Guide Notes

Ted Fay Report : February 1, 2022

February 01, 2022Rick Cox

It’s been about 6 weeks since Dogpatch has received a drop. What started out as a very promising Winter for NorCal has put the scare back into us and the D word is creeping back into the conversation (note the rainfall graph below for far NorCal). The 2 week forecast is showing nothing so best start doing your favorite rain dance. You folks to the south are enjoying bookoo rain and snowfall, very fortunate for yuz, maybe send a bit up to us? The river is in fine shape and super fishable but the darn lake run fish haven’t shown up yet in any numbers. Am seeing a lot of BWO’s hatching in the early afternoons so recommend using some of your favorite olive imitations. I’ve had some success using them which means #16 hooks or less. The few large fish I’ve hooked just give that little pea shooter the middle finger and feed me my lunch. All other of my favorite larger flies that usually work in Winter just haven’t started doing the job. Have had a spotty report or two of others having some success but overall I would term fishing tough. River is at 550cfs and slowly dropping, the mountain is exposing more and more ridges and bare spots ….. please God please send us some more snow/rain! As I always say nothing in the world can take the place of persistence, keep plugging away, good things will happen eventually….. dream on. Otherwise I’ve been stuffing the pie hole and bulking up, that’s all me can do right now.

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

If the fish aren’t eating then I’m eating

Ted Fay Report : December 11, 2021

December 11, 2021Rick Cox

Merry, Merry Christmas to all of you out there. The shop is stocked and ready for you Christmas shoppers who are looking for that special present for that special fly fisher in your lives. We are open and ready to fill that shopping list of yours whether it be a new rod, waders, boots or any of the other important accessories fly fishers need to make their fishing experience satisfying. For those out of town folks the shop can ship you whatever you want or if you cannot decide what they need a gift certificate might be the next best option.

As far as the fishing around here here is a short run down. The Upper Sac has been in a funk for some time. The river needs some juice and that is presently starting up as I type this. Next two weeks will bring copius amounts of rain and snow so bring it on. The McCloud has finally become approachable but the unfortunate mud spills this summer and fall has made the rocks and bottom very silty. Every time you take a step silt puffs come up. Of concern to me is that the rocks and bottom are covered with this crap so hopefully the bugs and aquatic life survive. What the McCloud needs is a good high flow purge to flush it out. Up on the Klamath the strong steelhead return is still in gear, probably your best option in these parts.

I’m offering gift certificates as a Christmas gift for any of you who might be thinking of giving a special someone a fly fishing lesson, give me a call or email me at ricmcfly@gmail.co

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

Bob and Steven wishes y’all a Happy Holidays

Ted Fay Report : November13, 2021

November 13, 2021Rick Cox

Rain, snow, rain, snow warms my cockles right to the bone. Desperately needed for us bumpkins in Dogpatch and many thanks to the Gods. Just an outstanding start to the Fall and all our rivers are very appreciative. We’re hoping this trend continues and last years drought and fires are nightmare to be forgotten. Current weather is great and I’m seeing the long range procrastinators forecasting great Fall weather for a couple of weeks so if you are looking for some Fall days on the river it’s time. The McCloud River is showing signs of clearing but it’s still a dicey proposition wading, as I’ve said before you best have eyes in your wading boots. The new CA regulations have opened the river to all year fishing so no closure on the 15th as in years past. Remember too Ah Di Nah Campground will close on the 15th which means no running water or bano so be prepared if planning on camping.

The USac is in primo shape from Soda Creek upstream and running higher below. It’s running just north of 700cfs at Delta (lower river) so crossings could be a bit shakier and some of your secret spots may be too fast to fish. The October Caddis are still around from about Sweetbriar upstream. I took Buster out a couple of days ago and found fish on Stimmies rather than under the bobber. These big bugs are USDA prime food for the hungry trout prepping for Winter and I’ve observed them around into December so maybe we call them OcNoDec ….. whatever.

It’s steelhead time in the neighborhood too and all the close by rivers that these fish live in are in outstanding shape. The Klamath has been seeing an stellar year and all you horny steelheaders need to get it on your to do list. The shop carries a good assortment of flies for these beast so stop in on your way to the promised land.

I’m offering gift certificates for a Christmas gift for any of you who might be thinking of giving a special someone a fly fishing lesson, give me a call or email me at ricmcfly@gmail.com.

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. Of note the shop will be starting its Winter hours November 17. Store hours will be Wednesday - Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday Noon to 5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday.

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