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Ted Fay Report: Sunday October 18, 2009 Final rain total for McCloud Dam was 11.75 inches......that's why the river isn't back into shape yet. Hawkins Creek dumped alot of mud into the river. Rain forecast again tomorrow will delay its return to normalcy. With the expected cancellations last week I took advantage of the down time and took off to Medford and the Rogue River. In a short time on the river I hooked and landed 3 steelhead. From what I saw and am hearing this is going to be a good steelhead year for the river. The Upper Sac saw alot of pressure this last weekend. I've always observed in the past that this time of the year that the third Saturday of October is the peak of the fall crowds and of course it held true again. October Caddis are thick but the fish aren't looking up in earnest. A few suicidal fish will come up on a stimmie but I highly recommend that you have a dropper.Am seeing a sparse caddis and PMD hatch on the mid to upper river and a BWO hatch on the lower river. Lots of leaves in the water is not helping either nymphing or dry fly fishing.
See last report for The McCloud River.
If you have any further questions call the shop. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Wednesday October 14, 2009 Wow, what a storm. We like most of the state got hammered. The rain gauge at McCloud Dam read almost 10 in. this morning. Made the rounds real quick and here's what I'm seeing. McCloud is blown out from Hawkins Creek down. Hawkins is extremely big and brown. Ah Di Nah is toast with flows at 750 cfs and 3000 cfs at Lake Shasta.The road around the lake has numerous slides. The Upper McCloud is marginal. The flows came up about 300 cfs. The Upper Sac peaked at 2000 cfs last night and has dropped off below 1400cfs. Currently the river is fine from Soda Creek up stream. With all this said the rain has finally stopped, have seen snow on the Eddy's and am sure Mt. Shasta as soon as the clouds clear. The river flows will continue to drop now and I anticipate that the Upper Sac and Upper McCloud will be fine by tomorrow. The McCloud is a different issue. From what I'm seeing I would guess a few more days for it. Long range forecast is showing periods of dry weather mixed with showers.............typical fall.
Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Monday October 12, 2009 Back from 6 days of guiding in Trout Heaven...........yes there is one, believe me. The Big Storm is forecast to roll in tonight and last thru Wednesday. We definitely need the rain folks so bring it on, it will do nothing but help. The weather looking ahead looks to be a mix of mild to showery. Both rivers are fishing very good now. Weekends are crowded but the fish don't seem to mind. The Upper Sac is very good as previously noted from top to bottom. The lower section is seeing a nice BWO hatch both early a.m. and mid afternoon till dark. The October Caddis hatch is in full swing from mid river up to Box Canyon. Stimmie/Dropper is working for sure, for sure. Nymphing remains solid.
The McCloud is getting crowded and the pressure along with clear water is making the fishing more challenging but for those who know the McCloud it is putting out some very nice fish. Ah Di Nah has been full the last couple of weekends and probably will be thru the month along with Ash Camp.
For any further questions call the shop. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com Ted Fay Report: Tuesday September 29, 2009 Yeah Baby! Summer heat has left the house. We are in the 60's today with more of the same forecast through the week and weekend. The drop started yesterday and my day with client Doug from Sol Cal was very good. We fished both rivers and got fish at every stop. Seeing more and more bugs from a.m. thru the day but still not the consistancy I would like yet. The fish are very grabby for nymphs but be ready for some top action. It's a happenen! The Upper Sac is fishing good from top to bottom. With the cooler temps expect BWO, PMD & Sulphur hatches a.m. and p.m. particularly upper river. October Caddis are starting to show so an emergent pattern on hand is necessary. Lots of leaves are on the water so be prepared for a false hookup occasionally. Fish are definitely looking up so stimmie/dropper will work. Crowds are nada.
The McCloud is also fishing good. Crowds zip. Water has colored up due to turbidity but is fishable. Saw my first October Caddis fly past me last night. Browns(So Cal Doug got a nice 18 in. lake run brown) are showing. Hatches are happening............do I need to say more!
