Guide Notes

Ted Fay Report : December 11, 2021

December 11, 2021Rick Cox

Merry, Merry Christmas to all of you out there. The shop is stocked and ready for you Christmas shoppers who are looking for that special present for that special fly fisher in your lives. We are open and ready to fill that shopping list of yours whether it be a new rod, waders, boots or any of the other important accessories fly fishers need to make their fishing experience satisfying. For those out of town folks the shop can ship you whatever you want or if you cannot decide what they need a gift certificate might be the next best option.

As far as the fishing around here here is a short run down. The Upper Sac has been in a funk for some time. The river needs some juice and that is presently starting up as I type this. Next two weeks will bring copius amounts of rain and snow so bring it on. The McCloud has finally become approachable but the unfortunate mud spills this summer and fall has made the rocks and bottom very silty. Every time you take a step silt puffs come up. Of concern to me is that the rocks and bottom are covered with this crap so hopefully the bugs and aquatic life survive. What the McCloud needs is a good high flow purge to flush it out. Up on the Klamath the strong steelhead return is still in gear, probably your best option in these parts.

I’m offering gift certificates as a Christmas gift for any of you who might be thinking of giving a special someone a fly fishing lesson, give me a call or email me at ricmcfly@gmail.co

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

Bob and Steven wishes y’all a Happy Holidays

Ted Fay Report : November13, 2021

November 13, 2021Rick Cox

Rain, snow, rain, snow warms my cockles right to the bone. Desperately needed for us bumpkins in Dogpatch and many thanks to the Gods. Just an outstanding start to the Fall and all our rivers are very appreciative. We’re hoping this trend continues and last years drought and fires are nightmare to be forgotten. Current weather is great and I’m seeing the long range procrastinators forecasting great Fall weather for a couple of weeks so if you are looking for some Fall days on the river it’s time. The McCloud River is showing signs of clearing but it’s still a dicey proposition wading, as I’ve said before you best have eyes in your wading boots. The new CA regulations have opened the river to all year fishing so no closure on the 15th as in years past. Remember too Ah Di Nah Campground will close on the 15th which means no running water or bano so be prepared if planning on camping.

The USac is in primo shape from Soda Creek upstream and running higher below. It’s running just north of 700cfs at Delta (lower river) so crossings could be a bit shakier and some of your secret spots may be too fast to fish. The October Caddis are still around from about Sweetbriar upstream. I took Buster out a couple of days ago and found fish on Stimmies rather than under the bobber. These big bugs are USDA prime food for the hungry trout prepping for Winter and I’ve observed them around into December so maybe we call them OcNoDec ….. whatever.

It’s steelhead time in the neighborhood too and all the close by rivers that these fish live in are in outstanding shape. The Klamath has been seeing an stellar year and all you horny steelheaders need to get it on your to do list. The shop carries a good assortment of flies for these beast so stop in on your way to the promised land.

I’m offering gift certificates for a Christmas gift for any of you who might be thinking of giving a special someone a fly fishing lesson, give me a call or email me at ricmcfly@gmail.com.

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop or just stop in and bug him next time in the area. Of note the shop will be starting its Winter hours November 17. Store hours will be Wednesday - Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday Noon to 5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday.

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

Fred “The Fish” Gordon in the Bahamas with the biggest bone fish I’ve ever seen

Love the pastry porn for you horny souls

Ted Fay Report : October 30, 2021

October 30, 2021Rick Cox

Well boys and girls it has been a stellar, knock dead Fall for one and all here in Dogpatch. The colors have been more brilliant since I can remember for this area in many years and the USac is in it’s happy place with plenty of water and stunning colors. Unfortunately, for you who are beholding to the McCloud River it has been just the opposite. It has been a blow to the groin all summer and just when she was showing signs of recovery another surge of mud has come out of the dam and made for an impossible fishing experience. Mud Creek, the culprit, keeps spewing mud whenever it rains now. Not only is it affecting the lower McCloud below the dam but it is impacting the spring that provides drinking water for the town of McCloud. As I’ve noted before…. hopefully this isn’t the new norm in years to come. Mother Nature always has her way, time will tell.

So on to the USac, the atmospheric river seems to have hit further south of us, we did receive about 4 inches of rain (we will take anything) so I would call it an atmospheric creek for us compared to some of the double digit stuff further south …. all good, am sure no-one is complaining. USac rose to 4K cfs and is at 400 cfs, perfect, perfect, perfect. The fishing has improved and the big fish are out and playing. Hooked into one a few days ago and it showed me the middle fin after a good run. If nymphing, I recommend something big as your top bug such as a Jimmy Leg or October Caddis emerger and then your favorite dropper such as a Fox Poopah, P.T., Prince or Baets pattern. The October Caddis are still around but the recent rain seems to have dampened their spirit a bit. Mainly seeing them in the afternoon or later …. stimmie or Chubby time.

Had young Carson out for a intro to fly fishing yesterday. I really liked his enthusiasm and his ability to follow instruction. It all paid off when he landed his first fish caught on a fly. Welcome Carson to fly fishing. Remember for you parents fly fishing is a great way to get your kids out of the house and away from their devices and enjoy nature and all that it offers. That even goes for any and all of you who keep saying I want to fly fish, just do it, you will not be disappointed.

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop or just stop in and bug him next time in the area.

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