North Yuba River

River Overview

The North Yuba river holds a special place in every angler's heart who have had a chance to experience it. A true high elevation trout stream, this gem of the Sierra Mountains is packed with aggressive rainbows more than willing to pounce on a dry fly. Best experienced in the summer while wet wading and plucking abundant blackberries along the way, if there was ever a Field of Dreams for trout streams, this would be it.

Details

  • Target Species: Rainbow Trout. Occasional brown trout. Brook trout in the higher elevation feeder streams.
  • River Type: Headwater, freestone and pocketwater.
  • Closest Town: Downieville, Sierra City
  • Closest Fly Shops: Downieville Hardware
  • River Regulations & Closures: Open year round.
  • Hazards: Difficult terrain in sections, slippery river bottom. Poison oak.
August 14, 2020

Unfortunately we’re seeing unusually skinny flows on the North Yuba right now, which is making things tricky. Hot days and nights are elevating water temps, so if you do head out there keep an eye on that thermometer. The best bet is a crystal stimulator with a small black mayfly dropper, or a nymph setup with a pheasant tail down to a copper john. Fish are still in the system, but you’ll need to find the deeper pockets to connect with them.

Wading

Cold weather means wader up, and pack layers. The weather can change quickly at this elevation and early season snowfall is not unheard of.

Active Bugs

Click icon below to view selected fly

Optimal CFS:

150-300

Strategy

Guide Tips: The best way to experience the North Yuba is to pack a lunch, plenty of water and load up your pack for the day. Start at any turnoff after Downieville and fish your way upstream all day until sunset. Carefully walk the shoulder of the highway back in the evening, but watch for vehicles speeding by.

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Access Points

Numerous turnouts along highway 49 paralleling the river.

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Info

The North Yuba is subject to high flows during runoff season but stabilizes during the summer months. Watch water temps, if you're too comfortable wet wading it's probably too warm to fish.

Wading Info

Wading the North Yuba River in the summer is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have. Composed of loose freestone cobble, sand and large rock, the river bottom is manageable if you don't rush. The cool flows and varied terrain make this river a gem for wet wading when it gets hot out.

Optimal CFS

150-300

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Guide Recommended Gear

Rod: 2wt - 4wt This is the spot to bring out the glass1 / Also great place to Euro Nymph

Line: Weight forward floating line - Euro Line if thats your Rod Type

Leader: 4x-6x

Tippet: 4x - 6x

Weight: yes

Indicator: yes

Waders: Need them in the colder months, but this is the spot for Wet Wading in the summer!

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