Lake Oroville
Butte County, CA Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Salmon, Trout
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Fishing at Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville is a giant reservoir covering over 15,000 acres, featuring a massive central body of water with long extensive arms branching north and east. Its varied shape translates to a fish habitat ideal for both cold and warm water species. Bass fishing at Lake Oroville is considered best as the lake begins to warm after winter months. Early spring provides a solid spotted bass bite, and...

Lake Oroville is a giant reservoir covering over 15,000 acres, featuring a massive central body of water with long extensive arms branching north and east. Its varied shape translates to a fish habitat ideal for both cold and warm water species. 

Bass fishing at Lake Oroville is considered best as the lake begins to warm after winter months. Early spring provides a solid spotted bass bite, and hungry pre-spawn largemouth bass action can produce double-digit monsters.

Trout anglers can find fish throughout the year. In colder months, the fish are found closer to the surface, but summer heat pushes them to depths beyond 60 feet. The chinook salmon at Oroville display a similar pattern, albeit they don't come as shallow in the winter. Trolling remains the preferred method on this giant lake.

Lake Oroville provides plenty of camping and recreational activities. So expect crowds during the summer and weekends.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Redeye Bass, Channel Catfish, White Catfish, Crappie, White Sturgeon
Trophy Fish
  • Largemouth Bass: 15.48 lb
  • Chinook Salmon: 19 lb 11 oz
  • Rainbow Trout: 15 lb
Boating / Access:
All boating allowed
Geography:
Max Depth: 722 ft
Surface Area: 15,500 acres
Surface Elevation: 901 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

Oroville bass action has been good, primarily for spotted bass with a few largies sprinkled in. Nothing sizable has been reported though, mostly smaller fish in the 1-2 lb range. Swimbaits and drop-shots are getting bit throughout the day. Small poppers have been hot in the mornings around coves and...

Oroville bass action has been good, primarily for spotted bass with a few largies sprinkled in. Nothing sizable has been reported though, mostly smaller fish in the 1-2 lb range. Swimbaits and drop-shots are getting bit throughout the day. Small poppers have been hot in the mornings around coves and quiet inlets. Trollers are finding both king salmon and rainbow trout on the main lake in 75-95 feet of water.

Rainbow Trout, Spotted Bass, King Salmon

Spotted bass fishing continues to be the highlight of Oroville this spring. Most spots are still in spawn mode (including pre and post). Anglers are finding a lot of action on various soft-plastics including 3.5-4in swimbaits, Senkos, and 4in plastic worms. Finesse jigs have also been hot. A few...

Spotted bass fishing continues to be the highlight of Oroville this spring. Most spots are still in spawn mode (including pre and post). Anglers are finding a lot of action on various soft-plastics including 3.5-4in swimbaits, Senkos, and 4in plastic worms. Finesse jigs have also been hot.

A few trollers are still picking up King Salmon, primarily on the south end. But bite consistency and fish size have been underwhelming.

Spotted Bass, King Salmon
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Other Nearby Reports

Contrasting reports are coming from the Feather. Some anglers say the shad and striper action is slowing down, while others note it's been spectacular. The assumption is that...

The Upper Sac trout bite has been solid, with flows stabilizing. Dry fly action peaks early, transitioning to nymphs as the day progresses. An evening caddis hatch is sparking...

Lake Oroville Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Oroville Map

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