Blue Ribbon Fishing

Fly and bait fishing are at their best in the North Yuba River. This beautiful river, typical of many area streams, is heavily stocked and expert anglers seldom fail to get their limits.

The Perfect Fly presents the following information about fly fishing on the North Yuba River:

The North Yuba River headwaters begin from the confluence of two small creeks just below Yuba Pass. These are small brook trout streams that flow for about five miles to Bassets. There are also some small rainbow trout in the creeks. The lower sections have some brown trout. There's a four-mile section of wild trout designated water between Sierra City and Ladies Canyon. It requires barbless hooks. The rainbows in this section are larger, averaging about 12 inches or better. There are some brown trout which can be rather large. This section of the stream is heavy flowing pocket water with large, deep pools. Fly fishing gets better in this section of the river. Below Downieville, the North Yuba is a good size stream. The river declination is less and the flows become more moderate. This also widens the stream out. Pocket water is replaced by longer runs, riffles and pools. Much of this river can be accessed from pull-offs along the road. The Yuba River Trail also follows it from Goodyears Bar for almost six miles downstream.

Rafting and Kayaking

The North Yuba River sparkles and romps through a beautiful forested canyon. The river is ideal for active first timers and also has sections for experienced rafters. "The North Fork of the Yuba River is a classic. The combination of unimpeded flow, excellent rapids, beautiful scenery, plentiful camping and the quaint little town of Downieville all add up to a super river. "A Guide to the Best Whitewater in the State of California", Lars Holbek & Chuck Stanley.

Beyond Limits Adventures in Coloma, California features a full range of fabulous all-inclusive river trips on the Yuba and other great rivers throughout California.

Tributary Whitewater Tours in Grass Valley, California offers the largest variety of river trips in Northern California, from warm weather day runs to 2 and 3 day outings fully equipped and catered.