It was nice having the river to ourselves all summer, but word has finally gotten out and people are out fishing the McCloud. Water clarity has improved even more. Visibility is up to about 4 feet, more than enough to yield some good fishing. There are a variety of mayfly hatches in the afternoon, but still haven’t seen an October caddis. Fish are finally starting to look up to some dry flies, a welcome sight after a long stint of fishing sub surface. Sounding like a broken record here: there are lots of brown trout around this year. Mid week Ah-di-na campground was nearing half full. I expect by this weekend getting a tag to fish the nature conservancy will require an early start.
Upper Sac
The Upper Sac has been a bit finnicky with weather changes. Nonetheless there are some bigger fish kicking around in the lower river. Some more warm afternoons in the forecast should mean good fishing ahead.
Klamath
Water clarity is improving quickly. There are clearly lots of fish moving through the system. If you are waiting to make plans to fish the upper river, I wouldn’t wait much longer. All signs point to another great fall on the Klamath.
Southern Oregon
Our guides ventured up to Southern Oregon to do some trout fishing on spring creeks. We got to see some awesome water and bad ass, lake run trout. Gin clear water and 6x tippet means we got more scenic photos than hero shots. Looking forward to spending some more time on these rivers next summer.
Our favorite time of year to be on the water is just around
the corner. As temperatures drop, our fishing options start to open up.
The McCloud
Water Clarity continues to be an issue on the McCloud. The river
was fishing great for most of the summer, but August rainstorms have once again
brought dirty water. This river has had a mind of its own recently, and predicting
water clarity isn’t easy. However, over the last few days the water color has
been trending in the right direction.
With all of that being said… historically, big drought killing winters have led to high numbers of migratory brown trout in the river. This year appears to be following that trend. Our guides have been encountering these fish frequently, as early as June. When the river does eventually clear up, we could be in for some of the best brown trout fishing we have seen in a long time. We are eager to get back out there as soon as the water clears up, check back for updates.
The Upper Sacramento
The Upper Sac has been a much more reliable fishery than the McCloud just over the hill. It has continued to fish well throughout the summer, particularly in the upper stretches where the water stays cooler. Water temperatures have started to drop quickly. This allows us to fish some of the lower stretches of the river, which often hold larger fish. Once the October Caddis start to hatch, this river will really start to light up.
The Klamath
The Klamath dam removal is well underway, and this fall will be the last time we fish this river in its current dammed state. Iron Gate reservoir drawdown will begin on January 1st, which will likely blow the river out for some time. Early reports at the mouth seem to indicate good numbers of fish already entering the system. More fish should keep coming in with fall flow bumps and dropping water temperatures. Also, this year California closed commercial and recreational salmon fishing. This means that steelhead will be less pressured as they make their way up the river, and finding solitude on the river will be easier than ever. Starting mid-September, we plan on chasing these fish everywhere from Orleans to Hornbrook. Klamath Fish readily take a swung fly, making it a good choice for both the beginner and advanced Spey angler – particularly early in the season. Indicator fishing is effective throughout the season. The Klamath has had an outstanding couple of years, and we can’t wait to see what it brings this year.
Coastal Steelhead
Lucky For us, just as the Klamath season with be coming to an end with the reservoir draw down on Jan 1st, the coastal steelhead season will just be getting kicked off. Our guides can’t wait to get out to the coast and chase these elusive fish. We will be primarily focusing on the Smith River, but as is always the case with coastal steelhead fishing, flexibility is key.
Lower Sac and more
Of course, the Lower Sac, Hat, Pit, Baum Lake, and too many more to list are all great fall options. Give us a call or shoot us an email if you are interested in booking a trip.
We have been experiencing some dramatic shifts in the weather from warm and sunny to cold, wet and windy. It makes for a challenge but also keeps the fish from becoming stale. They have been switching their diets around depending upon the weather from Beatis, PMD’s, Caddis, Stones, and the Sucker Spawn egg. If one is not working try one of the other. We’ve seen the best bite mid day. Dry Fly Fisherman are able to rise a few fish a day mostly during a PMD hatch. However, the majority of the fish are being caught side drifting with deep nymphs and Jaydecators.
The 10 day forecast looks like the warm weather we’ve been waiting for. We have talented guides available to take you and your fishing buddy on a “must do” float trip down this amazing river. Give us a call. 877-934-7466.
photos by Rick Cox
The Upper Sacramento River
The Upper Sac has seen some radical changes this last few weeks. From snow to rain, to hot days with snowmelt. We’ve seen this river fluctuate in flows and turbidity. However, I am pleased to say this blue water trout stream is now in fantastic spring shape and fishing well. We have seen some quality fish up and down this 40 mile system. Fish from 10” to 16’’ and bigger are being caught on the dry as well as the nymph. It is certainly not a numbers game but a quality spring day can make any angler smile. If you like fishing the big bug, we have seen those prehistoric Salmonflies flying over the river. There are always a couple pig rainbows looking for that big bug, be the angler that shows em a sample. Despite that big meal available, most of the fish are being caught on mayflies. A favorite technique is swinging soft-hackles through the tail-outs. You’ll see us doing plenty of walk n wade trips as well as floating the lower section is one of our rafts give us a wave, or a call.
