McCloud River Report

As if Covid wasn’t enough we are now dealing with extreme fire danger here with all National Forest closed to the public. Specifically the McCloud River is shutdown. The closure will be reviewed again next week but for now the river is closed. Up until the closure the river was putting out some beautiful fish and to add sauce to it the river colored up, but not enough to keep you off of it. Smoke has been bad to manageable but with all the surrounding fires you can expect these types of days for quite some time. I don’t know about you all but I’m done with 2020, this year has been blow after blow to the gut for all of us.

The Upper Sacramento River

On the other hand most of the USac is open still except for a couple of spots, specifically Pollard Flat and Dog Creek. It’s been fishing good from above Dunsmuir to Shasta Lake. The nights are starting to cool down now and and the freaking hot weather has just about gone. The river is at its summer/fall low and running very clear so stealth is important. Think LBS flies for sure and maybe play around with a big rubber leg, the October Caddis will start their wake up call soon and the fish will start keying in on them. Most of the bigger fish are in the heavy oxygenated water and we are still seeing a fair amount of browns moving up from the lake so this river is a great alternative.

Rick Cox

Wild Waters Fly Fishing1-877-934-7466

The McCloud River Report
The McCloud River has been kicking out some very big fish lately. The Brown pictured above has to be one of the biggest we have seen ever, this bad boy was a solid 30 inches and John Rickard, our Brown Guru, was dialed in on this particular day, spotting it, client hooking it and landing it after 4 ginormous leaps. Also this large rainbow was an OMG for this river too. It’s all about nymphing and getting your bugs down. This time of year with the lack of hatches the fish are hugging the bottom in the deep runs and pools or sticking their heads into the heavy oxygenated water where they feel safest. It’s been very hot in the canyon so wet wading is recommended. Btw be on the lookout for the rare and scary big Dobson Fly, if one lands in the river wait for the explosive grab of a big fish.

The Upper Sacramento River Report

The Upper Sac has been fishing good lately regardless of the very hot weather. You are going to get a lot of the little guys that are prevalent these days but there are still some bigger fish to be had. Nymphing is the best method and getting your flies down near the bottom a must. We also are starting to see the annual upstream charge of the lake run fish out of Shasta Lake and hooking into one of these guys is like a jolt of electricity, they are very active fish and a chase may be in the offering. Again here wet wading is suggested, recommended and preferred.

Give us a shout if you want to get in on the summer fun.

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

1-877-934-7466

The McCloud River

The McCloud River has been fishing great! With The Nature Conservancy and Ah Di Nah open now life is good. Conditions currently are perfect with top and bottom action happening, what more could we ask for. Expect to see folks out on the water but you can usually just move on a bit and find your own personal piece of heaven to fish on this magical river. Our guides have been on the river a lot and have had very successful days with happy clients. This is one of my favorite times to be fishing here. You will be seeing a wide variety of Mayflies and Caddis along with the Golden Stones. The stones are thick late afternoon and evening so it’s big Chubby or Stimmie time. Nymphing is always a solid bet too so I recommend using a double fly setup with copious amounts of weight. Golden Stone nymphs and rubber legs are a good choice for top fly and then your favorite size 14 or 16 nymph dropped off either. We recommend for you tiers that you try the stone fly pattern tied by our own Jason Kash recently featured in CA Fly Fisher. Dry/dropper has been effective all day with the best top action in the late afternoon when the shadows take hold. We are currently structuring days to accommodate this late evening thrill so you might think about a late start and late finish with one of our excellent guides.

Upper Sacramento River
The river has been fishing very good and should remain so. We are still seeing some snow melt but flows are very reasonable with cold water … a perfect recipe. Sims Flat campground is open but not Castle Crags campground. Dunsmuir has limited motels open and the Brewery is offering sit down with the pizza and Mexican restaurants open. And most important the favorite of many of you Cafe Maddelena just opened its doors and is serving outside dining. Good news too is The Ted Fay Fly Shop is officially open for business. Dry fly fishing has been best in the evenings with nymphing very consistent during the day. We are seeing Golden Stones, Sallies, Pink PMD’s and small caddis. Dry/dropper also has shown success in the heavier faster moving water. Successful nymphs have been soft hackles, S&M’s and Frenchies.

And Beyond

Our guides have also been venturing out to the Lower Sacramento River and Trout Lake for some amazing days in the boat. Check out the pictures and give it some thought, we would love to get you out on the water.

In conclusion this has been a stressful time for all of us. This area has had very few cases of COVID-19 but as people arrive for their summer fun we are starting to see an increase in new cases. Our healthcare community is very small and although we have excellent health workers and facilities they cannot handle a large increase in case loads. We ask all of you who are coming in to this area to please don’t let your guard down and continue to practice good COVID protocol. This whole pandemic has a long way to go before normalcy returns.

