The Lower Yuba River is Back and Fishing Well!

The Lower Yuba Is Back! 01/13/2019 If the Mother of All Storms from a few years ago in California has kept you off the Central Valley...

The Lower Yuba Is Back!

01/13/2019

If the Mother of All Storms from a few years ago in California has kept you off the Central Valley's Lower Yuba, you wouldn't be alone. Yep, that storm did a lot of river damage, changed its course in several areas, and even eliminated a few islands that were key to that river. But take my word for it, this stone filled tailwater is making its way back from the dead. Those hard-pulling, wide-shouldered Yuba rainbows are back to test your angling skills and rigging techniques.

Some say the size of these fish are not there yet, but they will be with a just bit more time. Believe me, there are still plenty of "game changers" in the system to shake hands with. Salmon made it home to the Yuba this fall looking for love as they always do. With that, Salmon redds were spotted throughout the system.

Those Yuba 'bows will definitely grow fat from feasting on protein rich eggs and the nymphs these Salmon kick up when building those redds. So, keep those streamers handy in your box because this spring could show some larger more aggressive fish.

Recently water levels had spiked to 1,500 cubes, but has leveled out to about 1,000 cfs with a little color. That's definitely fishy for the Yuba. The river's even water temps keeps bug life going throughout the winter with Skwalas and an assortment of mayflies such as BWOs and PMDs. Where there's rocks and stones, you will find a large population of stoneflies, and those too are back from the flush out flood. Nymphing picked up last week as the rain flushed out more bugs in the drift.

Pat's Rubber Legs, Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, Copper Johns in red, black and green have taken fish, as have Squirmy Worms and San Juan worms in red and tan, especially after a bit of rain. Yes, there is also dry fly fishing, and it remains good in the winter on the Yuba. Last week saw a few fish looking up for Sparkle Duns, BWOs and PMDs.

So, you think the Lower Yuba is still down for the count? Actually, count on it to fish quite good and provide those "uber Yuba fish" we all know and love. Wader up and get out there!