Yuba River
The Lower Yuba River below Englebright Dam near Marysville, California is a clear freestone style river with wild rainbows and a winter skwala hatch.
- 52 miRiver length
- Jan–MarBest season
- 4Game fish
- 5Access points
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Live
Yuba River near Marysville, CA
551cfs
Normal
Vs normal for the dateRight at normal
Gage height61.05 ft
Today's rating
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About the Yuba
The Lower Yuba River flows from Englebright Dam toward Marysville in the Sierra foothills. The water is clear and the river has a freestone feel. It is Gold Medal water and a wild trout stream.
The river is known for its winter skwala stonefly hatch, which gives rare cold weather dry fly fishing. Fish are wild and strong. Steelhead and salmon also use the river.
The Lower Yuba holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and steelhead.
Hatches include skwala stoneflies in winter, pale morning duns and golden stones in late spring, and hoppers in summer. Midges and blue-winged olives are around much of the year. October caddis come in fall.
Seasonal closures protect spawning fish above the Highway 20 bridge. Rules change and a steelhead report card may be needed. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go.
Yuba River near Marysville, CA
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Nearby gages
- Deer Creek near Smartsville, CA4.2 mi away 8 cfs 2.79 ft USGS 11418500
- Hutchinson Creek below Doolittle Dr near Marysville, CA8.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 11424550
- Hutchinson Creek above Warren Shingle Road near Marysville, CA9.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 11424549
- North Yuba River below Goodyears Bar, CA29.2 mi away 116 cfs Below normal 1.63 ft USGS 11413000
- Sacramento River below Wilkins Slough near Grimes, CA30.3 mi away 4,950 cfs 59°F · 28.59 ft USGS 11390500
- Sacramento River at Verona, CA35.0 mi away 7,720 cfs 72°F · 11.29 ft USGS 11425500
- Sacramento River at Colusa, CA35.2 mi away 5,520 cfs 40.79 ft USGS 11389500
- Butte Creek near Chico, CA38.7 mi away 136 cfs 51°F · 0.69 ft USGS 11390000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Lower Sacramento watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Yuba
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Check closures
Parts of the river close in fall to protect spawning fish. Read the current rules before you plan a trip.
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Watch the dam
Releases and spills from Englebright Dam change the river. Check conditions before you go.
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Pack a license and card
A steelhead report card may be required. Confirm what you need before you fish.
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Fish the winter window
The skwala hatch gives cold weather dry fly fishing. Dress warm.
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Handle steelhead gently
Steelhead numbers are low. Release fish quickly and keep them in the water.
Every access point on the Yuba, in your pocket.
- 5 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Yuba
Yuba River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Lower Yuba River in California?
January through March for skwalas. Late spring brings pale morning duns and golden stones. Fall brings salmon and egg fishing.
Where can I fish the Lower Yuba River near Marysville?
The river below Englebright Dam has several access points. Deer Creek and the Feather River are nearby.
Can you wade the Lower Yuba River?
Yes. Many anglers wade, though some water is easier to float.
What flies work on the Lower Yuba River?
Skwala stonefly dries, Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges and Chubby Chernobyls are common. Golden stone patterns work in late spring. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Lower Yuba River?
The river holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and steelhead.
Are there special rules on the Lower Yuba River?
Yes. Seasonal closures and gear rules apply. Check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
