Archive | May, 2017

Slowly Improving Conditions

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Memorial Day weekend rapidly approaching and some of you are angsting about the river conditions. The McCloud dropped into very fishy shape this week but the hot weather returned and the high elevation melt kicked in. I of course took advantage of the window with satisfying results. The river is presently at 325cfs, a bit high from normal summer flows of 240cfs. As you can see it is approachable and worth a go. Visiblity is in the 4-5 ft. range and not much for hatches yet. Warm weather is forecasted this weekend so the river could spike up … or maybe not. You just gotta keep checking those online flows.

The Upper Sac has climbed back up to the 2000cfs range or as I call it The Pucker Line. Yes there are a few high water spots available but for the most part if you do not know them then you are probably wasting your precious time. These flows are excellent for the whitewater guys and they will probably be whooping it up here this weekend. When she drops below the Pucker Line then it’s time to get with it, these fish haven’t been harassed since last Fall.

Rick Cox

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Snow Melt Is On

The mighty McCloud

The mighty McCloud

The Snow melt has kicked in after 80 degree weather the last few days. The Upper Sac is now at 4500 cfs, way BIG, and the McCloud is running at 900cfs at Ah Di Na. PG&E has stated that the McCloud Dam release will hold steady at the 900 cfs mark for the rest of May unless there is an extreme weather event. The river at 900 cfs is approachable but be careful….edges, edges is the key for finding fish. The shots below were taken last Saturday on my visit to Ah Di Na Campground and beyond. As you can see there are fallen trees at the campground but people/diehards camping. The water was not on and alot of cleanup had to be done. Also I was able to drive to the Preserve parking lot but there are trees blocking access into some of the rough camp sites. Of note the river has received a major scouring so be prepared to witness a different looking river when you visit …. just as beautiful as usual though.

Ah Di Na tree damage

Ah Di Na tree damage

Note the scouring

Note the scouring

Note how high the river got

Note how high the river got

A kayaker actually shot these falls recently on the Upper McCloud and survived with a black eye.

A kayaker actually shot these falls recently on the Upper McCloud and survived with a black eye.