California
McCloud River
Latest report: Mid-August Report — Ted Fay Fly Shop, 3 days ago
Solunar · next 7 days
About McCloud River
The McCloud is where it all started. In the late 1800s, rainbow trout eggs from this river were shipped to hatcheries around the world — New Zealand, Argentina, Europe — seeding the global distribution of the species. Above Middle Falls, the original McCloud River redband trout, a genetically distinct native subspecies, still survives. Below McCloud Dam, the river runs through one of the most beautiful trout canyons in California: boulders, deep pools, riffles, and runs shaded by old-growth conifers, all of it holding wild rainbows that average 8-14 inches with browns running bigger in the lower stretches.
The best water is the lower canyon below the dam, which is designated Wild Trout Water — catch-and-release only with barbless artificials. Three miles of this canyon are protected by the Nature Conservancy's McCloud River Preserve, which limits access to 10 rods per day and requires sign-in. When the salmonfly and Golden Stonefly hatches come off in May-June, the dry fly fishing in the canyon is as good as anything in Northern California. October Caddis in fall provides another strong dry fly window. Between hatches, nymphing the pocket water and deeper runs with stonefly and caddis patterns produces steady action.
Access is somewhat limited, which keeps pressure low. The three miles from Ash Camp to Ah-Di-Na Campground are rugged but fishable public water — plan on slippery boulders, a wading staff, and felt soles. The road to Ash Camp requires high clearance. McCloud is the nearest town, about 90 minutes from Redding. The Bollibokka Club controls significant stretches of the lower river as private water. If you can get on the Nature Conservancy Preserve on a weekday in June, with the stoneflies hatching and the canyon to yourself, it's hard to imagine a better day of fishing anywhere in the state.
Species
- Rainbow Trout (wild)
- McCloud Redband Trout
- Brown Trout
| Species | Abundance | Best Season | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout (wild) | Abundant | May-Oct | 8-16" |
| McCloud Redband Trout | Abundant (upper) | May-Oct | 6-12" |
| Brown Trout | Secondary | Sep-Nov | 12-22" |