Joe Kimsey, least we forget but never to be forgotten. Guided for Ted Fay in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and owned the shop prior to Bob Grace the current owner. Believe it or not the shop is the oldest operating shop in California. A true pioneer on both the Upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers. If you have any of his old tied Ted Fay bugs such as the Bomber, Burlap or Bumble Bee hoist them up in his honor today. Those of us who had the pleasure of listening in on his many stories feel blessed, there was no-one else quite like Joe. One of his many Joeisms that to this day holds true for me was “wind blowing hard, going to be a tough day catching fish”….. we miss you.
It’s June, schools out and vacations are happening along with some very nice weather. Been having a gas teaching young anglers, such a blessing to be able to pass on my years of knowledge to the next generation. June means the Goldies are busting out on both the McCloud and USac along with Caddis, Yellow Sallies and Mayflies. June is one of the best months here in Dogpatch to dry fly fish for you dry fly diehards, once July and the heat of summer arrive forget running the dry and time to return to the bobber or bouncing the bottom with your tight line. Think dry/dropper all day long on both rivers and just before dark look for the sky to be filled with bugs of all varieties.
For the USac I would concentrate from about Gibson up to Ney Springs. Unlike the McCloud River there’s plenty of water to access here so when you run into anglers just walk a hundred yards to give them space and fish on. That’s the beauty of this river, it affords plenty of room and locations to fish. Put on a big Stimie or Chubby for your dry and run about 2 feet of tippet off of it to your favorite dropper and fish that rig all day long. For a refresher look back at my last report or two for my recommended nymphs. Dry/dropper has been the go to all day long here, get out there and enjoy because the bobber days await. The river is low but not bad yet, she’s running around 220cfs. Hot weather on the horizon so best to consider wet wading.
On the McCloud it has been what I call McCrowd time. Expect to see many anglers on the 6 miles of public water. Ah Di Nah Campground plus the rough camps are full up on the weekends with the possibility of some of these available mid week. . Remember too The Conservancy is a very popular place in June with most walk on tags taken by 5:30am. It’s frustrating but you just have to deal with it, its June. The river is running at 185cfs and clear at Ah Di Nah (not good) so you best get your stealth mojo together. Recommended flies right now have been big Chubbys and Stimies with your favorite LBS dropper. Consider too swinging a soft hackle at dark, the tug abides
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
If you have any further questions give the shop a shout and the next time you are in the area stop in an bug Bob..
