The McCloud River is one of the main tributaries of the Sacramento River. It has the famous Oncorhynchus Mykiss species of rainbow trout whose eggs were used by hatcheries in 1874 to stock most of the streams in the Midwest and the East. The McCloud also received immigrant browns at about the same time. These big browns and rainbows have made the Mc Cloud River special.
McCloud River’s headwaters are in Dead Horse Canyon south of Mt. Shasta near the small town of McCloud. The McCloud flows about 56 miles before reaching Lake Shasta. In 1960 a reservoir impounded the river about 30 miles downstream from the headwaters. The dam traps most of the glacial silt that provides amazing clear water leaving the dam.
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 the 40 foot Middle Falls and Lower Falls has some deep pockets caused by some hefty 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. Thanks to the efforts of Trout Unlimited and other organizations, Nestle Waters of North America was prevented from installing a water bottling plant on the McCloud. This plant would have gobbled up most of the pristine waters of the McCloud.
Fishing the McCloud River:
It is suggested that a 4 or 5 wt. rod be used with a double tapered line to get the nymphs into a dead drift at various water levels. Adjust your leaders and tippets to match the speed and the depth of the water and definitely be on the look out for rattlesnakes.
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. Start in May before the McCloud is discolored with glacial melt. This is a great time to use the golden stonefly and the salmon stonefly imitations. May and June are the best two months.
Summer:
Summer from June to September is also a good time to fish the McCloud. Its canyon stretches stay cool underneath the canopy of the forest. Start with the yellow stonefly imitations and continue through September with the PMDs, green drakes and the blue winged olive patterns. Also, in summer there are fewer anglers fishing.
Fall:
Fly fishing the McCloud River during the Fall is also a great time to fish the river and some will even call it the best time. In October and November the lake-run browns move into the river to spawn. Midge nymphs can be effective through the entire year including the fall.
Access to the McCloud River is by California State Highway #89 and the Loop Road which begins at Cattle Camp. The Bolli Bokka Club rents camps and will provide guide service as well.
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