Conditions remain the same on the North Fork Yuba River,
great fishing, and exceptional views. Water temperatures are 57 in the morning
rising to 63 degrees in the early afternoon for the upper watershed. The best times
to ply the water are 8am to 1pm, then again in the evening chasing the last
couple of hours of light. Fishing pressure has been light, but I’m amazed how
many anglers like to choose the easy spots right off of highway 49. There is so
much more good water off the beaten path where many of the wild rainbows have
yet to see a fly this season. Take a hike and explore, if you do not see any footprints, you’re golden.
The hoppers are really out in big numbers right now, and on
a windy day they will end up in the water. Not much in the way of aquatic
insects as most of the hatches has already played out. In a few weeks expect to
see a BWO spinner fall in the morning, or when air temperatures are between 58
and 68 degrees. The fish have been crushing ant patterns dropped off a dry,
very aggressive takes are the norm. Summer is almost over, so make the best of
it by getting on the water with a light rod, and experiencing some serious fun.
I hiked to 3 different lakes in the Lakes Basin area and
forgot just how beautiful the landscape is. Many of the hikes are pretty easy,
and by just doing day trips you can pack light and move fast. These lakes have
rainbows, browns, and brookies. Morning and evenings are best, while the middle
of the day is slower. If you can pack in a lightweight float tube you’ll have
better results, and more opportunities. There are lots of people out on the
trials, if you want to visit during a more quiet time, wait until
mid-September. I’ll be going back for sure.
The
Truckee River is fishing pretty well but don’t expect large numbers of fish. Do
expect a shot at a large fish though. Swinging streamers or American nymphing
(high sticking) has been best. If you’re not getting strikes, try adding more
lead to your leader, and space them apart. Water temps today were 59 to 65
degrees during the morning session; in the late afternoons the temps are right
around 68 degrees, which means it’s time to stop fishing.
One pattern that has been very effective is Lance Gray’s
X-May in red, dropped off a crayfish pattern. Just like the North Fork Yuba
River, the further you hike, the better the fishing. The flows right now below
Boca Reservoir are 449 cubes. They will be dropping the river down to 150 cfs
in the weeks to come. The lower flows will concentrate the fish in the deeper
runs, pockets, and pools.
See you on the water…
Hooker's Evening Primrose Oenothera elata on the banks of the Truckee River
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