Cheers

Rick Cox

Wild Waters Fly Fishing

1-877-934-7466

Upper Sacramento River Report

The river remains in excellent shape for winter and early spring fishing. The storm last night and this morning brought the river up to 550cfs and is currently dropping slowly. The river was getting a bit stale and clear due to the lack of rain but last night was just the thing we needed. The fishing remains great for big fish and we have had outstanding days with our clients. The large fish are still on the prowl and are eager to play over the entire river from Ney down to Dog Creek. The days will be extended now with daylight savings time but the mornings are still chiily so not necessary to get out there at the crack of. With the warming days I am seeing more and more bugs so make sure you have nymphs that represent Mayflies, Caddis, BWO’s and Stones. Unlike last season the river should remain in excellent shape for the next few months so don’t hesitate, get on it now. We have some excellent USac guides available for those who are looking for a fun day and a valuable tip or two.

Area Steelhead Report

Our guides have been roaming near and far for steelhead over the last few weeks and have been finding success with these elusive beast. There’s still about a month to go so if interested in feeling the tug of one of these guys give us a shout, we have excellent guides who are covering all rivers from the Klamath and Smith in California up through southern Oregon as far as the Umpqua.

Rick Cox

1-877-934-7466

The Upper Sacramento Report

Am getting a little worrisome as far as river conditions and snowpack but have to say up to now no complaints. The river has been running oh so sweet with flows right now just north of 400cfs. February started off with very high flows but has been dropping slowly. The entire river right now is very approachable and fishing is off the charts for big rainbows. Just about everyone who’s been out is finding fish in the 16-24 in range …. SERIOUSLY! It’s one of those winters where the planets have aligned and the fish gods are showing us love. Temps during the day this week have been in the 60’s from Dunsmuir down river and the 2 week forecast shows nada precip and warm temps. Fish are grabby for the Jimmy Legs, tungsten stones, sculpins and a variety of mayfly nymph patterns. We are starting to see the rainbows spawning so be cautious of their redds. I will impress one more time, the window is here and when it shuts you will kick yourself for not taking advantage of this very opportunistic time to get into one of these elusive beasts. We have the guides who can get you into them, give me a shout.

Rick Cox

info@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Steelhead Report

We have chasing steelhead frantically since January and finding some very nice steelies. We’ve been on all over northern California and southern Oregon where conditions have been perfect and remain so. Swinging and bobber has produced with a lot of chromers coming to the net. Unlike last year when the rain was relentless the weather has been holding just enough and that steelhead green has prevailed on most rivers. We will continuing pursuing these bad boys the remainder of this month and March so if you got the itch give me a shout.

Rick Cox

877-934-7466

This is our favorite time of the year to be chasing chrome. January and February are THE months to be getting with it. We’re already cranking it up and getting out there from the Eel River up to the Umpqua River in southern Oregon. A major storm is just starting to begin its snow dump here in Mt. Shasta which equates to big river flows on the coast and a surge of fresh steelhead booking it into the rivers and creeks. Once it passes look for the coming weeks to be prime for getting yourself into a fresh chromer. Rivers like the Smith and Chetco will drop and get into shape within a couple of days with the other rivers to follow. Further inland we also expect to see fresh fish showing up on the Trinity, Klamath and Rogue Rivers. So far this year we haven’t had the blown out conditions of last season so the next couple of weeks will be your window to get on any or all of these rivers. Give us a shout our guides have an intimate knowledge of all of these.

info@wildwatersflyfishing.com

877-934-7466

Rain and snow have made for great recipes for fishing on the Klamath and Upper Sac lately. It’s winter fishing time folks! The Klamath crowds have gone and our guides have been having outstanding days on it. The upper river above I-5 is starting to get some of the bigger winter runs that we always expect. Most fish are being caught on the leg and eggs setup hung under a bobber but if you love to swing think bigger flies and a sinking tip. Flows remain very constant so far, this has been an excellent choice for you steelheaders. Give us a shout if you would like to sample this storied river.  On the Upper Sac the big fish are coming out to play. It’s all about timing and windows of opportunity. Flows are like a roller coaster so look for receding flows. It’s a big fish heaven from now through the winter and it’s all nymphing with legs and your favorite nymph suspended beneath. Remember too it’s a completely different river with the increased flows so your old fav spots here are no more. Our guides know this winter fishery and can show you what I mean.

Upper Sacramento, Klamath and Lower Sacramento River Report 

The recent storms have not prevented our Wild Waters guides from getting out on our nearby rivers and finding fish. The Upper Sac has got snow on it from Ney Springs down to Shasta Lake. Access is more difficult but if you are willing to put in the effort you will not only find some hungry fish loading themselves up for the long winter but a completely different landscape that will take your breathe away. With another big storm forecast later this week (3-4 inches rain) the river will probably blow out which isn’t unusual for the winter. Once it settles though your window of opportunity is there so jump on it for some fun with some big fish ready to play. The Klamath remains solid with flows up top around 1000 cfs. Even with the forecast storms this section will not blow out and is a solid option for you steelhead junkies. We have been seeing a very consistent Fall run of steelies and the rain will continue to help tickle these fish to continue their charge up river. The  Lower Sac has been money for us this Fall and continues as such. This has been one of the best years for big rainbows on this river and our clients have been smiley all day long. This amazing fishery just continues to get better and better. If you want it all to yourself and beat the crowds that are normally there Winter is an excellent time for solitude on this big river. We are looking forward to getting over to the coast soon, the December’s storms are forecast to continue for the next 2 weeks at least, a perfect setup for the elusive beast we live for to start their migration upstream. We are booking trips from the Eel River north into southern Oregon so if you are dreaming of steelhead on these special rivers give us a shout, we have a number of excellent coastal guides at the ready.  

