Fishing in Northern California is off to a solid start this season. While some rivers are still a little too high, others—like the McCloud and Fall River—are fishing incredibly well right now.
If fly fishing the McCloud River has been on your list, now’s the time to check it off. With clear water, active fish, and picture-perfect scenery, it’s hard to beat the current conditions.
We just got back from a three-day trip to the McCloud River, and it’s fishing really well right now. We hit both the Ah-Di-Na and Ash Camp sections. There’s some hiking involved, but if you pace yourself and stay hydrated, it’s well worth the effort. Ah-Di-Na had a decent crowd—even midweek—but Ash Camp was much quieter. The scenery along both stretches? Absolutely stunning.
Meanwhile, the Upper Sacramento River is almost there. It’s still running a little high, but keep an eye on it—it’s one of those rivers that can shift into great fishing conditions almost overnight once flows drop into shape. With both rivers offering so much potential, this region is a must-visit right now.
Why the McCloud Is Always Worth the Trip?
Even if you’re not casting a line, just walking the Pacific Crest Trail along the river is a treat. The water is that rich emerald green, and with the dense greenery along the banks, it almost feels like you’ve stepped into a rainforest.
The McCloud is home to all wild fish, including the legendary McCloud River rainbow trout strain. Along the way, we saw deer, bald eagles, hawks—and yes, a few snakes, too. Nature’s alive and well out there.
We caught fish every day. The biggest was a gorgeous rainbow that pushed 23 inches, taken on a Prince Nymph. Both dry flies and nymphs were working, but the real winners were patterns mimicking Stoneflies and PMDs (Pale Morning Duns).
Fall River is also fishing really well. There’s been a good amount of dry fly activity, and nymphing has been very productive. The fish are keyed in on PMDs, so bring a solid selection of patterns. This is a spring-fed river that fishes best from a boat—and that’s where we come in.
Ready to Fish? Now is the perfect time!
If you’re thinking about a trip up north, this is a great time to go. I’m guiding walk-and-wade trips on the McCloud, Hat Creek, Burney Creek, and Pit River, and as soon as the Upper Sacramento drops into shape, that’ll be back in the mix too.
Prefer to fish from a boat? Join me on Fall River—we’ve got prime water access by boat, and the Hex hatch is just around the corner. I also conduct classes catering beginners and advanced anglers!
Whether you’re walking the banks or floating a boat, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Tight lines—and hope to see you out there soon.