Lake Oroville Update - August 14, 2025
People fish during salmon season in the Feather River as water flows in from the Thermalito Afterbay, as seen near the Brad Freeman Bike Trail at the California Department of Water Resources Oroville-Thermalito Complex in Butte County. Photo taken July 17, 2025.
Feather River Flow Changes Planned
DWR is decreasing Feather River flows Friday and increasing flows on Saturday, in support of planned and required maintenance work at the O’Neill Forebay. At 11 a.m. on Friday, Feather River releases will drop to 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville. Flows from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) will be reduced to 3,000 cfs by 1 p.m. for a total Feather River release of 4,000 cfs downstream. Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, DWR will increase Outlet flows in 500-cfs increments, with total Feather River releases increasing to 7,000 cfs by 2 p.m. River flows through the City of Oroville will remain at 1,000 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily.
August is a popular time for water recreation and fishing on the Feather River. DWR is advising Feather River users to remain alert for changing water conditions associated with scheduled flow changes this Friday and Saturday.
Tree Blocking Feather River at Cottonwood Riffle
DWR is alerting Feather River anglers and water recreators of a downed tree spanning the main river channel at Cottonwood Riffle near the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Feather River users launching near the green Table Mountain Bridge should use caution. Warning signs will be posted in the water to alert river users of the hazard ahead. Water users can still navigate downstream along the east side of the river closest to downtown Oroville. DWR does not own the Feather River channel but has notified local authorities about this hazard.