The heat wave has hit and the snow melt is finally pooping out. The McCloud and Upper Sac are now in excellent shape and beckoning all of you. Morning and evenings are the ticket for best results but if you must fish during the day get your junk in the thick of all of that heavy oxygenated water with lots of lead. Both rivers are running gin clear so more stealth than usual is recommended. Hatches have been better in the evenings with Golden Stones, PMD’s, Gray Drakes, Little Yellow Sallies, Caddis and BWo’s showing on both rivers. Hat Creek has also been worth a visit where a nice PMD hatch happens regularly this time of year. Fortunately temps are due to drop next week so the brain baking will not be as severe. Heads up on the McCloud, we have been seeing more rattlers than usual, someone got bit in the Preserve recently so be careful!

 

Rick Cox

It is all about the McCloud right now. Flows are a bit high but as you can see very user friendly. The visibility is about the clearest you will see until Mud Creek kicks in its glacial tint which is just around the corner. The snow melt on Mt. Shasta has cranked up and it’s showing in McCloud Reservoir … soon to be in the river. The Golden Stones have arrived and numerous hatches are appearing. June is a great time to be here and the fishing should be excellent. No excuses, pack your bags, tell the wife and dog you have an appointment with a dear friend in need and get up/down here. Dry/dropper has been working along with your favorite Mayfly and Caddis patterns. Evenings are producing a dry fly clinic.

The Upper Sac continues its slow creep down in flow, currently reading 1150 cfs at Delta. More and more spots are opening up and just like the McCloud hatches of Golden Stones, mayflies and caddis are appearing. This river is an alternative as always and the fish have not been harassed by anyone for a looooong time.