Yuba River Fishing Report

Report updated March 8, 2010

Workin’ hard for rainbows

The river had a sharp little rise late last week with some heavy rain (thanks to Deer Creek) and then it’s settled back down now. It’s got a twinge of color to it, which isn’t so bad.

Flows are 1,200 cfs up top and then 1,400 at the mouth. The best action has been between Highway 20 and Daguerre Point Dam. Rubber legged stones, eggs, BWO’s, AP’s and Hare’s Ears under indicators are the ticket.

Trusted Guides

JD RICHEY SPORTFISHING

Current & Forecasted Flow

Take a closer look…this slick graph shows you current river flow, height and projected flows, which will help you plan upcoming trips. Keep in mind steelhead and salmon fishing is best as a river is on the drop — and typically tough when a stream’s on the rise.

Current Weather

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Lower Yuba River map

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About the Lower Yuba River

The Lower Yuba can really be considered two rivers — the 12-mile stretch from the mouth up to Daguerre Point Dam and the section from Daguerre up to the Englebright Dam. The lower section is not much of a fishery anymore — a few trout here and there and some good shad and striped bass fishing in high water years but that’s about it. Migrating species like salmon and steelhead negotiate the lower river quickly and are difficult to catch.

The few miles of the Yuba immediately above and below the Highway 20 bridge, however, support a prolific wild rainbow trout fishery and produces nice fish in the 13- to 20-inch range. In the fall, the river gets invaded with a bunch of 15- to 17-inch half-pint steelies but winter fish to 12 pounds are occasionally taken as well.

The Yuba’s a single barbless, artificials only stretch, so leave the nightcawlers and Power Bait at home.

You can access the river right at the bridge and hike either up or downstream. A few miles up, your access is blocked by the Yuba Narrows, a steep, rocky canyon — and some seriously grumpy locals as well.

Tying the Poor Man’s Glo Bug for steelies