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Montana Daze

My annual tour of Montana recently took me through the southwestern part of the state. Along with my pals Buster and Derf we fished 8 rivers in 3 weeks either floating or wading. Bears and moose were encountered but we survived to fish another day. We used the full arsenal of flies and methods with the collateral damage being 3 broken rods. Mothers little helpers … 2 bottles of Ibuprofen for the sore knees and backs, 75 cappuccinos (I brought a machine) and copious quantities of pastries. Enjoy the shots and put this area on your bucket list.

Rick Cox

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Bitterroot Boulder River Montana Skies Pastry 2 Pookey Shields River 2 Shields River

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Sept. 17th Fishing Report

The McCloud river is running with a little less color every day.  We are seeing very few hatching bugs (some) but fish still seam eager to eat in summer holding water.  The upper sac  is still low and clear but cold nights in Mt. Shasta have been helping the water temps stay down.  We eagerly await the large numbers of fish coming up the Klamath and Trinity rivers but patience is still in order for our sections of the river.  Guided steelhead trips officially start next week for us but the scouting has been fun.   As we approach the fall the Wild Waters calendar is filling up fast as just about every river we know turns on in its own way.  We hope to see you out there.

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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!

August 20th 2015, Fishing Report.

The McCloud river is holding strong with 2′ or more of visibility.  We have been seeing some very healthy fish come to the net.  Hatches are not easy to find but fish have been reacting to a variety of different bugs throughout the day and into the evening.  On the Lower Sac fishing remains hot.  These fish are really showing what the Lower Sac is all about, with some of the fattest bellies on trout I have ever seen.  If you feel like trout are easy to land, your not fishing here.  The Upper Sac is low and clear and the upper sections have been providing some good fishing for the less experienced anglers.  McCloud Res. is full of fish and were not having any problem picking up good numbers on any given day.  Some hatches are still happening out there in the early morning and later part of the evening.

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August 13th fishing report

The McCloud blew out a few weeks ago and has been on a steady rate of recovery ever since. She’s back to her glacial color and providing some good fishing. Some big fish have made our anglers days while the average fish is still in the 10-12 inches. Afternoon hatches have been slim but the fish will still feed off the surface. Stick to your favorite attractors or match the yellow sally for best top water success. We will be out there a lot over the next weeks so stay tuned for more fishing reports on the McCloud River.

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Besides the McCloud, Our Guides have been on the Rogue catching some Salmon and Summer Steelhead.

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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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June Fishing Report

The Mt Shasta region has been fishing well this summer.  The days are hot and long but there is no better place to be than in a cool river catching trout.  Junes highlight has been the McCloud River.  With great hatches it has been a dry fly fisherman’s dream. We went from salmonflies in the early days to golden stones, green drakes, and lately the pmd’s and yellow sallies.  Some large fish have crushed big stonefly patterns lately, just a couple of those kind of takes is all I need to smile big all day.  The McCloud should remain awesome but expect the upcoming full moon and hot weather to slow the bite.  As the water warms the dead drift becomes less meaningful, swing some soft hackles and hang on.

Meanwhile, other fisheries like the Sacramento have been delighting anglers with some big bows, drift trips on the Lower Sacramento have been great in the mornings or evenings, our guides have been reporting good dry fly action!

What the Hex else is there? Oh yeah, those big yellow mayflies are being eaten by bass and trout nightly.  Fifteen minutes of crazy fishing, dont tangle or break one off or you’ll miss the bite.

We have been busy but we still have openings and would love to get you on the water. Check out all these photos from our latest trips and go fish.

John gravy dogGuides night out after a day in the office.  We caught a bunch a backyard fish.

DSCN0050The McCloud River in June!  A dry fly fisherman’s dream.

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Father sonLike father like son, Brooks and BT getting it done!


Thank You Jesus

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DSCN0071Emma, in proper form!

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DSCN0078BROWN’S ALL YOU

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John and Archie, holding some huge fish!Harrison2

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison river

I made a trip out to see Colorado, my family and my oldest friends.  All in all a better than great time!  My dad and I went for an awesome adventure.  One I will never forget.  Down into the Black canyon, on a route I dare not mention.  This place makes any wading on the McCloud or the Pit seem like a walk in the park.  Huge thanks to Jeremy and Naomi for helping us get in out of the canyon safely, and for being great company!  A truly epic day.

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Fishing Report May 28, 2015

The Stones are really starting to bust out up here on both the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers. These rivers are in sweet shape and begging for your presence. NOW is the time to get off your butts and enjoy the fun of a big nose attacking your stimulator. Warm weather (finally) in the forecast will also kick all mayfly and caddis hatches into gear. During the slow periods of top action nymphing has been solid. The Lower Sac remains very steady for large bows and clients are wearing out their arms fighting these big boys. Life is short, the window of opportunity is here, get on up here!

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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 →

May 7th, 2015 Northern California Fishing Report

 

We are continuing to fish on the McCloud river, Upper Sac and Lower Sac.  In general the fishing has been fair to good.  We are seeing fish eat dry flies on the upper rivers and we only expect the hatches to grow each day.  The Lower Sac continues to be a strong hold of good fishing.  With all the trout streams open in California we have also been spending time on some lesser know waters.  The best trout fishing of the year is just around the corner.  Be ready!

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