With more than 1,600 steelhead trout migrating the cooler months offer prime steelhead fishing opportunities in the Feather River. Photo courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Like Chinook salmon that migrate from the Pacific Ocean to the Feather River to spawn, steelhead trout have similar migratory practices, with most returning in the fall and winter months.

With more than 1,600 steelhead trout migrating upstream from the Department of Water Resources fish monitoring station this year, the cooler months offer prime steelhead fishing opportunities in the Feather River. These fish have typically spent a year or two in the ocean and range in size from 2 to 8 pounds.

The Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) provides walk-in access to several miles of the Feather River for fishing, along with multiple locations for launching fishing boats.

In addition, the Thermalito Afterbay offers excellent fishing opportunities for steelhead that were raised at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and range in size from 2 to 4 pounds.

Lake Oroville is also one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries, with excellent bass fishing opportunities during the fall and winter months.

Be sure to check California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fishing regulations. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including convenience stores, gas, boat rentals and more.