North Fork Yuba River Fly Fishing Report

Jon Baiocchi reports on 6.28.17

North Fork Yuba 

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. 

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. It’s go time for the North Fork Yuba River, see you in the canyon water.