Ted Fay Report : August 8, 2024

They’re back again

We’ve definitely been in the Dog Daze recently but there’s a hint of cooler weather ahead in Dogpatch. Yup, it’s still summer and hot but the smoke from the Park Fire has disappeared recently and with next week looking to be a cool down you might consider on getting up here. With all that said here’s my report for our two rivers here.

The McCloud River is showing signs of starting to clear up. The turbitity is dropping steadily and the visibility is increasing to a reasonable condition so it should be back in shape in a couple more days. This is the time of the year when you have limited hatches but you might get lucky when the sun drops behind the ridges and shadows hit the water. The canyon cools down then so look for fish poking their noses up and sipping bugs. Otherwise put the weight on and fish deep, these fish are hugging the bottom or in the oxygenated fast water. Realize too this is the time of the year when it’s tough fishing on the Mac but the up side is you’ll have the whole river to yourself. Heads up too, rattlers are still around so be very careful and look where you are stepping.

On the USac the lower river is running on the warm side but there are reports of lake runs showing up. These fish are strong, energetic and large. Reports are coming in about fish in the 18-20 inch range. I highly recommend fishing the lower river in the early morning, I got a notice from CF&W that they are considering hoot owl closures soon on some of the rivers in NorCal, I’ve run across these restrictions fishing Montana in the past, so fingers crossed. Very important, remember to fish in the morning hours and get off the river by noon. Further upstream the water is cooler particularly from Sweetbriar up to Ney Springs. The hatchery is planting a lot of fish unlike years past from there up to Scarlett Way in Dunsmuir. From Scarlett Way up river it is protected and fish have to be released. If you are fishing the planted areas I recommend a fly that has some flash on it otherwise if you aren’t fishing for truck trout I recommend LBS (little black s#*t) for areas above and below the planted areas. Be patient though, when the nights start getting cooler soon, the fish and bugs will get much more active and the fun will begin.

Cheers

Rick Cox

USac looking good on a hot day

USac looking muy bueno on a hot day

Lake Siskiyou is definitely an option

When Dogpatch is hot you gotta go to the beach Photo. by Pauline Cox

Saw a Killer Whale eating on something in Brookings. Photo by Pauline Cox

Otter and pup on Pistol River beach Photo by Pauline Cox

Yummy pastry porn

Ted Fay Report : July 12, 2024

Lake Siskiyou view of Mt. Shasta

Well Dogpatch is declaring Dog Daze have begun officially. Hot, hot days have arrived on the the McCloud and USac. I recommend fish early, take a break at noonish (eat a pastry), and get back at it around 6ish. Hatches are sparse so I’m suggesting nymphing and streamer fishing. Also wet wading is highly recommended, keep yourself hydrated and stay away from them rattlers.

Here’s a heads up for you folks. Water temps have been unusually high over the last few years particularly on the USac during the summer months. The lower river is running around 70 plus degrees and not cooling down much over night. Therefore the shop is strongly recommending stay away from the lower river and fish from about Sims up to the dam. Water is cooler the further upstream you go and the fishing is definitely better. Remember in warm water the fish get stressed easily and we don’t want to see a fish killed. In regards to the McCloud River temps are moderating between 62-64 degrees which is good but not great.

Cheers

Rick Cox

Been this way for almost 2 weeks

4th July fireworks

The only way to eat a pastry is on the river Photo by Pauline Cox

Lemurian car Photo by Pauline Cox

Bee Kind Bakery ROCKS!

Bee Kind Bakery is fantastic!

Bee Kind Bakery porn

Ted Fay Report : July 3, 2024

Just got a report from the caretaker at the Preserve that a guide got bit by a rattler yesterday. Fortunately the caretaker was nearby and he was able to escort the guide back to his truck and drive him to the emergency room in Mt. Shasta where the guide received the antivenom shot. I was told by the caretaker that for whatever reason the rattlers are very aggressive this year and he said he was chased by one for about 10 feet. Be careful where you set and be safe on the McCloud River.