Thermalito Afterbay emerges as popular fishing spot in California

Oroville, CA, United States (4E Sports) – With thousands of steelhead trout waiting to be caught, the Thermalito Afterbay is fast becoming a byword as one of the most popular fishing holes in California.

In 2007, the Department of Water Resources has planted an estimated 12,000 steelhead trout in the Afterbay so it could provide more recreation, according to Department of Water Resources (DWR) fisheries biologist Julie Brown.

With the fish hatchery expecting another surplus this winter, Brown said more steelheads will be planted next year.

“Probably between five and ten thousand fish, so we will be planting them in here, probably in January or February,” Brown said.

However, anglers need to get a fishing license to catch trout at the Afterbay, aside from the five fish daily limit imposed by DWR.

“You could also make some money if you catch a fish with a tag on it and return it to the Department of Fish and Game for measurement purposes,” Brown said.

Mike Silapan, a regular angler at the Afterbay, said the number of regulars has grown in the past years after taking notice of the vast supply of steelheads in the area.

“A lot more people. Heck, I used to be the only one out here, a lot more people now,” Silapan said.

According to Silapan, many anglers are finding Afterbay an ideal spot to fish is because of easy access.

“You don’t have to climb through obstacles to go fishing. You just kind of park here, have a nice lunch, kick back, enjoy the weather and fish,” Silapan said.

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