#fryuba

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jordan Romeny reports on 4.4.19

Currently just over 6000 cfs the Yuba has been inconsistently firing. One word to sum up the spring so far “volatile.” The windows of fishing open and shut quickly right now. When the window is open the river is an all-out numbers game. The trout in there are hungry and eating well. But even the weakest of storms are charging the flows to un fishable flows. I’ve always claimed the river to be a decent but inconsistent on foot wading river. The runs are big and take a long time to fish. 

Plus, the fish move around a bunch so chancing that you are in a good run on foot is throwing chance into the wind. You may have had success in the past in a certain section but the next time you are there the run can only have a small percentage of fish in it that day. The fish seem to move around almost daily in the Yuba. I get the question a lot about what is too big to fish the Yuba. Flows are always relative to the drainage so even know normal fishing flows are 1000-2000cfs, 5000cfs is still a go. As long as there is clarity to the river you can always find a nice soft edge where they like to lay up. The bigger the flow however, there won’t be as many edges to find. Now add a busy day out there with other anglers you may wait in

line to fish it. Decent river on foot yes, EXCELLENT river in the boat. In a full day drift boat cruise, we fish every section on the river. We cover so much water that we will find the fish. I floated the river two days ago and had an above average grab. I am really bad at keeping trac of fish numbers but I would venture a guess that we fed over 20 fish. We found the one two punch with our nymph set up and didn’t need to change it. An olive and yellow sz 10 rubber legs, and a march brown emerger were the ticket. It seemed like every other fish was on either bug. I was surprised with the lack of rising fish due to the amount of March Browns and PMDs hatching. The birds were on them but the fish were reluctant to come to the surface. We did manage a few dry fly eats in one key section. I think its only a matter of days before the dry fly bite gets really good. For those who are wondering how long the bite will last? I think it’s going to be a tremendous year out there. The bugs are back, the fish are strong and healthy. As long as the river stays where it is or less it’s going to be really really good.

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 3.7.19

Yuba

Not much of a report as we are entering our 6th week straight of fluctuating high water levels and varying degrees of turbidity. Currently, the Yuba is flowing at 17k, and Deer Creek is at 1,750 cubes. Englebright dam is still spilling and the reservoir is at 106% of capacity. The Skwala hatch was short-lived this year, but if the flows come down to at least 3,000 in a few weeks we could have some March Brown mayfly action to comfort the soul.

 Regardless, when the flows do come down the best strategy is going to be swinging streamers in the side water, even if the visibility is a foot or so. The only other game right now is bass in the foothill reservoirs, Bullards Bar, Englebright, and Lake Oroville will be your best bets. I'm not that into it, but if you want to learn more about foothill bass hit up Hogan Brown or Chuck Ragan.

On the 19th of March I will be presenting my "High Water Tactics" program to the Diablo Valley Fly Fishers in Walnut Creek, Ca. This event is free and open to the public. I encourage you to come check it out, you'll learn much and it will help you to prepare for fishing the high flows we will be encountering from now through spring. See you there! Jon Baiocchi578 Sutton Way #255Grass Valley, CA 95945(530) 228-0487 Visit my Fly Fishing blog; http://jonbaiocchiflyfishingnews.blogspot.com/ The Premier Fly Fishing Guide Service for the Northern Sierra; http://baiocchistroutfitters.com/

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Lower Yuba Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 1.31.19

Fishing is not nearly as good on the Lower Yuba River after the last series of big storms rolled on through, but fish are still being caught though. Flows are running at 1,228 cubes as recorded at the Parks Bar-Bridge gauge. Deer creek has not fallen all the way down and I assume it’s because of the releases from Scott’s Flat reservoir, currently the creek is at 106 cfs with a slight ramping down. Water visibility is about 3.5 feet and turning slightly green. Fishing pressure has been heavy in the more popular areas, but still plenty of spots to fish if an angler is willing to walk for it. Just because an angler has fished a run doesn’t mean it won’t produce again, especially if you use different tactics and flies. I read a lot of fishing reports for the Lower Yuba River, some are spot on, while others provide false information. 

