Butte County Fishing Reports

A lot of good spotted bass action coming out of Oroville right now. Water temps are hovering between 62–65 degrees, and fish are generally in one of three spawn phases. Dropshotting is the best move right now for most consistent action, combined with either a 4½-inch roboworm or small swimbait. The northern end of the lake is serving up warmer water temps compared to the south/east, so fish are shallower and more easily targeted there. Ned rigs, small T-rigged crawdad soft plastics, and small crankbaits are producing as well. Not a lot of size, most fish in the 1 pound range, with the occasional 2-3 pounder mixed in.

Trollers targeting trout and/or salmon have reported inconsistent action recently, although many say the bite should turn in the next few weeks.

CDFW released almost 130,000 fingerling Chinook salmon (up to 6 inches) into Oroville last week. This stock obviously won't help anglers this seasib, but will stabilize the salmon fishery for the coming years.

Water temps have finally hit that magic high 50s mark at Paradise. Bass are getting very active in the shallows, and trout are moving further up the water column. The trout action has been excellent lately, especially for trollers... electric boats and kayaks... pulling spoons and bright Rooster Tails off points and in open water. Shore anglers are getting a few limits on chartreuse Powerbait.

The bass bite has been good, although most fish are small. Smallmouth and redeye bass have been most active, along with a few largemouth. Largemouth will really fire up with a few more degree bump of water temp. Dropshots, small swimbaits, and grubs are doing best near hard structure and in the backs of warming coves.