- Trip
Feather River Fly Fishing Guide
Taco Fly Co. offers guided Feather River fly fishing trips for trout and steelhead in Northern California. Based in Quincy, we specialize in walk-and-wade trips designed for anglers of all experience levels.
The Feather River offers a unique flavor of rainbow and brown trout fishing in very scenic Sierra Nevada water. Compared to larger tailwaters, it provides a more intimate, technical fishing experience that rewards anglers willing to adapt to changing conditions.
- Plumas County California
Freestone. Strong FISH. PURE RIVER ENERGY.
Feather
Flight
Closest Airports: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) – approx. 1.5 hours &
Sacramento International (SMF) – approx. 3 hours
Pro Tip: Flying into Reno saves drive time. The Feather River Canyon is off the beaten path, so expect epic views on your way in.
Hotel
Where to Stay: We recommend staying in Graeagle, Quincy, or even Portola. Quaint cabins, rustic lodges, and Airbnbs are all great options nearby.
Need a suggestion? Hit us up — we’ve got favorites. We can help you find a place that fits your vibe and gets you close to the water.
- Northern California
Get lost in Plumas County
Book
Lace up your boots and step into one of Northern California’s most scenic and under-the-radar fly fishing gems: the Feather River. Located in a generally unknown area of California, Plumas County. This trip covers the stretch from Clio and Graeagle down through the canyon to just below Cresta Dam — an epic zone filled with riffles, runs, pools, and wild trout. We will be floating in a NRS raft or doing a walk and wade trip depending on the time of the year.
Expect grabby fish, dry fly action, streamer fishing, nymphing and breathtaking views through granite gorges and lush forested banks. Whether you’re chasing trout in the early spring or hunting hatches in the fall, the Feather delivers. All trips include drinks, flies, rods, and reels — and yes, a few laughs along the way. Full-day and half-day options available. Need lodging tips in Graeagle or Quincy? We’ve got you. Hit the water with TFC and rediscover what walk-and-wade was meant to be.
Best Time for Feather River Fly Fishing
The Feather River offers year-round fly fishing opportunities in Northern California, with changing conditions throughout the seasons.
As a freestone river, there is no dam regulating flows above Quincy. This means water levels and temperatures are heavily influenced by annual snowpack. In high snow years, fishable conditions can extend well into July, while lower snowpack years may shorten that window.
Spring (March–May) is typically the best time for Feather River float trips, when flows are ideal for covering water and targeting active fish. These trips are entirely dependent on river conditions and runoff.
Although the Feather River is technically a year-round fishery, we prioritize fish health above all else. When water temperatures reach 65–67°F (usually by mid-June), we stop fishing this watershed to protect trout during stressful conditions. Guided trips resume in mid-September, when cooler temperatures return and fish become more active again.
Local Feather River Fly Fishing Guides
Based in Quincy, California, Taco Fly Co. spends countless days each season guiding and fishing the Feather River. Our experience on this water allows us to adapt to changing flows, seasonal hatches, and fish behavior to give you the best possible day on the water.
Book a Feather River Fly Fishing Trip
If you’re looking for a laid-back, experienced Feather River fly fishing guide, Taco Fly Co. offers trips tailored to your goals and skill level.
Reach out to book your trip or ask about current conditions and availability.
- A full day is usually 7-8 hours. This trip includes lunch, drinks, flies, fly rods, and reels.
- A half day is usually 4-5 hours. Half days do not include lunch but do include drinks, flies, fly rods, and reels. It is suggested that you bring snacks during a half day trip.
- View the calendar here for dates that are available for booking.
- Please specify the desired dates of your trip in the notes during checkout OR contact Taco Fly Co. at [email protected] or at 408-838-6047 after the line item is paid for to schedule a day.
- A confirmation email with the trip details will be sent once a date is selected. If no date is selected, Taco Fly Co. will reach out to you to confirm a date for booking.
FAQs:
- What type of fish are we fishing for? Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
- Can we fish it when it’s hot? Yes you can, but we do not run trips when the water is above 65 degrees as we practice catch and release.
- Do I need to bring my own gear? You only need to bring your fishing licenses, waders, and wading boots. We provide everything else!
- Do I have to have prior experience fly fishing? NO! We pride ourselves in teaching new comers to the fly fishing journey.
