#Fly Fishing McCloud River

[fishkennedybrothers]

The Mac Attack

We had the pleasure of guiding four consecutive days on the McCloud River with our friends from Cal Trout. We had beautiful conditions with the fringes of fall starting to show and settle in. Wet wading season is over on this river until next year. The october caddis are starting to make appearances and the browns are headed up river to the spawning grounds.  Take a minute to watch the clips from…

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

John Richard reports on 5.9.19

McCloud River Fishing Report

The McCloud River is still experiencing high flows (532 CFS at Ah Di Na), but the fishing is quite good. The higher flows may limit some access and adjust the way you approach your favorite spot but it is likely that you’ll thoroughly enjoy your day. Last week our guides caught fish in a variety of ways. We were thrilled to throw the dry fly and on some days it would account for half the fish landed. The bobber went down plenty when we used the appropriate amount of weight and chose the proper fly. 

Most importantly the scenery is absolutely stunning, spring flowers, redbud, dogwood all backed by that new growth green of leafed out maples, alders, and willows. The conifers too are showing their new green tips. Along the banks our fly lines tangled around the pink clustered flowers of the elephant ear, beautifully ruining perfect cast or mends. 

The days have been warm and the mosquitos are vicious in camp and parking spots. The trail and the river are void of the mosquitos but they patiently await your return to the truck or campsite. Be aware that Ash Camp won’t have road access most of the season. You will have to park at the dam and walk. The road to Ah Di NA is in good shape but is heavily used by logging trucks. Drive slow around blind turns or you might feel like a mayfly splattered against the grill of a Mac truck. We have the best guides on the river and would love to show you around. 

Give us a call at 877-934-7466 or email info@wildwatersflyfishing.com

[largemouthbassnation]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Guide – AC Fly Fishing AC Fly Fishing, based in Redding California operates top quality guided Fly fishing on the McCloud River in California. Our top notch McCloud River fly fishing ... source

[fishing-exposed]

@ActiveNorCal: A beautiful brown trout caught on the McCloud River. Photo by Wild Waters Fly Fishing. https://t.co/JQYfX6jT4S

[fishkennedybrothers]

Arguably The Worlds Most Iconic Trout Stream

Arguably The Worlds Most Iconic Trout Stream

The mountains are stacked and packed in resplendent white and the lower valley’s are tasting the first flavors of spring as Northern California slowly inches out of the clenches of a truly heavy and wild winter.  Many rivers are still high or too muddy to fish.  But in the months to come that will all change as the weather settles down.  The parched State of California has water for the first…

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

Chuck Volckhausen reports on 9.6.18

The Hirz Fire is still burning up the McCloud arm from Shasta Lake.  The river is still open at The Nature Conservancy and above and the fishing is good if you can take the smoke.  Some days are worse than others. 

I’ve been fishing as far North as the Williamson and as far West as the lower Klamath.  It’s hard to get out of the smoke.  The fishing is good though.  

The Klamath river has some fish coming in and we caught some.  Water temps are warm and we’ll be waiting a bit to get after those fish.  

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

John Rickard reports on 6.21.18

McCloud River Fishing Report.

I have to keep this short. The McCloud River is fishing the best that I can remember in my 18 years of guiding it.

 Dry flies, nymphs or streamers take your pick. It’s too easy. Best go elsewhere. 

[largemouthbassnation]

Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Guides Report 6/14/19 AC Fly Fishing updates on the past week of Summer Trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento, Upper Sacramento, Pit, McCloud and Fall Rivers and talks about ... source

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

John Rickard at Wild Waters Reports on 11.9.2017

This is the last week of fishing on our beloved McCloud River and my last report till she reopens next spring. The recent storms and rain are putting a tad bit of color in her as well as rising flows and a lot of leaves. This week I chose flies that would stand out in these conditions and found more success on those big bows and browns that have been dropping everyones jaw this season. This yeare there have been many rainbows 18- 22 inches and a few bigger than that.  Absurd...but why?  I’m no fisheries biologist, but I have to assume that last winters high flows pushed these fish out of the river and into the lake.  In Shasta Lake, their diet went from bugs to fish and they grew big quickly. Thats my guess. 

