Guide Notes

The Hirz Fire Sept. 2, 2018

September 02, 2018Rick Cox

The nearby Hirz Fire has now been affecting all of us here now for almost a month. What began as a small fire at the north end of Shasta Lake has now grown into a beast and currently stands at 42,000 acres and 42% contained. Cal Fire and the Forest Service have assured the cities of Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta and McCloud that we are not in imenent danger and no evacuations have been issued ... so far. There is currently a fire camp setup in McCloud now with approximately 2,500 personnel, more than the entire population of McCloud. I am including some link information for those of you to dive into further but rest assured both the Upper Sacramento River and McCloud River are currently open for fishing and access but be prepared for smoke depending on the wind direction. As a side note the Bollibokka Club dodged a bullet and is back in operation.

Current fire map .... https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6116/0/

Daily status report .... https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6116/

Todays current situation..........

Firefighters worked yesterday and through the night along the west side of the fire from Pollard Flat north to Yellowjacket Mountain to connect all control lines. Crews completed the necessary tactical firing operations to further secure control lines and limit the fire’s westward spread. Firefighters also improved and strengthened the control line from Yellowjacket Mountain east to Squaw Valley Creek with tactical burning operations to hold the fire on the north side.

Warmer and drier conditions will continue today, which when paired with the predicted wind and dry vegetation, could increase fire behavior and activity. With warmer temperatures and cleaner low-lying air, air operations should be able to start early again today to assist with fire suppression efforts.

A priority for firefighters today will be to strengthen and improve control lines along Yellowjacket Mountain and along Squaw Valley Creek. They will focus on conducting firing operations from the northeast corner south to the McCloud River confluence. Crews will also continue holding and securing control lines along the western edge of the fire where successful firing operations to connect adjoining lines have taken place. Firefighters in this area will begin mopping up hot spots along the perimeter and removing hazard trees where possible. The southern and eastern edges of the fire that are contained remain secure, and crews continue to patrol this area to ensure that no hazards or threats exist to compromise containment.

If you have any further questions please call the shop.

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Ted Fay Report : August 24, 2018

August 24, 2018Rick Cox

The last month has been crazy with fires and smoke from nearby and afar fires in California and Oregon. Needless to say this has put a big dent in the recreation side of things. Summer is slowly slipping away and the outdoor activities have suffered. At one time both nearby fly fishing operations at Bollibokka Club and Clearwater House were under threat of burning and had to be evacuated. Fortunately both have been saved but the landscape has changed. The Hirz Fire is the closest to us, approximatel 15 miles from both McCloud and Dunsmuir but CalFire has put enough resources on it to slow it down, as of this morning it is 17% contained. All of us up here in the north state cannot express our gratitude enough to the brave fire fighters and other first responders out there putting their lives on the line .... THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! So under the circumstances here's the fishing report for what it's worth.

For those hearty enough to get out under these unpleasant conditions the fishing has been decent. Lack of pressure has helped on both the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rivers. My sources tell me that excellent days have been had for those willing to put up with the smoke on both the McCloud and Upper Sacramento Rvers. The Dunsmuir area is loaded with truck trout and reports of big fish out of the McCloud have been broadcast. Also the good news is that the smoke currently tends to come and go so hope grows eternal and better days are coming ... we hope.

In the mean time for the last two weeks (just returned) I’ve been in Wyoming and Idaho enjoying the hopper action throwing every hopper pattern I can get my hands on. Fortunately or unfortunately (there was still some CA smoke there) I have had to go that far but it was well worth it for me and my buds, Fred “The Fish” Gordon and Buster. Straight up hopper, hopper dropper and hopper dropper dropper was the game. We were on the Wind River, Big Horn, Salt and Snake in WY and Teton River and South Fork of the Snake in ID. The hoppers were thick and the fish grabby. The Wind River is a tail water holding rainbows and browns that are very big and energetic. Recommended tippet for these strong brutes is 2x and a 6 or 7 wt. rod. When hooked up on one expect explosive runs sometimes into your backing and be prepared to loose about half of them. On all rivers we drifted and cast from the raft pounding the bank, walk waded edges and side channels, and some days just plan left the raft at home and wade fished. Enjoy the pics below and look for Wild Waters Fly Fishing to be hosting some trips here for this phenomenal time of the year.

Cheers

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Stalking The Bank ... note that grass was full of hoppers

Buster Hooked Up

South Fork Snake Side Channel.... That's Where They Are

Salt River, Wyoming

Bent Stick On The Big Horn River

Looking For Evening Gulpers On The Big Horn

Big Horn Double ... Buster and Fred "The Fish" Gordon

Big Horn River

Saw Lots Of These Guys

Our Modus of Transportation

Ouch ... The Only Battle Wound Of The Trip

These Beast Live In The Wind River

Nice Having Our Pastry Chef Along ... Thanks Buster

If you have any further questions please call the shop and when you are in the area stop in and bug Bob.

Ted Fay Report : July 25, 2018

July 25, 2018Rick Cox

Upper Sacramento River

Well it's officially the Dog Daze of summer now. This means temps are north of 100 degrees during the day, the water is warming, the bugs are suffering heat stroke, wet wading is required unless you are allergic to water (wtf), and you best think about mornings and evenings with a nice midday break for lunch and a cold beverage. Whoopsies and falling in are acceptable too. Not to be discouraged though, the fish have to eat sometime so it's not like they have lock jaw. I am finding fish in the oxygenated water, heavy pocket water and deep in the runs and pools. With the river at it's lowest now (melts over and no rain in sight) the fish are on the bottom looking up for something to gobble so it's imperative to get your bugs down in that lower water column. Fish can be enticed with a dry dropper early, early and late, late but otherwise it's nymphing, nymphing, nymphing that will get you fish. My favorite go to bugs for this time of year are the LBS (little black shit) which I have addressed in previous post or just call Bob.

McCloud River

The McCloud has also reached Dog Daze status so the drill is think mornings and evenings. Fish the oxygenated water, the pocket water, and deep in the runs and pools. Heads of pools have been especially effective, get the bugs into that foamy rough water and pay attention to those quick bites that occur there. This river is presenting more opportunities for dry fly fishing so as soon as the shade from the ridges and trees cover the water think about an Adams or PMD. Be prepared for very hot air coming up the canyon from Redding so wet wading is a great alternative to cool down. Also we have fires around that have been bringing in smoke so be prepared. On the up side you will not find this river crowded so the fish are having a break from the crowd hatch and your opportunities are increased for hookups.

Rick Cox

877-934-7466

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

P.S. Look for my next post from my Wyoming/Idaho trip coming up.