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If your still thinking about taking on this special water,
simply watch your step and you will quite possibly be
rewarded with hook ups that tear your arm off. Trout
habitat conditions and constant hatches combined with
deep green healthy water have created a big trout nursery
worth investigating. If you're an old hand at fly fishing
and have spent much time following wild rivers, then
little surprises like snakes, wasp nests, bears, will
not deter your quest for arm breaking hits! On the other
hand if a little danger out in the wilderness causes
you to flinch? Maybe table tennis or slamming back brewskies
in your over stuffed chair may be the way to fly? |
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One special aspect of these exceptionally healthy big
trout is the fact their eggs have been shipped to many
other countries because of their hearty profile. Trout
are the ruling class as many other species have come
and gone including Dolly Varden. A population of both
Loch Leven Browns and German Browns share the water,
the browns can be caught with much patience and skill,
of course most fly fishers will be hard pressed to fool
one! The monster three foot plus Loch Levens are rarely
taken or even sighted. Season is same as most of California,
last Saturday in April till November 15th. Those who
take the time to check for any special regulations will
sleep better knowing the rules.
The other standard operating procedures such as fast
dangerous water in early spring, working deep diving
nymphs and keeping a vest full of caddis and mayflies
in sizes #8-16 depending on water conditions and clarity.
The golden McCloud rule is learn to work very deep
and forget about skipping your favorite streamer just
under the surface, it won't work in this river. You
will be able to use midges, blue winged olives. Fly
rods in the 4/6 weights will do nicely, sink tip line
and a good assortment of split shot or whatever weight
system your comfortable with is mandatory. If you're
a seasoned pro and have a few weighted woolly buggers
and several rubber legged bugs, quickly changing McCloud
atmosphere might call for them, depending on time of
year carrying an extra set of rain gear and paying
attention to exactly how far you have ventured is not
a bad idea. Many fly fishers get so focused and into
the hunt, they fail to pay attention to where they
dropped their pack or how far away is the truck? In
later fall months the weather can be changeable quickly.
ACCESS
This river is divided into two sections consisting
of the reservoir or lake McCloud and the lower zone
winding about 8 miles. The headwaters are created by
the influx of several smaller streams. If you stay
on Hiway# 89, which shadows the river, look for "Cattle
Camp Road" or "Loop Road". This road
will lead you to "The McCloud River Loop Road",
about six miles from town of McCloud. Once you're on
Loop Road, you drive about 5 miles before it reaches
Fowler Camp. Be aware we are talking the usual dusty
country type roads at this point, not exactly fit for
the family people mover. One word of caution especially
in late fall , water flow drops can cause deep pool
opportunities. If you hire a local guide and explore
more difficult terrain where a few wild trout exist,
it might be worth it. This Loop area is usually busy
at peak season Local guides here can make your day
and make follow up trips a breeze. Savvy fly fishers
have always hooked up with local guides first time
out. Loop road will lead you to Fowler Camp the last
exit open to public. Many fly fishers make a whole
day adventure out of this river, Access to lower Lake
McCloud begins from the town of McCloud heading south
on Squaw Valley Road about Eight scenic miles of eye
candy! A boat launch can be found taking the left fork
in the road or go right two miles to Ah-Ni-Na Nature
Conservancy. If you continue on to the left ending
at Spill Way Pool and Ash camp. Heading toward Ash
Camp one can drive around the lake about 4 miles, park
and walk a few hundred yards and enjoy a wonderful
stroll or drive down the hill to a pool. This whole
area can be productive depending on time of year and
water levels. When fishing the Nature Conservancy area
maintain strict careful catch and release rules with
barbless hooks. Here finding a good foot map or asking
as many questions as you can will save your day. The
rewards can be worth the extra planning, big, smart,
healthy trout.
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