BigKahuna
Member

There has been quite a bit of noise out there about the Skwala Hatch on the Lower Yuba River. I thought I'd post some of my reflections. For the records, I haven't been out this past week, so my observations and comments are from what I've experienced through February 5th.

(1) The recent word on the street. The Skwala Hatch is going off.

My Opinion: I have been on the river quite a few days in the last 4 weeks, prior to February 5th, at least twice a week. I have searched the rocks and bushes each time I get out and there are very few Skwala cases. When the hatch is full bore there are cases everywhere. In a full day of drifting the river we may see 5 or 6 skwalas in the drift, in the water. This does not constitute a hatch.

Last year when the hatch was going off you could sit it one spot and watch the parade of Skwalas in the drift, one every 2 or 3 feet. They would end up in the eddy pools or soft water below and to the side of a riffle and the fish would be podded up and eating them.

The Skwala event is not happening yet.

(2) Is there a difference with the Skwala Hatch above or below the Parks Bar Bridge.

My Opinion: Maybe. In waters in Montana the stonefly hatch moves upstream as it progresses. This may also occur on the Lower Yuba River. Most of my observations have been above the Parks Bar Bridge. I have friends that guide the river and they have been having big days throwing Skwala Dries below the Parks Bar Bridge. Does this mean the hatch is on there? I still don't think so. When asking them if they've seem many Skwalas in the drift they have replied, no.

(3) Why are the fish hitting Skwala dries?

My Opinion: I believe the Yuba fish are being opportunistic. I believe the high flows in December rolled the river and the bug population has taken a hit. When drifting the river I have seen very few bugs on the water. Few Skwalas, few PMD's, few BWO's and no March Browns. Again this is above the Parks Bar Bridge. I have heard reports of seeing March Brown's on the lower river. How many? No one has said.

When doing screen samples and rolling rocks, there have been very few bugs stirred up. When picking rocks up and looking underneath, the rocks look like they have been sandblasted (rolled) and there are very few bugs. This may be different down stream further where the current spreads out and is less channelized.

I believe the fish are actively hunting for food. The fish have continued to eat Troutbeads, Rubber-leg stones, and attractor patterns under indicator. They have eaten streamers swung in the runs (salmon smolts). They're hungry. They'll eat something big and attractive floating over their heads.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, these are mine.

Big Kahuna www.flyfishingtraditions.blogspot.com

Check out the latest post from Fly Fishing Traditions at www.flyfishingtraditions.com

"Alternative Fly Fishing Dictionary" and "Alaska Guide Speak".

Anyone have any additions?