Guide Notes

Ted Fay Report : August 24, 2018

August 24, 2018Rick Cox

The last month has been crazy with fires and smoke from nearby and afar fires in California and Oregon. Needless to say this has put a big dent in the recreation side of things. Summer is slowly slipping away and the outdoor activities have suffered. At one time both nearby fly fishing operations at Bollibokka Club and Clearwater House were under threat of burning and had to be evacuated. Fortunately both have been saved but the landscape has changed. The Hirz Fire is the closest to us, approximatel 15 miles from both McCloud and Dunsmuir but CalFire has put enough resources on it to slow it down, as of this morning it is 17% contained. All of us up here in the north state cannot express our gratitude enough to the brave fire fighters and other first responders out there putting their lives on the line .... THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! So under the circumstances here's the fishing report for what it's worth.

For those hearty enough to get out under these unpleasant conditions the fishing has been decent. Lack of pressure has helped on both the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers. My sources tell me that excellent days have been had for those willing to put up with the smoke on both the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rvers. The Dunsmuir area is loaded with truck trout and reports of big fish out of the McCloud have been broadcast. Also the good news is that the smoke currently tends to come and go so hope grows eternal and better days are coming ... we hope.

In the mean time for the last two weeks (just returned) I’ve been in Wyoming and Idaho enjoying the hopper action throwing every hopper pattern I can get my hands on. Fortunately or unfortunately (there was still some CA smoke there) I have had to go that far but it was well worth it for me and my buds, Fred “The Fish” Gordon and Buster. Straight up hopper, hopper dropper and hopper dropper dropper was the game. We were on the Wind River, Big Horn, Salt and Snake in WY and Teton River and South Fork of the Snake in ID. The hoppers were thick and the fish grabby. The Wind River is a tail water holding rainbows and browns that are very big and energetic. Recommended tippet for these strong brutes is 2x and a 6 or 7 wt. rod. When hooked up on one expect explosive runs sometimes into your backing and be prepared to loose about half of them. On all rivers we drifted and cast from the raft pounding the bank, walk waded edges and side channels, and some days just plan left the raft at home and wade fished. Enjoy the pics below and look for Wild Waters Fly Fishing to be hosting some trips here for this phenomenal time of the year.

Cheers

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Stalking The Bank ... note that grass was full of hoppers

Buster Hooked Up

South Fork Snake Side Channel.... That's Where They Are

Salt River, Wyoming

Bent Stick On The Big Horn River

Looking For Evening Gulpers On The Big Horn

Big Horn Double ... Buster and Fred "The Fish" Gordon

Big Horn River

Saw Lots Of These Guys

Our Modus of Transportation

Ouch ... The Only Battle Wound Of The Trip

These Beast Live In The Wind River

Nice Having Our Pastry Chef Along ... Thanks Buster

If you have any further questions please call the shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Ted Fay Report : July 25, 2018

July 25, 2018Rick Cox

Upper Sacramento River

Well it's officially the Dog Daze of summer now. This means temps are north of 100 degrees during the day, the water is warming, the bugs are suffering heat stroke, wet wading is required unless you are allergic to water (wtf), and you best think about mornings and evenings with a nice midday break for lunch and a cold beverage. Whoopsies and falling in are acceptable too. Not to be discouraged though, the fish have to eat sometime so it's not like they have lock jaw. I am finding fish in the oxygenated water, heavy pocket water and deep in the runs and pools. With the river at it's lowest now (melts over and no rain in sight) the fish are on the bottom looking up for something to gobble so it's imperative to get your bugs down in that lower water column. Fish can be enticed with a dry dropper early, early and late, late but otherwise it's nymphing, nymphing, nymphing that will get you fish. My favorite go to bugs for this time of year are the LBS (little black shit) which I have addressed in previous post or just call Bob.

McCloud River

The McCloud has also reached Dog Daze status so the drill is think mornings and evenings. Fish the oxygenated water, the pocket water, and deep in the runs and pools. Heads of pools have been especially effective, get the bugs into that foamy rough water and pay attention to those quick bites that occur there. This river is presenting more opportunities for dry fly fishing so as soon as the shade from the ridges and trees cover the water think about an Adams or PMD. Be prepared for very hot air coming up the canyon from Redding so wet wading is a great alternative to cool down. Also we have fires around that have been bringing in smoke so be prepared. On the up side you will not find this river crowded so the fish are having a break from the crowd hatch and your opportunities are increased for hookups.

Rick Cox

877-934-7466

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

P.S. Look for my next post from my Wyoming/Idaho trip coming up.

Nine year old John first time at fly fishing rocked! Staff was almost taller than him.                           &… — Nine year old John first time at fly fishing rocked! Staff was almost taller than him. Photo by Rick Cox

McCloud River                             Photo by Rick Cox — McCloud River Photo by Rick Cox

These local girls make killer pies, you will not be disappointed ... www.wildflowerbakes.com.

McCloud now has some great restaurants, here's one of my favorites from The McCloud Meat Market ... rib eye steak with mashed potatoesPerfect after a long day on the river — McCloud now has some great restaurants, here's one of my favorites from The McCloud Meat Market ... rib eye steak with mashed potatoes
Perfect after a long day on the river

If you have any further questions call shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Rick Cox

Ted Fay Report : June 20, 2018

June 21, 2018Rick Cox

Upper Sac

The Upper Sac has been fishing well with flows just about at their summer norm. The Golden Stones are plentiful and fish can be enticed with a big Stimulator …. I always like to add a dropper off of it. With days heating up now you can expect to find fish in the faster water when the sun is high and definitely at the top of runs and pools. Evenings have been very good for dry fly fishing if you find the right spot. In the mornings I have been finding fish in those shady spots created by the trees and ridges. Nymphing the long deep runs require getting your bugs down, most fish are hugging the bottom, so get the lead out. Hatches right now are Goldens, PMD’s, Pink Cahills, and Caddis.

McCloud Magic

The McCloud is living up to its reputation as the McCrowd for this time of year but we are still finding fish on this very special river. Ah Di Nah Campground has been filling up early before the weekends so be prepared. The Golden Stones are hatching in big numbers so don’t be surprised to have one land on you to show itself off. A big bushy dry fly with a bead head dropper is working well in the heavier water. You want to pop it rather than trying to let it have an extended drift, the fish love that action. Small nymphs are producing best now … LBS and soft hackles although you never want to forsake the rubber leg. During midday high sun the water is very clear so think stealth …. lighter tippet, making yourself less visible, and put away that noisy metal wading staff. Evening dry fly fishing has produced so it’s well worth hanging in there if you can although it’s zero dark thirty about 9ish now.