Fishing at Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville is home to four kinds of bass, but anglers will also find plenty of other species to stalk. Lake Oroville was the only place in the state where you could fish for Coho Salmon, but Coho plantings were discontinued in 2012 and it is unlikely that any Coho remain in the lake. Other fish in Lake Oroville include catfish, rainbow and brown trout, sturgeon, and blue gill. Fishing is allowed year-round.

Where to Fish on Lake Oroville

In the summer most of the trout and salmon seek out the cooler water in the deeper parts of the lake. Trolling in the deep water near the dam and the body of the lake will likely produce the most fish. Also try up the North Fork, trolling deep in the summer.

For bass, work the banks, especially where there is any kind of natural cover such as rocks or fallen trees. Among the most popular places for bass are the Middle Fork and the South Fork. Another good location is up the North Fork near some of the creeks like Frazier Creek and French Creek. For crappie try the South Fork first, then other spots like Berry Creek and Loafer Creek.

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at Lake Oroville?

Trolling: minnows, sparklefish, spoons, Rebels, jointed Rapala, speedy shiners,

Bass Fishing: Plastic worms, nightcrawlers, minnows, jigs with a trailer, jigging a drop shot with wacky rigged worm

Bait: Nightcrawlers, mackerel

Spin Casting: Spinners and spoons, Hopkins spoons, Mepps, Panther Martin, Kastmaster

Fly Fishing: Hexagenia spinner, Woolly Bugger, Krystal Bugger, Bird's Nest

Lake Oroville Record Fish

Fish Species	lbs.	oz.	Year
King Salmon	19	11	1987
Silver (Coho) Salmon	10	3.7	2005
Lake trout	11		1979
Rainbow Trout	16		1990
Brown Trout	15		1979
Largemouth Bass	14	15	1998
Smallmouth Bass	6	2	1992
Spotted Bass	8	2	1997
Redeye Bass	3	4	1983
White Crappie	3	4	1993
Black Crappie	2	10	1983
Sacramento Pikeminnow	13	12	1995
Carp	14	5	1983
Channel Catfish	17	5	1992
White Catfish	27	4	1992
White Sturgeon	97		1989