Lake Oroville
A large, deep reservoir on the Feather River in the Sierra Nevada foothills above the town of Oroville. It is best known for numbers of spotted bass, plus stocked Chinook salmon and a solid catfish bite.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Spotted Bass
The most commonly caught fish here. Work rocky points and steep banks with drop shots, jigs and swimbaits.
Largemouth Bass
Fewer than spots but bigger on average. Look in coves and around flooded cover in spring.
Chinook Salmon
Stocked each year. Troll deep near the dam and in the main channel once the lake stratifies.
Channel Catfish
Fish can top 10 pounds. Fish cut bait on flats and in the upper arms in summer evenings.
Crappie
Spotty but present. Try brush and docks in the coves with small jigs and minnows in spring.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Bidwell Canyon (Bidwell Complex)MarinaMulti-lane ramp with lanes down to low water. Full-service marina with rentals, fuel and storeDirections ↗
- Lime SaddleMarinaState Parks launch ramp and concession marina with bait and tackle, rentals and fuelDirections ↗
- Loafer CreekFeeState Parks ramp, 8 lanes at higher levels. Campground nearbyDirections ↗
- Spillway Boat RampFeeLarge multi-lane ramp near the dam. Lower ramp floods at high waterDirections ↗
- EnterpriseFeeTwo-lane ramp on the South Fork. Closed when the lake drops below 800 ftDirections ↗
- Foreman CreekCarry-inCar-top launch, two lanes maintained down to 730 ft. Closed at night when the lake is below 800 ftDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Oroville are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: California Department of Fish and Wildlife ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Lime Saddle Marina storeNearby3428 Pentz Road, ParadiseDirections ↗
Local tips
- Water levels swing a lot from year to year. Check the DWR ramp elevation list before you pick a launch.
- Day use and launch fees apply at State Parks ramps, and some ramps keep limited hours.
- Smaller car-top ramps close or become unusable as the lake drops, so have a backup plan.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.