Lower Yuba River Fly Fishing Report – December 2, 2025
By Capt. Ben Thompson – Fly Fishing Specialties Guide Service
The Lower Yuba River has dropped to a very fishable 920 CFS and is running with excellent clarity, setting up ideal winter fly fishing conditions. Even better, the top section above the Highway 20 Bridge has officially reopened, giving anglers access to more productive water just as the river is settling into prime shape.
After over a week of persistent fog and overcast skies, we finally saw some sunshine on the river yesterday—and it was alive with insect activity. A wide variety of bugs were present, including caddis, PMDs, and baetis, and trout were actively feeding in all sections. During the overcast stretch, baetis and egg patterns were the key producers. Now, with sunny skies back in the mix, anglers should be ready with crippled caddis patterns and Pink PMDs for consistent surface action.
The best part: dry fly opportunities are happening every day on the Lower Yuba River. On cloudy days, focus on small BWO patterns, and when the sun hits the water, switch to crippled caddis and light-colored PMDs to match the increased activity. This mix of conditions is exactly what makes the Yuba such a unique and productive winter fishery.
Looking ahead, I’ll be guiding the Lower Yuba River all winter long and am hoping for mild conditions to set up a strong Skwala stonefly hatch in February and early March—one of the most exciting times of the year to fish this river with large dry flies.
I currently have availability in December and into the new year and would love to get you out on the water for some of the best winter trout fishing in Northern California.
