Tag Archives: mccloud river fly fishing guides

10/3/23 Fishing Report

McCloud

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.

April 19th, 2018 Fishing Report

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Photos by Carl Mogerley

The Lower Sacramento River

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.


 

 

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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.


 

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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.


 

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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.

Last days of August on the McCloud

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This August proved to be a productive month on the McCloud River.  Some hefty fish from the lake have reached the upper stretches surprising many anglers with incredible fights and acrobatic get aways. Gotta love it. The water clarity and temperature drastically changes from the upper stretches all the way down to Bollibokka. Up top it has about 2-3 feet of visibility while the lower river at Bollibokka is damn near gin clear. The algae seems to be the only downside to fishing this time of year and diligent fly cleaning is necessary.  Sadly, there are no real hatches and any mayfly that happens to get off the water gets waxed by awaiting dragonflies, mandibles slicing them in half in an unfair dogfight. However, fall is near and caddis hatches are scheduled. It will be a great time to swing through a riffle or skate a tail-out. We hope to see you out there.

 

 

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Photos by John Rickard

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Mt Shasta area is fishing fantastic.

The waters around Mt Shasta, especially The Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers are fishing fantastic. Hatches of Grey and Green Drakes, PMDs and Golden Stones are prevalent. The fish have spread out throughout the pocket water and looking for a meal. Tie on some big bugs and let them fly. The McCloud saw some crowds over Memorial Weekend but most had great fishing. The Nature Conservancy was filled to capacity, but the fishing was so good everyone was smiling. With crystal clear water and crowds the fish are getting educated fast, but with proper approach and presentation they slam it.

What a great time to be on the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers.  Enjoy some photos.

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Bass ponds and lakes have offered up some explosive takes on topwater in the early mornings

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Part Toy / Part Tool but she is going to open up some new water for us!

Its a sad day when you find out your fishing buddy is moving away. But then you find out he is moving to Florida, buying a flats boat and selling you his raft.

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The McCloud River is open for business!

Come one, come all, beckon your wild call. The McCloud River opened to fisherman on April 30th and has been putting on quite a show. Good hatches and rising fish means we have been having a lot of fun with dry flies. Be prepared with Grey Drakes, Golden Stones, PMDs and (fingers crossed) Green Drakes. The biggest concentration of fish are in the first miles below the dam, but you’ll find more bugs down river. June is our favorite month on this river so pack your bags.

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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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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!

Continue Reading →

April 30th 2015, Northern California 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.

Continue Reading →

Northern California – Southern Oregon Fishing Report April 9, 2015

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.

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

State of Jefferson Fishing Report July 31st 2014.

The McCloud River has been left alone by most anglers and we have seen it slowly recover from a massive Mud Creek glacial silt flood. The water went from brown to green in a period of two weeks yet it has enough visibility to fish. Any steelhead fisherman would show up and see its color and say “oh hell yeah” but the fishing has been difficult. That said some very nice fish have been put in the net. Adjusting to the conditions and fishing with off color techniques has paid off big time for a few of our guides. The Reservoir on the other hand is filled to the brim with fish and non crowded days can give some excellent stillwater fishing.

The Upper Sacramento River has been fair to good fishing this last week.  The lower end of the river is holding some nice trout.  Waters temperatures are warm so mid day fishing is not advised.  Early morning is the time to fish the lower stretches of the Upper Sac.  In the mid day move to the Upper stretches of the river.  Water is still very cold in the Cantera Loop area and small trout are looking up for dry flies.  The river access in Dunsmuir is fishing very well and lunch at the Dunsmuir Brewery has been a highlight for everyone. Continue Reading →

Wild Waters Fly Fishing Weekly Report.

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.

Continue Reading →