I always report accurate information whether it is good or bad. Skwala stoneflies are a hot topic right now since they are out and available for the trout drifting downstream in the foam lines. My article above "The Skwala Hatch" which was featured in the December 2014 issue of California Fly Fisherman is a great source of information. Behavior from nymphs to adults fly patterns, and strategies are covered in depth. The info is from decades of being on the water studying this special stoner by my colleagues and I.

 If you already read it, it's worth going back and refreshing your memory. Skwalas do not hatch in the afternoon, they hatch (metamorphosis from nymph to an adult) in the middle of the night. 

Skwalas become active around 12pm or when the air temperatures warm up, they are most active during the warmest time of the day and continue for a few hours more. They can live over a month or more because they can eat (pollen), and drink water. The female can also mate multiple times. There are some fish already taking the adult off the surface, and you can expect more action in the weeks to come. Look for the hatch to peak around the third week of February, and wane during the middle of March. Before the last series of storms we had BWOs, PMDs, Pinkies, and a few Gray Drakes. I have not seen very many mayflies since the last high water event, but I’m sure they will be back very soon. There is a tremendous population explosion of Glossosoma caddis (Little Brown Short-Horned Sedge) in the river right now. You can expect many evenings in spring into summer being thick with possible blanket hatches. I feel sorry for these little caddis. Once they make their home of fine pebbles, they are permanently fixed to that rock until pupation is completed. When water levels drop naturally, or man- made they die. Unsettled weather will be moving in starting late Tuesday through Thursday with a good size storm Friday through Saturday with heavy rain in the forecast. Sunday we could see a much colder pattern drop down the coast with falling temperatures leading into a possible dry spell. The models have been inconstant looking into the long range forecast. My Skwala Workshop for the 9th of February is booked up. The Dry Fly Workshop on March 2nd has 4 openings left and the Skwala Workshop on the ninth also has 4 openings available. 

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Lower Yuba Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 1.22.19

Lower Yuba River Update

The past week has seen some gnarly weather here in Northern California. Big wind, heavy rain, and as of Monday morning low elevations snowfall like here in Nevada City. Before our last round of storms, the Lower Yuba River was fishing well with consistent mayfly hatches from noon until 3pm, and the start of seeing Skwala stoneflies drifting downstream in the foam lines. Nymphing with small dark flashy nymphs, and swinging soft hackles and salmon fingerling patterns was productive as well.

Currently, we are waiting for the flows to come back down and the river to clear, which the Yuba does quickly when Englebright dam is not spilling over the top, and Deer Creek is not pumping in sediment. At this time Englebright dam is at 93% of capacity and not spilling, but Yuba Water Agency is dumping water. Deer Creek keeps on rising from all of the low elevation snow melting into micro watersheds that eventually add up to larger flows. I’m thinking by this coming weekend the river should be fishable, and even if it is a little stained it will be better fishing as the trout and steelhead aren’t so shy and spooky. I’ll know more when I scout the river later in the week. If you’re looking to improve your skill set, or learn more about the Yuba River, give me a call at 530.228.0487 or shoot me an email at

baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com

to set up a date on the water. See you out there…

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 1.4.19

Happy New Year! After a couple of rough months, I'm back in the saddle doing what I love, instructing anglers on the finer points of fly fishing and sharing my passion. What a turn of events, but thanks to the Lower Yuba River, sunshine, and good company I'm super stoked right now and in a better place mentally. 

The river has been fishing pretty decent depending on the day (typical Yuba) and I've seen numerous anglers hooked into a few in the last week. For whatever reason, there have been reports of some very large steelhead being caught with some landed. I know of 5 reliable reports of fish between 25 to 30". Serious athletes are in the system. It's been a long time since we've seen nice big steelhead in the river, and it's so awesome to see. The flows have been stable since the 27th of December running at 860 cubes, but on New Year’s Eve they were ramped up slowly to 1,050 cfs, just a slight bump with nothing to worry about. 

Yuba Water Agency plans to run these flows for the next fifteen days or so unless we receive some major precipitation and the outlook looks wet into next week. Fishing pressure has been heavy above the bridge, yet my guests and I have had no trouble finding multiple spots to fish. With the clear low water the fish are playing small ball so use smaller mayfly and midge patterns. Eggs are still being consumed and most of the steelhead caught have been egg eaters.

