Nymphing with march brown nymphs, caddis pupa, and skwala stonefly nymphs is catching the most fish. Also, try swinging caddis or march brown patterns on sink-tip lines through the deeper holding water. Dry fly fishing can be OK with skwala stoneflies or BWOs. A few march brown mayflies are hatching on warm days. Try swinging an emerging pattern for best results.
Fishing pressure is moderate.
Applicants should be computer literate and knowledgeable of flyfishing in Northern California. The Yuba River is one of the few Northern California rivers that offers good winter fishing. Strong hatches of Skwala stoneflies with sporadic hatches of BWOs, caddis, and march brown mayflies keep the fish actively feeding through the winter into spring. This year's low water has created great wading opportunities and a chance to fish many stretches of the river that are normally inaccessible at higher winter flows. Floating the river in a pontoon boat is the perfect way to access uncrowded water, fish the best runs and riffles on either side of the river, and avoid that long tortuous walk out.