Yuba River

Yuba River Dry Fly Bite

The Yuba River is home to some of the best tailwater dry fly fishing in California. Winter is typically the best month for fishing dries as BWOs, PMDs, and skwalas make their appearance. As the weather warms in the spring march browns and caddis become the main fare. Summers can be hot and dry in the valley but the fish in the Yuba can still be tricked into rising for a hopper during the day or caddis in the evening. Fall is probably the least productive season for dry fly fishing on the Yuba as the fish tend to focus more on salmon eggs but the evening caddis hatch and overcast BWO days are good times to try and rise a few fish.

I’m a bit of a dry fly opportunist and won’t tie on a dry unless I see consistent rising or fishing somewhere where I know the fish will rise to anything. They say trout feed 90% of the time underwater so I try to stick with the scientific evidence rather than try to make something that may or may not happen. I understand the thrill of seeing a fish eat on top but realistically I know that the best way to catch them is on bottom.

The Yuba River this year is experiencing drought conditions which is great for fishing but bad overall for the state of California. In the case of the Yuba River lower flows means better access which extends the fishing season past spring when flows are typically raised to +2,000 CFS to meet agricultural demands. At this time the flows are around 1400 CFS which is very fishable but not crossable.

The dry fly bite has been great and I’ve been able to consistently rise fish each day that I’ve been out. There seems to be a few specific runs that have rising fish so if you’re out there keep and eye out for risers for the chance to get them on a dry. The best bug that I’ve had luck with have been march browns however I’ve seen yellow sallies and caddis emerging although I’ve yet to hook any fish on them.

It seems as though each time I’ve been on the Yuba there has been a relatively strong westward wind blowing upstream. This made presenting my dry fly difficult as the tippet would blow upstream and create a bend in my leader. From my experience the fish on the Yuba will not take a fly where they can see the leader before the fly. A modified reach cast, casting lower, or angling myself downstream was able to solve this annoyance.

I’ve taken my kiddo out with me a few times and he’s been a pretty good fishing buddy letting me get a few minutes of casting time before wanting out to play in the water. We’ve managed to land a fish each of our visits and he’s been ecstatic about seeing, touching, and releasing the fishies. It’s nice to have such a pristine piece of water nearby that everyone can enjoy.

Fish Talk

A Tribute To Jon Baiocchi

The fly fishing community is a relatively small niche where everyone knows or knows of someone especially if that individual has contributed to the sport in some way. In my personal opinion the fly fishing community is one of the most welcoming fishing communities there is where everyone is willing to share and help each other in some capacity to succeed. A few days ago I was devastated to learn that one of our community’s best had passed away.

As someone who considers the Yuba River his home river, veteran guide Jon Baiocchi’s influence was always felt. Jon had been guiding on the Yuba River for decades and had a unique way of approaching the river on foot in comparison to other guides who would drift it instead. Jon’s fishing reports were unlike any other guides as well as he was passionate about more than just the fishing conditions. His reports demonstrated his extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna which were always a pleasure to learn about.

Jon’s passion for teaching and nature was one of the reasons I felt comfortable approaching him about questions I had as a newbie fly angler. Although Jon, I, and many other anglers shared our love of the Yuba River it was the Middle Fork of the Feather River where I believed we really connected. There was no other guide more knowledgeable about the Middle Fork of the Feather River than Jon Baiocchi. I have saved emails of all our exchanges of information and still look at them from time to time.

My most memorable interaction with Jon was when he approached me about a photo of a carp I had caught on he Middle Fork of the Feather River. He asked if he could use the photo in a PowerPoint presentation that he had been working on about the Middle Fork of the Feather River. I told him I was truly honored and as a thank you he sent me a copy of the PowerPoint.

Jon Baiocchi passed unexpectedly while guiding on the Middle Fork of the Feather River. He passed away where he loved being doing what he loved to do. The next time I’m out on the Middle Fork of the Feather I’ll be thinking about you buddy. Condolences to his family and friends as we all mourn the loss of one of the fly fishing greatest.

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