Lake Oroville down 12 ft in 30 days

Why it matters

A falling lake pulls fish off the banks toward points and channel edges, exposes hazards, and can leave the shallow end of a ramp in the mud. Late fall at this latitude is a season of short, strong feeding windows.

With about 15,800 acres and roughly 167 miles of shoreline at full pool, Lake Oroville is a lot of water to cover. It runs around 690 ft at its deepest.

The fish

Spotted bass on Lake Oroville are a strong bet. The 60s are a sweet spot: bass are active, roam widely and will chase moving baits. Trout are in their comfort zone. In the 60s trout move deeper as the top layer warms.

Know before you go

• Go Tuesday, 6:00 am to 8:15 am: the best-rated bite day (good).
• Start at the point drop-off (12 to 24 ft) on the map: use spinner or spoon, troll slowly.
• Check the lake page the morning you go; temperature, level and wind update every day.

One spot to try

The marked spot on Lake Oroville is a point drop-off that covers 12 to 24 ft. The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed. Expect trout and spotted bass there; try spinner or spoon, troll slowly.

DamDeepest water N 2 miles

100300500Depth, ft Free spot todayPlace to stay

See this spot in 3-D