In the last four installments, we explored the Middle Fork American River, and a few of its major accessible tributaries, as well as four of the upper Foresthill Divide trails down to the "Wild and Scenic" portion of the North Fork American River. We also considered one of the lower river access points, and another tributary called the "North of the North." This month we’ll take a look at that wonderful gem, the North Yuba River.

If you are considering fishing this river, I recommend that you obtain a copy of "Flyfishing California’s North Yuba River", by Ed Klingelhofer. I believe that GBF’s library contains a copy. You should also contact Jeremy Gray at Nevada City Anglers for the latest conditions, fly patterns, and other informantion. Another suggestion would be to enroll in GBF’s annual North Yuba Clinic, which is always very well attended by members. One caution: I have twice encountered rattlesnakes along the North Yuba this year, so please look ahead to the next step you are about to take. If there is a log in your path, bang on it with your wading staff or a stick, and check the other side before stepping over it.

Getting there
Take I-80 to Auburn, and take the Highway 49 exit. Follow the signs to Grass Valley. The drive from Auburn to Nevada City (just beyond Grass Valley) takes about half an hour. At Nevada City, follow the signs to Downieville--you are still on Highway 49. (If you are going to stop at Nevada City Anglers, turn at Broad Street, which is just before the Downieville turnoff. There you can get easy directions back to Hwy 49.)

Once past Nevada City, you will descend into a canyon and cross the South Yuba River. From there Highway 49 climbs out of the canyon, only to fall again into the canyon of the Middle Yuba River. After crossing this fork, you will climb again, finally descending into the canyon of the North Yuba River. At the North Yuba bridge crossing, you will see a parking area on the downstream side of the bridge. That is the trailhead for a nice tributary called Canyon Creek–but that’s another story.

From here, the highway follows the river all the way to its headwaters along the Yuba Pass.

The lower river
In this article, we’ll concentrate on some of the spots along the lower river. In later installments, we’ll focus on other sections and a few of the more significant tributaries.

The first fishing spot I’ll point out is about a one-mile hike up from the North Yuba bridge by the Canyon Creek tributary. Begin hiking past a locked gate up an old road into Shenanigan Flat. You’ll know you have arrived at Shenanigan Flat when you spot a collection of shanties, old trailers, and other assorted shelters. Miners occupy these, so give them wide berth, and watch for dogs. The river is accessible by trails at the Flat. You’ll find a good collection of slots, chutes, and other pocketwater. I suspect some poaching goes on in here, so don’t expect too much in the way of productivity. It’s still worth the walk, however, and the evening action can be good.

Your next stops up the highway are Indian Valley campground and Convict Flat picnic area. Eah of these spots offer good pocketwater. However, they are popular and do get fished over. There will be a lot of planted fish here, but wild fish can also be found in this stretch, especially in the fall.

The Ramshorn Campground area also rates a spot (located further up the highway at the 10.78 mile marker). Park in the big turnout area below the campground, and walk downstream along the road. At the end of the part of the riverbank that has been covered with gunite--presumably to help avoid washouts in winter--drop down to the stream. You will find a wonderful assortment of pocketwater, along with some cliff-side deep runs that hold larger fish. You will find miners in the upper part of this run, as well.

Finally, let’s stop at Goodyear’s Bar (mile marker 12.3). Cross the bridge, and you’ll find the delightful little burg of Goodyear’s Bar. Park where you can, out of the way, and climb down to this pocketwater section. You’ll need to be careful in this section, which has some large boulders and somewhat tricky wading. You’ll encounter a mix of planted and wild fish here.

Back across the bridge, you will notice Goodyear’s Creek coming into the North Yuba from the north. There is a road along the easterly edge of the creek. This creek can provide some good early season fishing, so it is worth at least a stop to explore it even if only to catalogue the info for later use.

This ends what to me is the lower river. We’ll explore some of the upper regions in later articles.

Gear, flies, etc.
For the North Fork, a rod of 8 or 9 foot length is perfect, in a 3 or 4 weight. During the summer months, it gets hot so wet wading is in order. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep from getting dehydrated and suffering from energy loss. A wading staff is highly advisable; it can save you from a nasty fall and from becoming a candidate for the "Wet Fly Award".