Lower Yuba River Fishing Report 12/29/2015

It’s been really cold in the foothills and on the Lower Yuba River the last week with temperatures hovering in the high twenties in the morning. We even had a dusting of snow yesterday morning. The good news is the fishing is steadier than the past 3 weeks. Nymphing is getting the job done right now and transition zones from riffles to the edge of deeper water has been very productive. Nymph rigs with Jimmy Leg stones, or red San Juan worms with small mayfly nymph droppers is key. Effective dropper flies have been Hogan’s olive S&M, his Little Amigo in dark brown, and flashback Pheasant Tails in very small sizes #18 to 20. 

Many anglers think that some runs are always effective but here’s the truth; the fish reside where the majority of the food is, and they will move great distances to find such. Current flows from Englebright are bouncing around from 648 to 656 cubes, and Deer Creek is trickling in at 19 cfs. I have found a few skwala stones staging in the side water awaiting emergence, but we need a little warmer weather to get them going. I have not seen very much mayfly activity as well. Long range weather forecast is calling for a week of sunny weather with some clouds. The following week could offer a parade of storms marching through. Our snowpack in the Tahoe area is at 110% of normal. Keep it coming Mother Nature.

Mark your calendars for January 21st to the 24th for the annual International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento. I’ll be speaking on the 22nd at 4:30pm with a Lake Davis Presentation, followed by a very informative Lower Yuba River presentation at 1:30pm on the 24th. The ISE programs director has brought in a bunch of new blood this year at both the fly fishing theater, and the casting pond. Many of these top Nor Cal guides are on the Lost Coast Outfitters team and you can assure you’ll learn something while being there. Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and Happy New Year, 2016 is going to go off!