Tag Archives: McCloud River Dry Fly Fishing

10/3/23 Fishing Report

McCloud

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.

May 10th, 2018. Northern California and Southern Oregon Fishing Report.

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Lower Sacramento River

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.


 

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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.


 

 

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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.


 

 

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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.


 

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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.


 

 

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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.

April 19th, 2018 Fishing Report

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Photos by Carl Mogerley

The Lower Sacramento River

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.


 

 

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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.


 

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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.


 

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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.

Guide life in Mt. Shasta summer 2016

Its been a great summer and the crew at Wild Waters Fly Fishing has been helping people catch fish all over our local waters.  I couldn’t be more proud of the guys right now.  Great guide trips coming from all around.  Although the fishing has slowed on the McCloud and Upper Sac they still continue to produce everyday.  The help of a good guide might teach some of the tricks to mid summer success.  The Lower Sac continues to produce trout everyday as usual and some big ones are being hooked pretty regularly right now.  But its not all about work all the time.  We’ve been getting out and having some fun too.

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McCloud River Fishing Report Thursday July 14th

Bollibokka and the Nature Conservancy are experiences some phenomenal fishing, too bad its only for a couple hours a day. Mid-day is tougher out there. Some of our peers are boasting midges with 7x, but I don’t even own 7x. It has been great wet wading/swimming and though fishing this time of year is not a number game, at least some big ones are coming to the net. This is my favorite times to chase big trout. If you are a “match the hatch” fisherman, stick with the Yellow Sallies and PMDs. Caddis and stonefly nymphs are more important then their adult dry form, but soon the shady spots will have mid day caddis hatches worth fishing.  More and more bear sightings means there are some black berries to eat so no need to pack snacks. Have fun out there.

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McCloud and Upper Sac Rivers Fishing Report June 9th 2016

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

McCloud River double

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Lindsay with a nice McCloud Loch Leven Brown.

 

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Its in the net. McCloud River.

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The McCloud

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If you spot them.

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You got them. McCloud River Loch Leven Brown.

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The Filson vest with over 1500 days on it. Starting to look a bit worn.

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First fish on a fly for Joal on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Wild Waters Guide Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.

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Wet wading season on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.

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The McCloud River’s glacial waters. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.

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Upper Sacramento two hander. Photo by Carl Mogerley

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Swinging soft hackles on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.

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Mark on the Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.

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The tracks of theUpper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley

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Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.

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Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley

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Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley

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Fish On! Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.

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Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley aka Carlos aka Klamath Carl.

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Upper Sacramento. Photo by Carl Mogerley.

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The beach on the McCloud River.

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McCloud River

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McCloud River

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The McCloud River

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The McCloud River

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The McCloud River

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Carl at work on the McCloud River

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

One of the greatest fisherman.

One of the greatest fisherman.

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

McCloud River. Photo by Chuck V

Mt Shasta area is fishing fantastic.

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.

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Bass ponds and lakes have offered up some explosive takes on topwater in the early mornings

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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.

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The McCloud River is open for business!

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.

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September 3rd, 2015. 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.

 

 

 

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To the rope at the Nature Conservancy.

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Where the big one got away.

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chuck and barr

So good to see you Barr!  We don’t get to do this enough anymore
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Its that time of year again.  An awesome sunrise every morning!  Guides day off and were going fishing!Bobber and bead downWe put the bobber rod down to swing a run.

big fishWhat a treat!  These early fish are always a gamble.

little guySO PRETTY!

July 23, 2015 Mt. Shasta 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

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.

 

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Fishing report May 20th 2015

Wild Waters has been all over the place this May. The fishing has been good and we’ve been experiencing some great dry fly fishing on the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers. Green Drakes have shown on the rainy days. And those magical hatches and feeding frenzies have blessed a few of our anglers. The Lower Sac still is providing some of the best fishing around. Anthony Carruesco, Chuck and John have been spending a good amount of time fishing from 44 bridge all the way to Balls Ferry. Meanwhile all the way up on the Sandy River was this years annual Spey Clave. A great event with a lot of knowledge shared amounts some of the biggest names in the industry. Don’t miss it next year. Continue Reading →