It was nice having the river to ourselves all summer, but word has finally gotten out and people are out fishing the McCloud. Water clarity has improved even more. Visibility is up to about 4 feet, more than enough to yield some good fishing. There are a variety of mayfly hatches in the afternoon, but still haven’t seen an October caddis. Fish are finally starting to look up to some dry flies, a welcome sight after a long stint of fishing sub surface. Sounding like a broken record here: there are lots of brown trout around this year. Mid week Ah-di-na campground was nearing half full. I expect by this weekend getting a tag to fish the nature conservancy will require an early start.
Upper Sac
The Upper Sac has been a bit finnicky with weather changes. Nonetheless there are some bigger fish kicking around in the lower river. Some more warm afternoons in the forecast should mean good fishing ahead.
Klamath
Water clarity is improving quickly. There are clearly lots of fish moving through the system. If you are waiting to make plans to fish the upper river, I wouldn’t wait much longer. All signs point to another great fall on the Klamath.
Southern Oregon
Our guides ventured up to Southern Oregon to do some trout fishing on spring creeks. We got to see some awesome water and bad ass, lake run trout. Gin clear water and 6x tippet means we got more scenic photos than hero shots. Looking forward to spending some more time on these rivers next summer.
Our favorite time of year to be on the water is just around
the corner. As temperatures drop, our fishing options start to open up.
The McCloud
Water Clarity continues to be an issue on the McCloud. The river
was fishing great for most of the summer, but August rainstorms have once again
brought dirty water. This river has had a mind of its own recently, and predicting
water clarity isn’t easy. However, over the last few days the water color has
been trending in the right direction.
With all of that being said… historically, big drought killing winters have led to high numbers of migratory brown trout in the river. This year appears to be following that trend. Our guides have been encountering these fish frequently, as early as June. When the river does eventually clear up, we could be in for some of the best brown trout fishing we have seen in a long time. We are eager to get back out there as soon as the water clears up, check back for updates.
The Upper Sacramento
The Upper Sac has been a much more reliable fishery than the McCloud just over the hill. It has continued to fish well throughout the summer, particularly in the upper stretches where the water stays cooler. Water temperatures have started to drop quickly. This allows us to fish some of the lower stretches of the river, which often hold larger fish. Once the October Caddis start to hatch, this river will really start to light up.
The Klamath
The Klamath dam removal is well underway, and this fall will be the last time we fish this river in its current dammed state. Iron Gate reservoir drawdown will begin on January 1st, which will likely blow the river out for some time. Early reports at the mouth seem to indicate good numbers of fish already entering the system. More fish should keep coming in with fall flow bumps and dropping water temperatures. Also, this year California closed commercial and recreational salmon fishing. This means that steelhead will be less pressured as they make their way up the river, and finding solitude on the river will be easier than ever. Starting mid-September, we plan on chasing these fish everywhere from Orleans to Hornbrook. Klamath Fish readily take a swung fly, making it a good choice for both the beginner and advanced Spey angler – particularly early in the season. Indicator fishing is effective throughout the season. The Klamath has had an outstanding couple of years, and we can’t wait to see what it brings this year.
Coastal Steelhead
Lucky For us, just as the Klamath season with be coming to an end with the reservoir draw down on Jan 1st, the coastal steelhead season will just be getting kicked off. Our guides can’t wait to get out to the coast and chase these elusive fish. We will be primarily focusing on the Smith River, but as is always the case with coastal steelhead fishing, flexibility is key.
Lower Sac and more
Of course, the Lower Sac, Hat, Pit, Baum Lake, and too many more to list are all great fall options. Give us a call or shoot us an email if you are interested in booking a trip.
Spring on the Lower Sacramento River is about as good as trout fishing can get. The river has had a plethora of bug activity with most emphasis on Hydropsyche Caddis and PMD Mayflies. At about 8K the river is in perfect drift boating shape. Classic side drifting methods with Jaydecators are your best bet but it would be silly not to have a dry fly rig set up in the boat. If you are one who loves drift boat fishing, we recommend you get out soon. This fishing will slow down to merely being great come the heat of the summer.
