California Fly Fishing & Other Activities in Downieville

• Fly Fishing Vacation -  The Lure resort is located on 14 beautiful riverfront acres along California's North Fork of the Yuba River, which was featured in the Fly Fisherman Magazine - March 2004.  With its origin near the crest of the Sierras, the Yuba River offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities.  The river wanders through meadows of Brook Trout filled waters, tumbles over boulders in pocket water rich with Rainbow Trout.  The small creeks that feed the river present the opportunity to fish an entire day and not see another angler. Not to be overlooked for fishing trips are the lakes in the nearby Sierra Basin and Bullard's Bar Reservoir.
  • Fish - The North Fork of the Yuba is primarily a Rainbow Trout fishery. The fishing open season is all year.  The average trout is 12" - 14" with fish in the 16" - 18" range topping off a good day on the river.  Fish over 20" can be taken by experienced and patient anglers.  Remember they didn't get that big by taking everything that floated by. The experienced angler may also find some of the river's Brown Trout lurking in the deeper pools that the river offers.  In its uppermost reaches and in many of the feeder creeks spunky, fly smashing Brook Trout wait for you.  The California Department of Fish and Game also plants catchable Rainbow Trout throughout the year at bridges and campgrounds along Hwy 49 in Sierra county.  Please learn how to tell the difference between wild and hatchery reared fish.  We encourage the catch and release of wild trout.  Hatchery-reared fish are a "Put & Take" resource meant to be harvested.
• Fly’s - The North Fork of the Yuba tends to be non-hatch specific, unlike many other trout fisheries.  We experience an excellent October Caddis hatch starting late in September.  This is not an all inclusive list but should be used as a starting point for packing your fly box.
  • Dry
    • Little Yellow Sally - This imitates the Little Yellow Stone Fly's that hatch during the summer and is also the proper size and color for the dominate May Fly hatch during the warm summer months.  Sizes 14 - 18
    • Elk Hair Caddis - The best all around Caddis patterns for fishing fast or slow water.  Works well twitched across the surface or in a dead drift.  Size 12 - 16
    • Red Humpy - Rides high is choppy water and also doubles as a lady Bug pattern during the June hatch.  Size 14 - 16
    • Black Fur Ant - Trout love 'em!  A food source that is available all year long, fish this on flowing water below logs and stumps extending into or over water.
    • Adams Parachute - In a Gray/Brown color this pattern is close in size and color to many of the areas hatches.  As an emerger style it places the body and tail in the surface film.  Size 14 - 16
  • Nymphs - Nymphing under an indicator can produce some of the best fishing during sunny days or cold water conditions.  Also try one of these as a dropper under a dry fly.  Remember if you are using a dropper to match it to the size of the dry fly so it stays afloat.
    • Green Rock Worm Size 12
    • Turkey Bead-Head This in one of the bread and butter nymphs for fishing on the river.  It is easy to tie and very effective.  Size 12 - 16
    • Golden Stone Nymph Size 8 - 12
    • Bead Head Prince Size 14 - 16
    • Copper John Size 12 - 16
    • Green Glass Bead Caddis Size 12 - 16
    • Red Copper John Size 12 - 16
    • Bead Head Hare’s Ear Size 12 - 16
    • Flash Back Bead Head Pheasant Tail Size 14 - 16
• Fishing Guides
  • C&R Guide Service - Run by one of the most experienced California fly fishing guides, Ralph Wood.  Ralph can be reached at (530) 477-0780 or by e-mail.
• Current Fishing Conditions - You can view current river condition and fishing reports.
• Fly Fishing Clinics -  Learn from one of the best.  Four hours of intensive fly fishing stream instruction on reading water and fishing techniques including, indicator nymphing, pocket water tactics and dry fly fishing.  C&R Guide Service will also do some stream insect sampling.  Hatches and fly patterns for the North Yuba will be discussed.  Basic casting skills, waders, boots and a 4, 5 or 6 weight rod are required.  You will be fly fishing during and after the clinic so please come prepared.  Contact C&R Guide Service to register at (530) 477-0780. 
• Spinning Gear - Light line and slow down stream retrieves are the key to success.  Panther Martins in Copper/Red or Yellow/Black are effective colors.  Using live bait the key is slack line dead drifting.

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• Yuba River Rafting and Kayak - April, May and June are white water rafting season on the North Fork of the Yuba River. The season sometimes extend into mid-July depending on snow pack and run off rate.  Filled with Class IV and Class V rapids and bordered by the Sierra's scenic majesty, the North Fork offers unparalleled adventure for white water rafting enthusiasts.  If you are using an outfitter you should contact them at least 14 days prior to your arrival to ensure you get the trip and days that fit your schedule.
• Outfitters
• Tributary Whitewater Tours - (800) 672-3846
• Whitewater Voyages - (800) 488-7238

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• Hiking - On your way up to the resort stop by the Downieville Rangers Station and pick up free maps of the many trail in and around the Downieville area.  We also have placed a small collections of maps in each cabin for you to use while you are here.  The hiking options range from a gentle short stroll to challenging multi-miles adventures.