These last days of the season you are bound to see huge browns on redds. These are spawning fish and need to be left alone. Be very careful where you wade and simply stay away from them. Typically, in the next run below a redd there will be rainbows eating eggs and nymphs displaced from the spawning activity above. These fish are fair game and a good place to catch one. Some of the most exciting fishing will come from throwing the big stimulator as the fish are finally keying in on the October Caddis that are much less prevalent then a couple weeks ago. 

Go walk her banks, say goodbye for the Winter, pay respects and catch one last one for the season. 2017, the year of big ones.

[lostcoastoutfitters]

Lower Sacramento Fly Fishing Report

Dave Neal reports on 5.8.19

The  Lower Sac River continues to be a solid option in northern California right now. Fishing was fantastic this week. We have been drifting the big Sac from Redding to Anderson as well as down through Cottonwood these past few weeks - fishing 3-4 different floats in order to keep things interesting. The Redding area and floats below Anderson are starkly different - each providing not only contrasting views but different experiences for anglers. The entire river is fishing well right now for wild trout but if you want to mix it up further - bring a streamer rod for side projects like smallmouth bass in the many trib creeks along the way. 

Bug hatches have been sparse probably due to the scouring 40K releases we experienced in early springtime… Despite that, fish are still keen on the classics: PMD nymphs, caddis and a variety of stoneflies. If you are observant you will see all three throughout the day and fish will eat your well-placed patterns.

Each day I continue to notice quite a few pteronarcys nymphs and shucks in the surface film and on bridge pilings. There are also more and more adult little yellow stones emerging along with a few goldens. The trout have been chowing on Rubber Legs in all sizes and patterns. I have a few dates still open in May for drifting the Lower Sac… 14, 15, 16, 17, 28, 29, 30. Get in my boat and let’s go fish. Another side observation… I’ve seen a fair number of salmon rolling and squirting up tailouts this week. I’ve noticed fresh ones in all sections of the Lower Sac that we have been fishing and I’ve talked with other guide buddies who have also noticed more of these fish around lately. I had a chance to chat w/ the survey crew the other day at Posse Grounds and they told me they are already seeing winter-run spawned-out carcasses along w/ fresh spring-run salmon in the river. They seemed pretty optimistic by these encounters.

Keep your fingers crossed that these past coupla wet spring seasons (2017 & 2019) continue to provide these fish with better water conditions and hopefully a rebound in numbers. Get up here before the heat of summer kicks in and pushes us out of the valley and up into the mountain freestone rivers (not a bad option either... the Upper Sac & McCloud and spring creeks… Hat Creek and Fall River will be fishing great really soon).

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

Wildwaters reports on 5.1.19

The Wild Waters Fly Fishing crew was not letting high water conditions spoil our "traditional" trout opener last weekend. Our guides found water to fish and fish to be caught. The snow melt is making it tougher than normal but over the years we have learned where and how to successfully handle these conditions. 

The McCloud River

Although flows were very high, somewhere north of 1100 cfs we were able to get it done. However, they are dropping and today are at 700cfs at Ah Di Nah. You can fish the edges effectively but expect to move around to find good locations.

 If the flows continue to drop many more spots will open up. Hatches are not really kicking in yet but we are seeing Golden Stone nymphs getting ready to join the party. The Conservancy is open and the care taker has set up residency. There is one shaky spot in the road just past the campground where a culvert has washed out but repairs are coming. Remember too the road to Ash Camp is closed just past the dam. You can walk in if you feel inclined or take a mountain bike, scooter, roller skates, etc

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

Wildwaters Fly Fishing Reports on 8.24.2017

I’m sorry we didn’t take any pictures of the six inchers your likely to catch, if….your fast enough. This is a challenging fishing report because the fishing on the McCloud river isn’t all that great. The little ones, who are faster then you, have taken over the feeding lanes and making you set the hook about a dozen times per hole. Sadly, coming up empty most of the time. I watch these guys hit and spit faster then I can say “Set that". The standard size fish completely have ignored most dry-flies and most nymphs, (at least on the dead drift). The summer lulls are here, its hot, there are no hatches, even the caddis have sought shade. Truth is we are only catching ten or so fish a day. When the fishing is tough its a good time to try something new. Some results may vary but here are a few fish we’ve guided people into lately.  We’d love to show you more on the river.

