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.
Fall is here and the fishing in Northern California and
Southern Oregon is really lighting up. There are too many great options this time
of year to report on, but here’s an update on a few rivers our guides have been
getting out on
The McCloud
Water clarity has improved dramatically on the McCloud. Visibility is up to 3 feet, which is more than enough to have success. Predicting what the water clarity will do is nearly impossible, but for the time being things look good. The fear of dirty water has kept the crowds away from the McCloud. Having the river nearly to yourself has been a common occurrence over the last couple of months. Our guides are having frequent encounters with lake run brown trout. If you have ever wanted to target these fish, now is the time. Dry fly-fishing opportunities are very limited at the moment, we have been having the most success fishing nymphs and streamers. We have a handful of mid-week dates still available, if you are interested in booking a guide feel free to reach out.
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The Klamath
Again, water clarity is a major player on the Klamath right
now. Due to mudslides the Klamath is still blown out between the Scott and the
Salmon. However, sections of the river that are clear are showing some incredibly
promising signs for this year. Our guides have been finding plenty of fish
eager to eat the swung fly. We have just a couple of openings through November,
reach out if you are interested in booking a trip.
Upper Sacramento
Fall time on the Upper sac means variety. From the pocket
water fishing in Dunsmuir to the large pools in Lakehead, this river has
something for everyone. We have been seeing some of the lake run fish starting
to make their way through the system. As the water temperature continues to
cool down, we will start to target these fish in the lower portion of the river.
The October caddis will start to pop any day now and the dry fly fishing will
really take off, particularly in the upper section of this river. Wild Water’s
has some mid-week availability through the fall. Check back for an early winter
report on this river. Although most people put the trout rods away once snow
starts to fall, winter on the Upper Sac can be an outstanding time to target
big fish.
Lower Sacramento
The Lower Sac is doing its thing. Lots of big fish, caddis, eggs, you get the idea.
Trinity
A few early outings to Trinity have showed some promising results. A couple of days on the upper river in early September showed a healthy number of Salmon around, as well as a few half pounder and adults mixed in. During a few days on the lower river, we were able to bump into a very solid push of fish. It’s been a while since we have put our eyes on this many anadromous fish moving through a river. These fish were happy to eat swung traditional flies on a dry line, or bugs dead drifted under an indicator. Given what we have seen so far, we are looking forward to spending some more time on this river through the fall and into the winter.
Upper Rogue
Although it’s not easy for us to drive past the Klamath, our guides have been venturing up to the Rouge this summer in search of the larger fish this river can offer. This time of year on the Upper Rogue is fly fishing only, and a great time to target these fish on the swing. Grinding out a handful of very early mornings and late evenings we were able to encounter a couple of summer steelhead. The number of salmon spawning, particularly above Shady Cove, is impressive.
Give us a call or send an email to book a trip or check in about conditions
This August proved to be a productive month on the McCloud River. Some hefty fish from the lake have reached the upper stretches surprising many anglers with incredible fights and acrobatic get aways. Gotta love it. The water clarity and temperature drastically changes from the upper stretches all the way down to Bollibokka. Up top it has about 2-3 feet of visibility while the lower river at Bollibokka is damn near gin clear. The algae seems to be the only downside to fishing this time of year and diligent fly cleaning is necessary. Sadly, there are no real hatches and any mayfly that happens to get off the water gets waxed by awaiting dragonflies, mandibles slicing them in half in an unfair dogfight. However, fall is near and caddis hatches are scheduled. It will be a great time to swing through a riffle or skate a tail-out. We hope to see you out there.
The McCloud River and Upper Sacramento are both fishing very well. Expect slow times of the day as well as moments of brilliance as the trout are looking up and eating dries. PMDs Drakes and Golden Stones are all on the menu.
McCloud River double
Lindsay with a nice McCloud Loch Leven Brown.
Its in the net. McCloud River.
The McCloud
If you spot them.
You got them. McCloud River Loch Leven Brown.
The Filson vest with over 1500 days on it. Starting to look a bit worn.
First fish on a fly for Joal on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Wild Waters Guide Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.
Wet wading season on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.
The McCloud River’s glacial waters. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.
Upper Sacramento two hander. Photo by Carl Mogerley
Swinging soft hackles on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.
Mark on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.
The tracks of theUpper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley
Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.
Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley
Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley
Fish On! Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.
Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.
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.
Come one, come all, beckon your wild call. The McCloud River opened to fisherman on April 30th and has been putting on quite a show. Good hatches and rising fish means we have been having a lot of fun with dry flies. Be prepared with Grey Drakes, Golden Stones, PMDs and (fingers crossed) Green Drakes. The biggest concentration of fish are in the first miles below the dam, but you’ll find more bugs down river. June is our favorite month on this river so pack your bags.
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! Continue Reading →
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.
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!
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!
Great to be back on the McCloud river. Another opening weekend blew by like the wind. Just a tease as we start the journey on yet another season in the one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Conditions were excellent and the fish were happy. Anthony, Carl, Jim, Andy, Chuck and John all came back with happy clients and stories of success. Thanks so much to the crew for your hard work and dedication. Were are more than honored to have you guys on our team and we always appreciate your help. Some awesome McCloud river photos here, if you want to get excited for one our favorite rivers, check em’ out.
We had a strange start to the Fall Season this year with our beloved McCloud blowing out for the second time this year. We were on the river the day it turned brown, due to the mud slide on the Mud Creek drainage. That made national news and the footage online is jaw dropping. Damn, the fishing prior was so much fun and some nice fish came to the net (see photos below). We have no idea how long the river will stay brown, but fortunately we have many other options here in the State of Jefferson. Our guides have been seen everywhere from the Rogue, Lower Sac, Trinity, Upper Sac, McCloud and Klamath rivers.
David on the Rogue River.
Sun gloves tail fish nicely.
Bollibokka giving a great show after a quick rain.
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