Ted Fay Report : October 30, 2021

October 30, 2021Rick Cox

Well boys and girls it has been a stellar, knock dead Fall for one and all here in Dogpatch. The colors have been more brilliant since I can remember for this area in many years and the USac is in it’s happy place with plenty of water and stunning colors. Unfortunately, for you who are beholding to the McCloud River it has been just the opposite. It has been a blow to the groin all summer and just when she was showing signs of recovery another surge of mud has come out of the dam and made for an impossible fishing experience. Mud Creek, the culprit, keeps spewing mud whenever it rains now. Not only is it affecting the lower McCloud below the dam but it is impacting the spring that provides drinking water for the town of McCloud. As I’ve noted before…. hopefully this isn’t the new norm in years to come. Mother Nature always has her way, time will tell.

So on to the USac, the atmospheric river seems to have hit further south of us, we did receive about 4 inches of rain (we will take anything) so I would call it an atmospheric creek for us compared to some of the double digit stuff further south …. all good, am sure no-one is complaining. USac rose to 4K cfs and is at 400 cfs, perfect, perfect, perfect. The fishing has improved and the big fish are out and playing. Hooked into one a few days ago and it showed me the middle fin after a good run. If nymphing, I recommend something big as your top bug such as a Jimmy Leg or October Caddis emerger and then your favorite dropper such as a Fox Poopah, P.T., Prince or Baets pattern. The October Caddis are still around but the recent rain seems to have dampened their spirit a bit. Mainly seeing them in the afternoon or later …. stimmie or Chubby time.

Had young Carson out for a intro to fly fishing yesterday. I really liked his enthusiasm and his ability to follow instruction. It all paid off when he landed his first fish caught on a fly. Welcome Carson to fly fishing. Remember for you parents fly fishing is a great way to get your kids out of the house and away from their devices and enjoy nature and all that it offers. That even goes for any and all of you who keep saying I want to fly fish, just do it, you will not be disappointed.

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 hourly or half day lessons and trips for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com

October 20,2021

October 20, 2021Rick Cox

CUIDADO AMIGOS

PG&E will be performing the annual valve test on Wednesday November 17th this year on the McCloud River. This is the big butterfly valve (that leaks water) and generates a BIG pulse of water downstream during the test.

From PG&E …..

The outlet will release a peak discharge of approximately 2,000 cfs during the exercise that we are required to do. The pulse will maintain a ramp up and down according to the license requirements as not to strand fish by design.

Ted Fay Report : October 16, 2021

October 16, 2021Rick Cox

Well kids Fall is definitely showing her colors and the fishing continues to improve. Unfortunate]tely the McCloud River is still gubbered up with nasty turbidity but people are dealing with it and catching some nice fish, as in big brownies. It’s that time of the year and the angler migration to this magical river is starting to peak and of course the October Caddis have something to do with that also. Best use your favorite large legs with a dropper of choice. You really don’t have to fish deep, with the current color the fish are not hiding in the depths…..spookability is very low.

The Upper Sac continues to fish good. This is prime time for this river and of course here too the October Caddis are doing their thing. Bugs of all varieties are having their last encore before winter sets in and the fish are feasting. The entire river is fishing good so pick your favorite beat and have at it. Big bushy guys on top and small nymphs for you nymphers will get you into the game. Of course it’s October so expect crowds but this wonderful river offers so much access in its entire 35 mile stretch you can certainly find solitude if you just spend some time searching for that special spot.

Had another grand day with Captain Buster on the Rogue. Fall brings in a run of fresh steelhead and they are full of fight. Swinging or running the bobber has been working and the Fall colors are so special on this legendary 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 hourly or half day lessons and trips for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com