South Fork Yuba River
river in California
Known for its swimming holes and granite gorges, the South Fork offers excellent wade fishing opportunities.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Clear emerald green water and pleasant autumn weather
- 01Clear emerald green water and pleasant autumn weather.
- 02Active hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Tricos.
- 03Opportunistic trout keying in on eggs from spawning salmonids.
- 04Focus on deeper runs, slow pools, and oxygenated riffles.
- 05Dry-dropper rigs with a BWO Comparadun and a Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs or Blood Dot Egg are effective.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, especially on overcast days, making this a prime pattern for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonPMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.
October Caddis (Dry)
Fall marks the largest caddis hatch of the year in many western rivers, making this a crucial dry fly pattern.
Buy at AmazonTrico Spinner
Trico hatches are occurring this month, targeting rising fish in slower water during late summer and fall mornings.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This robust stonefly nymph effectively imitates large aquatic insects, a consistent food source in fall, especially before stonefly hatches.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is the egg season for trout below spawning salmon, making this an essential pattern for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects active in the currents year-round, and particularly effective in fall.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially for enticing aggressive trout in the colder fall waters.
Mohogany Dun
Late summer and fall often see hatches of Paraleptophlebia (Mahogany Duns), providing dry fly opportunities for rising trout.
Where to fish and who to ask
Edwards Crossing
Known for deep pools and runs, a favorite spot for many anglers.
Highway 49 Crossing
Popular and accessible section with good riffles and pools.
Washington
Access near the historic town of Washington, with diverse water types.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Trout Creek Outfitters
Get South Fork Yuba River reports by email
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Quick answers
Common questions about South Fork Yuba River.
What flies work best on South Fork Yuba River?
Our top scored fly patterns for South Fork Yuba River right now are Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (80% confidence), PMD (Pale Morning Duns) (80% confidence), October Caddis (Dry) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in South Fork Yuba River?
South Fork Yuba River holds Striper, Shad. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is South Fork Yuba River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for South Fork Yuba River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.