Well boys and girls it has been a stellar, knock dead Fall for one and all here in Dogpatch. The colors have been more brilliant since I can remember for this area in many years and the USac is in it’s happy place with plenty of water and stunning colors. Unfortunately, for you who are beholding to the McCloud River it has been just the opposite. It has been a blow to the groin all summer and just when she was showing signs of recovery another surge of mud has come out of the dam and made for an impossible fishing experience. Mud Creek, the culprit, keeps spewing mud whenever it rains now. Not only is it affecting the lower McCloud below the dam but it is impacting the spring that provides drinking water for the town of McCloud. As I’ve noted before…. hopefully this isn’t the new norm in years to come. Mother Nature always has her way, time will tell.

So on to the USac, the atmospheric river seems to have hit further south of us, we did receive about 4 inches of rain (we will take anything) so I would call it an atmospheric creek for us compared to some of the double digit stuff further south …. all good, am sure no-one is complaining. USac rose to 4K cfs and is at 400 cfs, perfect, perfect, perfect. The fishing has improved and the big fish are out and playing. Hooked into one a few days ago and it showed me the middle fin after a good run. If nymphing, I recommend something big as your top bug such as a Jimmy Leg or October Caddis emerger and then your favorite dropper such as a Fox Poopah, P.T., Prince or Baets pattern. The October Caddis are still around but the recent rain seems to have dampened their spirit a bit. Mainly seeing them in the afternoon or later …. stimmie or Chubby time.

Had young Carson out for a intro to fly fishing yesterday. I really liked his enthusiasm and his ability to follow instruction. It all paid off when he landed his first fish caught on a fly. Welcome Carson to fly fishing. Remember for you parents fly fishing is a great way to get your kids out of the house and away from their devices and enjoy nature and all that it offers. That even goes for any and all of you who keep saying I want to fly fish, just do it, you will not be disappointed.

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop or just stop in and bug him next time in the area.

Cheers

Rick Cox Fly Fishing - offering 40 years of fly fishing experience for hourly or half day lessons and trips for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com