It's that time of year when the call for water by the Ag community rings loud and the flows increase on the Lower Yuba River. I'm usually long gone by this time to the Northern Sierra, an annual pilgrimage to fish and guide. With our current COVID situation, I'm slowly making that transition again, at least scouting the waters of the Lost Sierra. This report is for those that are actively fishing, it is not my intention to force you to leave your "Shelter in Place" sanctions, or put you at risk of getting the virus, or being fined. I'm simply giving a fly fishing report, my last one until fall for the Lower Yuba River. It is up to you to do as you wish, me? I'm keeping on the low side and being safe, yet living life.
As you can see in the last two weeks the river has gone up at a moderate pace with a few sharp jack ups in the flows. From a little over a thousand to currently 1,800 cubes. With a slower overall rise at the least the fish can adjust to new holding areas.
With the increasing flows it does make it harder for the walk and wade angler to be proficient, but it can be done. During ag flow time, this is where drifting is much more beneficial, but we must keep six feet apart so getting into a drift boat with a guide is not really feasible. Pontoon boats is a great option which you can use as a taxi and get to places where walk and wade anglers cannot get to during the higher flows. I've created a great informative handout that is provided during my pontoon workshops, you can purchase it here for a $10 - http://www.baiocchistroutfitters.com/fly-fishing-shop/
Ever since our last big storm, the mayfly hatches have not been as consistent, I do see a ton of March Brown spinners in the morning with the spinner fall happening at the heads of riffles. There are sparse hatches of BWOs, PMDs, and a few Pinkies. You just never know with the Yuba, especially during a transition time like spring. It's not like the daily rhythms we are use to seeing during a light or dry winter. The caddis are the most prolific bug out there now, and during my last trip free living caddis patterns, and Mercer's Z-wing caddis crushed them. As the weather get warmer and warmer, it will be all about fishing hoppers in the afternoon, and caddis in the evening. The last hour of light is money, they don't call it the magic hour for nothing. As always, nymphing will be your best bet during the higher flows.
The gateway to "The Narrows" downstream of Deer Creek
For the next few weeks I'll be busy in the office, lots of rescheduling of trips, and workshops. Keep tabs on Lost Coast Outfitter's schedule of events, I'll be doing several of them from mid summer to the fall season. Still tying lots of bugs too, organizing gear, making repairs, and catching up on the little things. Once again, thanks for all your support, I'm in this to help, share, and educate all things fly fishing and carrying on my family's legacy of conservation and a greater awareness of our natural world. See you (someday) on the water.
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