6 numbers that explain Lake Oroville this week

A quick read of the water, by the numbers. Lake Oroville reads 732.0 ft on the gauge. That is 12 ft lower than 30 days ago, with 2.4 ft of that in the past week.

732.0 fton the gaugelatest daily reading

The gauge on Lake Oroville reads 732.0 ft. On its own that is just a height; the next numbers say whether it is a problem.

−12 ftin 30 dayschange over the month

Over a month a drop this size moves the water's edge a long way on flat banks and changes which ramps reach the water.

−2.4 ftin the past week7-day change

The pace has not let up this week.

+1.5 ftvs normalfor November

Compared with the usual level for November, Lake Oroville is high. A high lake spreads fish out into flooded cover, so cover water quickly.

2 of 3species in rangespotted bass and trout

Spotted bass and trout are in a good temperature range; the rest will take more patience.

Thursdaybest bite daygood, 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm

Of the next 6 days, Thursday rates best for the bite on sun, moon and wind.

The chart

Each point on the chart is one day's reading. The dashed line is the usual level for the season.

Water level on Lake Oroville, ft, over the last 30 days. Dashed line: normal for this time of year.

Where the numbers point

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. It is a good place for trout and spotted bass; try spinner or spoon, troll slowly. The best window there is 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm. Down at that depth the water is about 49°F, against 50°F on top.

Depth map of Lake Oroville: shoreline, depth shading and contour lines, with today's free fishing spot — **Lake Oroville lake bed.** Darker blue is deeper water; contour lines every 100 ft. The star marks the free spot named in this report (point drop-off, 12 to 24 ft). Depths are estimated where the lake has not been surveyed.

See this spot in 3-D

The week ahead

For the calmest weather, Saturday is the pick of the next few days: chance light rain, wind around 5 mph and a high near 55°F. The wind builds to its strongest on Friday, out of the south-southeast at 17 mph. Highs slide from about 69°F to 55°F over the stretch, so dress in layers for the early start.

Circle Thursday, Saturday and Monday on the calendar: 4 of the next 6 days rate good or better. On Thursday the strongest window runs 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm, and on Friday 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm.

ThuNov 12 69° 52°6–8mph SSEGood

FriNov 13 60° 49°17mph SSE

SatNov 14 55° 50°5mph SSEGood

SunNov 15 LaterFair

MonNov 16 LaterGood

TueNov 17 LaterGood

The days ahead on Lake Oroville. Sky, high and low (°F), wind and gusts (mph, with the direction it blows from), and the bite rating from sunrise, sunset, the moon and the wind.

Questions

How deep is Lake Oroville?

Around 690 ft at its deepest. It covers about 15,800 acres with roughly 167 miles of shoreline at full pool.

How warm is Lake Oroville right now?

About 58°F at the surface on the latest clear reading (a few days ago). Shallow coves can run a few degrees warmer on sunny afternoons.