Guide Notes

Ted Fay Report : April 25, 2021

April 25, 2021Rick Cox

Well boys and girls Upper Sac flows have increased from the low flows of winter. Lake Siskiyou has filled up and dam releases have finally begun. The snow melt along with some much needed rain and snow is starting thus the recipe is set for the dam and tribs to produce higher water. As of today the river is running at about 750cfs and rising due to the rain we’re receiving. More flows mean the river will change and some of your honey spots are going to be too swift to fish effectively. Thus poking around to find a more reasonable spot to fish is recommended. Up until the dam releases last week the river had been on fire still for large fish. My moto has always been don’t fish when the river rises but when she starts to drop get your butt out there.. I experienced this Tuesday when it was climbing to 800cfs ,,,,,very little action. As the days get warmer and longer we are seeing more bugs but still nothing to get giddy about, a few Blue Wing Olives and occasional small stone or Salmon Fly is about it. The water rightfully is still very cold so their alarm clock hasn’t fired off yet, think May. Meanwhile I would guess in another day or so it will be time to strap on the waders and boots and think about some recon. In the meantime it’s still a combo diet of Jimmy Legs and LBS with copious weight to get your bugs down in the happy zone using the bobber or no bob.

The McCloud has opened up and the access road is clear to Ah Di Nah and Conservancy (TNC opened 24th). The road to Ash Camp is still blocked at the dam and no word still on when it will be fixed. The river is at summer flows and clear so stealth is recommended. Reports I am getting are the river is fishing OK but prime time is still a ways off. Any time on this special river is golden so between now and June is worth the trip, no crowds, but then be prepared for the legendary stampede of June when the bugs are plentiful and the fishermen abound.

Cheers

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

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com

P.S. The shop is now open 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm.

If you have any further questions please call Bob or Steven at the shop and remember the next time you are in the area stop in and bug them.

Ted Fay Report : April 3, 2021

April 03, 2021Rick Cox

We had the last big snow dump almost 3 weeks ago, needless to say this much snow was unexpected. This really isn’t a snow report though, more importantly it’s a heads up to those of you who are getting twitchy to get up here and fish the McCloud River. Forget getting to Ah Di Nah Campground, there’s still a significant snowdrift going up to the ridge and the poor guy below got stuck and had to spend the night after being turned away by multiple tow services. He had to hike to the ridge to get a one bar signal with no luck. To all you cowboys out there wait or hire a backhoe, from my past experience the road will not be plowed so be patient. I know the new regs have opened the river up to all year fishing so for now your only access to the river is the Ash Camp route. Also the Nature Conservancy is not open, I have no word on when it will. It’s private property and is posted closed.

The USac is open and fishing good. This time of year offers the opportunity to tie into a big rainbow or brown. I was out yesterday poking around and hooked this nice bow pictured below. Fortunately the dinks of summer have not showed up yet but as soon as the water warms a bit more they will get active. It’s all about legs and little LBS right now. I spotted my first salmonfly about a week ago just sunning itself on a rock so as the warmer days kick into gear we should start seeing more. In the meantime the bugs that are showing themselves are Blue Wing Olives and Caddis. Also I recommend this time of year using a 3x leader and 4X dropper tippet if you want to land one of these large guys. The river is in great shape and will remain so. The snowpack is minimal so I don’t expect a significant runoff (unfortunately).

The traditional season opener for the north state trout rivers is a thing of the past for better or worse. With the current conditions the season is in gear NOW, it’s a wide open free for all on your nearby rivers ….. USac, McCloud, Hat Creek, Fall River, Pit Rivers, Burney Creek, etc. Take advantage now of the great conditions before summer comes with the heat and lower flows.

Cheers

Rick Cox Fly Fishing - offering lessons for beginners and ole dawgs

530-925-0446

Give the shop a call if you have any further questions and the next time you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Ted Fay Report : March 12, 2021

March 12, 2021Rick Cox

I’ve been on sabbatical but am back and contrary to rumors I’m not retired or intend to. I’m segwaying from full time guiding into a part of fly fishing I’ve always enjoyed …. teaching. It’s an arena that has a void and at this stage of my life I am offering 40 years of fly fishing knowledge that I want to pass on to those who have dreamt of fly fishing and don’t know where or how to get started or those who are looking for additional guidance and instruction. Of course too I will continue to post fishing reports for the shop and tease y’all with the pastry porn.

Some of you may already be aware but the CA Fish and Wildlife regulations has gone through a radical change. Personally I’m unhappy with their opening up most trout rivers statewide all year. They justified their logic stating they wanted to simplify and standardize their regulations. I protested, in particular the McCloud River being a year round fishery, but to no avail. We’ll just have to see how many rescues have to be made in the canyon in the middle of the winter, best be warned when the snow arrives and winter comes the road to Ah Di Nah and the dam becomes problematic and it’s not plowed or cleared of slides until spring. Nearby rivers such as Pit River, Hat Creek, Burney Creek and Fall River are now open for year round angling too.

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The recent weather has bumped the Sac flows to just above 600cfs, once the snow melt cuts loose then she becomes a much larger river but for now it’s in prime shape. The temps are starting to get north of 50 degrees now midday so that’s my signal (and of course no rain or snow) to get out there. I fished it for a few hours today and had success with soft hackles and blue wing olive imitations …. FYI they were all quality fish. I love the late winter early spring fishing available here when conditions such as these present themselves …. I highly recommend you take advantage of these opportunities, it’s all about timing and seizing the moment kids.

Winter has been a Covid stay at home but when I have my favorite baker under the same roof the pastry mojo kicks in and some of Ms. P’s great recipes get made and guess who gets the rewards of enjoying them. Covid pastry porn has helped me through this pandemic so eat your little hearts out for those of you who enjoy the comfort of living my porn vicariously.

Remember the shop is currently operating under winter hours (closed Monday and Tuesday). Bob is stocking up for the spring season so if you need something he can certainly ship it to you but even more just get your butt up here and get some great fishing in.

Rick Cox

Rick Cox Fly Fishing

530-925-0446