It's about to get good!
The Dog Days of Summer are around the corner and the flows are about to drop below 300 CFS. This translates into epic fly fishing on the most beautiful river in Northern California.
The predominant food source is still the Mayfly nymph. I’ve been on the water a couple of times this week. I’ve seen some Golden Stoneflies and Caddis but the Pale Morning Dun Mayfly seems to be the most common. If the wind picks up, think about terrestrials that are getting blown into the river- Ants, grasshoppers, beetles.
Fly size is more important than shape- #16 or #14 in moving water. #16 or #18 in slower water.
Expect to see surface feeding in the late afternoon. A three or four weight rod with a 9 foot 5x leader is the ticket.
Most importantly: The water is crystal clear- don’t show yourself to the trout. Once you’re exposed, move on to the next spot.
The water around Downieville is around 62 degrees. I suggest wet wading. The water feels perfect on these hot days. My usual attire is Sims G4 boots or Orvis Pro Boa if I’m going to hike a long distance (they are lighter). I wear Kuhl long pants that are light, dry quickly, and protect my legs. A long sleeve light hoody and floppy brim hat for sun protection. I stuff my gear into a Fishpond submersible lumbar pack and keep my working tools on a Golden Trout Lanyards Game Changer. Those Game Changers are money.
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. They are active in the heat. I had a very close encounter a couple of weeks ago on Pauley Creek. You will certainly see a water snake. Leave them all alone, we are in their territory.
Hint: If you just want to catch fish between other activities, there are hundreds of trout in the big pool where the Downie and North Yuba rivers meet. I watched a kid catch four in four casts with bait.
