Well the first long spring weekend for you working stiffs and slackers is almost upon us. We keep getting teased with warm weather and then it does a reversal and cools off. This coming holiday weekend is no different. Cool weather arrives just in time for y’all headed this way with a hint of rain looming. Bring your waders, wet wading isn’t advised. Both the USac and McCloud fishing have been steadily improving since my last report. The Salmonflies have just about given up the ghost but right behind them here comes the Golden Stones. Mayflies, Sallies, Caddis and Blue Wing Olives of all sizes are popping too. On the sunny days I recommend wait till the sun get behind the river canyon ridges on both rivers and the shadows start covering the water, this is when you can expect the top action to fire up.

The USac flows are slowly dropping, the snowmelt (what little we had) has just about ended and as of today is running about 330cfs. Not to shabby at all, better than the flows last year but way below where they are normally. The McCloud River is still maintaining its slightly creamy color which helps those of you who are stealth challenged and is at summer flows which will translate to easier wading. I heard that Ah Di Nah Campground was about 3/4 full as of Tuesday so you can expect by tomorrow camp sites will be scarce.

Nymphing on both rivers has been very good, probably the go to right now until shadow time. Also, I’ve included a list of bugs you should have in your box below for both rivers. Light rain is forecast for Saturday so be prepared for both rivers to light up with top activity, I love those light rainy days this time of year, it seems to give life to hatches and makes the fish go nutty on emergers.

FYI the Salmonfly hatch is in full blown swing on the Rogue River. Steelhead, Cutthroat and native Rainbow are active, they’re hammering Stimmies and Chubbies…..fun, fun, fun.

Cheers

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

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com

P.S. Below is my recommendation for bugs for this time of year.

RECOMMENDED BUGS Late Spring Early Summer

Nymphs:

LBS (as follows)

Two Bit Nymph (Blk) #14-16

Dark Lords #14-16

Soft Hackles #14-16

S&M #16-18

Zebra Midge #18-20

Rock Worm #18