North Fork Yuba River Fly Fishing Report /6/25/2018

It’s that time of year when I’m done with the stillwaters of Plumas National Forest and switching gears to guide on the North Fork Yuba River, and the Little Truckee River. My first two trips on the NFYR were beyond awesome due to the fact that my guests love small water and wild trout on light weight rods. The flows are a tad high in the upper watershed which actually bodes well for the upcoming summer months. Water temperatures in the morning are 55 degrees and reaching 59 by afternoon. 

Currently there is a bumper crop of caddis on the river ranging in sizes from 10 to 18. Body colors include brown, amber, gray, tan, and olive. Golden stones are out as are the yellow sallies, and a few salmon flies are in the mix as well. There are good populations of numerous species of beetles out, and never forget those ants. 

Notice how much larger the Salmon Fly (Pteronarcys) shuck is on the left then the Golden Stone (Perlidae) shuck. The golden stonefly is the most prolific stoner in the NFYR watershed.

This is your typical wild rainbow of the NFYR, brilliant colors with orange white tipped fins and clean distinct spotting and par marks. They a strong for their size, eager for a well presented dry fly, and acrobatic. 

This rainbow is a stocked variety, and most likely came downstream from Salmon creek and the Sardine Lake system. The stubby fins and tail is a dead giveaway of a trout raised in the confinements of a concrete rearing pen.

With the flows being a little high, the current can be a lot stronger than you think. Using a wading staff is very beneficial, especially if your balance is not up to par.

Dry dropper rigs to 5x is your best bet, and cover water – The more you cover, the more action you will receive. You can expect at least 50 to 80 strikes per 5 hour session with feisty small wild rainbows 4 to 10 inches. The springs are running strong and there are a few new ones I have never noticed before. Fishing pressure is light during the week, with a few more anglers on the weekend.

For a guided remote wilderness fly fishing experience contact me at 530.228.0487, or email me at baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com, keep in mind I'm the only legal and authorized guide from the USFS Camptonville Ranger District for the North Fork Yuba River. See you in the canyon water...

A California Sister butterfly, and Checkerspot butterflies eating some River Otter poo.