Belden Reachon North Fork Feather River
Optimal conditions for Smallmouth Bass fishing
- 01Optimal conditions for Smallmouth Bass fishing.
- 02October Caddis, Blue-Winged Olive (BWO), and Mahogany Dun hatches are active.
- 03Terrestrial insects are still providing opportunistic feeding.
- 04Focus on deeper pockets, current breaks, and rocky structures.
- 05Employ a dry-dropper rig or strip streamers near submerged structure for aggressive Smallmouth Bass.
What to tie on at Belden Reach
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
October Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis hatch is a major fall event, and reports from late September indicate they are just beginning to appear on the North Fork Feather River.
Buy at AmazonMahogany Dun
Mahogany Duns are active from late summer through fall, offering consistent dry fly action during their hatches on the North Fork Feather River.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches on the North Fork Feather River, and this pattern is excellent for targeting fish feeding just below the surface.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, particularly on overcast days, providing excellent dry fly opportunities for selective fish on the North Fork Feather River.
Slumpbuster
This versatile streamer effectively imitates baitfish and sculpins, which are a consistent food source for Smallmouth Bass Manila year-round on the North Fork Feather River, and is especially productive in varied water conditions.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source for Smallmouth Bass Manila on rocky rivers like the North Fork Feather River year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern in fall.
Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A classic and highly versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for Smallmouth Bass Manila on the North Fork Feather River, and is effective in cooling fall waters.
Slumpbuster
A versatile baitfish and sculpin imitation that works year-round for aggressive Smallmouth Bass, especially in varied spring flows.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis and a great option for surface feeding Smallmouth Bass.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.