The North Fork Yuba River is fishing extremely well right now, and if you’re a dry fly freak like me you’ll be in heaven. Water levels are low, about what you would see at the end of July. This only concentrates the wild trout in the larger runs and plunge pools.
Water temps in the areas that I am guiding on with my guests
are starting out at 55 in the early morning, rising to 61 by 1pm. There have
been reports of higher water temperatures on a popular Northern California fly
fishing forum, but these are reports from lower down on the watershed from nonprofessionals.
When you hire a knowledgeable quality guide like me who has put in hundreds of
days on the North Fork Yuba river, you’ll reap the rewards of being guided to
where the important springs and spring fed feeder creeks come in. I’ve got it dialed.
Aquatic hatches are waning for the most part; Green Drakes,
Gray Drakes, and Salmon flies are done. Currently the most profuse hatches are
the little Yellow Sally (alloperla), and
many different Caddis flies. There are still a few Golden stone flies buzzing
around as well. The Dobsonflies are starting to be active, look for these giant bugs to be present at dusk. The nymph of the Dobson fly is commonly known
as the hellgrammite, a food source that is a prime dinner for at least a table
of four trout. A large burnt yellow crane fly is out in force lately, with
hundreds of adults flying above the watershed and ovipositing on the water’s
surface. A good clue why a large yellow stimulator works well right now.
The monkey flowers are just starting to bloom; the Lewis’s variety
is the first that is starting to show right now. Seep Spring and the Scarlet
Monkey flower will be coming on in the weeks to come, as will the Tiger lilies.
Robins and water Ouzels have been feasting on the hatches as well. I have yet to see a buzz worm this season, but
the wise angler will carry a wading staff and actively bang away the terra firma to
alert the rattlers of their presence. Walk slowly and watch where you step.
Effective dry flies have been Yellow Stimulators #10-14,
little Yellow Sally patterns #16-18, E/C Caddis #14-18 in gray and olive, and
Parachute Adams #16-18. For nymphs, Psycho Prince #16-18, Copper Johns in green,
copper, and red #14-18, and flash back Pheasant Tails #16-18 are getting the
grabs.
Now is the time to experience the most beautiful watershed
in California where wild trout thrive in the cool well oxygenated waters. I have
a few dates left in July, if you’re so inclined to learn about the North Fork
Yuba, and the techniques of fly fishing, allow me to guide you.
Lewis's Monkeyflowers Mimulus lewisii take refuge next to a cold spring on the banks of the North Fork Yuba River
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