For any further question please call the shop. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Thursday September 24, 2009 We are in the middle of the last heat wave of the late summer/early fall. The mornings are crisp and the afternoons are hot. So guess what, the fishing has been very good in the mornings and dropping off in the afternoon. Next week we are getting a big drop in temps with low 70's predicted by Tuesday, the elephant ears and trees are turning, and saw the first October Caddis of the season fly by me on the Upper Sac the other day. Thus things are coming into alignment for the fishing to rev up next week. Get up here before the crowds arrive. The Upper Sac still improves with good fishing in the mornings and dropping off as the heat rises. The lower river is producing some big fish, try a rubber leg with the shops recommended LBS (see previous reports for those asking what the hell is LBS?) as a dropper. From mid river up the water is cooler and the suggested flies below will get you in the ball park. Evening hatches still spotty but that will change shortly.
The McCloud has been good also in the a.m. and dropping off like a rock in the afternoons but this too will change next week. Expect fishing to be more consistant as temps drop. For those diehards in the afternoons load your line up with mucho weight and dredge the deep runs and pools. Crowds still sparse but I can feel the ground shaking from those dedicated October fans heading up here. Nights will be in the 30's next week so wear an extra layer cause it takes that canyon a while to warm up.
Call the shop with any further questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Thursday 17, 2009 Well if you haven't heard by now we are celebrating the notification by Nestle's that they are abandoning their plans to build their ginormous water bottling plant in McCloud. This has been a 6 year uphill battle for those of us who could see nothing but serious damage to the McCloud River watershed. Kudos to the many people and organizations who put up the big fight and beat the multi-national Goliath. Fishing this week on the Upper Sac has been good especially on Monday when we had a spell of showers and overcast. Clients Rick and brother Tom had a great day of introduction to how the river can really fish. Dry fly fishing is spotty still but nymphing will get you into the game. Bob Grace's LBS is what's works. Fish as always the pockets, runs and heads of pools. Look for structure especially. Stimmie/dropper is definitely an option. Mornings are brisk but afternoon wet wading still works for those who are inclined.
The McCloud fished fair this last week. Still no crowds. Just talked to John Rickard and heads up if you are down the PCT at Ash Camp. There's a nasty yellow jacket nest about 3/4 mile down the trail on a big cedar log. He was attacked and ended up with over 20 stings.....still breathing. Also the gnats are especially thick this summer so beware.
Call the shop with any further questions. Rick Cox ww.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Thursday September 10, 2009 The transition continues and the fishing was good this last week on both rivers. Clients did well over Labor Day weekend thru yesterday. A warm spell is occuring the next few days with a cool down after. Saw the Upper Sac fish better for evening dry flies over the McCloud. This last week also produced big browns on the Mac.....they're starting to come out of their summer hibernation sport fans. Upper Sac is fishing good from Gibson up. Recommend nymphing a.m. and afternoon, big bushy dries in the p.m.. As always fish the fast to medium moving slots and runs and the pocket water. Don't neglect the water along the elephant ears too.
The McCloud is starting to put out a few big browns. Had Jeff from Ashland yesterday catch a 22 in. brown after a 10 minute fight. No crowds, few hatches and fair/good fishing. If you want this river as your own now is the time. Same drill as the Sac for water type.
For any further questions call the shop. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Tuesday September 1, 2009 All signs are now showing the shift from summer to fall. The Fall Equinox is 3 weeks away and I'm now seeing color changes in the ferns, elephant ears, and trees. The water temps are dropping and that usually is the bell signal for the fish. I actually had a October Caddis adult flying in my house last night. I'm right on Squaw Creek and this guy hopefully is leading the charge. This coming 3 day weekend is a time I would encourage those who can get away to come, below average temps (low 70's) are forecasted with cloudyconditions and cool nights. Pressure on both rivers has been very light so the stars are in alignment for some good fishing. The Upper Sac fished well Sunday for my father/son party. We fished a half day and the fish were on the bite the full time. Again they were holding at the heads of pools, in the semi deep riffles and runs and of course the pocket water. Bob Grace's reference to LBS (little black stuff) flies is what you need in your box. Dry fly fishing was good on Friday during the cloud cover.
