In the last week the flows came up dramatically on the Lower Yuba River during and after our biggest storm of the winter season. The river topped out at 3,188 cubes which is a perfect flushing flow with no harm done. Deer creek ran as high as 1,870 cfs and as always pumped in a lot of dirty water. Currently the Yuba River is at 980 cubes and there is just a tinge of color, ideal conditions for sure.
Much warmer weather today, with highs near 70 degrees and a slight breeze. It’s definitely spring time in the central valley and foothills. Trees are leafing out, different varieties of wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and there were new songbirds and wrens patrolling the banks for food.
Also lots of western fence lizards buzzing around too, and the
tell all of spring – Pipevine swallowtails. Fishing pressure is moderate at the
more popular locations, but if you’re willing to cover some ground, you can get
away. Even though I have a slight case of the flu, I had to get out of the
house, and it did so much good for the soul. Glad I did because the fishing was
so good.
The
Skwalas were out in force today, and they love this current warm weather. They
move around much quicker too. I found one good size orgy under rocks with about
9 players. The stoneflies were in the drift too. I have not noticed any sign
that the hatch is waning, in fact I found fresh shucks today during my
observations.
From 1 pm to 3pm there were so many different bugs out.
March Browns, PMD’s, Pinkies, BWO’s, 3 different kinds of caddis, and midges.
My guests and I have still yet to use a nymph rig in the last 47 days. Keep in
mind we are starting to fish at 11 am, but if an angler were to show up
earlier, an indo rig would be a wise choice. More and bigger fish are being
caught, which is great to see. I found my first steelhead redd in a side
channel today, it was fresh, but nobody was on it.
Prime surface feeding habitat for trout, back eddies and foam lines.
Fly selection – Nymphing; Squirmy worms in flesh and red,
Jimmy Leg stones (black, brown, and mottled yellow and coffee) #8-10, Pheasant
Tail Flashbacks #14-18, Copper Johns (copper, red, olive) #16-18, Hogan’s S&M nymph (olive, brown, tan)
#14-18, and Hogan's Red Headed Stepchild #16-18. Dries; Unit Skwala #10, Morgan’s
Double Dutch Bug #10, March Brown Sparkle Duns #14, PMD parachute #16, Pinkie
Loop Wing #16-18, and BWO Hackle Stackers #16-18. Steamers; Alevins #12, Black
Bunny Leeches #8-10, Olive Slumpbuster #6-10.
There is more weather showing up in a few days with a weak
system, then into next week a stronger system moves in. We are supposed to
receive up to 4 feet of snow in the higher elevations over the course of the
next three weeks. We’ll take it. There should be periods of fishable conditions
in between storms, so make sure to get out there. See you on the water…
Lupinus albifrons, Silver Lupine
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