Yuba report

[Pupa]

My brother and I made it out last Saturday to the Yuba. Apparently we weren't the only ones with the brilliant idea. It looked as crowded as a weekend WalMart parking lot. We hit the river around noon and the fish were breaking the surface all around taking March Browns. After a few strikes, I was able to land a nice football on an emerger. We eventually hiked a bit to escape the crowds. The river was now blanketed with PMD's, Skwalas and March browns and the fish were going nuts. The rises were surprisingly splashy, and after going negative on a Skwala and March Brown, I eventually switched to a dry caddis with emerger dropper. From that point onward it was a fish rodeo. From about 3pm to dark I was nailing big acrobatic Rainbows on the caddis duet. 50% on the dry and 50% on the emerger. The really odd part of the day was the fact that the trout were keyed on the caddis when I literally only saw about 3 adults all day. They must be really tasty as the other high-calorie offerings were being ignored.

FYI, my brother was nymphing most of the day with very limited success...

[Smitty Fish]

Thank you for the report. Nice looking fish to! Me and one of my fishing buds hit it last month and did good.
Think it’s safe to say the Yuba is starting to come back.

[Mark Stinson]

Thanks for the report! It does look like a few other people had the same idea.

[Pvillarr]

My brother and I made it out last Saturday to the Yuba. Apparently we weren't the only ones with the brilliant idea. It looked as crowded as a weekend WalMart parking lot. We hit the river around noon and the fish were breaking the surface all around taking march browns. After a few strikes, i was able to land a nice football on an emerger. We eventuall hiked a bit to escape the crowds. The river was now blanketed with PMD's, Skwalas and March browns and the fish were going nuts. The rises were surprisingly splashy, and after going negative on a skwala and march brown, I eventually switched to a dry caddis with emerger dropper. From that point onward it was a fish rodeo. From about 3pm to dark i was nailing big acrobatic rainbows on the caddis duet. 50% on the dry and 50% on the emerger. The really odd part of the day was the fact that the trout were keyed on the caddis when when I literally only saw about 3 adults all day. They must be really tasty as the other high-calorie offerings were being ignored.

FYI, my brother was nymphing most of the day with very limited success...

That looks like fun. What color of caddis were you using? I hope to get on the Yuba soon but would prefer not to add to the crowds.

[Pupa]

Honestly I never got a good look at the natural. My dry was tan/tan with pink indicator. It was an amazing pattern that somehow made it into my fly box and that I have never used before. It never sank after 20+ fish jaws. I don’t know the name of the fly and a hog broke it off at nightfall so if anyone can ID I would appreciate the intel. The dropper was olive bodied emerger with tan wings 18” off the hook. Greased.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Seems like that lower Yuba river is usually good with all those hatches in the spring when we have a mild winter.

We have to thank those who got the good regulations on that river about 30 years ago?

Wonder post Pupa....thanks.

[Pupa]

That river never ceases to amaze me. The size and health of the trout are unbelievable and the hatches are prolific. The most inconceivable part is that the habitat is essentially the equivalent of a superfund site. I've read that the gold rush spoils along the lower yuba are enough to bury new york city 5' deep.

[Ron B]

Pupa - might the caddis dry you used have been a "clown shoe caddis"? Google it and take a look....

[Mr T]

Thanks for the report- going nuts inside but have not pulled the trigger and gone- I appear to be in the minority.

[JasonB]

Thanks for the report- going nuts inside but have not pulled the trigger and gone- I appear to be in the minority.

You are not alone in your misery! I’ve been out to our local pond a few times (literally a 5 block walk) for bass and bluegill. It helps, but it’s not the same. It will get better though

[BS]

going nuts inside but have not pulled the trigger and gone- I appear to be in the minority.

A wise man once told me.............. "I hope spring's eternal !!! ". ;);)


Bob

[PV_Premier]

It blew out so it will be a couple days. Figures considering I had a hall pass for tomorrow.

[Pupa]

Ron B. That looks really similar, but I recall there being foam involved. I think it may have been closer to the appropriately named "neversink caddis"

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