Ted Fay Report : July 12, 2024

July 12, 2024Rick Cox

Well Dogpatch is declaring Dog Daze have begun officially. Hot, hot days have arrived on the the McCloud and USac. I recommend fish early, take a break at noonish (eat a pastry), and get back at it around 6ish. Hatches are sparse so I’m suggesting nymphing and streamer fishing. Also wet wading is highly recommended, keep yourself hydrated and stay away from them rattlers.

Here’s a heads up for you folks. Water temps have been unusually high over the last few years particularly on the USac during the summer months. The lower river is running around 70 plus degrees and not cooling down much over night. Therefore the shop is strongly recommending stay away from the lower river and fish from about Sims up to the dam. Water is cooler the further upstream you go and the fishing is definitely better. Remember in warm water the fish get stressed easily and we don’t want to see a fish killed. In regards to the McCloud River temps are moderating between 62-64 degrees which is good but not great.

Cheers

Rick Cox

The only way to eat a pastry is on the river Photo by Pauline Cox

Ted Fay Report : July 3, 2024

July 03, 2024Rick Cox

Just got a report from the caretaker at the Preserve that a guide got bit by a rattler yesterday. Fortunately the caretaker was nearby and he was able to escort the guide back to his truck and drive him to the emergency room in Mt. Shasta where the guide received the antivenom shot. I was told by the caretaker that for whatever reason the rattlers are very aggressive this year and he said he was chased by one for about 10 feet. Be careful where you set and be safe on the McCloud River.

Ted Fay Report : June 28, 2024

June 28, 2024Rick Cox

USac brown caught by Fred the fish Gordon Photo by Fred Gordon

June has been spectacular still for dry fly fishing on both the McCloud and USac rivers. The McCloud fortunately has cleared from the visibility scare and is fishing good. Spoke to the caretaker and he told me the fishing is good to great for those who know how to fish this difficult river. Crowds at the Conservancy have been light but with Ash Camp more easy to access it is likely more crowded. Took me about 5 years to figure the McCloud out but once you are cocky and think you have it figured it will turn around and kick you in the teeth. It’s a challenge for what I think is the most beautiful river around so get on it and solve the riddle. Nymphing, dries and streamers are still working but beware of rattlers and poison oak, I was told they are thick this year so be cautious where you are walking. The buzz of those rattlers will give you a heart attack. The USac has still been fishing good for dries in the evenings from Sims up to the dam. Again I would recommend using Adams, Humps and any of your favorite attractors. Below Conant its a nymphing game on the lower river but reports are coming in that folks are catching fish on streamers low down. Remember the shop is open 7 days a week so if you are up here stop in and say hello.

Cheers

Rick Cox