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January 2016 winter steelhead.

January for us is a special month. Its time for us to get our fish on. We have been running all around the State of Jefferson and beyond, sleeping on the side of rivers, in the truck and even the luxury of the well needed dry warm hotel room. Can’t tell you how much fun its been. Not all play though, were still doing our guide trips and if you want to get out and get some fishing in for yourself feel free to hit us up. Hope to see you out there!!!

Having a beer with a dearly missed friend, big fuzz.

Coastal searching for green water.

You can almost always find it on the Klamath

The Klamath river did finally blow out for a few days below Iron Gate dam for the first time in years. We’re still out there getting the job done

Klamath River Winter Steelhead fishing

Great looking Klamath fish!!!

Spending some time at the vise

How the hell did we get here???

and how did this guy get here???

Motel staff most likely hate fishermen.

One of these counts as catching one. We started the day off with 12 in the net.

Dropping in….

Stew lands a nice wild buck

Damion holding a beauty. She tasted so good too!

A great day of Winter Steelhead fishing! My old friends from Colorado came out to get in on some chrome lightning. We hired Casey Malepsy and his buddy Robert to take us out with the spinning rods and man did we have a good time. The boys went home with some great looking fish!

November 11, 2015 Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

The last two weeks on the McCloud River have been great. Silly numbers one day, the largest Rainbow I have ever seen caught another, big Brownies, and fall colors worthy of a portrait. The weather cooled, then it rained, and then the river lit up. It has been excellent fishing since but alas she closes this Sunday, November 15 for a much needed rest. Mark your calendar April 30, 2016 is when she opens again. In the mean time rest well this winter you beautiful living being, those of us who have been seduced by you will be back … God willing.
The Upper Sacramento River keeps rocking with the upper sections still showing many October Caddis. You are not going to get fish to come up on your big Oct. Caddis imitations on every cast but now is a good time to cast away with a dry/dropper setup. The fish are so anxious after seeing the ovipositing from these guys the last month that they can no longer control themselves. The suicidal fish just gotta have one of these choice bugs and their resistance meter is at zero. The lower sections have also been fishing well but your best bet on getting into fish is nymphing with my favorite choices …. LBS!!! Remember this river is open all winter but regs switch over t catch and release … no bait, dynamite or hand grenades. This river is an excellent fishery for big rainbows during the winter and our guides know it better than anyone else. Give us a call.

The Klamath River is giving up some very good steelhead days now. The Wild Waters Fly Fishing guys are covering the river from Happy Camp up to Iron Gate Dam and reporting good numbers of fish with fresh fish mixed in. Recent rains are helping things out along with a big temperature drop in the water. If you like this river or have thought about it now is the time to get on it and book a trip with us.

The Lower Sac is producing some nice fish as reported by Wild Waters Fly Fishing guides and the “egg bite” is still on. Another excellent choice I must say. Give us a shout.

October 28, 2015 Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

The Brownies have been active on the McCloud, the gorgeous fall weather continues and the October Caddis are blanketing the river the last couple of hours of daylight. The native browns as opposed to the less stylish Shasta Lake run browns are busting out in their finest colors to match the colors of fall. Also the McCloud Rainbows have joined in the gig …. they are all holding a dance card for you. It’s a spectacle that only occurs this time of year and you best get your ticket and pack your bags, there’s only a few more weeks left till “Party Over”.

The Upper Sac is also fishing well. The drill is nymph mornings and afternoons then when the October Caddis start their party use a stimmie/dropper. You will find the October Caddis concentrated from Sims up river and are especially THICK from Dunsmuir to Ney Springs.

The Klamath River just gets better and better each day with fresh fish showing from Happy Camp up to Iron Gate Dam. The last 3 weeks here have been memorable so enjoy the fish porn below …. wishing you were here.

Montana Daze

Categories: Fishing Report

My annual tour of Montana recently took me through the southwestern part of the state. Along with my pals Buster and Derf we fished 8 rivers in 3 weeks either floating or wading. Bears and moose were encountered but we survived to fish another day. We used the full arsenal of flies and methods with the collateral damage being 3 broken rods. Mothers little helpers … 2 bottles of Ibuprofen for the sore knees and backs, 75 cappuccinos (I brought a machine) and copious quantities of pastries. Enjoy the shots and put this area on your bucket list.

Rick Cox

September 3rd, 2015. Fishing Report.