The McCloud is back on. My father/son party Saturday had a good intro to the river. It fished good a.m. to early p.m.. Son Matt hooked and landed a beautiful 17 in. rainbow and dad Mike lost another big fish with numerous other fish landed. All other reports this last week were about the same... fishing good with some quality fish being hooked . Had a bear hanging with us Saturday for about a half an hour picking blackberries and watching us fish.........very cool. Same drill as the Upper Sac on water type.
For any other questions call the shop. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Tuesday August 25, 2009 The last few days has seen the rivers drop off from good to fair fishing although the 36 degrees this morning at my house outside of McCloud is a continuing sign of fall's approach. No consistancey was the theme this last week. Fishing on the Upper Sac is fair to good. A few reports of lake run fish on the lower river makes it worth a try. Fish Gibson down to the lake for these hot fish. One of the theories on these fish that move up from Shasta Lake is that they are ancestors of the trapped steelhead left over after the dam was built. They are very hot fish, a gas to fight and often a broken heart had when they show you who's boss. The river in general isn't as crowded as earlier this summer (me thinks school is the reason) so solitude can be had. Wet wading is still appropriate and will be through next month. Evening hatches still spotty.
The McCloud dropped off a little recently but is still producing on both nymphs and dries. You are more than likely going to find an evening hatch here more so than the Upper Sac. I spotted a bear at the campground at Ah Di Na yesterday, he had it all to himself. Also beware of the Fish & Game box at the trailhead into The Conservancy, the hornets have taken it over and are very surly. The oxygenated water is where to target fish, also look for shade during the day and "git er down". No crowds here.
Call the shop for any other questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Wednesday August 19, 2009 Overall I'm starting to see the worm turn for the Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers. Days are getting shorter, nights are slightly cooler, virtually no pressure, and the fish seem to be waking up. Had clients out on both rivers the past week and I would term conditions as improving, good action particularly in the a.m., and some quality fish hooked with the middle fin being flipped. Upper Sac is fishing slower than the McCloud. The cooler weather, up until this week, helped alot. Pretty much the same drill as we've had all summer, fish the oxygen, fish deep and deeper which means taking off the indicator, and hit it a.m./p.m.. Dry fly fishing is really spotty but if you're in the right place at the right time be ready.
The McCloud River was a joy this last week. No one else on the river and it fished good. Beware at the Ash Camp toilet, about 30 bats are sleeping during the day in the ceiling. Bring a broom. Stimmie/dropper is working best with a wide variety of nymphs working on the dropper. The late afternoon is seeing a PMD hatch in the shady areas. If you want to enjoy the prettiest river around now is the time, you get the feeling that unlike this spring with its crowds, that it's all yours. This won't last long when fall arrives.
Call the shop with any additional questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Saturday August 8, 2009 Just Back Wednesday from the N. Umqua. Sad to say not only is there smoke and fire near here but the same was going on there. Unfortunately the N. Umqua fire closed 10 miles of prime fly water (Camp water down river to Susan Creek) plus the Steamboat Inn (which was evacuated). Managed to hook a couple of nice fish just below the fly water as did my friend, Mitch Shirbroun. He also had a fish come up on his skater one evening. The run is better this year by all reports and fishing the week prior to the fire was, great according to a friend, who had been there for 2 weeks. Now back to our rivers. Fished Upper Sac Thursday and Friday with clients. Thursdays storm dropped temps significantly and Mt. Shasta received a dusting of snow. River fished good both days with Fridays newbie having a banner day. River was on as I thought it might be and we were rewarded. The report for the McCloud was about the same. Prior to the storm it had been slow but after the last couple of days of lower temps it has been good. Beware of those nasty rattlers on the McCould, almost stepped on one a week ago. As previously posted they are hanging out near the river so watch your step. I will emphasis once again for this time of year, be patient on the water you fish, the fish are there so work it good before moving on. Foamy, oxygenated water is what you want to work and "git er down". The Upper McCloud is fishing fair, crowded but lots of truck trout.