Skwala nymphs are pre-staging in the idle side waters below riffles to prepare for an emergency. With that said they will be in the drift so a smaller rubber leg stone will become more effective in the weeks to come. In the last few days I have found a few shucks so there are a few adult skwalas out. I'm thinking by the 3rd week of January the trout will be keyed in on the adults ovipositing in the side water from noon until early evening. I'm really looking forward to it. The skwala hatch is often over hyped, but don't get me wrong, it's awesome and why I moved from Graeagle down to Nevada City - To play the best game in winter for wild trout! Day in and day out in the last week PMDs and BWOs have been hatching from 12:30 to well that depends on the day. The 27th saw light north winds and there were bugs and rising fish for a few hours. On the 30th the PMDs started off strong with a few fish working the surface and 20 minutes later the switch was turned off. On the 31st the north wind was much stronger and only a few bugs popped with very few fish rising. One key to watch for is a small black and white bird known as the Black Phoebe (pronounced pheebee). They will sit riverside on a willow branch and fly out to capture a mayfly, then return to sit on its perch. If they are really active they're telling you there is an ample amount of adult mayflies flying about. Also when playing the dry fly game from the bank, do not beat the water over and over. Find an active feeding fish and make good presentations to it, if you don’t get a grab rest the fish and possibly change your fly pattern, or try a fly first presentation. Remember with a lower sun in the sky your shadow is much longer and may spook your quarry if you're not careful.

Moisture will be arriving this weekend though the Canadian model and the European model are in vast disagreement with just how much precipitation will fall. We may see up to 2 feet of fresh pow by Sunday evening. I've got some open dates through the end of January, so if you're looking to improve your skill set, and learn more about the Lower Yuba River, give me a ring at 530.228.0487 or email me at baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com. Let's hope 2019 is a good one! See you on the water...

Jon Baiocchi578 Sutton Way #255Grass Valley, CA 95945(530) 228-0487

Visit my Fly Fishing blog;

http://jonbaiocchiflyfishingnews.blogspot.com/

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Valley Striper Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Chuck Regan reports on 7.19.18

Summer Striper fishing in the river has been heating up in the Sacramento, Feather and Yuba Rivers. 

If you’ve experienced the solitude our rivers offer in the summer and the sheer power of morone saxatilis corking a 9wt then you’re most likely already on the books for this year.  If you haven’t enjoyed these fisheries yet, don’t hesitate to book as available dates are already filling through to fall.  

See you at the boat launch! Capt. Chuck Ragan

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Lower Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 4.4.19

What a pleasure to back on the Lower Yuba River doing my thing, guiding, teaching, and fishing. After doing a few trips and a photo shoot with GuideBox the last few days, I’m surprised how good the river is fishing. Currently, the flows are at 4090 cubes, and Englebright dam bounces back and forth from spilling at 99% to 103% of capacity. 

The color of the river is a beautiful steelhead green with about 3 feet of visibility. As you may guess, fishing pressure is on the light side but I think more fly anglers will be out and about in the future. Finding the right type water is the key to success, undesirable runs are straight fast chutes while the better runs offer some slower side water with moderate depth, and a current at a perfect walking speed. Nymphing is the way to go whether you’re indicator fishing or tight line nymphing. Swinging streamers is also picking up a number of fish with a fast sinking tip of 5 IPS in these higher flows. 

There is a cornucopia of bugs out with minimal hatches of Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, BWOs, and still some Skwalas are out there too. PMDs and Pinkies have been pretty good in numbers, enough to get the birds interested, and a few rising fish, though the majority of trout are just not looking up yet. That could change if the water clears up more, or may not with these latest series of storms. Stones, worms, PMD nymphs, Military Mays, and streamers like Sculpins, and Olive Slump Busters are receiving the grabs. Putting on more split shot, heavier flies, and adjusting your depth makes all the difference. Don’t give up hope on the Lower Yuba River, those fish are super hungry right now and they got to eat. See you on the water…

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jordan Romeny reports on 2.14.19

