As the flows get lower and the temperatures get higher, head upstream if you’re on a freestone river like the North Yuba.
The upper reaches of the North Yuba are rough. To fish here, you need to be in good physical condition to navigate the steep and loose terrain or to climb over the huge boulders. I’m pushing 60 but I make an effort to keep in shape. My daily active calorie goal is 740- I rarely do less.
As Summer takes up residence, you’ll find your best fishing is spots like the one below. I stuck a GoPro in here and saw 25+ fish. Some saw me.. Look for oxegen, some depth, and some shade. This one had all three.
I carry two rods and will work the pool from the back (down stream side) first. I’ll throw a dry over the back of the pool, working left to right. I’ll follow that with a nymph in the same area since I won’t have put any fish down with my line. Alternatively, if the pool is not very deep, I’ll go with a dry-dropper. I’ll move my casts forward by 10 feet, all the way to the inlet.
