The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I need to get out and fish a few daays. I have never drifted the Lower Yuba, but was thinking of putting in at the Hwy 20 bridge and taking out at Sycamore. Anyone who knows the river wanna share some info. Email is ok if you dont want to divulge. Obstacles, dangers, put ins, take outs, local camping, shuttle services. Im really completely clueless on this drift but have wanted to do it foor a while.

Thanks

Craig
cutright(at)yahoo.com

I drifted that once a few years back. Was a pretty easy drift and we got shuttle service from the campground. I'm not sure if they still offer that. Saw lots of fish, but can't say we knocked them dead that day.

Easy drift, you should not have any problem. There is a few snags here and there from the flood waters a couple years ago. But still nothing that tough.

Any problems with a put in at the Hwy 20 bridge? I would be launching a 16 ft Hyde and from what I have been reading it sounds like a difficult launch from that spot.

Dear Craig,
It's a fairly easy drift, as has been said. The river's running at around 850+ CFS, not too high, in fact there may be one spot you'll have to get out and drag your raft downstream. The place that always worries me is the take out at Sycamore. The river narrows and speeds up and you have to make a sharp right hand turn to get into the inlet there. Google earth has a very good view of it. Look for a big gravel bar covered with shrubbery and downed trees on the right, about half a mile below the county park (also on the right, you should see picnic tables and maybe some folks panning for gold), stay to the right and dig in when you see the inlet. Sycamore Ranch still runs a shuttle, and they ask that you call them in advance. They have a website with contact information, and camping is available there.

Good luck to you,
Anglerboy

Thanks for the pointers guys. I will post a report after the trip.

Craig