Upper Sacramento River
The Upper Sac has been consistently good the last few weeks. It is a safe bet that no matter how you like to fish, you will find some success along this 38 mile river. The upper sections Spring is still emerging and the hatches and best fishing are in the afternoon. Focussing on mayflies and smaller stones will provide good fishing on the upper half. The lower you go the more it becomes about Caddis and Golden Stones. These days are epic and if you are new to the sport, this is a great time and place to get hooked.
McCloud River
Most of our guide days have been on this magical river. It has seen a mix of weather and is in fantastic shape. The best and most fun fishing has been with the dry fly, however we have seen success on every technique. Major players are the PMD’s Yellow Sallies and Golden Stones. The fish have been healthy and consistently in the 10-14 inch range. That said the river has already shown off some big ones. A pack of very large browns attacked our poor fleeing rainbow trout pattern making a scene at our feet worthy of any film festival. If we had footage most audio would of had to been bleeped out. The crowds have been very inconsistent and many of our days include solitude in one of California’s finest trout streams. We specialize in this river and its short game tactics. Let us teach you how to turn those fish on.
Klamath River / Below Iron Gate.
The Iron Gate float is providing some good fishing under the Jaydecator. Fish are being caught all day, the best is between 9 and 12 and again from 4 to dark. There are a few places to enjoy a walk n’ wade but, by far your best success will come from a drift boat. Big rubber legs and birds nest have been the ticket. We are days away from the Salmonfly and Golden Stonefly hatch. For the rest of May and most of June we will be casting big dry-flies out of the drift boats. If you haven’t done this yet, get on our calendar. Fishing the big bug has a funny way of making you feel like a kid again.
Rogue River
Like the Klamath the Rogue is also all about the big bug. Far more popular of a Salmonfly hatch is the “Holy Water” on the Rogue. Ample walk n wade spots are available but many anglers take a seasonal pilgrimage to these waters and its likely you’ll see fellow fisherman in your favorite spots. The drift boat can offer a great way to float the upper sections near Shady Cove, with some room to work and who doesn’t like casting dry flies out of the boat. Mid day is best under the bobber (Jaydecator) , and you might just hook into a steelhead.
Lakes
Early in the mornings and at the last hours of the day you can find some sensational Bass and Panfish fishing in our area’s lakes and ponds. Poppers, Mice, Crawfish and Minnow patterns have been great. Nothing like catching a big bluegill brings me back to my angling beginnings. However nostalgic, these fish and the pursuit of them would excite any permit/bonefish/tarpon fisherman. Stalking your prey in clear water, perfect cast between trees to tight to the reeds, seeing the eat and a surprising fight will make any angler smile. Best yet…. no strip set necessary! You can hit em like you have a Lower Sac indicator rig on, or like Bill Dance.
We have been experiencing some dramatic shifts in the weather from warm and sunny to cold, wet and windy. It makes for a challenge but also keeps the fish from becoming stale. They have been switching their diets around depending upon the weather from Beatis, PMD’s, Caddis, Stones, and the Sucker Spawn egg. If one is not working try one of the other. We’ve seen the best bite mid day. Dry Fly Fisherman are able to rise a few fish a day mostly during a PMD hatch. However, the majority of the fish are being caught side drifting with deep nymphs and Jaydecators.
The 10 day forecast looks like the warm weather we’ve been waiting for. We have talented guides available to take you and your fishing buddy on a “must do” float trip down this amazing river. Give us a call. 877-934-7466.
photos by Rick Cox
The Upper Sacramento River
The Upper Sac has seen some radical changes this last few weeks. From snow to rain, to hot days with snowmelt. We’ve seen this river fluctuate in flows and turbidity. However, I am pleased to say this blue water trout stream is now in fantastic spring shape and fishing well. We have seen some quality fish up and down this 40 mile system. Fish from 10” to 16’’ and bigger are being caught on the dry as well as the nymph. It is certainly not a numbers game but a quality spring day can make any angler smile. If you like fishing the big bug, we have seen those prehistoric Salmonflies flying over the river. There are always a couple pig rainbows looking for that big bug, be the angler that shows em a sample. Despite that big meal available, most of the fish are being caught on mayflies. A favorite technique is swinging soft-hackles through the tail-outs. You’ll see us doing plenty of walk n wade trips as well as floating the lower section is one of our rafts give us a wave, or a call.
