock Fly Fishing
Northern California