Yuba Winter Report:

We are in the midst of another very good water year. The snow reports in the Sierras are reaching 150% mark. Looks like we will have plenty of water for the year to come. So what is happening right now? We are getting opportunities to fish in between the storms. Mother Nature is being kind enough to allow us a breath of fishing until the next set. The nice thing with the last few storms is that they have come in very cold. This gave us some good days to fish. The bad, is that this current storm came in wet. The river is blown out but should shape up soon, Now with that amount of water the valley rivers are running higher then what we normally see out there. There are several things to look for when fishing high rivers. Luckily the Yuba is a wide-open flood plain with long gravel bars. When the river swells, you’ll always have soft edges to look for on the gradually sloped banks. Look for walking pace speed water and you’ll find fish. Also avoid areas that has swirly water and big back eddys. Fish will hold there but the drifts are too tough to mend around. Fish will hold in slow deep water and shallow edges. There is not a reason for them to be laid up in the middle fast water so fish the stuff only a few rod lengths out.

You’ll want to throw attracter patterns and things that get attention in off color water. Remember black colored flies stick out in brown water then any other color. Flash helps too. There have been a few skwalas out and about. We’ve been getting fish on black rubber legs. I like this fly the best because it is light. Most stoneflies are tied really heavy and get stuck often in the shallow water we like to fish them in. You can make up weight by carrying different sized split shot. The dry fly thing is so so right now, it is getting better later in the day when the temps come up a bit. If you see a big splashy rise its most likely a skwala take. If you see a fish sipping gently its most likely a may fly. There has been a good hatch of PMDs and baetis from about noon on. Watch for the birds to start working as an indication the bugs are popping. They will tell you there is stuff going on under the water before the fish do, don’t be late be observant. I’ve been using Jaydecator indicators lately and love them. Jay Cockrum has been making these things for years but now you can pick them up at most fly shops. Most of the guides fishing for steelhead and valley trout are using them because they are great strike detectors and they support a good amount of weight. They also overhead cast better then airlocks and thingamabobbers. Jay hand makes them ou to balsa wood. They are light and airy and easy to adjust. We’ve managed a few steelhead this year on the Yuba. It’s the most I can remember seeing out there.

While rare, they could be on your next cast so come prepared. Be ready not surprised. There is good fishing to have right now and it will get even better with the weather settling. The march browns nymphs are starting to get darker wing cases. That hatch is one not to miss. That bug must be high in protein or taste really good. I’ve seen fish turn around and eat them as they float by. Let’s get out there. Give me a call or shoot me an email to get on the short list when the river clears. The fish will be hungry when things start to settle down.

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Lower Yuba Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Hogan Brown reports 1.31.19

Lower Yuba River 

I have been guiding the Lower Yuba recently by far more then any other place. With new private access and good conditions, it is has been a good option for me. I use to split a lot of my time in the winter between fishing the Lower Sac for trout and the Lower Yuba, but the reality is I have come to favor the diversity and options on the Lower Yuba for trout…The sac will always have bigger fish, but the dry fly fishing, ability to get out and dry fly fish or swing the switch rod are real options this time of year on the Yuba – as well as running nymphs out of the boat or wading. 

Lots of options and every day seems to be a bit different. The last week clarity has been an issue as there had been a bunch of low elevation snow that melted and muddied up and blew out Deer Creek which dumped into the river. Clarity as of this weekend was good enough – about 18” up by the bridge and clearing to about 2’ by the time you get down by Sycamore and even clearer at the dam. One tip I would give to people is that if you show up to fish and if you don’t have confidence in the clarity when you pull up to the bridge go down river. It literally gets better every mile or so as you go down river most days. With regards to flies and such…last few days I have been out it is purely off color water flies. Rubber legs, eggs, #12 -14 attractor nymphs with red and flash mixed in. There are a few skwalas and mayflies around, but nothing that has inspired me to pick up a dry fly rod for a client. That said as the river clears these next few days I am sure the dry fly fishing will improve.

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Chuck Regan reports on 1.21.19

Yuba River

This morning the Lower Yuba is flowing at just over 2,300cfs but it was double this over this past weekend.  Our hope is that the rain will push some more healthy fish up the system to join what has been some of the nicer pods of fish we’ve seen over the past few years. 

