There are always fish willing to bite a fly on Lake Oroville year round 100%. However some months do fish drastically better than other months. February is typically one of the slower months out of the year. December/January usually offers good to great action however. This being said, as we get into February, the bite can become a bit fickle. Usually around this time the lake is rising fast, and this seems to turn fish off, or create a bite that requires deepwater tactics. Which is not what we look for as fly anglers. Again there will still be fish to be caught no doubt, and the lake can be a great option to get your fix in even during February. Float n Fly tactics are the go to for the cold winter months (and early spring). March however is a different story. Early March can be slow, but it can be great as well. It’s hit or miss. Many of the biggest bass of the year will be caught in March however. It’s not a huge numbers game but it’s a game for huge fat spotted bass! As the month progresses the numbers increase, and the quality is remains there. The bass will be getting ready for the spring spawn. March being the main prespawn month is when the fish will be at their peak chunkiness for the entire year. Highly recommended month for those who want to go trophy hunting! Again, float n fly will be the dominant tactic until mid April. For Feb/March, fish points, find bait, and cover water with the bobbers. 8′-12’+ leaders are best.
