This week there were signs of major improvements, for salmon fishing on the Feather River, in Northern California. As expected, the August full moon cycle, which is still upon us; provided a positive impact on the Feather River, King Salmon Fishery. The instinctual drive for the salmon to migrate, is kicked into overdrive from the lunar influence of this week’s full moon. The bright summer night’s sky, of the ‘sturgeon moon’, brought daytime highlights to the anglers’, of the lower Feather River. Making for a much improved troll and spinner bite.

At the same time, this lunar influence caused the salmon, to start stacking up at theOutlet Hole, like a Bay Area traffic jam. Thus, providing the anglers at the Outlet, a considerable amount of new targets to cast towards.

The lower Feather River, near Nicholas, Ca., lit up over the past week with almost all boat anglers’ catching, at least, one King Salmon per outing. Private boaters out of; Star Bend Boat Launch, in Olivehurst, Ca., faired the best over the past week. The private boaters coming into the dock, with 3 or 4 salmon, was not an uncommon occurrence during this past week! Fishing guides found similar success for their clients. Boating brought in, 3-6 Chinook Salmon, on several outings throughout the week.

There were a few days that remained a struggle, but for the most part, a significant change is starting to take place. While trolling Silvertron, or Blue Fox, spines have been the preferred method of take. This success, was duplicated by the boaters who decided to drop anchor, and wait for the salmon to come to them.

There is another proven successful technique, to put these dime bright King Salmon in your fish box. Anglers’ trolling the lower Feather River, tend to prefer trolling the size, #6 Blue Fox in blue or plain silver. Whereas, trolling salmon anglers who prefer the Silvertron spinners, prefer the double bladed Silvertron spinners, in the “salmon candy” pattern. Anglers sitting on the spike (anchor) have found greater success, while plunking a single blade Silvertron, once again in the salmon candy pattern.

The Feather River salmon season, in the upper river, above Live Oak, Ca is roughly one-half over. With one month of salmon fishing behind us, and one month remaining. Salmon fishermen should be gearing up, for this final back-half of the season. Undoubtably, this will be the better half, of the short two month season, which closes September 15, 2025. The best is still to come.

In the weeks to come, some excellent salmon fishing is still to be had. Salmon continue to pile up; from the Outlet Hole, down river to Gridley, Ca. I estimate 100-200 King Salmon, are moving through the lower river, everyday during daylight hours. This is not including, the salmon that come through at night, when everyone is off the water.

The increased amount of King Salmon heading up river, is quickly adding to a large accumulation of salmon; already taking up residency at the Outlet Hole. It won’t be long before the focus of most anglers’, switches to the thousands, of staged up salmon, at the Outlet. Tight Lines!