Well it’s officially the Dog Daze of summer now. This means temps are north of 100 degrees during the day, the water is warming, the bugs are suffering heat stroke, wet wading is required unless you are allergic to water (wtf), and you best think about mornings and evenings with a nice midday break for lunch and a cold beverage. Whoopsies and falling in are acceptable too. Not to be discouraged though, the fish have to eat sometime so it’s not like they have lock jaw. I am finding fish in the oxygenated water, heavy pocket water and deep in the runs and pools. With the river at it’s lowest now (melts over and no rain in sight) the fish are on the bottom looking up for something to gobble so it’s imperative to get your bugs down in that lower water column. Fish can be enticed with a dry dropper early, early and late, late but otherwise it’s nymphing, nymphing, nymphing that will get you fish. My favorite go to bugs for this time of year are the LBS (little black shit).

McCloud River

The McCloud has also reached Dog Daze status so the drill is think mornings and evenings. Fish the oxygenated water, the pocket water, and deep in the runs and pools. Heads of pools have been especially effective, get the bugs into that foamy rough water and pay attention to those quick bites that occur there. This river is presenting more opportunities for dry fly fishing so as soon as the shade from the ridges and trees cover the water think about an Adams or PMD. Be prepared for very hot air coming up the canyon from Redding so wet wading is a great alternative to cool down. Also we have fires around that have been bringing in smoke so be prepared. On the up side you will not find this river crowded so the fish are having a break from the crowd hatch and your opportunities are increased for hookups.

Rick Cox

877-934-7466

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

P.S. Look for my next post from my Wyoming/Idaho trip coming up.