Ted Fay Report : July 25, 2018

Hooking Up On USac

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

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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Photo by Rick Cox

Nine year old John first time at fly fishing rocked! Staff was almost taller than him.                             Photo by Rick Cox

McCloud River                             Photo by Rick Cox

McCloud River                                     Photo by Rick Cox

Summer Pastry Porn

These local girls make killer pies, you will not be disappointed ... www.wildflowerbakes.com.

McCloud now has some great restaurants, here's one of my favorites from The McCloud Meat Market ... rib eye steak with mashed potatoes

Perfect after a long day on the river

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

Rick Cox

Ted Fay Report : June 20, 2018

Henry's First Day At It

Upper Sac

The Upper Sac has been fishing well with flows just about at their summer norm. The Golden Stones are plentiful and fish can be enticed with a big Stimulator …. I always like to add a dropper off of it. With days heating up now you can expect to find fish in the faster water when the sun is high and definitely at the top of runs and pools. Evenings have been very good for dry fly fishing if you find the right spot. In the mornings I have been finding fish in those shady spots created by the trees and ridges. Nymphing the long deep runs require getting your bugs down, most fish are hugging the bottom, so get the lead out. Hatches right now are Goldens, PMD’s, Pink Cahills, and Caddis.

McCloud Magic

The McCloud is living up to its reputation as the McCrowd for this time of year but we are still finding fish on this very special river. Ah Di Nah Campground has been filling up early before the weekends so be prepared. The Golden Stones are hatching in big numbers so don’t be surprised to have one land on you to show itself off.  A big bushy dry fly with a bead head dropper is working well in the heavier water. You want to pop it rather than trying to let it have an extended drift, the fish love that action. Small nymphs are producing best now … LBS and soft hackles although you never want to forsake the rubber leg. During midday high sun the water is very clear so think stealth …. lighter tippet, making yourself less visible, and put away that noisy metal wading staff. Evening dry fly fishing has produced so it’s well worth hanging in there if you can although it’s zero dark thirty about 9ish now.

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Now Where Did Mom Go        Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Magical Fall River Evening                          Photo by Rick Cox

Fall River                                     Photo by Pauline Cox

Open For Business Pastries In Dunsmuir

Dunsmuir Pastry Porn

Recommended Bugs .....

Nymphs:

LBS (as follows)

• Dark Lords #14-16
• Soft Hackles #14-16
• S&M #16-18
• Zebra Midge #18-20
• Rock Worm #18
• FBPT #16-18
• Micro Mayfly (blk.) #16-18

Jimmy Legs #4-10
Gordon Prince #14-16
Possie Bugger #8-10
Copper John (red & copper) #14-16

Dries:

• X-Caddis #16
• EC Caddis #16
• Parachute Adams #14-16
• Stimulator #8-14

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

Cheers

Rick Cox

www.wildwatersflyfishing.com

Ted Fay Report : May 24, 2018

Photo by Rick Cox

McCloud River Fishing Report

The McCloud River continues to give up some great fishing. The river is in fantastic shape with showery weather mixing in with sunny days. The wild Azaleas are in full bloom and their fragrance makes you wonder if you are in a perfume shop. Bring your raincoat for those unexpected thunderstorms and bring your game face, the McCloud River has been giving up some beautiful fish. The Golden Stones are out and about and we have been having good luck with a big Stimulator or Chubby Chernobyl with your favorite dropper hanging off of them. Think stealth too, the clarity of the water is a good 4-5 ft. so skinny up on that tippet. It's that time of year and folks are coming out of the wood works to enjoy this gorgeous river thus we entitle it The McCrowd..... Ah Di Nah Campground was full up yesterday with more sports rolling in.

Give us a shout here at Wild Waters Fly Fishing, we would love to help you enjoy this fabled river.

Cheers

Rick Cox

rick@wildwatersflyfishing.com

877-934-7466

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Carl Mogerly

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by John Rickard

Photo by John Rickard

Upper Sacramento River Fishing Report

The Upper Sacramento River is and has been a terrific option for fishing this Spring.  It is starting to sound like a broken record .... good to excellent. Flows remain at a healthy 400-500 cfs with many choices for you to play. The top end from Dunsmuir up river is still seeing a good number of Salmonflies and from mid river (Sims) upstream the Goldens are popping out. The lower river is all about Caddis, Caddis and more Caddis. Cool showery days are producing excellent hatches around midday. Nymphing remains very solid so think about Birds Nest, Poopahs, LBS and soft hackles. This is river is a great option during these busy holiday weekends, you have about 35 miles of accessible water to pick and choose from.

Cheers

Rick Cox

Photo by Rick Cox

Photo by Edward Boyd

Photo by Rick Cox

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