The Creation and History of Yuba Fest

The first Yuba Fest event was held on August 13th, 2018 at Sycamore Ranch. It was a partnership with my educational guide service, Fly Fishing Traditions, the Gold Country Fly Fishers and the Reel Anglers Fly Shop. It was created after Lance Grey and Jon Baiocchi, Northern California fly fishing guides, had decided not to continue with their Yuba Jubilee event. Yuba Fest was created as a celebration for individuals who recreate, fly fish, and protect and enhance the Lower Yuba River. Those goals still hold true to this day.

The Yuba Jubilee created by Lance Grey and Jon Baiocchi had primarily focused on the self promotion of fly fishing guides and businesses and was targeted at Northern California fly clubs and individuals that fished the Lower Yuba River. The Yuba Fest event, quite differently, was a transformation of the Yuba Jubilee that focused on conservation and fly fishing skills education.

The second annual Yuba Fest Event took place on October 12th, 2019. A partnership of Fly Fishing Traditions, the Gold Country Fly Fishers, and the Northern California Council of Fly Fishers International  worked hard to organize the event. The event focused on Youth Fly Fishing and Conservation. The event had a respectful attendance and was enjoyed by those that attended.

The 2020 event was in the planning stage and Covid hit. The 2020 and 2021 events had to be canceled because of the pandemic.

For 2022 Yuba Fest is back. It is hosted by the Northern California Council, Fly Fishers International (NCCFFI). It is also a fund raiser for the NCCFFI. The NCCFFI is partnering with Fly Fishing Traditions, the Gold Country Fly Fishers, and the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL). This years event is a two day event with many activities for attendees to participate in. There will be opportunities for fly casting, educational workshops, conservation groups and fly fishing skills stations. There will be lunch and dinner opportunities as well as live music.

It is my hope that Yuba Fest will continue to be a major fly fishing and conservation event in Northern California for years to come.

Clay Hash

You can visit nccffi.org/yubafest for the program.Yuba Fest Program