Ted Fay Report : October 5, 2024

Browns are out on the McCloud Photo by Chris Devine

It’s October and the conditions couldn’t be more perfect for you boys and girls. Contrary to what you see on the turbidity chart online the McCloud River is in perfect condition, just checkout the photo below sent by Chris Devine from a few days ago. The Browns and Bows are on the feed now with the cooler nights and shorter days. Pressure is still light but by mid month you’ll see this river get to its famous name “the McCrowd”. Right now the fish are chewing on rubber legs, birds nest, poopahs, S&M’s and Brush Hogs. The October Caddis aren’t showing quite yet but they should be very soon. In the mean time if you want to target top feeding fish I suggest fishing the shade where you will see Blue Wing Olives emerging and also Caddis particularly in the evenings. And once again don’t forget to bring some streamers for those brownies.

On the USac I fished with Buster couple days ago. We found fish chewing on dry dropper, streamers and nymphs. Once again here, cooler nights and shorter days are putting the fish on the feed. Also I’ve heard of some very large fish coming out of the lower river below Lamoine. Water temps down there are in the high 50’s which is just about darn oerfect. I suggest using Stimmies or Chubbys (yes, the October Caddis are starting to show) with a dropper such as a Brush Hog, Frenchie or Walts Worm. When nymphing I suggest Red Copper John, Walts Worm, Gordon Prince and soft hackle. I do love swinging them soft hackles kids.

Btw be prepared for a butterfly invasion on the USac, these guys are migrating south now and the air is filled with them.

Cheers

Rick Cox

McCloud es bueno, forget that turbidity gauge

Big Browns are ready to play

USac fishin

USac Bow Photo by Chris Devine

Buster on the search

Buster in the shades

Gulf Fritillary

California Sister

Donuts are always a tradition when fishing with Buster