Mid-August Report
Bob Grace
8/15/26 Ted Fay Fly Shop Report
Upper Sacramento River
Upper Sacramento River
Water Temp: Mid 50s in Dunsmuir
River Flows at Delta: 224 CFS
It’s a great time to fish! The heat wave is over and we are experiencing weather right now that feels more like early Fall. The night time temps are in the low 50s and daytime temps are in the 80s. Trout like the cooler weather, and have been responding with more activity, especially in the morning and evenings. Locals and visitors are still reporting some good days if you put in the effort, but as is usual this time of the year, it is a nymphing game. Some fish are coming up for larger dries like #14 Chubby Chernobyls or Hoppers, so give that a try with a dry-dropper set up. I have been snorkeling in the river quite a bit and there are lots of fish of all sizes in there, and this shows how healthy this spring-fed tailwater is. When much of the West is in serious drought with low and warm rivers, we are lucky to have this beautiful river that gets most of its water from springs deep in lofty Mount Shasta. Stop by the shop to let us know how you’re doing and for the most recent info.
McCloud River
Water Temp: Upper 40s at Ash Camp
River flows at Ah Di Nah: 188 CFS
Last week I went to the McCloud to focus only on brown trout. I arrived during the heat in the middle of the day. I managed to bring a 13 incher to the net and had another one chase me a couple times from underneath the bubbles of a deeper run. I caught several rainbows as well. I ran into a young man who was doing the same thing and he had just a bit earlier caught what he said was the biggest brown of his life. Another local went to the McCloud this week and did well on small nymphs, like caddis pupas, peaches and cream and pheasant tails in sizes 16 and 18. The water is still very clear and it’s great for sight fishing.
***There has been a bear around the Conservancy area of the river that has become far too comfortable with humans and it is causing some concern for those who run into it. The bears are along the river this time of the year to fatten up on blackberries, and they generally leave people alone. This particular black bear is too curious, so be watchful. Bear spray might be a good idea.
-Michael Kielich