Call the shop with any additional questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Tuesday July 28, 2009 The Upper Sac and McCloud Rivers are squarely in the dog days of a heat wave and are fishing as such. This is the time of the season that I call semester break. For myself I think of some me time and attempt to get away to a favorite river. So after looking at my calendar I see a nice 7 day break in bookings and am heading for the North Umqua River to chase summer steelhead on what I consider one of the top two most beautiful rivers in the west. The other you ask... the McCloud River. Fellow guide Alan Blankenship and a dear friend from Seattle will be joining me so a report will follow. Back to our rivers though: The Upper Sac is producing fish from Box Canyon to Shasta Lake. Fishing is slow to fair which is typical for now. You will catch small fish mostly but be patient, work the likely holding spots hard, switch flies, load up the weight, the larger fish are there but not as grabby as they were back in May/June. Tickle the fish with your patience, it will pay off. The same holds true for the McCloud. As mentioned before in previous reports hit the oxgenated water at heads of runs and pools and don't forget the pocket water. Evening dry fly fishing on the McCloud is better now than the Upper Sac.. Had fish taking stimmies the other evening (early) with clients, on the McCloud.
Call the shop with any additional questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Saturday July 18, 2009
The Upper Sac is and will be entering an extended summer heat wave. I am finding eager fish in the a.m. with nymphs. Recommend high sticking the pocket water/seams. Small sized bugs are the ticket and "get er down". Evening hatches are spotty and inconsistant but if you are at the right place after 8 p.m. you can find rising fish.
The McCloud River is also a partner in the heat wave and this is only time I would suggest wet wading. Fished good this week. Had a rewarding day with 2 young ladies who had just been to The Fly Shops fish camp. It was a joy to help tutor them, witness their enthusiasm and share the beauty of the river. Recommend fishing the same type of water as the Sac (get er down)but concertrate on the shaded areas when it gets on the water. Dry fly fishing is worth it too in the evenings.
Call the shop with any questions. Rick Cox www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Saturday July 11, 2009
The Upper Sac has entered it's summertime low flow stage and wet wading is definitely recommended for those so inclined. Mornings are a nymphing affair and evenings are producing fish on both the surface and beneath. Definitely fish the pocket and oxygenated water and natural dead drifts will get you in the game. Fish can be found from Shasta Lake up to Siskiyou Lake, I recommend start low in the a.m. and work up river as the heat takes hold.
The McCloud River flows are a bit higher than previous years and thank god there are no flow test scheduled. Water is cold and waders are recommended for the faint at heart. Fish are picky but the right presentation with proper bug will get you into fish. I picked up a nice 17 in. german brown the other day and my partner in the same run a beautiful 16 in. rainbow with a girth that filled his hand. One heads up, many rattlesnakes at Ah Di Nah!
If you have any questions please call the shop. I will be handling this report from now on and encourage you all to check it for weekly updates.
Rick Cox http://www.mccloudflyfishing.com
Ted Fay Report: Wednesday June 10, 2009
Water Level 650 CFS and dropping Water Clarity Normal Water Temp Good Fishing Good Hatches late afternoon to late evening Pinks (16) Golden stones (8) BWO (14) A Few Green Drakes Brown Caddis (12)
Coming into prime shape. Lots of bugs out. Pinks are the main mayfly hatch in the Upper River . I have not been hitting the lower end of the river much so I have no reports for that area. Golden stone hatch is limping along right now. I suspect the weather is having a big impact Scattered showers in the afternoon and cooler than normal temperatures have slowed the hatch down a little. Still there are goldens out there and you can have good action with induced-rise dry fly fishing with a size 8 Stimulator all day long. Seeing a few Green drakes on the water but I have not encountered a fishable number of them yet. Flows are still a bit higher than normal (650 CFS this morning), but the river is very fishable. Some of the heavier pocket water is not yet accessible, but most of the river is fine.