Categories: Fishing Report

There are signs of Fall on the horizon. Colored leaves and cool nights, have things changing up here in the State of Jefferson. The McCloud River remains very colored up with about 28 inches of visibility, however the fish have been eating and looking healthy. We’ve had some epic battles with brutes and some wonderful fish to hand. Though there is very little dry fly action right now, some of our bigger rainbows were still taken off the surface. The Upper Sac has really benefited from the cool nights and some great fishing is being reported. The Lower Sacramento is to remain your best bet for big fish but if you put your ear in the Klamath River you can hear them coming. A wad of salmon, steelhead and half pounders are pouring their way up the lower river and heading our way. We are keeping a close eye on their progress. It is an annual event and that time is here. They are coming.

To the rope at the Nature Conservancy.

Where the big one got away.

So good to see you Barr! We don’t get to do this enough anymore

Its that time of year again. An awesome sunrise every morning! Guides day off and were going fishing!We put the bobber rod down to swing a run.

What a treat! These early fish are always a gamble.

SO PRETTY!

August 20th 2015, Fishing Report.

Categories: Fishing Report

The McCloud river is holding strong with 2′ or more of visibility. We have been seeing some very healthy fish come to the net. Hatches are not easy to find but fish have been reacting to a variety of different bugs throughout the day and into the evening. On the Lower Sac fishing remains hot. These fish are really showing what the Lower Sac is all about, with some of the fattest bellies on trout I have ever seen. If you feel like trout are easy to land, your not fishing here. The Upper Sac is low and clear and the upper sections have been providing some good fishing for the less experienced anglers. McCloud Res. is full of fish and were not having any problem picking up good numbers on any given day. Some hatches are still happening out there in the early morning and later part of the evening.

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August 13th fishing report

Categories: Fishing Report

The McCloud blew out a few weeks ago and has been on a steady rate of recovery ever since. She’s back to her glacial color and providing some good fishing. Some big fish have made our anglers days while the average fish is still in the 10-12 inches. Afternoon hatches have been slim but the fish will still feed off the surface. Stick to your favorite attractors or match the yellow sally for best top water success. We will be out there a lot over the next weeks so stay tuned for more fishing reports on the McCloud River.

Besides the McCloud, Our Guides have been on the Rogue catching some Salmon and Summer Steelhead.

July 23, 2015 Mt. Shasta Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

Our past week on the Nor Cal rivers has brought successful summer days of fishing for clients. Yes there is plenty of water up here, all of our streams are flowing at healthy levels and the trout are enjoying the cool water during the warm summer. Recent thunderstorms have even added a little flow to the rivers. The McCloud River is running a bit off color but that has not stopped us from putting fish in the net. The 60 degree water is just the right recipe for these bows and browns … angling pressure is light so enjoy the bite. The Upper Sacramento River has been fishing well on the mid and upper sections. On hot days we do not recommend fishing on the lower sections of the the river. Nymphing and getting your flies down has been the ticket here. Lake Siskiyou in the evenings is rewarding customers with a combo of trout and smallmouth bass. McCloud Reservoir is looking great right now and we are seeing double digit days of fish to the boat. Anthony Carruesco reports the following for the Lower Sac …

The early morning and evening fishing down here in the Valley has been stellar. Good dry fly happening at last light. Half day is the way to go right now.

Looking for some summer fun, give us a shout at Wild Waters Fly Fishing!
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July 9th 2015 Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

Northern California has had some heat waves, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and a full moon to throw some inconsistent fishing over the last week. Overall, fishing has been good with some really big fish being put in the net on the McCloud River. Though there are some big fish in the system right now, the little fish have taken over the feeding lanes and voraciously grabbing our flies, a typical full moon trend. Plan on some great yellow sallies stoneflies and pmd hatches to make the dry fly the technique of choice. As the nights become darker daytime feeding of the bigger fish will return.

June Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

The Mt Shasta region has been fishing well this summer. The days are hot and long but there is no better place to be than in a cool river catching trout. Junes highlight has been the McCloud River. With great hatches it has been a dry fly fisherman’s dream. We went from salmonflies in the early days to golden stones, green drakes, and lately the pmd’s and yellow sallies. Some large fish have crushed big stonefly patterns lately, just a couple of those kind of takes is all I need to smile big all day. The McCloud should remain awesome but expect the upcoming full moon and hot weather to slow the bite. As the water warms the dead drift becomes less meaningful, swing some soft hackles and hang on.

Meanwhile, other fisheries like the Sacramento have been delighting anglers with some big bows, drift trips on the Lower Sacramento have been great in the mornings or evenings, our guides have been reporting good dry fly action!