Our Wild Waters Fly Fishing guides have been super busy burning the miles and taking advantage of all the current opportunities that are presenting themselves. Fall is such a great opportunistic time to sample the many rivers near us. The Rogue River has had an excellent return of summer steelhead and the fall/winter fish are just starting to arrive. We have been doing beats from the dam down to TouVelle Park and finding fish. Chrome has also been giving us a good year on the Klamath with an outstanding run of half pounders mixed in with adults. Both of these rivers will only improve as we get into the rest of Fall and when we start getting rain. The Lower Sacramento continues to be just a solid choice for those wanting a day in the boat chasing the big rainbows that the river offers. The salmon are spawning now and the trout menu is all about gobbling eggs. The McCloud has seen crowds on the weekends but mid week has been much quieter. We have been seeing an outstanding year for the October Caddis and the big Stimulators and Chubbys have been the ticket. It closes on the 15th beware the browns are beginning their spawning so caution when wading, give the redds a wide birth. The Upper Sacramento, which stays open all year, has been giving up some large fish and is fishing well from Ney Springs to Delta. The October Caddis seem more prevalent from Dunsmuir up to Ney so if you want to throw big dries this is where you want to be, particularly in the late afternoon. Give us a shout if any of these tickle you, we would love to get you out on the river with one of our excellent guides. 

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McCloud, Upper Sacramento, Lower Sacramento, Rogue and Klamath Rivers Report

Well kids we are right in the middle of another great Fall season here in the north state. Our guides are in full throttle mode covering the McCloud, Upper Sacramento, Lower Sacramento, Rogue and Klamath Rivers chasing and finding some awesome fishing. The McCloud River has been giving up some beautiful bows and brownies producing big smiles from our satisfied customers. You can currently find the fish taking both nymphs and dries. The October Caddis are out and about in the mornings and late afternoon. The fish are just starting to key in on them and it will only get better as we get deeper into October and early November. An outing yesterday found top feeders almost all day grabbing Stimmies, Chubby’s and Adams. The Upper Sac has also been fishing great. Mornings are cold and the fishing has been on the slow side but as the afternoon kicks in the fish have been very grabby. Here too the October Caddis are making a showing particularly from Gibson up to Ney Springs. Our outings have had more success recently nymphing but the fish should be getting tickled enough any time soon by these big caddis and start thinking about these USDA choice morsels. Lots of smaller Caddis out too so think Poopahs as a go to nymph. Up on the Klamath we are seeing an outstanding return of half pounders. We have been covering the river from Happy Camp up to Iron Gate Dam and finding sizable half pounders and a few adults sprinkled in. And last the Rogue River has had an outstanding return of Summer and Fall steelhead so far. We have been floating the sections from the hatchery down to Touvelle Park and having a ball on this fabled river.

Will all these opportunities presenting themselves my recommendation is you folks get up here now before the train leaves the station and another great Fall season has slipped by. Give us a call and we can get you setup with one of our great Wild Waters Fly Fishing guides for a fun day on the river.

Cheers

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

1-877-934-7466

Upper Sacramento River and McCloud River Report

Both rivers are starting to shake their lazy dog daze of summer and we are seeing the meter up ticking on fish beginning to put the chow bag on. Cooler days and nights along with some rain lately have flipped the switch for Mr. Trout. Squaw Creek runs through my backyard and I witnessed my first October Caddis of the fall on my deck last night. Mt. Shasta has it’s first dusting of snow too so all the planets are aligning for a great kickoff for our upcoming Fall season for both rivers. Still a bit early for any dry fly excitement but nymphing is very solid on both rivers. Lately we have been having success with a variety of midge patterns #16-18, Serendipity #16, P.T.’s #14-16, S&M #16-18 and miscellaneous stone fly patterns. Both rivers are running very clear so stealth is recommended. We have seen a few browns on the McCloud but no where near what we witnessed this time last year, but who knows they may be tardy to the party yet. Give us a shout if you would like to get into the Fall fun with one of our experienced guides, our October calendar is starting to fill.

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

877-934-7466

August fishing has actually been pretty good considering it’s usually the slowest month here. Given we are still experiencing the last of the snow melt and cooler water temps it has been a good time the last few weeks on both the McCloud, Upper Sac, Lower Sac and McCloud Reservoir for clients. It looks like a hot spell is upon us right now with possibly 100 degrees tomorrow but by Labor Day weekend temps get back to 80’s. This will probably be the last of the hot, the nights will be cooling soon and the fishing will improve. Best bet right now is nymphing your bugs deep near the bottom, fishing the faster oxygenated water and pockets. Recent trip up to the Rogue did produce some half pounders and the encouraging word up there is there are over 1000 summer steelhead at the hatchery already…hubba, hubba! Give us a shout if you would like to joining on the fun.

877-934-7466