Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: McCloud tips?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Grass Valley
    Posts
    174

    Default McCloud tips?

    A friend got some passes to the Nature Conservancy water on the McCloud and has invited me along. I've never fished there before. Does anyone have any tips on fishing there? Access, trails, etc. Feel free to PM if you like.

    Also, any hints on flies for late June? I'll probably just swing soft hackles but would like to be prepared for a hatch if one is to be expected.

    Finally, is Mud Creek creating a turbidity issue this year?

    --Joe

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    PNW
    Posts
    1,193

    Default

    Trails are all very apparent, access is only through the conservancy. Legs, mays, caddis. Be prepared for a all hatches you can. Usually a bushy attractor style always works.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Dunsmuir,CA
    Posts
    177

    Default McCloud tips

    Wow, answers to your question could take a book. but I will try to keep this short.

    Trails are obvious. One main trail to the Rope. End of public fishing water on the property, about 2-1/2 to 3 miles downstream.
    Lots of spur trails to the river. Some spots have a upper trail (main trail) then a lower loop along the river.
    The lower loop trails can be rugged and have lots of Poison Oak. Rattlesnakes are common, keep your eyes open.
    Bring a wading staff.


    Late June flys:
    Here is a list of flys I recommend to my clients:

    Dry Flies:
    Adams and/or Parachute Adams, sizes (all of them 8-10-12-14-16-18
    Tan Caddis, sizes 14-16
    BWO, size 16-18 (Sep-Nov)
    Light Cahills, size 14 -16 (late June -July)
    Little yellow stones size 14-16-18 (I like the skinny yellow humpys sold at the Ted Fay fly shop)

    Golden Stone hatch will probably be over but have a few stimmys just in case (also good for dry&dropper fishing)
    Orange Simulator size 8

    also just in case:
    Green Drake size 14 Drunella flavilinea
    and 8 Drunella grandis
    you can get away with using your Adams for these last two bugs most of the time


    Nymphs:
    Hare's Ear, sizes 12-14-16
    Pheasant Tail, sizes 14-16-18
    Black Stonefly, size 8 (I like rubber legs)
    Green/Tan Caddis Larva, size 14-16 (Fox's Pupas are good)
    Dark lords, size 14-16
    Gordon's Prince, size 14-16-18
    Zebra Midge, size 18-20 (Aug-Sep)
    Copper John, size 14-16
    Red Copper John, size 14-16


    Mud Creek turbidity - Not yet! Has not got hot enough so far.

    If you would like more give me a call.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Redding
    Posts
    228

    Default

    Steven Bertrand is generous to a fault with his advice and knowledge of the McCloud and Upper Sacramento. You should consider hiring him for a half-day or full-day introduction to the McCloud. It would be money well-spent.
    "Radiate, radiate, radiate far and wide as the lines of latitude and longitude on a globe."
    - John Muir

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
    Posts
    23,836

    Default

    Amen to that one.....A day with Steve would be good for shorting your learning curve.


    I promoted going with guides most of my life...even now that I am retired.


    Most of what I know about fly fishing was learned from going out with good fly fishing guides and really good veteran fly fishers.


    Some of my customers with boats, on my advice, would go out with every good Delta Striper fly fishing guide, at least once.

    __________________________________________

    About 30 years ago when Andy Guibord started at Kiene's Fly Shop we were all teaching him everything were could.

    Now years alter every time I go out with Andy I learn something knew..........he passed me up years ago.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Grass Valley
    Posts
    174

    Default

    Thanks for the tips everyone.

    I appreciate the list of flies Steve. I should be well equipped but I'll check my boxes and break out the vise, if need be.

    --Joe

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Sacramento, Driggs
    Posts
    1,204

    Default

    Don’t forget the streamer box

    Don’t neglect the water between Ah Di Na and the preserve. Many do as some mistakenly assume you need a NC pass (you don’t).

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •