The past week has seen some gnarly weather here in Northern California. Big wind, heavy rain, and as of this morning, low elevation snows 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. Deer Creek keeps on rising, though from all of the low elevation snow melting into micro watersheds, that eventually adds 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. 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…

Jon Baiocchi has been fly fishing and tying flies since 1972 and has been a California licensed fly fishing guide for 22 years, is a published author, educator, innovative tier, and public speaker giving fly fishing presentations to clubs and expos around the state. Jon operates Baiocchi's Troutfitters guide service in the northern Sierra during the warmer months, and on the Lower Yuba River during the winter. He has a reputation as a hard working guide who has been trained by some of fly fishing's best known master anglers, and is passionate about teaching all things fly fishing.