Lower Yuba River Fly Fishing

Nestled in the foothills of Yuba County and winding its way into the Sacramento Valley lies one of California’s best year-round wild trout rivers—the Lower Yuba. Fed by cold, clear water released from Englebright Dam, the Lower Yuba River offers consistent flows, healthy insect life, and a thriving population of hard-fighting wild rainbow trout.

The river has something to offer anglers of all calibers. Beginners will find accessible water and opportunities to learn fly fishing techniques, while seasoned anglers will enjoy the challenge of selective trout that demand precise presentations. With prolific hatches of Skwala stoneflies, mayflies, caddis, and midges throughout the year, fly fishing the Lower Yuba River promises both technical fishing and unforgettable moments on the water.

Whether you’re casting dry flies to rising trout during a legendary hatch or working nymphs through deep runs, the Lower Yuba fly fishing experience delivers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and reward in one of Northern California’s most iconic trout fisheries.

Book Now

Fly Fishing the Lower Yuba River

The Lower Yuba River is a true gem among Northern California fisheries—a tailwater that often fishes like a spring creek. Every trip here feels different, with new conditions, insect activity, and fish behavior that keep anglers on their toes. This is not a hatchery-supported river; instead, it is home to strong populations of wild rainbow trout, wild steelhead (with the occasional Feather River stray), and wild salmon.

Downstream, below Daguerre Point Dam, the river offers even more diversity with runs of American shad and hard-fighting striped bass during the summer months. The gin-clear water and healthy, varied insect population create some of the most impressive hatches in California, from Skwala stoneflies to mayflies and caddis.

But don’t be fooled—these fish are highly educated and demand precision. On the Lower Yuba, success often comes down to presentation. Everything must be a downstream, fly-first or indicator-first drift, as trout here will almost never take a fly presented behind your line.

The average wild trout on the Lower Yuba measures 12–14 inches, but fish over 18 inches are caught consistently, rewarding anglers who rise to the river’s technical challenges. With its combination of crystal-clear water, prolific hatches, and selective fish, fly fishing the Lower Yuba River is a premier experience for anglers seeking both challenge and reward in Northern California.

Lower Yuba River Access & Fly Fishing Methods

Our private boat ramps provide extended drift opportunities and access to sections of the Lower Yuba River that see far less fishing pressure. Most of our guided trips focus on the productive stretch of water from just above the Highway 20 Bridge down to Daguerre Point Dam, giving anglers a chance to experience some of the river’s best wild trout water.

The Lower Yuba offers a wide variety of methods to target its powerful and selective trout. For most conditions, we fish 9’ to 9’6” #5 or #6 weight rods, which provide the perfect balance for nymphing, dries, and light streamers. When swinging flies, we step up to 10–12 foot switch rods or 11–12’6” spey rods to cover more water effectively.

From the drift boat, our preferred approaches include indicator nymphing, streamer fishing, and dry fly presentations, with occasional opportunities to step out and wade prime riffles and runs. On walk-and-wade trips, anglers can expect to use techniques such as tight line nymphing, indicator nymphing, swinging flies, and dry fly fishing, depending on conditions and seasonal hatches.

With such a diverse range of water and techniques, fly fishing the Lower Yuba River provides anglers with both variety and challenge—perfect for refining skills while targeting strong, wild trout.

Best Time to Fish the Lower Yuba River

In my opinion, the best time to fish the Lower Yuba River is between October and May, when trout are most active and a variety of prolific hatches occur. Each season offers something unique for anglers, making the Lower Yuba one of Northern California’s most consistent year-round fisheries.

Fall (September – November)

In the fall, trout feed heavily on salmon eggs and Baetis mayflies. Keep in mind that the section from the Highway 20 Bridge upstream to Englebright Dam is closed from October 1 through November 30 to protect spawning salmon.

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings some of the most technical but rewarding fishing of the year. Trout feed on Alevin and Baetis, while the famous Skwala stonefly hatch begins in late January and runs through March, providing excellent dry fly opportunities.

Spring (March – May)

Spring hatches are diverse and consistent. Anglers will encounter March Browns, PMDs (Pale Morning Duns), and Caddis, all of which bring trout to the surface and make this one of the most productive times to fish the Lower Yuba River.

Early Summer (Late May – June)

As temperatures rise, fish continue to key in on Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Golden Stoneflies. This is also a great time to target trout with a mix of nymphs and dries.

Mid to Late Summer (July – August)

During the heat of summer, trout shift to feeding on Hoppers, Caddis, and Streamers. Below Daguerre Point Dam, anglers will also find exciting opportunities for shad and striped bass. Be cautious during these months—it can be blistering hot with little shade, so the best fishing is early morning or late evening.