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• Horseback Riding - Looking for a well mannered and capable mount for a wilderness ride?  We highly recommend Reid Horse & Cattle Company.  Their knowledgeable staff will help match you to the perfect mount as well as help you select the trip that's right for you.  They can be reached at (530) 283-1147.  You should call before you arrive at the resort to make sure you get the dates and trip you want.

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• Bird Watching - With our location in the Tahoe National Forest we can offer you the opportunity to see some of the more than 55 species of birds that are common to the area.  Watch Bald Eagles soar on the thermal currents, Ospreys patrol the river for fish and Grosbeaks forage the undergrowth for food.  We have 5 species of Humming Birds that frequent our feeders from March until November.

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• Swimming in the Yuba River - With over 1/2 mile of riverfront it isn't hard to find a place to cool off on a hot summers day.  There are several natural swimming holes that we can direct you to after you arrive.  During the summer months parents and their children build small pools in the river with the abundant river rocks.

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• Golf in Sierra County- If your fly fishing vacation isn't complete without swinging the sticks, then get ready to tee'em up!  Just a short drive from the resort some of Northern California's best golf awaits.  We recommend calling ahead for tee times.
• Graeagle Meadows Golf Course
  18 hole championship golf course
  Graeagle Meadows Golf Course is well known for its breathtaking mountain and river views. For more information, call (530) 836-2323.
• Feather River Inn
  9 hole Par 35 golf course
  Golf at the historical Feather River Inn in this Nine hole, par 35 course that offers great golfing for all skill levels. For more information, call (530) 836-2722.
• Feather River Park
  9 hole Par 35 golf course
  Set on the Middle Fork of the Feather River, this Nine hole, par 35 course is nicely situated in a wooded meadow. For more information, call (530) 836-2328.

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• Gold Panning and Museums
  • Gold Panning - Gold panning is open to the public at the Union Flat campground, and in Downieville just behind the Riverview Pizzeria. Gold pans and panning instructions are available at the Sierra Gold Shop in Downieville.  The property along the Lure river front is "Pans & Hands" only.
  • The Underground Gold Miners Museum offers tours of the famous Sixteen to One Mine which has been in operation for over 100 years. Tours are by reservation only. 530-287-3330.
  • The Kentucky Mine, Stamp mill and Museum are located just east of Sierra City on Highway 49. The museum offers guided tours into the underground mine and also into California’s only remaining workable gold ore stamp mill. The museum depicts the gold rush era of Sierra County, life in a mining camp, and the local American Indian culture. For tour information and operating hours call the Sierra County Historical Society at 530-862-1310.

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• Mountain Biking Vacation Downieville - Satisfy your fat tire desire in Downieville; ride the North Yuba Trail with Halls Ranch and Fiddle Creek Ridge, and the Downie River Trail and 1st , 2nd, and 3rd Divide trails. Some of the best California Mountain Biking!
  • Outfitters

• Yuba Expeditions Bike Shop and Shuttle Service. 105 Commercial Street in Downieville. Full service bike shop. Shuttles and guided trips. Santa Cruz full-suspension demo bikes.  530-289-3010
• Downieville Outfitters. 208 Main Street. in Downieville  Rentals, shuttle service, supplies, repair. Bikes for sale. Snowshoe rentals. 530-289-0155.

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• Restaurants Downieville California

• Downieville Grocery. Main Street, Downieville. Groceries, produce, meat, video rental and fly fishing supplies. Open all year. Downieville Grocery Communications Center - fax, copy machines, and e-mail/internet access. 530-289-3596.
• Grubstake Saloon and Grill. Main Street Downieville. Family dining. Hamburgers, steaks, pasta, homemade soups, Seafood and sandwiches. Beer on tap. Great wine selection. open 11:00am to 9:00pm. Closed Thursdays. 530-289-0289
• Gallows Pizzeria. Main Street Downieville. Dining on the Deck. Featuring pizza, hot sandwiches, salads and more. Open all year 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. 530-289-3540
• St. Charles Place. 101 Commercial Street. This is the friendliest saloon in the Sierras. Pool, pinball, darts, poker, and good music. Open all year. 530-289-3237
• Downieville Motors Food Mart. Deli sandwiches, beer and sodas. 530-289-3431.
   

• Shopping Downieville California

• Sierra Hardware. Main Street, Downieville. General hardware. Hunting and fishing licenses. Fishing tackle, sporting goods, camping supplies. Open all year. 530-289-3582
• Mountain Harvest Crafts Co-op. Behind Downieville Grocery. Handmade by local artists. Quilts, wreaths, books, holiday crafts, etc. Thu. - Mon 10-5 summer. Fri. Sat. & Sun. all year.
• Miners Emporium. located in the heart of Sierra City, 221 Main Street. Miners, hikers, tourists and locals are all welcome. Take a look at our extensive book collection, everything from historic mining books to the latest trails, including info on the PCT.  530-862-0630

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