Ted Fay Report : April 30,2020

Well boys and girls it’s definitely a different world these days. Here in Dogpatch we are of course following the mandated marching orders set down by our governor . However what better way to enjoy the outdoors and practice social distancing than getting out on the water for some relief from the constant chatter of the talking heads and practice some me time. Spring is here and we have been having some excellent fishing on both the USac and McCloud Rivers. It’s certainly lifts my heart to hear and feel the water and of course take in all the sounds of mother nature and her spring blooms. There are a few folks out fishing on the rivers but for the most part there are no crowds. There was a spike of anglers on the McCloud for the opening weekend with a number trying to camp at Ah Di Nah which is closed. These sports thought they could just sneak in and get away with it but law enforcement showed up and they were escorted out. As you can see below all STNF and State campgrounds are closed and its being enforced. In addition the Nature Conservancy on the McCloud River is closed and the caretaker is there acting like the gatekeeper to heaven. In the future I will post news of any opening changes once I receive notification but for now kids you have to get it, the playground is shutdown in certain areas and if you are bad you are going to get spanked. In the mean time the good news is the USac isn’t closed except the few locations noted below and the McCloud River public water is open from the dam to the Conservancy.

A big ah ha for you to realize is lodging and restaurants here are tough to come by if you are considering getting away. There are a few motels open in Mt. Shasta, specifically the Best Western Tree House and possibly one or two others. There are a few restaurants offering take out and the fast food places are doing drive through. Dunsmuir has no take out going but the Mosbrae Hotel next to the shop is open. Lodging in McCloud is pretty much shutdown and Floyds Drive In is the only food available. You might also be able to find a VRBO open in the area too if you peck around.

Conditions currently are very good with both rivers running clear. The USac is experiencing runoff but is very approachable in most areas with flows running around 900 cfs. The McCloud River at Ah Di Nah is running about 260 cfs and is easy to access. Ash Camp of course is closed and access to it is still blocked off at the dam. Last year we were fighting high water conditions at this time but we are now officially in a drought situation and the snowpack is at 50% at best so no worries as far as big water.

Here’s a list of campground closures from the STNF…..

Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

Campgrounds closed in Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

• Trout Creek Campground

• Algoma Campground

• Cattle Camp Campground

• Fowlers Campground

• Ah-Di-Na Campground

• McBride Springs Campground

• Sims Flat Campground

• Castle Lake Campground

• Gumboot Campground

• Panther Meadows Campground

 Group Campgrounds closed in Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

• Camp 4 Group Site

• Red Fir Flat Group Campground

 Day Use sites closed in Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

• Bunny Flat and all Everitt Memorial Highway day use sites

• Castle Lake Day Use Area

• Sims Day Use Area

• Pollard Flat Day Use Area

• Snowman’s Hill Day Use Area

• McCloud River Falls area (Lower/Upper/Middle Falls; Lakin Dam; Cattle Camp swimming hole)

• Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park

 So fortunately or not this is your up to date situation. Bottom line you can still fish but as we all know it’s a different world and until Dorothy comes back to Toto it’s not going to change any time soon.

In the mean time I encourage all you pastry porn fans who cannot get out to visit their favorite closed donut shop to party on like a rock star at home and become a pastry whore like me, there’s some great recipes out there to get your sweet tooth cranked up. It of course helps to have a partner in crime such as my wife, Ms. P to assist your addiction. You now have my permission to indulge yourselves and go down in flames like me…..I’m just a donut shy of 300 lbs. now and enjoying the ride. As the old proverb goes “Fat is where it’s at, you only live once”.

Bob is still available for messages (530) 235-2969 but the shop is not open and will remain so until we are told we can open the doors. Stay safe everyone and for sure stay healthy, we want to see you all and your happy faces on the other side of this.

Cheers

Rick Cox and Bob Grace

Photo by Jason Kash

Photo by Jason Kash

Photo by Jason Kash

Pastry from Ms. P

Ms. P pastry

Ted Fay Report : March 7, 2020

Upper Sacramento River Report

The river remains in excellent shape for winter and early spring fishing. The storm last night and this morning brought the river up to 550cfs and is currently dropping slowly. The river was getting a bit stale and clear due to the lack of rain but last night was just the thing we needed. The fishing remains great for big fish and we have had outstanding days with our clients. The large fish are still on the prowl and are eager to play over the entire river from Ney down to Dog Creek. The days will be extended now with daylight savings time but the mornings are still chiily so not necessary to get out there at the crack of. With the warming days I am seeing more and more bugs so make sure you have nymphs that represent Mayflies, Caddis, BWO’s and Stones. Unlike last season the river should remain in excellent shape for the next few months so don’t hesitate, get on it now. We have some excellent USac guides available for those who are looking for a fun day and a valuable tip or two.

Cheers

Rick Cox

1-877-934-7466

Area Steelhead Report

Our guides have been roaming near and far for steelhead over the last few weeks and have been finding success with these elusive beast. There’s still about a month to go so if interested in feeling the tug of one of these guys give us a shout, we have excellent guides who are covering all rivers from the Klamath and Smith in California up through southern Oregon as far as the Umpqua.

Rick Cox

1-877-934-7466

Lower Sacramento River Report

We are enjoying a very early spring here in the north state. The Lower Sacramento River in Redding is a great option now and is currently fishing great and will continue such through May and into June. The river is running low and clear with shorts and t-shirts the norm. Hatches are starting to show and the trout are hungry. A day in the boat here can be a delight for anglers. We cater to all levels of fly fishers too, groups, families, kids and friends are all welcome. So think about fresh air, serenity and the chance of catching a memorable Lower Sac fish with one of our excellent Wild Waters Fly Fishing guides.

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

Ted Fay Report : February 11, 2020

The Upper Sacramento Report

Am getting a little worrisome as far as river conditions and snowpack but have to say up to now no complaints. The river has been running oh so sweet with flows right now just north of 400cfs. February started off with very high flows but has been dropping slowly. The entire river right now is very approachable and fishing is off the charts for big rainbows. Just about everyone who’s been out is finding fish in the 16-24 in range …. SERIOUSLY! It’s one of those winters where the planets have aligned and the fish gods are showing us love. Temps during the day this week have been in the 60’s from Dunsmuir down river and the 2 week forecast shows nada precip and warm temps. Fish are grabby for the Jimmy Legs, tungsten stones, sculpins and a variety of mayfly nymph patterns. We are starting to see the rainbows spawning so be cautious of their redds. I will impress one more time, the window is here and when it shuts you will kick yourself for not taking advantage of this very opportunistic time to get into one of these elusive beasts. We have the guides who can get you into them, give me a shout.

Rick Cox

info@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Steelhead Report

We have chasing steelhead frantically since January and finding some very nice steelies. We’ve been on all over northern California and southern Oregon where conditions have been perfect and remain so. Swinging and bobber has produced with a lot of chromers coming to the net. Unlike last year when the rain was relentless the weather has been holding just enough and that steelhead green has prevailed on most rivers. We will continuing pursuing these bad boys the remainder of this month and March so if you got the itch give me a shout.

Rick Cox

877-934-7466

Daily Rations

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug him.