Copyright 2010 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The McCloud River California
The McCloud River is one of the main tributaries of the
Sacramento River. It has the famous Oncorhynchus
Mykiss species of rainbow trout that has been used to
stock many streams throughout the World. The Upper
McCloud River’s headwaters are south of Mt. Shasta near
the small town of McCloud.
The river starts in a meadow type situation with springs
and water that is almost still in places. Near the Algoma
camp the stream picks up more water from small
branches and springs. The stream runs through a small
canyon into another meadow. Below Lakin Dam the river
falls into another canyon. There are a total of three
waterfalls in this area - Upper, Middle and Lower. There is
short section with good fishing above the first waterfall.
The section below Fowler Camp and between Middle Falls
and Lower Falls has some deep pockets a big rocks that
provide excellent pocket water. Below the Upper and
Middle falls, the stream there are some very deep pools.
The Loop Road off highway #89 will take you to Fowler
Camp near where the stream's headwaters begin. These
trout are plentiful and respond to dry flies very well. This
is a beautiful stretch of water that requires quite a lot of
effort to fish. The area has bears, eagles, fox, deer and
cougars that add to the adventure.
Below Fowler Camp the river drops a lot and gets even
rougher in character with heavy pocket water. This
section flows into McCloud Reservoir. Fly fishing the
McCloud River in this section requires a lot of effort.
The lower section of the McCloud River flows from the
McCloud Reservoir to Shasta Lake. Most of the lower
section is controlled by private clubs but there are three
miles of public water. It starts at Ash Camp below the
reservoir and tumbles down to the Ah-Di-Na Camp.
The Ah-Di-Na Nature Conservancy area is strictly catch
and release rules with barbless hooks only. It provides
three additional miles of water. Access to the Nature
Conservancy part of the McCloud River is limited to ten
anglers per day.
This river is known for its huge hatches of stoneflies,
especially its large Salmonflies and Golden Stoneflies.
October Caddis is another of the favorite aquatic insects.
Season:
The season runs from the last Saturday in April through
November 30th.
Spring:
Spring is the best time to for fly fishing the McCloud River.
May and June are the best two months.
Summer:
Summer is also a good time to fish the McCloud. Its
canyon stretches stay cool underneath the canopy of the
forest. There are less anglers fishing.
Fall:
Fly fishing the McCloud River during the Fall is also a
great time to fish the river.
(Click Here for the Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Fly
section)
The McCloud River is one of the main tributaries of the
Sacramento River. It has the famous Oncorhynchus
Mykiss species of rainbow trout that has been used to
stock many streams throughout the World. The Upper
McCloud River’s headwaters are south of Mt. Shasta near
the small town of McCloud.
The river starts in a meadow type situation with springs
and water that is almost still in places. Near the Algoma
camp the stream picks up more water from small
branches and springs. The stream runs through a small
canyon into another meadow. Below Lakin Dam the river
falls into another canyon. There are a total of three
waterfalls in this area - Upper, Middle and Lower. There is
short section with good fishing above the first waterfall.
The section below Fowler Camp and between Middle Falls
and Lower Falls has some deep pockets a big rocks that
provide excellent pocket water. Below the Upper and
Middle falls, the stream there are some very deep pools.
The Loop Road off highway #89 will take you to Fowler
Camp near where the stream's headwaters begin. These
trout are plentiful and respond to dry flies very well. This
is a beautiful stretch of water that requires quite a lot of
effort to fish. The area has bears, eagles, fox, deer and
cougars that add to the adventure.
Below Fowler Camp the river drops a lot and gets even
rougher in character with heavy pocket water. This
section flows into McCloud Reservoir. Fly fishing the
McCloud River in this section requires a lot of effort.
The lower section of the McCloud River flows from the
McCloud Reservoir to Shasta Lake. Most of the lower
section is controlled by private clubs but there are three
miles of public water. It starts at Ash Camp below the
reservoir and tumbles down to the Ah-Di-Na Camp.
The Ah-Di-Na Nature Conservancy area is strictly catch
and release rules with barbless hooks only. It provides
three additional miles of water. Access to the Nature
Conservancy part of the McCloud River is limited to ten
anglers per day.
This river is known for its huge hatches of stoneflies,
especially its large Salmonflies and Golden Stoneflies.
October Caddis is another of the favorite aquatic insects.
Season:
The season runs from the last Saturday in April through
November 30th.
Spring:
Spring is the best time to for fly fishing the McCloud River.
May and June are the best two months.
Summer:
Summer is also a good time to fish the McCloud. Its
canyon stretches stay cool underneath the canopy of the
forest. There are less anglers fishing.
Fall:
Fly fishing the McCloud River during the Fall is also a
great time to fish the river.
(Click Here for the Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Fly
section)
| Type of Stream Freestone and Tailwater Species Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Size Small Location Northern California Nearest Towns McCloud Season Last Sat. in April through November 15. Access: Fair but very tough to access Non-Resident License State of California Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies Stream Flow Conditions Upper River Ah-Di-Na Lower McCloud |
 | |  | |  |
Free Shipping Continental U. S.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |