Well boys and girls Upper Sac flows have increased from the low flows of winter. Lake Siskiyou has filled up and dam releases have finally begun. The snow melt along with some much needed rain and snow is starting thus the recipe is set for the dam and tribs to produce higher water. As of today the river is running at about 750cfs and rising due to the rain we’re receiving. More flows mean the river will change and some of your honey spots are going to be too swift to fish effectively. Thus poking around to find a more reasonable spot to fish is recommended. Up until the dam releases last week the river had been on fire still for large fish. My moto has always been don’t fish when the river rises but when she starts to drop get your butt out there.. I experienced this Tuesday when it was climbing to 800cfs ,,,,,very little action. As the days get warmer and longer we are seeing more bugs but still nothing to get giddy about, a few Blue Wing Olives and occasional small stone or Salmon Fly is about it. The water rightfully is still very cold so their alarm clock hasn’t fired off yet, think May. Meanwhile I would guess in another day or so it will be time to strap on the waders and boots and think about some recon. In the meantime it’s still a combo diet of Jimmy Legs and LBS with copious weight to get your bugs down in the happy zone using the bobber or no bob.

The McCloud has opened up and the access road is clear to Ah Di Nah and Conservancy (TNC opened 24th). The road to Ash Camp is still blocked at the dam and no word still on when it will be fixed. The river is at summer flows and clear so stealth is recommended. Reports I am getting are the river is fishing OK but prime time is still a ways off. Any time on this special river is golden so between now and June is worth the trip, no crowds, but then be prepared for the legendary stampede of June when the bugs are plentiful and the fishermen abound.

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

P.S. The shop is now open 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm.