Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

North Yuba River - Goodyears Bar - California

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midge Noon - Dusk #18 - #22 Zebra Midge
Winter Stonefly Daylight #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midge Noon - Dusk #18 - #22 Zebra Midge
Winter Stonefly Daylight #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Blue Winged Olive 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. #16 - #20 Blue Winged Olive Emerger
April Blue Winged Olive 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. #16 - #20 BWO Fuzzy Nymph
Caddis Noon - Dusk #14 - #18 Tan Elk Hair Caddis
May Pale Morning Dun Morning - Afternoon #14 - #18 Yellow PMD Comparadun
Green Drake Morning - Afternoon #10 - #12 Green Drake Parachute
Golden Stonefly Daylight #6 - #10 Stonefly Nymph
June Pale Morning Dun Morning - Afternoon #14 - #18 Yellow PMD Comparadun
Little Yellow Stonefly Evening #16 - #18 Stimulator
Golden Stonefly Daylight #6 - #10 Stonefly Nymph
July Green Drake Morning - Afternoon #10 - #12 Green Drake Parachute
August Terrestrials Noon - Dusk #14 - #18 Hopper Patterns
Crawfish Dawn - Dusk #6 - #10 Crawfish Patterns
September Mahogany Dun Noon - Dusk #14 - #18 Mahogany Dun Dry Fly
October Blue Winged Olive 11 A.M. - 5 P.M. #16 - #20 Blue Winged Olive Emerger
November Midge Noon - Dusk #18 - #22 Zebra Midge
Winter Stonefly Daylight #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph
December Midge Noon - Dusk #18 - #22 Zebra Midge
Winter Stonefly Daylight #16 - #20 Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The North Yuba River – Goodyears Bar is an excellent option for fly fishers, offering an abundance of trout. Here are some top spots for fly fishing:
  • Upper North Yuba: This stretch of river is perfect for those seeking solitude while catching rainbow and brown trout.
  • Middle Fork: This area near the Downieville is known for its beautiful scenery and good-sized rainbow trout.
  • Wild Plum Campground: This spot provides easy access to the water and is a favorite among locals.
  • Camp Kumbaya: This privately-owned area gives fishermen a chance to catch both varieties of trout, away from the crowds.
Catching larger trout requires exploring the deeper pools in the river. Otherwise, smaller trout are plentiful throughout the Yuba River. Remember, always follow local regulations and practice catch and release to preserve the ecosystem.

Best Access Points

The North Yuba River at Goodyears Bar provides some of the most spectacular spots for fly fishing. Here are the best access points:

  • Fisher’s Bridge: A popular access point due to its easy-to-reach location. The waters here are crystal clear and home to a healthy population of trout.
  • Goodyears Bar Campground: Not only can you camp here overnight, but you can also access the river easily. A variety of fish species can be caught here.
  • Indian Valley Campground: Explore more remote, wilder areas of the North Yuba. Highly recommended for those seeking large, wild trout.
  • Downieville: Offers multiple access points to the river, one of which is at the end of Main Street, where angling opportunities abound.

Note that the fishing season here typically opens on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15.

Local Fish

  • Trout – The North Yuba River is known for its excellent trout fishing, particularly for native Rainbow TroutRainbow and Brown Trout.
  • Smallmouth Bass – The river also supports a healthy population of Smallmouth Bass, especially in its warmer, slower sections.
  • Mountain Whitefish – These fish are a common catch on the North Yuba, particularly during winter months when other fish are less active.
  • Sacramento Perch – These native fish can be found in slower-moving parts of the river.
  • Bluegill – These popular panfish are less common in the North Yuba but still sought-after by some fly fishers.
  • Carp – Carp populations are growing in the river and can provide a new challenge for experienced fly fishers.
  • Crappie – Another panfish, crappie are occasionally targeted by fly fishers on the North Yuba.
  • White Catfish – Catfish are not typically targeted with fly fishing, but some fly fishers enjoy the challenge they provide.

About The River

Sit back and let’s step back in time to visit the vibrant history of the North Yuba River – Goodyears Bar. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada range in California, the North Yuba River holds many tales of the past. It was a key location during the Gold Rush era in the 1850s.

Much of its fame comes from the tiny Goodyears Bar, a renowned spot for eager prospectors. Named after Miles and Andrew Goodyear, the first settlers and reputed gold discoverers, it experienced immense growth during the gold-hungry times.

  • The Goodyears Bar post office opened in 1851, and this area ewitnessed the bustling life of miners.
  • The historic Wells Fargo & Co. post still stands to tell the tale of olden times when gold was transported extensively to and fro.
  • The scenic beauty and the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and rafting make it a popular spot for nature lovers today.

All in all, the North Yuba River – Goodyears Bar hold a rich past, and the gold-filled river still flows, whispering the melodies of the Gold Rush era.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Recent Articles

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Gear ReviewsFly Fishing

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons

April 20, 2024

Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…

Read More
Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions
Fly TyingFly Fishing

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024

Welcome to fly tying: How to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph! If you’re new here or a seasoned…

Read More

Fly Tying Articles

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024