The McCloud River
She slept well this winter with very few high flows and no devastating flushes. As I walk her banks now I can see spring emerging, the dogwoods are blooming, redbud is popping and the green of fresh growth is hard to ignore. Opening day is Sat the 26th. Not one of these trout have seen a fly for five months. The McCloud is our specialty and we have guides available. Lets get you out.
The Coast
Wether you just can’t give up swinging the spey rod, chasing steelhead or just love fishing on the coast, the Smith River is your bet. The river closes at the end of the month and is dropping into perfect shape for her last days of the season. Flows will be around 3000 this weekend. Still… chrome bright fish enter from the sea and charge upstream to spawn. Some anglers swear the biggest of the year come at this time. We have guides who love this place and one who lives on her banks.
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!!!
Having a beer with a dearly missed friend, big fuzz.
Coastal searching for green water.
You can almost always find it on the Klamath
The 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
Klamath River Winter Steelhead fishing
Great looking Klamath fish!!!
Spending some time at the vise
How the hell did we get here???
and how did this guy get here???
Motel staff most likely hate fishermen.
One of these counts as catching one. We started the day off with 12 in the net.
Dropping in….
Stew lands a nice wild buck
Damion holding a beauty. She tasted so good too!
A 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!
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.
The Fishermen’s Spot’s client Peter came up to catch some fish with us.
Carl Mogerley holding a nice Rogue River hatchery fish.
Another day at the office…
and another….
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.
Rogue River kicking down some nice cutthroat
and some steelhead too!
Back to work on the Lower Sac
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.
Spey Rod fish, Rogue River!
Bobber Rod Fish, Rogue River!
A steelhead season winding down. I’m strait up tired! Drive, fish, have fun, sleep, wake up do it again.
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.
As the cold weather comes in, so do the Winter fish. Its time to break out the big guns and the good jackets. So far in our region mother nature has been fair with a good mix of heavy rain followed by some nice Winter sunshine. The Klamath remains in great shape below the dam and tributaries are running clear at the moment. We’ve been spending some time on the Rogue as well. Also a bit of driving, looking for clear water. We welcome you to take a look at how the winter has started off for us….But as for us we are heading back out.
As most of California’s and Southern Oregon rivers blew out last week from the big storm, the Klamath not only remained fishable but some nice fresh fish were around. The days are getting chilly, the water is colored and cold, but the smiles were big and bright. The boats are having awesome days on the Iron Gate stretch, side-drifting nymphs. Our spey guides are still putting fish on the line, but the days of dry-lining are over. Big flies down deep and slow. Much of the river below the tribs is still too high and colored but they will drop and clear soon, its best to be down there when they do. There are many possibilities coming up for some great Winter Steelheading.
Well… the word got out and it seems like the Klamath River is all the buzz. It has been a phenomenal steelhead run with the vast majority being wild fish! We were busy busy busy busy and it seemed every trip was more than a success. Indeed the fish matter but a look at all the smiles will show that our idea of a successful trip is that they were FUN. As Klamath veterans know, the big ones come in December so we still have so much to look forward to.
The fall season on the Klamath River has been phenomenal. Special thanks to our loyal clients and to our steelhead guides, Anthony Carruesco, Jim Roberts, Carl Mogerley, Andy Marx, Brian Slusser, Ellis Augustini, Matt Formento, Chuck Volckhausen and John Rickard. The Klamath has been good to us! Regardless, if we were swinging runs or side-drifting, the steelhead were plentiful and on the bite! October flew by before we could show off our photos. Check them out.
Fall is here. Cool nights and much needed rain have receded forest fires along the Klamath River. The smoke is finally gone and fish are being caught throughout the river. Salmon, steelhead and half pounders are finding the net’s of our guides. Swinging flies with floating lines has been very productive. We love the traditional flies but those super pounders seem to chase anything that moves. Flows are a bit higher than normal coming out of Iron Gate dam and a second flow increase is predicted. Its a great time to go fishing in the State of Jefferson.
Wild Waters Fly Fishing had an amazing week on the McCloud River last week. The fishing has been good to great with some big fish showing up. The days are the longest of the year with over 14 hours of available light. The dry fly has still been the technique of choice but we will be switching up a bit as some bigger fish are showing up. Northern California and Southern Oregon’s rivers and lakes are at their all time best. Our bass lakes are exploding, and make for an amazing half day. When the wind doesn’t blow. Major bugs to note are the Hexagenia, PMDs, Yellow Sallies and Golden Stones.
The team at Wild Waters has been busy. Last week we’ve had some windy days with a substantial temperature drop, but still had some great trips. Most of our days are spent on the Upper and Lower Sacramento and the McCloud River. On the McCloud we have been mainly throwing dry flies. Mid-day yellow sallies and pmd’s are making the bite last throughout the day. Once the big goldens start dropping down from the trees around 5 pm the big rainbows turn to them and throwing the big bug can make for some awesome grabs. The Upper Sac is also fishing well with dry flies. Golden Stones everywhere!! Take a look at some great photos from last week. We so appreciate all the business and look forward to taking you fishing soon.
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