Made a quick trip up north to hit the magical McCloud and Upper Sac. Water conditions on the McCloud were ideal and crowds were actually fairly moderate/crowded for a weekday. Golden Stones & PMDs were the primary bugs poppn on the McCloud and the Upper reaches of the Sac. Didn't see any salmon flies. That is more of a May thing. I would say the fishing the McCloud was good to very good. Lighten up on the tippet. 5x was fine. I was nymphing up during day and throwing dry dropper in morning and evening. Think Chubby Chernobyl and Prince nymph or pmd dropper. LBS as well. Upper Sac wasn't as good in the middle reaches for me but better up near Dunsmuir. Flows are starting to get thin at 310 CFS so use stealth as water is super clear. One night had most epic stonefly hatch near town. It was fun to just watch.
Also on the McCloud watch for rattlers. Came across 2 and took a pic.
Go see Bob at Ted Fay. He will dial u in.
Have fun. Beautiful area.
Bookmarks