FISHING THERAPY
All Things Wild — That Swim

It has been my good fortune for the past 40 years to explore, hike and fish the country in and around Nevada City, California. I am pleased to say I look forward to my outings today with just as much relish as the first time in 1970.

North fork of the Yuba River.

There is no finer place to set up a base camp for fishing in the Sierra Nevada than in Nevada City. Our small, historic town of 3,000 people is perfectly situated on the Sierra's western slope. It is also within easy reach of the wonderful waters that flow through the Tahoe National Forest. A climate moderated by a wide range of elevations makes fishing possible 12 months out of the year in either the valley or Sierra fishing districts, both of which straddle Nevada City. Depending on where you go and during what season, species range from rainbow or German brown trout (with some brook, mackinaw and steelhead) to bass, kokanee salmon and pan fish.

Included in and out of the forest boundaries is the Yuba River system, with its three forks, and the Truckee and Bear rivers, along with their many tributaries. The entire area is dotted with numerous lakes, with all levels of access, ranging from boat ramped to walk-in wilderness area lakes.

Fly casters should check in with Tony Dumont, owner of the Nevada City Angler at 417-C Broad Street, for the best tips, tackle, equipment and literature around. Tony and his website, nevadacityanglers.com, have comprehensive fishing information as well as a regularly updated fishing report.

After a hard day of fishing, come back to Nevada City and enjoy the fine restaurants, bars and entertainment. You will feel right at home with the wide range of locally owned, high-quality businesses.

And then there is Nevada City's superlative SPD Market. Here you can pick up a fishing license, the regulations and everything from night crawlers to Rapalas. You can also secure all the food and beverage provisions needed for your outing. They are located at 735 Zion Street, or you can visit spdmarket.com.

As for lodging, the Outside Inn, which specializes in housing outdoor recreation enthusiasts, is charming, well priced and an easy walk to downtown. They are at outsideinn.com; or call 530-265-2233 for a reservation.

For further information on fishing and any other outdoor activity in the Tahoe National Forest, which encompasses 800,000 acres and is headquartered in Nevada City, visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe or drop by the office at 631 Coyote Street. While there are other great places to fish, there is no better base camp for a Sierra fishing expedition than Nevada City.