Few waterways in Butte County are more exciting than the Feather River.
The river system is fed by four major tributaries — the South Fork, Wild and Scenic Middle Fork, North Fork, and West Branch — which converge at Lake Oroville before flowing south as the Sacramento River’s main stem and principal tributary.
From its rugged mountain canyons to the calm waters running through town, the Feather River has boundless opportunities for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more.
Jump to: Lower Feather River │ North Fork │ Middle Fork │ History
Lower Feather River
Downstream from Lake Oroville, the Feather River flowing through Oroville, also sometimes referred to as the Lower Feather River, offers a variety of recreation opportunities right in the middle of the city.
Fishing
The Feather River is home to one of the largest steelhead runs in California’s Central Valley and serves as a prime fishery for striped bass.
Along the Lower Feather River, there are a series of riffles perfect for fly fishing, attracting anglers from around the state when the steelhead and striped bass are running. For anglers willing to hike, the upper forks just upstream from the lake offer excellent canyon fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout.
Kayaking
Kayaking on the Lower Feather River is a favorite local pastime. The calm, slow-moving waters running through the city of Oroville are ideal for relaxed, family-friendly explorations.
During the fall salmon run, paddlers can get an up-close look at migrating fish by launching at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and drifting down to Riverbend Park.
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North Fork
Running through the northern Sierra Nevada, the North Fork Feather River is the biggest tributary, flowing south from its headwaters near Lassen Peak down to Lake Oroville.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
Thanks to steady, dam-released water from Lake Almanor, the North Fork section holds some of the most reliable year-round whitewater in the state. High-flow recreational releases are typically held four weekends a year (spanning June, July, August, and September) along the Rock Creek Reach.
During these release windows, PG&E increases water flows from a standard 150 cfs to a roaring 700 – 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), turning this section into a thrilling playground of Class III, IV, and V rapids.
- The Stretch: The Rock Creek Reach is an 8.3‑mile portion of the North Fork nestled within the Plumas National Forest between the Rock Creek Dam and the Rock Creek Powerhouse near Storrie.
- Access: The upper portion of the North Fork is easily accessible via scenic Highway 70.
Fishing
Anglers can find excellent, diverse fishing spots all along the North Fork canyon.
From the base of Lake Almanor downstream to the Belden Bridge, a standard five-fish limit applies from the last Saturday in April through mid-November.
Further downstream, the section running from the Cresta Powerhouse all the way to Lake Oroville is open for year-round fishing with no gear restrictions.
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Middle Fork
Of the major forks feeding Lake Oroville, the Middle Fork of the Feather River is the only one left entirely undammed. Because it flows naturally, it remains remarkably wild, rugged, and scenic. The river gradient transitions dramatically from gentle backwaters at the upper reaches to steep, vertical drops through deep canyon walls.
The surrounding landscape showcases incredible contrasts, ranging from pristine wilderness to manicured golf courses and mountain communities. In the wild sections, huge boulders, cliffs and waterfalls are a part of the natural beauty of the area, but can make navigating the river and hiking difficult.
Kayaking
For expert kayakers and rafters looking for one of the most demanding whitewater challenges in the West, the Middle Fork serves up 32 miles of continuous Class V rapids tucked inside a remote, pristine canyon.
Designated by Congress as one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States, this legendary stretch requires an intensive 3‑to-4-day self-supported expedition for experienced whitewater paddlers.
Fishing
Anglers seeking true solitude will love the Middle Fork’s isolated riffles, deep runs, and quiet holes, which receive very little fishing pressure throughout the year.
The river holds a mix of warm- and cold-water species, including hard-fighting wild and stocked brown and rainbow trout.
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History & Usage
The Gold Rush Era
The Feather River and its rugged forks served as a major epicenter for the California Gold Rush during the 19th century, drawing thousands of prospectors to its rich gravel bars.
Wild & Scenic Designation
In 1968, the Middle Fork of the Feather River earned national recognition as one of the initial “charter” rivers protected under the federal Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
Of its 77.6 protected miles:
- 32.9 miles are designated as wild (accessible only by foot trail),
- 9.7 miles are scenic (accessible in limited spots by road but largely undeveloped), and
- 35 miles are recreational (easily reached by road or railroad with developed shorelines).
The State Water Project & Power Generation
Since the 1960s, the river has played a massive role in California’s water infrastructure, serving as the primary water source for the California State Water Project. It supplies central and southern parts of the state while generating significant hydroelectricity.
The average annual flow of the Feather River system is more than 7 million acre-feet.
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