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The North Yuba is flowing at 145 cfs as of this morning (8/16/09). The river is clear and the water temperatures have moderated (see conditions report dated 8/16/09).
Well, the dredgers have been stopped on all the rivers in California including the North Yuba. The governor signed a bill a week ago immediately stopping suction dredging until the Department of Fish and Game comes up with new rules and regulations to protect the fish and water quality. There are several places on the North Yuba that were decimated this year by suction dredgers, notably the area around Kokanee Kabins. It will be interesting to see how the river reacts to the lack of mud and debris the dredgers normally kick up. Hopefully the insects will repopulate some of the areas and the fish will be able to spawn without their redds being choked with dirt, Report any active suction dredging you see to the Fish and Game Department. The fine is $1000.00 a day.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Bill Sunderland’s revised and expanded edition of his popular book FLY FISHING THE SIERRA NEVADA. The photography by Rick Martin is outstanding. I tied the flies that are illustrated in the book. There is an excellent chapter about the North Yuba River with pictures of me and my significant-other Pat Holtan. You can pick-up a copy in your local fly shop or you can order your signed copy directly from Mosca Loca Books, 13973 Hidden Valley Road, Grass Valley, CA. 95949 (530-274-9909). The cost is $29.95 plus $4.00 postage and $2.20 CA. sales tax for a total of $36.15.
A word about the restaurants in Downieville. The Grubstake Saloon is closed for the year due to the owner having knee replacement surgery. However, across the street is the Wooden Trout Cafe. Although the menu is limited, the food is good. We ate there this week after fishing; I had an excellent ribeye steak and Pat had the fish tacos. The next time we go, I want to try the Thai Curry Chicken. The prices are reasonable and range from $8.99 to $21.95.
If you are looking for fly fishing tackle in the Downieville area, stop by Sierra Hardware at 305 Main Street in Downieville. Cindy, the proprietor, carries a good assortment of flies, leaders and other assorted goodies including, Keep It Up, my favorite paste fly floatant. Check it out!
If you are looking for a place to stay in the Downieville area, give the nice folks at the Lure Resort a call at (530) 289-3465 or go to their website at www.thelureresort.com. Recently remodeled, the resort makes a great place to stay right on the river.
If your club is looking for a speaker, I am booking dates for this year. Since I have recently gone digital, I have only one program available right now. The program deals with the North Yuba River and the creeks and streams that flow into it. I gave this program on 3/31/09 to the Fly Fishers of Davis. You can contact me about rates and dates for your club at (530) 346-7065 or via e-mail.