McCloud:
I have not been on the Mccloud much recently so the reports I have are hearsay only. With that qualifier, I would say that the mcCloud is fishing well. Same bug mix as on the Upper Sac. Golden stones and Pinks, plus a random selection of other bugs. The cooler cloudy weather we have right now should produce some excellent dry fly action on the Mac. Reports are that the river is getting pretty busy on the week-ends but mid-week is not too bad. The rainy weather is keeping some of the fisherman off the water. Bring your rain gear and give it a try.
Pt River : No recent reports. I just heard Pit 5 is bigger than normal because Kosk Creek is running high. No reports from Pit 3 and 4.
Ted Fay Report: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO Water Level 1750 CFS and climbing Rain, Rain, Rain. Well, we are having our first big storm of the season. River has come up quite a bit and reports are that the Lower end of the river is Off-color but the water thru town is still OK. Soda CReek area last night had a little color in it but it was still very fishable. THe october Caddis are out in numbers but as usual it is a bit hit or miss as to the fish being on them. I have had a few session of fishing the big drys, but I have also seen many days where the fish just were not on them. Batis nymphs have been the most constant pattern to use.
McCloud Still very high. FLows are over 1,000 at the gauge and about 650 at Ash Camp. I have heard of a few people hitting the conservancy water and picking up fish, but it is definitely challenging fishing conditions. Forget wading much of anything, most fishing will be from the bank or just a few steps out. Currrent estimate from PG&E is that the river will return to nortmal flows on 11/07/08
Ted Fay Report: Thursday, July 3, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO Water Level 250 CFS I can't believe it's been a month since my last report. River is low and clear. We are rapidly approaching what we call the dog days pattern. fishing is best early and late, while mid- day can get a little slow. The one thing that saves the mid-day is the Calibatis hatch. These gray size 16 mayflies come off the river around 1:00 to 2:00. unfortunately the Upper Sac does not have a real strong population of Calibatis. Primarily a still water bug, there are a few in the river and it is a hatch that you should watch for, but it is kinda hit or miss action. Also typical of the dog days pattern is a very late evening hatch. Some days the hatch does not get started until after 8:00 PM. Also the evening hatches are getting a bit spotty. some spots some evenings nothing happens. I have not had a chance to get down and check it out, but the mid to lower river evening Caddis hatch should be starting. Again is is usually a late evening hatch, but it can bring up some really nice fish to the surface. It is also about time to start using midge patterns. Up to this point In the year I have been using mostly size 12 and 14 nymphs but as we get into the hot parts of the summer, small midge patterns start producing better. Size 18 and 20 black and green midge patterns. A interesting recent addition to the wikipeadia for our local waters: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCloud_River http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_River
Wednesday June 4, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO
Monday, May 12, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO I watch the gauge at delta carefully, When the gauge starts showing a steady downward trend in the water levels we know the melt is about over. I am sure the river will come up a bunch with temps that high, but I think it will be the last hurrah, I expect by next week we should see the river start dropping quickly. Saturday, May 3, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO McCloud alert: As part of the re licensing project they are gonna be running some test flows on the McCloud river from May 5 to May 14. The flows will be ramped up to 1,000 CFS during that period. More info about it can be found here:
Saturday, April 26, 2008 UPPER SACRAMENTO Water Level 1000 CFS and going up quick Still not seeing much dry fly fishing, but will change soon. Reports are that the McCloud was very crowded for the opener. A changing of the Guard.
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