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

Wildwaters reports 4.23.219

The McCloud river opens in a couple weekends.  Along with the general trout season.  We’re looking forward to it.  The road into Ash Camp from McCloud Reservoir is closed just below the dam.  Foot access to the PCT is an easy walk down the road to Ash Camp. 

 The road into Ah di na is in ok shape with a little work needed to make access a bit easier on the truck.  Shouldn’t be an issue by opening weekend.  The flows are high but the river is dropping. 

 McCloud reservoir filled up fast with the last storm and as a result the river has been dirty below the dam.  I don’t think this will last to much longer.  Conditions may not be ideal but I trust the river is gonna fish for the opener.

[lostcoastoutfitters]

Upper Sacramento and McCloud Fly Fishing Report

Rick Cox reports on 8.10.17

The beauty of fishing our rivers these days is the lack of people fishing, we have had recent days where we haven't seen another soul on the water... believe me not complaining. The recent hot spell is behind us now and temps are hanging around highs of 90 degrees with some afternoon thunderstorm activity. I like these types of days, the humidity increase along with moderate temps and overcast skies can induce a fish to step up to the feeding trough. The Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers are having a sporadic caddis hatch that necessitates you making sure you have the appropriate nymph and dry imitations for this... see the recommended bug list below. The Upper Sac has been good down low in the morning then best to move up river in the afternoon before the water temp spikes. The McCloud on the other hand has it's normal cold water and thus a chance to get into one of these big browns the river is so famous for. If you want your own personal river now is the time to be here, give us a shout!

Recommended Bugs .... Nymphs

Dirty Bird #8-12

Red Fox Squirrel #8-10

October Caddis Pupa #8-10

Plump Poopah #8-10

Jimmy Legs #4-14

LBS (dig back to a certain previous report)

Gordon Prince #14-16

Copper John (red & copper) #14-16

Tan or Olive Fox Poopah #14-16

Soft Hackles #14-16

Dries

Humpy #14-16

Adams #10-18

X-Caddis #8-14

E/C Caddis #14-16

Stimulator #8-14

PMD #14-16

If you have any further questions please call the shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Cheers,

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

John Rickard at Wild Waters Fly Fishing Reports on 7.12.17

The McCloud has some color which scares many anglers away but with some adjusted techniques it can fish very well. This is the time of the year when we are worried about Mud Creek’s affect on the upper river and reservoir. Despite the glacial melt, the last few days have seen some really nice fish in the net. There are some big browns showing up throughout the river system from Bollibokka to the dam. But its the famous McCloud River Rainbow that draws anglers from all over. Those fat bows can make your day and are taking back over the feeding lane after last weeks Full Moon. Sadly, there are very few bugs around, dry fly fisherman should focus on attractor patterns, caddis and yellow sallies. Nymphers should cover plenty of water and consider the visibility when picking the depth and color of their fly. The water is great for wet wading, but with less visibility its hard to know if your next step is safe unless its a step you’ve taken before. We would love to show you around.

[lostcoastoutfitters]

McCloud River Fly Fishing Report

Wildwaters Fly Fishing Reports on 7.20.2017

The McCloud River gave us a show last week. We ended up with some great fish and some good dry fly fishing. Overall the hatches are weak this year. However for 20-30 minutes, the PMD hatch was damn fine and there are enough Yellow Sallies flying around to keep the trout looking up throughout the day. Unless you see rising fish, its best to cover the water and fish as many spots you can. The fish that are on the hunt don’t need a second cast. The glacial melt allows us to creep up a little closer then normal and perfect the drag free drift. Nymphers should also consider the glacial tint in choosing their fly size and color. When visibility is an issue consider fishing the pocket water or swinging soft hackles through the tail-outs. Despite the good fishing and beautiful sunny days, there were not a lot of anglers out. The McCloud was left for only a few of us. It was a pleasure to pull up to the Nature Conservancy and not see a single rig. We’ve been in every stretch of the river this month and from to to bottom she is fishing well, come fish it with us.