Fishing the lower Yuba? Stay Current on Do’s and Don’ts

The first of December marks the opening of fishing season from Highway 20 to Englebright Dam in the lower Yuba River. Every year the fishing season closes temporarily to allow time for native fish to spawn and recover. The Yuba River watershed has unique regulations that vary throughout the different stretches and tributaries. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate or crustacean in California. Below is a summary of regulations on the lower Yuba River. For a comprehensive look at regulations please check out the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Guide.

From the Confluence with the Feather River to Highway 20:

• Fishing open all year.
• Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
• Daily catch limits: 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead.
  • Hatchery trout are identified by having a healed adipose fin clip. All other trout and
    steelhead must immediately be released.
• Total limits of possession: 4 hatchery trout or steelhead.

From Highway 20 to Englebright Dam:

• Fishing is open from December 1 to August 31.
  • Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
  • Daily catch limits: 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead.
    • Hatchery trout are identified by having a healed adipose fin clip. All other trout and steelhead must immediately be released.
  • Total limits of possession: 4 hatchery trout or steelhead.
• All fishing is CLOSED from August 31 to December 1.

Other regulations on the lower Yuba River:

• The LYR is CLOSED to the take of salmon. There should be no fishing intended to catch salmon. Any salmon caught accidentally must be released immediately.
• All anglers must have a Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for or taking steelhead in anadromous waters.
  • These must be completed and returned.
  • A steelhead is defined as any rainbow trout greater than 16 inches.
• It is unlawful to fish without a fishing license if you are 16 or older.
• It is unlawful to leave litter in or near water.
• Fishing licenses can be purchased from CDFW.