middle feather info

[2short]

What's up guys and gals?
I'm sniffing around for info on the M Feather and N American rivers. I hope to make a couple of three day trips over the summer to fish them. Info on the NA has been easy to find but the MF is a harder nut to crack. There are plenty of shallow refs to the MF on numerous web sites but nothing in-depth. Any personal experiences, trail/fishing books, or web sites that you could share/suggest would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!
2short

[Darian]

I have two books that decribe the middle Feather country....The first is, Trout Fishing Guide, Plumas National Forest by Andrew Harris. The second is, Flyfisher's Guide to Northern California by Seth Norman. Both these books describe the fishing/country/facilities, etc., and include rudimentary maps. They're both paperbacks..... 8) 8)

Have fun reading :D :D :D :D

[2short]

Thanks big "D" I was certain you would have some input. You are truly a cornucopia of local, ledgend & lore (I love alliteration!).
2short

[Ed Wahl]

The four highest trails off of the Foresthill Rd. leading to the N.F. American are pretty mean but lead to some outstanding fishing.

[2short]

Ed,
have you walked/fished the trail that links Mumford Bar to Sailor Flat? What section of the NFA would you recommend?

[Ed Wahl]

I've fished Mumford bar and Sailor flat individually but never linked the two. The whole stream in that area appears to be excellent fishing, that is, when the runoff subsides. I saw evidence of a massive stonefly hatch up there last year but I don't know if the stream is fishable when it comes off. I walked part way between the two trails once when I got slightly,er, confused about the way out, it looks accessable pretty much anywhere. Oh yeah, when the USFS literature says it's four wheel drive to the trailhead, they mean it, that's from past experience.

[OregonSalmon]

Man, I tell ya, just put that place out of your mind. That is one friggin deep gorge. Only went there once and it was enough for me. I've been to some tough spots but geez....it was California's answers to Hell's Canyon.

I you are into fishing/hiking abuse, I say you go to the Middle Fork of the Yuba below Miltion Res. Not easy, but absolutly beautiful. There is the "Gates of the Antipodies" then Box Canyon #1, then #2, and #3. think there is a trail down there. It is tough but can be done. Since it is tough, doubt anyone goes down there. A real dandy.

[2short]

OregonSalmon which river were you refering to?

[Darian]

I believe that Milton Reservoir is on one of the forks of the Yuba River (can't recall if it's the middle or north fork??). I haven't fished up the canyon that far myslef but understand, from friends, it's very scenic and decent fishing.... And a real hike. 8) 8) 8)

[Jeff F.]

"Since it is tough, doubt anyone goes down there."

I did! And here's what I found.......(MFY)

Ran into a cattle drive on the way up.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid175/p489a1df98188f0b60ce8a192ff1454aa/f384dd0e.jpg

Hiked down to find this:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid175/p2b5bcd3bd2f27f24fab5336be5594da4/f384dcec.jpg

And this......
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid175/p8018781f6defb4f5e106b699cc244afd/f384dd20.jpg

As for the MFF.....the book mentioned above (Plumas NF) is a good one. Detailed directions to trailheads, etc. And yes......that canyon is steep! We did the Butte Bar Trail last year.....it's short (1.5 mi.), but about a 1,600 foot drop......easy on the way in......but I strongly suggest drinking all your beer you brought down with you prior to heading back up to the car! :D

There are couple places you can 4x4 to. Cleghorn Bar OHV Trail and a few other gnarly roads. From my experience, the fish get bigger as you move downstream in the canyon. But any access you go to, there are lots and lots of fish. The hikes keep most people away, so you won't have any problem finding solitude.

I'd wait a month or so before heading down into the canyon of both those rivers you mentioned. They're pretty much raging right now. I'm assuming you're a strong hiker, so go for it. But for the 1000's of people "lurking" on this Board.......these canyons are NO JOKE! It's hardcore fishing at it's finest! Steep as hell, lots of rattlers, poison oak, etc, etc. This is NOT a stroll down to the local trout stream! So, take that as you may.........

Anyway.....here's a few images of what the Butte Bar area looks like:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p187101d58221a4c7936dd32814f1325d/f28fe60e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p8f6b45c943e7bff9bfadde5ac243028b/f28fe60d.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/pd4340bb0b29ac08bf3b34c2f69569ad6/f28fe52b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p60ef0e32f2315623b9b981f81c4ae062/f28fdd4c.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid184/p2eec23bd08cec8532942d55f54d84948/f28fdd47.jpg

[Darian]

Hey Jeff,.... Was that cow making a stement about anything in particular :?: :?: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Good timing on that photo :lol: :lol:

[OregonSalmon]

2xshort and Darian,

I was talking about the Middle Fork of the Yuba which drains into and out of Milton Resevior. There must be easier ways to get into than I did at 17 but at that age you will jump off a cliff for a trout. Doubt any option to get to the undisturbed water is easy but what the hell, ain't nothin' easy. Not like the mailman brings me beers....no...he brings me bills the rat bastard!!!

It is a hell of beautiful spot and if you are willing to bust some ass I would highly recommend it. As Sean Connery said in the movie "The Untouchables" with a smile: "well.....ya gotta die of something!!!

[nightgoat]

these canyons are NO JOKE!

I'll second that! :lol: I've done the Sailor Flat trail on NF American and it dang near did me in. But the fishing was excellent! Also be aware that there are bears in the area. We had an ice chest with some food inside the truck, and when we got back there were some LARGE prints on the windshield and hood. :shock:

[bolden]

The middle yuba is definitely a rough canyon. I have gone into it below the box canyons at Graniteville,
and the walk out was horrible. However, the fishing was great. A big turks turantula is all you need to
catch a few fish out of every little pool. I also camped there in the summer, and when i went
swimming in a few of the pools, there were about 3-4 18+ inch fish in each big pool. Some of the
smaller pools held a couple dozen small fish.

Here is where we had to stop after a long day fishing.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/DSC00526Small.jpg

[2short]

Fellas!
Thanks-a-million,
the info and pics were fabulous and my suspicions were correct, this will be a trip worth making.
What is it about large farm animals doing their buisness that puts a smile on my face? Probably the same thing that made you take the pic. Absolutly fantastic photos! I'm taking the video camera with me so I'll post or link some vids for you guys.
Gentlemen & OregonSalmon thank you for your time now the training begins.
Later.
2short

[Wednesday Caster]

Wow those pics are of beautiful waters! So when I move north next year, I'm going to have to lose this belly to fish?

"Ironman Fly Fishing" you heard it hear first.

Quinn

[robdog]

I went to checkout the Middle Fork @ the Milsap Bar last Sat. The waters are ragin' out of control. I almost lost my Chocolate Lab, because he was soo excited to see water he jumped in, but then he realized it wasn't the American River where he swims. Lucky for me, he didn't jump too far in the White Water & was pushed back to shore. There is some places there to fish, but it is limited. I guess that book about the Plumas National Forest might be a good book to get.