Well it’s been awhile but we are back. All’s good, the shop has reopened and is humming along with a newer brighter look. Fortunately too all the old laughs and lies are still present and Bob is manning the helm as usual. Compared to last year this mild Winter has opened up many fishing opportunities not only locally here on the Upper Sac but also all other nearby rivers that offer steelhead fishing. Chasing them has been the focus for a lot of us and the season certainly has not disappointed. Looking ahead February and March are prime months for these beasts so with the long range forecast showing no storms in sight guess what we are going to be doing……. and you should too. So far it has been a good steelie year on all the major nearby rivers with the Klamath River leading the way with a sustained strong return since Fall. In addition the Trinity, Rogue and coastal rivers have rewarded us with successful days. What a difference a year makes, come on up and enjoy the opportunities.

Locally the Upper Sac is fishing well, the flows are very friendly (600 cfs) and some very big rainbows have been put in the net. It’s predominantly a nymphing game but if the weather stays like this you will start seeing small stones, Caddis and March Browns appearing along with BWO’s. The pressure has been very light and midday temps are in the 60’s …. time to jump in on the fun! BTW the rainbows are beginning to spawn so beware of redds.

The Lower Sac has also been a good option. Temps in the 70’s, light pressure and plenty of fish. Flows are a constant 4000 cfs, much better than the 10,000 cfs we had to put up with last year.

All in all it’s has been an excellent Winter for fishing. Looking ahead to the trout openers around here you should be ready to get on the water from Day 1, our snow pack, which has a major impact on the early season with runoff, is nil so every river up here will be in prime shape and ready for you to have some fun … mark itApril 28.

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

1-877-934-7466

Although the general trout season is over for most of our local rivers the Upper Sac continues to be open and will do so all winter. It has been fishing good its entire length. Stimulator/dropper is working mid to upper river along with a variety of nymphs. The lower river on those long slicks is always good for a Baetis hatch particularly on the cloudy days. My favorite nymphs for this time of year are Caddis Poopahs, S&M’s, Micro Mayflies, Soft Hackles and the trusty LEGS. Takes can be slower than you might be used to so get twitchy and set on the slightest movement. It has been raining so best to time your outings when the river is dropping. Long range weather forecast is showing a good stretch of dry mild weather coming soon …. my suggestion would be DO IT rather than think about it!

Steelhead fishing continues to get better with each storm that moves through. The rain has been such that nothing is blowing out on the Klamath River and fresh fish are moving in, they are being caught under a bobber or swinging, in the boat, out of the boat….whatever. This year has been a complete opposite of the terrible conditions last year ….  there are fish, the weather has cooperated and no crowds. Give us a shout if any of this tickles you …. trout and steelhead, whatever!

Cheers

Rick Cox

Wild Waters Fly Fishing

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

What an incredible Fall season lately, big fish time on both the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers. No complaining, just enjoying the rewards of the BIG winter last year. The opportunity is currently there for you to hook into one of these beast, this is the time of year they come out and play. The McCloud has always been noted for the German Brown party over the years and rightfully so but now I am seeing it beginning to manifest on the Upper Sac also.  On the Rainbow side I have seen more big lake runs this year on both rivers than ever before. What’s creating this you ask, I personally believe that when Shasta Lake is full or close to full (such as now) these fish have an open highway to move upstream to spawn. You will see the Browns spawning in November-December and the Rainbows spawning February-April. Unfortunately you only have until November 15 to enjoy the McCloud but the Upper Sac remains open all winter with special regs of course. Remember too with the rains, and it’s raining right now, the rivers spike so if you are considering a trip best to check flows or better yet give us a call. We are finding these fish in the deeper runs and at the tailouts taking nymphs, streamers and even dries.

The Klamath River is experiencing a very good showing of steelhead right now on the upper stretches. Our guides are reporting some quality fish coming to the net and things will only continue to improve. We have been getting most of the fish nymphing but swinging flies has had it’s moments.

