Happy New Year from the banks of the Lower Yuba River! The
weather has been too nice lately; we really need some precipitation and a whole
bunch of it as soon as possible. The river is very low from the lack of rain
with the outflow from Englebright Dam at a meager 700cfs, and crystal clear
water making fishing tougher than normal. Many salmon redds are very exposed
now and the wading fly angler needs to be very careful where they step while
fishing. Walking on redds can crush eggs that have been deposited and are
waiting to hatch. In the last week I have seen numerous anglers walking right
through these sensitive areas without a clue. When the opportunity presents
itself a little education in a nice manner to those who do not know any better
can be beneficial to the salmon and the health of the river.
The salmon are nearly all gone and the resident trout are
coming off the “egg bite”, there is usually a lull in the action of a few weeks
as the egg bite ends. Then the native trout’s attention will turn onto the many
hatches of aquatic insects that are already showing great promise. If the Lower
Yuba or any other river for that matter does not blow out due to high water,
the bug life can be prolific as the river is not scoured by damaging flows.
The big news in the last week is the much anticipated Skwala
Stonefly hatch has begun with confirmed first hand sightings from myself and
other guides. It’s just the start, but this hatch will continue into the month
of February and quite possibly the first few weeks of March. The fun of fishing
this hatch is presenting the large dry fly adult patterns on the edge water of
the river. It’s always a blast when you get to see your quarry take your fly
off the surface! Other hatches right now included tiny midges, blue wing
olives, and pale morning dun mayflies. The Lower Yuba is one of the best rivers
for winter dry fly fishing and a must experience.
I had the pleasure of being invited on a float from Tom Page
who owns Reel Anglers Fly Shop in Grass Valley last Saturday. We drifted from
the Highway 20 Bridge to the Sycamore Ranch take out. Tom also guides the Lower
Yuba from his drift boat and has many years of experience where any angler from
rookie to experienced can learn the tricks to conquer this moody river; and he
does have a few crafty tricks to say the least! That’s what my day with Tom was
all about, taking in his knowledge like a sponge, and processing it for my
future needs.
For those fly anglers who want big numbers of fish caught,
drifting with a local knowledgeable guide is essential to your success. In a
drift boat you cover more water than that of an angler off the bank with the
right rig, in the most productive water. It can be fast and furious at times.
On the flip side the bank angler can take their time with a single section of
the river, observing the conditions, and deciphering the puzzle that lies
before them. Both styles have their rewards.
I’m so excited thinking of the many weeks of challenging dry
fly fishing that awaits me and my guests on the Lower Yuba for 2014! For
current conditions on the Lower Yuba, or the hot flies that are producing,
please do not hesitate to call Tom at Reel Anglers Fly Shop 530.477.5397.
No comments:
Post a Comment