Ted Fay Report : May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023Rick Cox

Just in from the US Forest Service and PG&E…..

Due to the increase in inflows from snow melt and a current maintenance outage occurring at James B. Black Powerhouse, PG&E will be initiating a spill at McCloud Dam. Flows downstream of McCloud Dam are approximately 420 cfs as measured at Ah-Di- Na (MC-1.) During the spill, flows are expected to rise to approximately 1,000- 1,200 cfs.

Ted Fay Report : April 22, 2023

April 22, 2023Rick Cox

Kids, it’s been a very, very long winter. Dogpatch is starting to shake off the snow/ice and now segwaying into a true spring. The forecast below shows a welcomed warm spell. I am so happy because this ole body is still trying to thaw out. It will however induce a rise in the rivers and streams here so what has been a difficult winter and spring to fish high flows will return (USac is currently at 2.5k and rising) due to the impending snow melt that will ensue. Reason for no reports since February is access at best has been limited in getting to the river due to all the snow. Of course I’m not trying to discourage any of y’all but it’s going to remain high for at least another 4-6 weeks but for those who are familiar with high water conditions there are definitely spots to get your butt into but best be careful, the water is very cold and very swift. We don’t need anyone calling 911 for a rescue. I really don’t know how long these conditions will persist but I do remember in 1997 I couldn’t start guiding either the McCloud or USac rivers until the end of June and into July. The charts and pictures below are showing an extraordinary snowpack and filling reservoirs so buckle down, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

Over on the McCloud River I’ve received this disturbing word that the access to the dam and Ash Camp will be closed in May until December. Just another dagger in everyones heart who love fishing it. As far as access to Ah Di Nah I haven’t received word if the road is open. Generally in years like this the road can still have drifts that you may get stuck in. I’m sure it’s better once you get to the summit but blow downs and slides may be another issue. Best check in with the McCloud Forest Service station in McCloud before venturing out. Read it and weep below from the email the forest service sent out ……….

I was just made aware that PG&E will be conducting repairs on the McCloud Dam starting this May and will have the road blocked for access right after the turnoff for Ah-Di-Na. It sounds like the road will be closed for access through December at least. This will cutoff access to Ash Camp on the McCloud River.

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 half day lessons for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com

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Ted Fay Report : January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023Rick Cox

Happy New Year, what a way to start off 2023. I’m thinking everyone prayed too hard for a wet winter and the gods gave it to us all at once. The rainfall and snow numbers are crazy good and am sure you all are aware of them. Needless to say I love the purge the river is getting on the USac. It went to 16k on the 14th, a FYI for you I remember a year when it reached 40k back in the 90’s. Now that’s a PURGE! For whatever reason the McCloud Reservoir has been kept low so it hasn’t really had a chance for a good ole fashion flush yet. It has spiked but unfortunately didn’t maintain a high flow, probably because the dam wasn’t spilling. I bet it spills and gets too high to fish early spring when the snowmelt kicks in. For now the USac is flowing just north of 2k, for those who know this river when it gets below that threshold our favorite high water spots open up and its game on. I expect too that we should be seeing a good push of lake runs just like the old days before the drought (love them). Given what I’m seeing we will continue to see a very slow drop in the flows if the weather stays cold and there’s no more rain and snow. So far forecast is showing bueno for the next 7-10 days so we may have our first opportunity to fish the river in 2023. The current snowpack is beyond ridiculous so once it kicks in with warming weather it’s going to be a high water year for fishermen and kayakers. Stay tuned kids.

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 half day lessons for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com