 Before this past weekend we’ve had some phenomenal dry fly fishing. Small EC caddies or elk hair caddie in tan sure got em good as well as pinkies.

Starting to see signs of sqwallas as well so hopefully we have a great season of fishable flows.  If we weren’t seeing many heads or weren’t blind casting dry fly patterns, deep nymph rigs produce.  Fish are still on the eggs but found plenty willing to eat a coffee jimmy legs, copper j’s, s&m’s, pmds or a good ol dirt worm.  For those who wish to swing em up, it’s a great time to do it.  My fly of choice is a #4 or #6 olive Bellyache Minnow.  This week will be beautiful out there.  Come on up the hill and enjoy it.  Hope to see you on the water!

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Northern Sierra Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 6.25.2017

On Monday the 12th we had extremely cold weather and snow, in fact at Frenchman’s Lake there was 2 inches on the ground. A week later and it’s been Africa hot, thank goodness it cools down at night. I’m seeing the effects from a wet winter all around in the mountains. There are so many wildflowers blooming right now that are providing a beautiful color spot everywhere you look. Also there has been an explosion of many different species of beetles flying about. Birdlife is also off the charts, and with all this high water and free standing water in Sierra Valley the ducks are loving it. It seems Mother Nature is about 3 weeks late when it comes to a normal rhythm of seasonal life.

Lake Davis – 

Hot weather has ignited the damselfly hatch at the lake and the fish are keyed in on them. With low populations of fish, it is important to find the points that have working fish around them. With hotter weather the hatch will start earlier and being on the water at 7am ready to stalk is the smart thing to do. The resident rainbows are being very selective so change your damsel pattern often and slow down that retrieve until you find a combination that works. After the hatch winds down, indicator rigs are working in 8 to 12 feet of water using callibaetis patterns and chironomids. Surface water temperatures are 60 in the early morning and by late afternoon are topping out at near 70 degrees. I saw my fist hex the other morning while buzzing across the south end of the lake, you can expect the hatch to increase in the weeks to come. All the fish I’ve seen landed are huge! There are some really big toads out there to catch, and there is some opportunity to catch them on Callibaetis adults when the timing is right. Cast less, observe more, and carefully plan your attack.

Frenchman’s Lake – 

It’s been really fun at Frenchman’s the last week, lots of grabs and big numbers to the boat. Coves north of Lunker Point have been very productive either stripping flies or using the indicator. There have been some brief moments stalking fish off the bank eating a black size 16 midge adult. Chironomid hatches have been thick and throat sampling reveals just that. There are a few callibaetis in the mix but that’s about it. Fishing pressure has been heavy but everybody is catching fish. Water temps are about the same as Lake Davis, and getting on the water early is very beneficial. Using a personal watercraft or boat is best to fish deeper water, especially during mid to late in the day.

Middle Fork Feather River –

 The river is dropping into shape nicely but the flows are still big, but manageable. Water temps are in the mid 50’s. Snow melt has increased with this hot weather and feeder creeks have risen a bit with colder inflows to the river. Hatches of PMD’s, BWO’s, and the little green stone are out. Golden stones are staging on the side water waiting for emergence. It’s been a nymphing game and a good rig will consist of a Flesh Juan Worm with an olive X-May trailer. We should see some great evening dry fly fishing during the month of July. The best area to focus on is above the Two Rivers Access upstream to Clio, Jamison Creek is adding much more volume and the water levels downstream are a little high. Fishing pressure is extremely light, and the greenery lining the banks is amazing. They don’t call this a “Wild & Scenic” river for nothing.

North Fork Yuba River – 

Currently the NFYR is extremely high and fast, especially in the tighter section of the upper watershed. You’ll have more fishable water lower downstream of Downieville. Water temps are in the high 40’s, and not much bug activity at all. On today’s scouting mission I did not see one angler out fishing, it’s like a ghost town up there right now. One observation I had was at Union Flat campground, the big flows of our past winter has moved the river channel back towards the campground side. I’m sure there are many more changes to see but we’ll have to wait for the flows to recede. I think the river will fall into shape near the end of July, with August, September, and October being the best months. The roar of the white water is impressive right now, as is Loves Falls. Get out there and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Sierra, it’s free and for the taking.