The McCloud River
She slept well this winter with very few high flows and no devastating flushes. As I walk her banks now I can see spring emerging, the dogwoods are blooming, redbud is popping and the green of fresh growth is hard to ignore. Opening day is Sat the 26th. Not one of these trout have seen a fly for five months. The McCloud is our specialty and we have guides available. Lets get you out.
The Coast
Wether you just can’t give up swinging the spey rod, chasing steelhead or just love fishing on the coast, the Smith River is your bet. The river closes at the end of the month and is dropping into perfect shape for her last days of the season. Flows will be around 3000 this weekend. Still… chrome bright fish enter from the sea and charge upstream to spawn. Some anglers swear the biggest of the year come at this time. We have guides who love this place and one who lives on her banks.
The waters around Mt Shasta, especially The Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers are fishing fantastic. Hatches of Grey and Green Drakes, PMDs and Golden Stones are prevalent. The fish have spread out throughout the pocket water and looking for a meal. Tie on some big bugs and let them fly. The McCloud saw some crowds over Memorial Weekend but most had great fishing. The Nature Conservancy was filled to capacity, but the fishing was so good everyone was smiling. With crystal clear water and crowds the fish are getting educated fast, but with proper approach and presentation they slam it.
What a great time to be on the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Enjoy some photos.
Bass ponds and lakes have offered up some explosive takes on topwater in the early mornings
Part Toy / Part Tool but she is going to open up some new water for us!
Its a sad day when you find out your fishing buddy is moving away. But then you find out he is moving to Florida, buying a flats boat and selling you his raft.
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!
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!
As the cold weather comes in, so do the Winter fish. Its time to break out the big guns and the good jackets. So far in our region mother nature has been fair with a good mix of heavy rain followed by some nice Winter sunshine. The Klamath remains in great shape below the dam and tributaries are running clear at the moment. We’ve been spending some time on the Rogue as well. Also a bit of driving, looking for clear water. We welcome you to take a look at how the winter has started off for us….But as for us we are heading back out.
As most of California’s and Southern Oregon rivers blew out last week from the big storm, the Klamath not only remained fishable but some nice fresh fish were around. The days are getting chilly, the water is colored and cold, but the smiles were big and bright. The boats are having awesome days on the Iron Gate stretch, side-drifting nymphs. Our spey guides are still putting fish on the line, but the days of dry-lining are over. Big flies down deep and slow. Much of the river below the tribs is still too high and colored but they will drop and clear soon, its best to be down there when they do. There are many possibilities coming up for some great Winter Steelheading.
The Klamath River remains one of California’s best choice for steelhead fishing. The run was big this year and continual pushes of fresh fish keep showing up! The silly numbers of half-pounders have diminished and these days most of the fish caught are adults. The drift boats have been putting some nice fish in the nets but the numbers of adults caught on the swing these last few days is impressive. The days of our beautiful Scandi casting are temporarily over, the last few outing have been about getting deep and swinging slow. We are sitting this storm out, as it’s howling outside but we’ll be right back out there this weekend. It’s almost winter so expect to start seeing some big ones.
Well… the word got out and it seems like the Klamath River is all the buzz. It has been a phenomenal steelhead run with the vast majority being wild fish! We were busy busy busy busy and it seemed every trip was more than a success. Indeed the fish matter but a look at all the smiles will show that our idea of a successful trip is that they were FUN. As Klamath veterans know, the big ones come in December so we still have so much to look forward to.
The fall season on the Klamath River has been phenomenal. Special thanks to our loyal clients and to our steelhead guides, Anthony Carruesco, Jim Roberts, Carl Mogerley, Andy Marx, Brian Slusser, Ellis Augustini, Matt Formento, Chuck Volckhausen and John Rickard. The Klamath has been good to us! Regardless, if we were swinging runs or side-drifting, the steelhead were plentiful and on the bite! October flew by before we could show off our photos. Check them out.
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