Sycamore Ranch (Lower Yuba) Beginner Outing
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026, 9am to 2pm
Location: 5390 CA-20, Browns Valley, CA 95918
Fishmaster: Mark Likos
Fishmaster contact info available to GPFF members at https://www.grizzlypeakflyfishers.org/directory
Although this outing is open to all club members, priority placement will be given to first time participants & novice club members. Coaches will be present to work with the same. [1]
Needed Gear:
- Rod, Reel & matched fly line,
- Boots,
- Waders with belt,
- Wading Staff with lanyard,
- Safety glasses with lanyard,
- Current Fishing License & Steelhead Card,
- Gear Vest (or Option),
- Assorted Leaders: (mono-tapered Dry Fly (#3, 4 or 5) & Nymph type #3, 4 or 5)
- Assorted seasonal Flies in a couple of different sizes,
- Hat,
- Assorted split shot,
- Assorted strike indicators,
- Assorted Tippet line (#4, 5, & 6),
- Safety Whistle,
- First Aid Kit, and Water Bottle. Suggested Landing net, Fly Floatant & PFD
- This is the recommended list of essential gear for most ALL stream-side outings.
NOTE: You won’t be allowed to participate without the red-colored safety items.
The section of this central California tail-water is big-river fly fishing. Wide, faster water conditions typically with deep water crossing. We chose this site as it has entry level to difficult wading exposures that an angler can experience all in the same area. The river substrate is mostly medium to large round river-rock, somewhat difficult/tiring to wade over time (hard on the ankles).
This is a good river to see and experience most wading conditions. You will use your wading staff to practice the 3-leg walk that you will use frequently in northern California streams. Your coach can help you. It will take practice to get better at wading.
We’ll come ready for both dry fly and nymphing setups, targeting the 12 to 14-inch trout known for the area (24-inchers are occasionally seen) but our focus will be getting the newer fly fishers acclimated to typical stream fishing conditions and how to address those issues safely. (Practicing the 3 foundational knots & casts are the keys to success in my opinion)
The limit to this outing is 12 for this event. Another novice outing will be added as demand dictates. Register NOW if interested.
Directions: Head to Marysville, (follow google) from there to the Ranch. Drive to the end of the lot, bring a lunch. Schedule 2 ¼ hours from the Bay. Be ON TIME, we will leave promptly at 9am
[1] ALL participants are expected to have learned and have confidence in the 3 foundational knots as taught by Grizzly Peak Education (Perfection Loop, Davy Knot & Surgeons Knot) and be able to competently complete an Overhead, Roll & Water haul cast. Practice ahead of time as needed.
