McCloud Conservancy Tips

[jhaquett]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be back in the states for 2 weeks from April 20th-May 4th and am fishing the conservancy on the 28th and was looking for some tips on flies, techniques, etc this time of year up there. Thanks.

[Craig Nielsen]

Joshua:
The Nature Conservancy on the McCloud is a magical place and the fishing at the start of the season can be superb. The Conservancy allows 5 anglers by reservation, 5 first come first served. You can ring them (415) 777-0487 if you don't already have a reservation to check availability. You'll also want to check the flows but realize that these are recorded at Shasta Lake, 30 miles or so downstream. In spring lower is better, in the hundreds is best.

May in most seasons is when the big bugs of spring get going in earnest but keep your fingers crossed for early arrivals of Salmonflies, Goldenstones, Green Drakes, Brown Drakes, Flavs and the opportunities they provide for dry fly action. More likely you'll see BWO's March Browns, Epeorus, PMD's, Yellow Sallies, Brachycentrus and little Gray Caddis (Anagapetus chandleri?).
I like to remain flexible with techniques but generally nymph early and late in spring, hoping to catch a hatch and fish dries or dries/droppers during the warmest part of the day. Plan to cover as much water as possible and avoid fishing water that other anglers have already fished.

I also have a fishing report online at ShastaTrout.com and plan to update it around the 20th. If you have any additional questions or care to chat in detail, feel free to ring me.