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jordan Romney reports on 11.29.18

I think anglers have been sleeping under the rocks lately because we have had the river to ourselves. Winter is here, and it is starting out with a bang. I’ve been rather pleased with the fishing on the Yuba the last few weeks. The fish are healthy as can be and the numbers of fish is back to normal. 

The size fish is still a bit smaller we had pre-2017 flood. However, I have seen some true Yubacorns caught. Each trip I’ve had anglers are really happy with the action. Plus I’ve seen at least one big fish hooked every time (not always landed). There are even a few half-pound steelhead around. There is still an egg bite going on. The salmon run this year is very strong, it might be the best or equal to the best numbers I’ve seen in 10 years of guiding. There are still fish moving in and I foresee the egg bite lasting a few more weeks.

The nymph game is strong, it has been pretty straight foreward. We’ve managed to get really grabby fish on flashy nymphs. I am shocked how well the red Copper John has been fishing. I have a real love-hate relationship with that fly. We also have been picking fish up on Sloan’s Micro Mighty May. Don’t be surprised, that fly was invented for the Yuba. The real impressive feature is how good the dry fly fishing is right now. I said good, not easy. In the slow tail outs and pools, we’ve been working fish all throughout the day on the day. With a lot of patience and technique, we are managing some really good numbers. 

I think this is the best dry fly action I have seen in a winter in years. The moral of the story is there is a lot to do out there right now. We can get fish on the egg, we can nymph fish from the boat in the fast water and throw dries in the tail out. I guarantee you won’t find better winter dry fly fishing anywhere in the State. Pretty soon the Alevins will start to hatch which will add another option. Streamer fishing the Yuba or swinging two-handed options will start to develop in the weeks to come. It looks like off and on wet days through the month of December. Don’t fret the fish are already wet and can handle it. Can you? I find it funny that anglers who have $400 Simms Jackets are afraid to fish in the rain. Those are the best days out there.

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 11.16.18

Poor air quality conditions exist on the Lower Yuba River but fishing still remains decent for those that put in the work. Flows are stable at 993 cubes, just a tad up from my last report. Water is clear but not for long. 

Finally, a storm system will impact the area beginning on Wednesday, it's been 6 months since we've seen the skies open up. The foothills are forecasted to receive 4 inches of rain. Fishing pressure is moderate to light, and not too many boats drifting down either. Lots of bird activity including many Bald Eagles looking for salmon carcasses to Bluebirds feasting on caddis in the evenings. Great observations abound right now.

The last few weeks has seen an abundance of "joey's", 10 to 13 inch wild rainbows, with the occasional bigger fish. As you know the Yuba rainbow pulls like no other resident trout. Strong steelhead genes combined with being on a treadmill (the current) 24 hours a day makes for a very conditioned athlete. All types of presentations are effective right now. 

Dry fly fishing remains good from 10am to 2pm, and sometimes even later into the evening. Mahogany duns are waning but still present. There is a thick Psuedocloeon spinner fall starting at around 11am. Day in and day out the BWO has been the most consistent hatch, duns are a size 18. A few pinkie mayflies here and there are also in the mix. The trout have been very selective especially on the flat calm water. We did better yesterday in water that was broken up, yet had a little depth to it. Dry/Dropper rigs continue to perform well, I've been quite surprised how many fish have blown up on the orange Stimi. Nymphing is all about eggs and legs. Jimmy Legs in mottled yellow/brown, brown, black, and egg patterns in peachy king, natural roe, and tangerine dream have been killing it. Other good nymphs include red copper johns, free living caddis, San Juan worms in flesh and red, Hogan's S&M in olive, and Juju baetis. Trout are taking both small and big flies at this time. Swinging the minnow has picked up a few trout and will become more important in the months ahead, make sure your box has some. There continues to be more and more new salmon redds throughout the system, and I'm sure after this rain it will push even more salmon up river. I've been educating anglers on the proper etiquette when encountering a salmon redd while wading. Believe it or not, many have no idea what a redd is (by definition), or what they look like. One young couple I educated had no idea either, but once they were able to identify a redd they just sat and watched the salmon do their thing.

