North Fork Yuba River Fishing Report 7/8/14

Fly fishing the most beautiful watershed in California has been excellent, and the North Fork Yuba River is a must destination if you have never been there. Crystal clear water, plunge pools, and pocket water await your presentations, and one of the most beautiful rainbow trout to be found in the world is there waiting for your offerings. 

Current drought conditions have the river levels way below normal, but really it’s not all that bad, thanks to the many feeder creeks and springs that flow into it. These inflows also help maintain colder water temperatures that trout thrive in. Researching topo maps and finding where the tributaries and abundant springs enter the system can greatly increase your chance at hooking up and having a memorable day. 

The best fishing is located between Downieville and Sierra City right now. With miles upon miles of river next to the highway there are so many spots to fish whether it is a short walk from the road, down a no name road, or hiking into one of the many gorges. The views alone will make you stop in your tracks!  

Fishing a Dry / Dropper rig is best right now, and if you want big numbers, cover vast amounts of water. If you are proficient at the craft of fly fishing, you can expect 50 fish days in a 5 hour session. Reading water is everything, fishing the seams of fast and slow water, along with major foam and bubble lines is of vast importance. Effective dry flies have been Yellow Stimulators #10-16, E/C Caddis in pale olive #12-18, Royal Wullfs #10-16, and Club Sandwich Hoppers in Brown/Tan/Yellow #10-12. For your dropper fly, Spitfire rubber legs #14-16, Psycho Prince nymphs #14-18, and Fox's Pupa in amber #12-16 has been super productive. The wild rainbows are running 6-12", with the occasional trophy. Please take note that there have been Rattlesnake sightings with close encounters near the river, like a 4 footer that my guest and I came upon.

Now is the time to fish the North Fork Yuba River before conditions get too low, it also offers some of the best public campgrounds out there, stellar hikes, and the most unbound beauty to be found. Summer is far from over, so get the family together and make a plan to fly fish, and explore the wonders of the North Fork Yuba River, you will not be disappointed!

    Crimson Columbine near a spring on the North Fork Yuba River.