Tag Archives: John Rickard

January 2016 winter steelhead.

Categories: Fishing Report

January for us is a special month.  Its time for us to get our fish on.  We have been running all around the State of Jefferson and beyond,  sleeping on the side of rivers, in the truck and even the luxury of the well needed dry warm hotel room.  Can’t tell you how much fun its been.  Not all play though, were still doing our guide trips and if you want to get out and get some fishing in for yourself feel free to hit us up.  Hope to see you out there!!!

DSCN1028Having a beer with a dearly missed friend, big fuzz.

IMG_2703Coastal searching for green water.

DSCN1030 You can almost always find it on the Klamath

DSCN1033The Klamath river did finally blow out for a few days below Iron Gate dam for the first time in years.  We’re still out there getting the job done

kidKlamath River Winter Steelhead fishing

dadGreat looking Klamath fish!!!

fliesSpending some time at the vise

treesandfernsHow the hell did we get here???

truckand how did this guy get here???

IMG_2719Motel staff most likely hate fishermen.

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chuck steelhead One of these counts as catching one.  We started the day off with 12 in the net.

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Dropping in….IMG_2794

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stew and chuckStew lands a nice wild buck

DamionDamion holding a beauty.  She tasted so good too!

CO crewA great day of Winter Steelhead fishing!  My old friends from Colorado came out to get in on some chrome lightning.  We hired Casey Malepsy and his buddy Robert to take us out with the spinning rods and man did we have a good time.  The boys went home with some great looking fish!

September 3rd, 2015. Fishing Report.

Categories: 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.

Categories: 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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July 23, 2015 Mt. Shasta Fishing Report

Categories: 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

Categories: 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

Categories: 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

DSCN0055They must just taste so good…

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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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Fishing report May 20th 2015

Categories: Fishing Report

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

Categories: 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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April 30th 2015, Northern California Fishing Report.

Categories: Fishing Report

Great to be back on the McCloud river.  Another opening weekend blew by like the wind.  Just a tease as we start the journey on yet another season in the one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  Conditions were excellent and the fish were happy.  Anthony, Carl, Jim, Andy, Chuck and John all came back with happy clients and stories of success.  Thanks so much to the crew for your hard work and dedication.  Were are more than honored to have you guys on our team and we always appreciate your help.  Some awesome McCloud river photos here, if you want to get excited for one our favorite rivers, check em’ out.

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April 16th, 2015. Fishing Report.

Categories: Fishing Report

This last week we have been focussing on walk and wade trips on the Upper Sacramento River and drift boat trips on the Lower Sacramento River. Spring time rainbows are becoming more aggressive to the fly with the afternoon bite becoming reliable. Water temperatures have been all over the place.  Some recent snow in the hills melted quickly and the river has receded back to low and clear. Hatches of Beatis, PMD’s, March Browns, and some Caddis can entertain us dry fly fishermen but be on the look out for the monster of stoneflies, Pteronarcys aka Salmonflys. There have been reports of sightings. The Upper Sac offers quite the variety right now and however your pleasure of fishing for trout, it can accommodate.  Meanwhile, down river…  The Lower Sacramento river is still providing awesome fishing from Redding to Red Bluff and our drift boat guides are constantly bringing back happy clients. Some of our guides are still sniffing out large winter steelhead in Oregon. (its’ hard to quit) It is time to go fishing no matter whats your game, so come to Mt Shasta and get bent.

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Guide Carl Mogerley has been finding his fish in all types of water.

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10 foot 4 weight ready for anything on the Upper Sac.

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Crystal clear water is so aesthetic to fish offering that wonderful moment of seeing the fish take your fly, but it requires a stealthy approach.

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One last swing for the season.  A nice bright Sandy river fish in April.

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I drove up and met my friend Drew from California Trout (nice hat eh) in Portland and we went out to fish the Sandy river. Awesome float, beautiful canyon, and some quality steelhead to boot.  Thanks so much Sam, steelhead outfitters for taking us out on your raft.  Really cool trip down the river.  Can’t believe we saw next to nobody all day.

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What a way to end the winter season, already giddy for next year.  Summer fish beware, your next….

matt nets dusty watchesBut we can’t forget about the Lower Sac.  Still a stronghold for great days of fishing.  Hard to beat right now, the sun is out, the nets are out and I hope to see, you out.

10906273_10205333654453396_369346142771523999_nThis must be the place!!!!

Northern California – Southern Oregon Fishing Report April 9, 2015

Categories: Fishing Report

The steelhead fishing is nearing its end right now but a few fish are around in the Upper Rogue and Upper Klamath. Anthony Carruesco one of Wild Waters guides reports …  Lower Sac has continued to kick out some great fishing over the past week. Still, we have yet to see the bigger hatches that the spring usually gives up. There are some spring Caddis still around, PMDs, March Browns and a few Salmonflies, but not in great numbers yet. Probably a symptom of the low water and more silt covering the gravel than usual.. Despite the lack of big bugs hatching the fish are still very healthy and eating well … The river is starting to light up!

The Upper Sac continues to give up some nice fish as reported by Rick Cox. It is all about nymphing and getting your flies down this time of year. Both rivers will only continue to improve as Spring warms up.

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Eric’s Nice Upper Sac Bow

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Fish On Upper Sac !!

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Upper Sac Daze

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USac Kiss

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Lower Sac courtesy of Anthony Carruesco

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Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco

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Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco

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Lower Sac Courtesy of Anthony Carruesco

 

 

Northern California and Southern Oregon Fishing Report, April 2nd 2015.

Categories: Fishing Report

Just wrapping up what has been an epic steelhead season on the Klamath, Rogue, Trinity and coastal rivers.  There is certainly still some fishing to be had for these special brutes.  Up next we start segwaying into trout fishing on the Lower Sacramento and Upper Sacramento Rivers. Rick Cox of Wild Waters Fly Fishing is reporting good results on the Upper Sac running nymphs from Dunsmuir downstream to Lakehead. Hatches are not happening yet in any significant numbers but fish are looking up to BWO’s, caddis and March browns. The Lower Sac also is fishing well with nymph’s being the most productive, but some PMD and caddis dry fly action can be had. The upcoming spring weather makes this river an ideal place for you to spend a day or two or three. Reports from Anthony Carruesco, Jim Roberts, Chuck and John are all exciting and we look forward to a great spring.

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The Fishermen’s Spot’s client Peter came up to catch some fish with us.

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Carl Mogerley holding a nice Rogue River hatchery fish.

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Another day at the office…

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and another….chuck2

A short break from the fish and attempt on some lizards.  Good to see you out James and Rachel nice treat running into you guys.

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Rogue River kicking down some nice cutthroatcharlie

and some steelhead too!unknown

Back to work on the Lower Sacboys swimming

First for everything… at least that I’ve seen, these boys swam across the Lower Sac.  Thats cold, and a long ass way to go.  Water Polo players, those of you watching, don’t try this at home.

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Spey Rod fish, Rogue River!chuck

Bobber Rod Fish, Rogue River!chuck sleeping

A steelhead season winding down.  I’m strait up tired!  Drive, fish, have fun, sleep, wake up do it again.
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This is what happens when your sleeping on the river!  Your buddy takes your picture then wakes you up for one of these.  Its a good life and the spring is just starting.

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Upper Sac Starting To Produce

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Hooked Up On USac

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Upper Sac Rainbow Love