Ted Fay Report : May 14, 2020

The “new normal” continues and we are slowly taking our finger off the pause button. The fishing on both the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers is solid. As noted below there are a few campgrounds in the area reopening May 16 but the Conservancy and Ah Di Nah remain closed although we have just heard Ah Di Nah will open May 22. There is some dry fly fishing available now but it has yet to peak. The tail end of the Salmonflies is still here but the caddis and mayflies are beginning to pop. Stimlaltor and dropper along with Adams are best bet right now. Nymphing probably will get you more opportunities with Jimmy Legs, P.T’s, Soft Hackles and Brush Hogs working best. Bob is currently offering some tungsten nymphs that I would highly recommend too. They are heavily weighted and get down into the zone very quickly. We are getting a big dose of much needed rain at the moment with another big shot Sunday and Monday. Once the weather settles down though fishing should be ripe for those who want to do some picking. Remember too there’s limited motel and food service in the area still so plan accordingly.

Cheers

Rick Cox

info@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Here’s the latest update from the US Forest Service regarding north state campground openings. Note for our immediate area (Mt. Shasta/McCloud) there are only 3 campgrounds reopening and importantly Ah Di Nah remains closed. Hopefully it opens soon along with the Nature Conservancy which also remains closed.

U.S. Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
Voice (530) 226-2500



News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2020
Media Contact:
Carol Underhill
carol.underhill@usda.gov
(530) 226-2494
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/stnf
Twitter: twitter.com/ShastaTrinityNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShastaTrinityNF

Shasta-Trinity National Forest Recreation Update


REDDING, Calif. — The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Whenever possible, please recreate locally. Visitors should practice self-sufficiency when visiting national forests and come prepared with all the essentials needed for your trip, including food, emergency supplies, and the ability to pack-out trash. Remember to recreate responsibly by keeping the following in mind:

• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups other than those in your household and please follow the latest guidance from officials.
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• Some services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has made the decision to open the following developed recreation sites and areas by May 16, 2020:

Shasta Lake Area



Campgrounds opening in Shasta Lake Area

Antlers Campground
Bailey Cove Campground
Chirpchatter Campground
Deadlun Campground
Ellery Creek Campground
Lakeshore East Campground
Lower Jones Valley Campground
Madrone Campground
McCloud Bridge Campground
Upper Jones Valley Campground

Group Campgrounds opening Shasta Lake Area

Dekkas Rock Group Campground
Gregory Creek Group Campground
Mariners Point Group Campground
Moore Creek Campground
Nelson Point Campground
Pine Point Campground

Picnic Areas opening in Shasta Lake Area

Bailey Cove Day Use Area
Dekkas Rock Day Use Area
Fishermans Point Day Use Area
McCloud Bridge Day Use Area

Big Bar Area



Campgrounds opening in Big Bar Area

Hayden Flat Campground
Pigeon Point Campground

Group Campgrounds opening in Big Bar Area

Pigeon Point Group Campground

Day Use Areas opening in Big Bar Area

Cedar Flat Picnic Area
Whites Bar Picnic Area
Big Flat River Access

Trinity Area



Campgrounds opening in Trinity Area

Ackerman Campground
Bridge Camp Campground
Clark Springs Campground
Cooper Gulch Campground
Eagle Creek Campground
Mary Smith Campground
Minersville Campground
Trinity River Campground

Picnic Areas opening in Trinity Area

Clark Springs Day Use Area and Beach
Cooper Gulch Day Use Area
Pine Cove Picnic Area

Hayfork Area



Cabin rentals opening in Hayfork Area

Forest Glen Guard Station
Post Creek Lookout

Yolla Bolla Area



Campgrounds opening in Yolla Bolla area

Tomhead Saddle Campground

Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

Mt. Shasta area above 10,000 feet is opening



Campgrounds opening in Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area
Ah Di Nah Campground opening May 22 , just notified on 5/20 by USFS now revised to June 1
Fowlers Campground
Sims Flat Campground
Cattle Camp Campground

Day Use sites opening in Mt. Shasta/McCloud Area

Bunny Flat and all Everitt Memorial Highway day use sites – the gate at Bunny Flat will be closed until at least July 1
Castle Lake Day Use Area
Sims Day Use Area
Pollard Flat Day Use Area
McCloud River Falls area (Lower/Upper/Middle Falls; Lakin Dam; Cattle Camp swimming hole)
Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park

For more information, please visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/stnf, Facebook www.facebook.com/shastatrinitynf and Twitter www.twitter.com/shastatrinitynf.

If you have any further questions please call the shop and leave a message, Bob will get back to you as soon as possible.

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.