Ted Fay Report : June 28, 2024

June 28, 2024Rick Cox

USac brown caught by Fred the fish Gordon Photo by Fred Gordon

June has been spectacular still for dry fly fishing on both the McCloud and USac rivers. The McCloud fortunately has cleared from the visibility scare and is fishing good. Spoke to the caretaker and he told me the fishing is good to great for those who know how to fish this difficult river. Crowds at the Conservancy have been light but with Ash Camp more easy to access it is likely more crowded. Took me about 5 years to figure the McCloud out but once you are cocky and think you have it figured it will turn around and kick you in the teeth. It’s a challenge for what I think is the most beautiful river around so get on it and solve the riddle. Nymphing, dries and streamers are still working but beware of rattlers and poison oak, I was told they are thick this year so be cautious where you are walking. The buzz of those rattlers will give you a heart attack. The USac has still been fishing good for dries in the evenings from Sims up to the dam. Again I would recommend using Adams, Humps and any of your favorite attractors. Below Conant its a nymphing game on the lower river but reports are coming in that folks are catching fish on streamers low down. Remember the shop is open 7 days a week so if you are up here stop in and say hello.

Cheers

Rick Cox

Flows on USac great Photo by Chris Devine

October caddis starting to do their thing

Ted Fay Report : June 19, 2024

June 19, 2024Rick Cox

Unfortunately, as predicted, the McCloud River is suffering the effects of the mud from the reservoir. Visibility in the river is now about 1-2 feet. Hopefully those who know the river can still wade it but it will be a dangerous proposition for those who don’t know the river intimately. Fingers crossed that it won’t get worse.

On the other hand the USac is having one of its best years of dry fly fishing. Went out with Buster yesterday and we caught fish midday but the prime time is 6-8:30pm.

Cheers

Rick Cox

Ted Fay Report : June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024Rick Cox

Well guys, girls and kids, it’s the time to drop whatever you are doing and get your butts up here. Both the USac and Mccloud Rivers are prime for fishing. Both rivers are having excellent hatches so it’s show time because it will not last when Dogpatch gets scorching hot and the Dog Daze will become reality. Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Mayflies and Caddis are all happening on both rivers. Have fun out there!

The McCloud River is crowded thus the name McCrowd but realize this is prime time for this river with everything under the sun hatching. Unfortunately the above picture shows Mud Creek doing its thing, currently the reservoir is muddy and it’s a matter of time before the river gets chocolate. So NOW is the time to get up here to fish this wild and scenic river. Reports are that large lake run browns are in and folks who know are catching them. This river is magic when the hatches are coming off in the evening but nymphing and streamers are what get these big boys.

The USac is finally in great shape for fishing. The shop reports good hatches in the evening from 7-8:30 but yesterday I fished (first time in over a year) and my buddy and I had action on nymphs and dry flies late morning and early afternoon. I suggest if you are fishing dries Humpys, Yellow Caddis, and Adams work and of course Stimmies and Chubby’s. With nymphing we had luck on soft hackles and Peaches and Cream.

Cheers

Rick Cox