What the Hex else is there? Oh yeah, those big yellow mayflies are being eaten by bass and trout nightly. Fifteen minutes of crazy fishing, dont tangle or break one off or you’ll miss the bite.

We have been busy but we still have openings and would love to get you on the water. Check out all these photos from our latest trips and go fish.

Guides night out after a day in the office. We caught a bunch a backyard fish.

The McCloud River in June! A dry fly fisherman’s dream.

Like father like son, Brooks and BT getting it done!

They must just taste so good…

Emma, in proper form!

BROWN’S ALL YOU

John and Archie, holding some huge fish!

Fishing Report May 28, 2015

Categories: Fishing Report

The Stones are really starting to bust out up here on both the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers. These rivers are in sweet shape and begging for your presence. NOW is the time to get off your butts and enjoy the fun of a big nose attacking your stimulator. Warm weather (finally) in the forecast will also kick all mayfly and caddis hatches into gear. During the slow periods of top action nymphing has been solid. The Lower Sac remains very steady for large bows and clients are wearing out their arms fighting these big boys. Life is short, the window of opportunity is here, get on up here!

Mr. Golden Stone

McCloud Peace

Hang On

Upper Sac Fight On

Smile

McCloud Rainbow

May 7th, 2015 Northern California Fishing Report

Categories: Fishing Report

We are continuing to fish on the McCloud river, Upper Sac and Lower Sac. In general the fishing has been fair to good. We are seeing fish eat dry flies on the upper rivers and we only expect the hatches to grow each day. The Lower Sac continues to be a strong hold of good fishing. With all the trout streams open in California we have also been spending time on some lesser know waters. The best trout fishing of the year is just around the corner. Be ready!

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Testimonials

“I am extremely picky about who I hire as a guide. I have hired many, and have only returned to one company over and over again – Wild Waters Fly Fishing.

Thanks to them, I feel comfortable fishing the McCloud on my own, confident that I will choose the right flies and find the feeding lanes. I feel safe with them. And I am a stronger fisher as a result of their teaching and patience. They focus on what the client wants out of the trip…very client focused.

I have learned incredible casting tricks for catching steelhead to get a perfect drift which makes even the pickiest fish bite.

I am a regular customer and would not go with any other company. Believe me, I researched guides for a while before I went with them years ago. I have been a regular customer ever since.

Regards, Happy Female Client”

“Fishing with John at Wild Waters is always a great experience. This trip focused on a day on the McCloud where John’s experience really paid off because he knew where all the big browns were hiding. The next day was all about Stealhead, floating the Klamath. Great fun and some nice fish. The last day was spent on some secret holes on the Upper Sacramento. Not only is John knowledgeable,(think fish whisperer), but he is patient and fun to spend long days on the water with. I highly endorse Wild Waters Fly Fishing Guide Services. I wouldn’t fish the Mt Shasta area without them.”

“Wild Waters offers an emmersion into the world of NorCal flyfishing that doesn’t come around very often. They not only were incredible teachers of technigue and fly selection, they were true sportsman with a depth of knowledge of the McCloud, the Klamath, and many other California rivers. They took me into a remote part of the McCloud that was tricky to hike into and wade through (an area that I would not be able to access on my own bc I’m an above the knee amputee), and they made it an experience of a lifetime standing side by side me through fast rapids, and sneaking up on boulders to scout good holes, and tweaking my casting technigue just enough to land dozens of rainbows. I will never fish with anyone else again in NorCal. I’m hooked on Wild Waters for the long term!”

“John and Chuck are incredible guides. Aside from being great guys, they couldn’t have been any more helpful as they took us from beginners to catching fish in a matter of minutes, with tips to remember for next time.”

“I’ve fished with the guys at Wild Waters a few times now (I think I’ve fished will all but one of their guides), and they have impressed me more and more each time. They know the water incredibly well, and it even feels like the know the individual fish sometimes. Plus they’re fun guys to fish with, and you can’t underestimate the value of that. Recommended without reservation.”

Wild Waters Fly Fishing

A Northern California / Southern Oregon Orvis Endorsed Guide Service

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Archive by Author

January 2016 winter steelhead.

November 11, 2015 Fishing Report

October 28, 2015 Fishing Report

Montana Daze

September 3rd, 2015. Fishing Report.

August 20th 2015, Fishing Report.

August 13th fishing report

July 23, 2015 Mt. Shasta Fishing Report

July 9th 2015 Fishing Report

June Fishing Report

Fishing Report May 28, 2015

May 7th, 2015 Northern California Fishing Report

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