Trout Source

Introduction

The Lower Yuba is arguably the closest blue ribbon trout fishery to San Francisco.  As a bottom release tailwater, it is fishable year-round, although its location in California's Central Valley means it gets hot in the summer (frequently over 100 degrees).  By western standards, it is a medium-sized river, and can be fished effectively both from shore (wading is easy, but watch out for swift and deep water) and boat.  The water contains more broad runs and long, deep pools than riffles and chutes, and is split by the occasional island.  The Yuba is renowned in California for its hard-fighting native rainbows, which the state regulates as "steelhead" since there is no dam between these fish and the river.  These fish average 12-14 inches, and range up to 24 inches.  Salmon and steelhead spawn each year in the fall.

River Character and Access

Fishing is most common beginning roughly one mile above the highway 20 bridge ("Parks Bar Bridge"), downstream for approximately 4 miles to the Sycamore Ranch area.   To fish above the highway 20 bridge, park underneath the bridge and take a trail upstream on the north side of the river (the side closer to Marysville & Yuba City).  To fish below the bridge, take the semi-paved, often gravelly, Hammonton Road on the south side of the river which is accessed by exiting just as you cross the bridge going east.  Much of the land below the bridge on the south side of the river is Bureau of Land Management, and there are many places to approach the river with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.   A 2-wheel drive can also get you into a few places, though you may end up walking a longer distance.  On the north side of the river, access is from Sycamore Ranch Park (now owned and managed by Yuba County), which is a good take-out for floats.  Further upstream, Hammon Grove Park provides access, but unless the water is low enough to cross, you may be confined to a few hundred yards of fishing.  To get there from San Francisco, take 80 east, then 5 north, to 99 north to 20 east.  There are no real fly shops nearby, so plan accordingly.  The closest town is Marysville (the intersection of 99 and 20), but on your GPS the "town" of Brown's Valley is closest (see below for a map).

When and How to Fish

The Lower Yuba can be fished year-round owing to its cold tailwater origins from Englebright dam.   Winter fishing is usually with nymphs or steelhead techniques.  However, in January and February there is a sizable Skwala stonefly hatch that brings the big boys up to the surface.  In March and April, hatches are more frequent and feature the March Brown, Pale Morning Duns, Gray Drakes and numerous caddis.  April brings Little Yellow Stoneflies, and June offers Golden Stoneflies.   Recommended gear is a 6 weight, 8 to 9 foot rod.

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.