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

October has been spectacular in many ways here in Dogpatch. Unlike the pain in the ass conditions of last year with the record setting rains early on this year has been very kind weather and fishing wise. The beautiful Fall colors seem to be matching what you would see in New England, the temps have been very comfortable and the fishing has produced some of the biggest fish brought to hand ever. The McCloud River fishing has been toughest but for those who have their game face on it has been and continues to give up big browns and rainbows. October Caddis are thick and are doing their dance in the late afternoon…. best luck has been on Oct Caddis Emergers, Pupas and Dark Lords.  By now, with the extremely clear water, the fish have seen enough bobbers and fly lines slapping the water that they are a bit educated. This is where you have to start thinking outside the box and use a little ingenuity  ….  the new normal. The Upper Sac has also been a bit of a struggle, the wind has kicked in a lot of leaves and the lower river is root beer colored. We have been seeing a fair to good return of lake runs which are always a gas to hook into. Again here the October Caddis are thick and best put on one of those big emergers. The Klamath River season is in full swing now, we are finding half pounders and adults on every trip, this year is looking like a good steelhead year so far, give us a shout here at Wild Waters Fly Fishing.

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Fall has really kicked in locally now with it all of our fishing arenas open and ready for business. The Upper Sacramento River has started its October Caddis show from Dunsmuir up to Ney Springs. Any emergent pattern for these big bugs should do the trick during the day but be prepared to pull out those big Stimulators in the evening hours if not sooner. Over on the McCloud the crowds are showing up so be forewarned. Here the October Caddis are just starting to show. You will also find a variety of Mayflies and Caddis, the Caddis in the mornings and mayflies later in the day. And to top things off recent forays by the Wild Waters crew on the Klamath and Rogue Rivers have had success finding early runs of half pound and adult steelhead. Just a frickin plethora of opportunities. Give us a shout if you want to join in on the fun.

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

Officially Fall now, cold nights and cooler days making a good recipe for fishing. It’s been a Brown Trout year so far with recent trips for me producing them on both the Upper Sac and the McCloud. October Caddis are on the move and should be crawling onto the rocks soon. The McCloud is starting to gain it’s nickname once again, the McCrowd. Some nice fish are coming to the net though and this much needed cool down has got the fish on the bite. Same goes for the Upper Sac but without the crowds. For both rivers make sure your box includes Poopahs, LBS, Hares Ears, October Caddis Emergers, Rubber Legs, and your own secret confidence flies. Give us a shout and get in on the fun!

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

The beauty of fishing our rivers these days is the lack of people fishing, we have had recent days where we haven’t seen another soul on the water….believe me not complaining. The recent hot spell is behind us now and temps are hanging around highs of 90 degrees with some afternoon thunderstorm activity. I like these types of days, the humidity increase along with moderate temps and overcast skies can induce a fish to step up to the feeding trough. The Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers are having a sporadic Caddis hatch that necessitates you making sure you have the appropriate nymph and dry imitations for this. The Upper Sac has been good down low in the morning then best to move up river in the afternoon before the water temp spikes. The McCloud on the other hand has it’s normal cold water and thus a chance to get into one of these big browns the river is so famous for. If you want your own personal river now is the time to be here, give us a shout!

Rick Cox

Dog Daze officially here. Best fishing has been mornings and evenings. If you must get out there during the peak of the day when the sun is directly overhead seek out the heavy, oxygenated, frothy water. The fish on both the McCloud and Upper Sac love this type of water during midday. Little Black Shit has been working the best … remember get those flies down, the fish are hugging the bottom. River conditions on both excellent. The visibility issues on the McCloud have improved as you can see and the Upper Sac flows remain very good, exceeding the normal summer averages and running colder. We’ve been sticking some nice fish this summer, the happy face abides with our sports. Give us a shout.

Rick Cox

Both the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers are in excellent shape now. Clarity of the water is great so a bit of stealth is required. The McCloud has been crowded and will be through the 4th of July extended weekend. For both rivers mornings and evenings are the best time to be on the water and look for those shady spots midday. Some big fish were hooked this last week on an assortment of nymphs and dry/dropper. It’s July now, we have plenty of water unlike the previous drought years so this summer should offer excellent opportunities for you.

                    Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox