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Fly Fishing the North Fork of the Yuba River – Beginner The Upper...

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Fly Fishing the North Fork of the Yuba River – Beginner

The Upper reaches of the Lower Yuba River, The North Fork of the Yuba River is a beginner’s paradise. The North Fork of the Yuba River fishes best in the summer months after the snow melt has occurred. Snow melt depending on the year is generally finished up by June. The North Fork of the Yuba River is over 60 miles long, most of which is paralleled by highway 49.  The hot summer days allow anglers to fish without waders which is a huge plus for beginning fly fishers who may not have waders.

The best stretch of the North Fork of the Yuba River is the stretch between Downieville and Sierra City. There are literally hundreds of pull outs for anglers to park and walk down to the North Fork of the Yuba River. In my experience your best bet is to fish the pocket water and make only a few casts in each spot before moving to the next rock.

Difficulty Rating for the North Fork of Yuba River – Beginner

The North Fork of the Yuba River is where I take all of my friends and students to learn how to fly fish. The hundreds of eager fish in every stretch of river are quick but very catchable. The North Fork of the Yuba River is the perfect size for beginning anglers to learn how to wade and fish a river. While it is the perfect size it is not the easiest river to wade. So, being in good shape is a prerequisite to fishing the North fork of the Yuba River.

Fishing the pocket water on the North Fork of the Yuba River:

Pocket water is a section of water with many boulders protruding from it. These boulders create a buffer for the fish to hold behind, in front of, and along side. I like to fish my way upstream casting my flies all around the rocks. Start by fishing the water closest to you and then work you way out. The beginning angler should cast a hopper dropper rig. If you have cast your flies all around the rock and don’t get a grab move to the next boulder. There are hundreds of eager Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout in every stretch of the river. Be persistent and you will catch fish. For more on fishing pocket water check out this video.

Tips for fishing the North Fork of the Yuba River:

·         Fish the pocket water in the bouldery sections of the North Fork of the Yuba River.

·         Fish a hopper dropper rig.

·         When fishing the runs and deeper pools of the North Fork of the Yuba use and Indicator rig.

·         Wade carefully and be stealthy as the water is clear on the North Fork of the Yuba River.

There are many campgrounds on the North Fork of the Yuba. I like the Loganville campground a few miles short of Sierra City. You can reserve a campsite here by calling 1-877-444-6777.

There are equally as many cabins to rent on the North Fork of the Yuba River. The two that I prefer are The Lure which is very nice and The Sierra Streamside Cabins which is the more economical option. Both are pet friendly.

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