Just got back from a trip to Montana and surprise surprise we got snow and rain here…. frickin awesome! On top of that the McCloud is showing signs of becoming less turbid and the visibility is improving. Up to now reports haven’t been very positive on how the river is fishing. It’s tough going with no hatches showing but hopefully that changes. With all the silt on the rocks and bottom there’s a possibility that the aquatic life has been compromised, fingers crossed. If the bugs are going to start hatching it should be anytime from what past experience has shown. For now I would fish a big rubber leg with a dark dropper under a bobber or dredge the bottom. From what I hear takes have been super quick so best be on your game. We should be soon seeing caddis, mayflies and October caddis hatching like the old days hopefully so keep the faith.

On the other hand the USac fishing is picking up. The water temps have dropped below 60 degrees and hookups are occurring throughout the entire river. Some hatches are starting to show but sporadicly. For now, with the water clarity so good, I recommend nymphing using the LBS group of flies but when the October caddis start doing their thing shortly I would go with your favorite OC pupa. The dry fly game too will be picking up fairly soon so be ready with your favorite bullets.

Below is a list of recommended Fall bugs you should have …..

Nymphs

Dirty Bird #8-12

Posse Bugger #8

Red Fox Squirrel #8-10

October Caddis Pupa #8-10

Plump Poopah #8-10

Jimmy Legs #4-14

LBS (dig back to a certain previous report)

Gordon Prince #14-16

Copper John (red & copper) #14-16

Tan or Olive Fox Poopah #14-16

Soft Hackles #14-16

Dries

Humpy #8-16

Adams #8-18

X-Caddis #14-16

E/C Caddis #14-16

Stimulator #8-14

PMD #14-16

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 half day lessons for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com