A slamon redd is a depression in the bottom structure of the river, usually at the tailouts of runs, or side channels. The gravel in the Redd is very clean and bright. Do not wade through these areas as you will crush the eggs, go around them and give them plenty of room. Remember the eggs are in the gravel for approximately 50 days so you will still want to avoid walking through older redds. With such low counts of salmon in the last 20 years, it is imperative that we do all that we can to help the species survive. November Lupines blooming? Mother Nature continues to amaze me, even after 53 years. Plan on fishing the Lower Yuba River after the rains have passed, a little flushing and color in the water will rejuvenate the system. See you on the water...

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Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Chuck Ragan reports on 11.1.18

The Yuba River has been in great shape and the recent pulse flows proved to have been very beneficial at pushing some more salmon and steelhead up the river. Typically this time of year, nymphing egg patterns with small mayfly droppers can be the hot ticket but these last few weeks the nearly constant dry fly action has been hard to pass up and have been the most successful method for my anglers. 

The river is low and clear so having the proper presentation and efficient line management is key is presenting your small mayfly patterns. If you find yourself getting refused, nymphing seams, drop offs or behind redds has been producing decent numbers. Don’t be afraid to have faith in heavier tippet (3X) as there are larger steelhead amongst the 12-16” wild resident rainbows that are quite plentiful. Please be mindful as to where you wade and take care not to walk through salmon redds and if you’re in a boat please pay attention as to where you’re dropping or dragging anchor.  Get out there and enjoy it.  There’s been very little pressure out there by boat or bank anglers and the weather has been superb. Pack out what you pack in and go get a good one in the meantime. For booking please visit crflyfishing.com

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Northern Sierra Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 10.25.18

Blazing fall colors and wild trout fattening up for winter, it just doesn't get any better. The weather has been fantastic in the high country with warm days and cold nights. 

The feeding schedule for trout has changed and an angler will want to fish during the warmest time of the day, or when water temperatures rise where both bugs and trout become more active. Fishing pressure is light, and solitude is easy to find.

Lake Davis - water temps are now down to 51 and the Fall bite is full steam ahead. The Northern end of lake is where it's at. You'll want to move around and cover water. Best action has been making presentations while stripping in 8 to 25 feet of water, 3 feet down. Brown and olive buggers, plus some minnows patterns is all you need. There are a few fish in the skinny shallows and I expect more to be in there in the weeks to come.

North Fork Yuba River - don't even get on water until noon, wait for water temps to climb to 51 degrees. Dry dropper rigs have been great! Orange Stimis with a bwo nymph hanging off the back has been very effective. Hatches include bwo mayflies, October caddis, and smaller caddis. Fishing pressure is light. 

Middle Fork Feather River - same conditions as the North Fork Yuba River, except fishing pressure is non existent. Concentrate your efforts downstream of the Two Rivers access. Red copper John's have been hot, and orange Stimis as well. Good hatches from to 2 to 4pm, bwo, and lots of different size caddis. I'm done guiding the Northern Sierra and will be on the Lower Yuba River full time. Hit me up if you want to learn about the river, or a private tour that will teach you everything from access areas, rigging, flies, entomology, and one on one guiding. 530.228.0487/baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com Jon Baiocchi 407 Gracie Rd Nevada City, Ca 95959 530 228 0487 http://www.baiocchistroutfitters.com

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Yuba Striper Fly Fishing Report

Capt. Chuck Regan reports on 10.11.18

Fall Fishing for resident Striper in some of our Northern California rivers (Sacramento, Feather, and Yuba Rivers) continues to prove it’s worth and has been leaving everyone thrilled and hungry for more. 

 Decent to great numbers with a few shots for a beast constantly keep us on point and focused.  The shift in weather this past weekend from the front that moved through slowed the bite a bit but yesterday seemed to prove that the fish have their feed bags back on.  Don’t miss a chance to get on the boat this fall for Striped Bass on the fly!