Heading up for some camping and hiking with a couple friends next weekend and hoping to get some fly fishing in along the way. Never been to this area so we're going to hike the Sierra Buttes, but wanted to see what suggestions everyone had for fly fishing that area.
I know there's several lakes around but i'd rather fish streams for smaller brookies and natives with the possibility of a larger fish here and there. Any suggestions on streams near there? Much appreciated.
NF Yuba, Haypress Creek, Lavezolla Creek. The fish in the creeks and river will be small. Fish the lakes for larger stockers and Gold Lake has the big mackinaws and some browns but you might need a boat for Gold lake.
Sardine Lake Lodge and Packer Lake Lodge both rent small boats by the day. Give them a call to check for their hour. There are planters, holdovers, and wild fish in these lakes. Plan on some large midge patterns with a dry & nymph dropper combo to pick them up on the surface or just below. Fish would disappear when the sun came out but would continue rising all day as long as the sun was obscured by clouds. Planters are dopey but the holdovers and wild fish will key on size and pattern.
Windknots is correct, there's definitely fish to be had in Sardine Lake. Had a outstanding two days last fall with a pontoon boat catching Sardine's sizable brookies (up to 16") and a few 'bows (one at 18") on para adams with a partridge soft hackle dropper. A brown bh woolly bugger enticed them as well (no sink-tip was used, could be different now). Basically fish almost every cast. Beautiful spawning colors too in the fall. Get on the lake early and later in the day, though as Windknots says, you'll see risers throughout the day. There is a small creek that comes into the lake on the right, 3/4's of the way toward the rocky end of the lake. You'll hear it before you can see it. It's covered with willows and trees at the inlet. Station yourself there, off shore, and cast toward it. Nice weeds and submerged rocks which will hold fish. If you see lots of damsel flies in tendril stages (dun), start tossing the nymph (three strips, pause, three strips, pause, etc.). If they're on the move, the fish will take them eagerly. But they head toward shore, so cast away from shore and strip accordingly.
Also, the the little creek you cross over the bridge when you turn off Gold Lakes road toward Sardine has a dirt road on your right which you can head up and park. Then walk toward the creek and fish up from there. Lots of little guys, but you will be surprised in the late afternoon/early evening what might be feeding.
