The McCloud River rainbows (Salmo Shasta) may be the most famous strain of trout on the planet Earth.

Current River Conditions: Daytime temperatures have been very comfortable. We are still wearing waders on most days! The fishing has been mostly good with a few tough reports coming from anglers fishing up near Ash Camp. Seems like the best water is down in the Conservancy which is usually the story as we get closer to August.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips: Nymphing with indicators or high-stick technique has been the best approach to searching the McCloud for rainbow delight! Use one or two AAA shot to sink your flies fast! When high-sticking, sometimes adding a third AAA sized shot will get the flies down fast and allow for a slower presentation.

Wading boots with studs and a wading staff are a must on the McCloud, which is full of irregularly shaped rocks that can be very slick. The best results are produced by anglers who move from run to run. The more water you can cover, the more fish have a chance to see your fly, ultimately improving upon your existing good fortune of being out on the river, fishing! Be on the look-out for rattle snakes. Use a technique called High-stick-nymphing in the pocket water and deeper chutes. Re-fish all your way back to camp or the car throwing streamers into pocket water, next to downed trees/logs.

River Fact: The McCloud River rainbows (Salmo Shasta) may be the most famous strain of trout on the planet Earth. At the turn of the 19th century, these were the fish used to first stock most of New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and other potential trout fisheries all across the western hemisphere. So, that means we could trace Madison river (a river in Montana) rainbows back to the McCloud River!

Water Flows:
• Upper McCloud River flows
• McCloud River at Ah-Di-Na
• Lower McCloud near Bollibokka

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Mercer's Missing Link - #14-18
• Yellow Humpy
• D&D Cripple March Brown #12
• Parachute March Brown #14
• E/C Caddis - Olive #14-16
• Parachute Adams - #12-18
• Deer Hair Parachute Ant
• Matt's Stoneflies #6-8
• Aanes Mojo Stonefly Adult #6-8
• Floater In The Pool - Golden Stone
• Grillos Sideshow Bob-Golden Stone

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Swink's BTS GD #12
• TB Pseudo Mays - #18
• Zebra John #14-18
• Micro Mayflies - #14-16
• Pat's Rubber Leg - Brown #6-8
• Fox's BH Poopah - Cinnamon #14
• GB Half-Flashback PT - #14-18
• GB Poxyback Hares Ear - #14-16
• BH Olive Bird's Nest - #14-16
• GB Birds Nest - #12-16

Streamers/Leeches:
• Dietz Sculpin - Natural #4
• Beaded Micro Bugger - Olive #12
• Beaded Micro Bugger - Black #12
• Double Bunny - #2

Eggs:
• Micro Spawn - Oregon Cheese

Fly Fishing Gear:
• Fishpond's ? Double Haul Chest/Back Pack
• The Fly Shop's ? Stocking-foot Chest Waders
• Chota ? "STL Plus" Convertible Wading Boot
• Split Shot For The McCloud
• Landing Net