530 Outfitters Fall Fishing Fore Planner
Trinity River
The Trinity is already showing signs of what’s shaping up to be a great fall. The early salmon run has been strong, and we’re expecting more fish to keep pushing into the system. Mixed in with those salmon will be fresh steelhead, and as summer turns to fall, the chase is on.
Early-season Trinity steelhead are some of the hardest-fighting fish we see all year. The water is still warm enough that these fish pull hard, make long runs, and spend plenty of time in the air.
For all you swing anglers, this is our favorite time of year. September and October are all about Scandi lines, traditional wet flies, and skating dries. It’s time to dust off the two-handers, make those long swings, and get warmed up before winter rolls in with Skagit heads, heavy tips, and big flies
Lower Sacramento River
We’re stoked for what we’re already seeing on the Lower Sac. Kings are showing up in good numbers, and with the big salmon return that’s forecasted, we’re expecting a banner egg bite this fall. September through early November should be lights out. We’ve already seen signs of some big trout on the grab, and they’ll only get bigger once they settle into the annual egg gluttony.
If you’ve been thinking about a Lower Sac trip, now’s the time to get it on the calendar. We have limited fall dates available, so give us a call and let’s get you booked.
Lower Yuba River
The Lower Yuba River is setting up beautifully for fall fishing. With consistent summer flows of around 1,500 CFS, fall-run salmon have begun moving upriver and have plenty of water to make their migration.
Every year, we hold our breath to see what the fall flow reduction will bring, as releases are typically reduced during the first part of September. This drop in flows usually triggers salmon to move out of the deep canyon pools and into the riffles of the middle and lower river, where they begin digging redds and spawning. As they spawn, they provide one of the most important food sources of the season—fresh salmon eggs.
The Yuba River is typically the first of the Central Valley tailwaters to see this annual egg drop, and over the years it has been one of the most consistent fisheries for anglers looking to capitalize on this event. Expect an excellent egg bite from mid-September through the end of October.
When the egg bite slows, anglers can still find outstanding fishing during the river's impressive fall caddis hatches. If cooler weather arrives early enough, the first winter baetis hatches can also provide excellent dry fly opportunities.
Whether you prefer to get out of the boat and wade fish productive runs or spend the entire day floating the river, the Yuba offers outstanding opportunities. Our guided trips include exclusive access from our private put-in to our private take-out, allowing us to fish some of the river's best water with minimal pressure.
Lower Sacramento River - Striped Bass
With what appears to be a strong salmon run on the Lower Sacramento River this fall, the striper fishing is shaping up to be excellent. As more salmon move into the system and salmon anglers begin targeting them, larger trophy stripers are pushed into the shallow feeding areas where they traditionally only come to feed for short periods.
September and October can be some of the best months of the year for trophy fish. While the total number of fish caught often declines, the average size and quality of the fish typically increase. That said, fall striper fishing is never a slam dunk. Cold fronts, changing weather patterns, and fluctuating river conditions can all have a significant impact on the bite.
Success during the fall often comes down to careful planning, timing, and persistence.
Lake Oroville
Our Fall program on Lake Oroville usually starts mid October to Mid November depending when cooler weather arrives. There is a distinct period each year when the evening temps come down and the bass in Lake Oroville go on a feeding binge in preparation for the change of seasons. Fall and winter bring great opportunities to fish float and fly techniques which can be a great way to get new anglers or younger anglers into the sport. If you want to try something different this fall come on out and fish Lake Oroville.
Our fall program on Lake Oroville typically begins in mid-October and runs through May. Fall fishing starts when cooler weather arrives most years. Each year, there is a distinct period when overnight temperatures drop and the spotted bass on Lake Oroville go on a feeding binge in preparation for the changing seasons.
Fall and winter provide excellent opportunities to fish with float-and-fly techniques, one of the most effective and enjoyable methods for targeting Oroville's spotted bass. It's also a great way to introduce new or younger anglers to the sport, as the technique is productive, easy to learn, and incredibly exciting.
If you're looking to try something different this fall, come spend a day on Lake Oroville and experience some of the best spotted bass fishing of the year.
Feather River - Central Valley Steelhead
The Feather River, as it flows through the town of Oroville and the Oroville Wildlife Area, is one of the most consistent steelhead fisheries in the Central Valley, supporting both hatchery and wild populations of fall- and spring-run steelhead. Fall offers the best fishing as steelhead follow king salmon upstream, feeding heavily on salmon eggs, caddis, and mayflies while fattening up for their late-winter spawn.
This is an excellent fishery for anglers who are new to steelhead fishing, as well as those looking for an easy day trip from Sacramento or the Bay Area. October and November are prime months for the egg bite, and later in the fall there are even opportunities to swing flies as the salmon egg hatch transitions to emerging smolt and fry.