After a very moist winter chasing steelhead all up and down the coast, our guides are looking forward to throwing some dry flies in the sunshine. Local streams are starting to shape up for what should be a good spring.
The Lower Sacramento was running at a massive 40k cfs, but has since dropped down to the mid 20’s. These flows should produce some productive fishing so long as it doesn’t get much bigger. Spring is a great time to get out on the Lower Sac, usually bugs are hatching by mid March and the river doesn’t get too crowded. The Upper Sacramento is still running well over 2,000 cfs and will likely be too big to fish for at least a couple more weeks. Finally, the McCloud has continued to stay clear throughout the winter and at excellent flows. There has been very little snow accumulation at low elevations, so barring any late season cold storms, access should remain good. Also, after many years of being closed, the road to Ash camp has finally been reopened.
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.
Its been a great summer and the crew at Wild Waters Fly Fishing has been helping people catch fish all over our local waters. I couldn’t be more proud of the guys right now. Great guide trips coming from all around. Although the fishing has slowed on the McCloud and Upper Sac they still continue to produce everyday. The help of a good guide might teach some of the tricks to mid summer success. The Lower Sac continues to produce trout everyday as usual and some big ones are being hooked pretty regularly right now. But its not all about work all the time. We’ve been getting out and having some fun too.
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.
To the rope at the Nature Conservancy.
Where the big one got away.
So good to see you Barr! We don’t get to do this enough anymore
Its that time of year again. An awesome sunrise every morning! Guides day off and were going fishing!We put the bobber rod down to swing a run.
What a treat! These early fish are always a gamble.
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! Continue Reading →
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 →
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.
Guide Carl Mogerley has been finding his fish in all types of water.
10 foot 4 weight ready for anything on the Upper Sac.
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.
One last swing for the season. A nice bright Sandy river fish in April.
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.
What a way to end the winter season, already giddy for next year. Summer fish beware, your next….
But 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.
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.
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.
The McCloud River continues to deliver good fishing with lots of surface action. The golden stones are out thick and the fish are on them. I’ve been casting the Orvis Superfine fiberglass rod and its been a treat to catch some hard pulling fish on glass. Slow down and enjoy the river. A few bigger browns found their way to the net last week, giving us a twist of whats to come! Be ready for Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, Green Drakes, Grey Drakes and Hydrophysche Caddis. Continue Reading →
The team at Wild Waters Fly Fishing has been guiding everywhere lately. Fishing has been a mix between good and excellent, because of changing weather patterns and windy days. The hatches have been pretty thick as our windshields can attest. May has been all about the dry fly and its been a treat to fish some of the bigger ones. Golden Stones, Grey Drakes, Green Drakes, and the Salmonfly. I like big bugs and I can not lie.
Beyond the Lower Sacramento’s stellar year most of the highlights have been on the McCloud, Klamath and Rogue Rivers.
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