McCloud River
river in California
Known for its clear, cold water and lush canyon, the McCloud is a revered wild trout fishery, particularly its "Preserve" sections.
October Caddis are actively hatching
- 01October Caddis are actively hatching, providing excellent dry fly opportunities.
- 02Midge and BWO activity is consistent, especially on overcast days, requiring smaller patterns.
- 03Egg patterns are becoming increasingly important as a food source for resident trout.
- 04Deep pools and current seams in the 10 miles of public water are key holding areas for trout.
- 05Versatility in fly selection, combining larger dries with smaller nymphs/emergers, will be crucial for success.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile general mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round and particularly good during fall BWO periods when nymphs are active subsurface.
October Caddis
The October Caddis is a prominent fall hatch on Western rivers, and its emergence provides a substantial food source for trout.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season, and resident trout, including native McCloud River Redbands, will key into eggs as a vital protein source.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are a classic fall hatch, and this low-profile dry fly effectively imitates adults and emergers for selective trout.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A highly versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, consistently effective in colder fall waters for aggressive trout.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from trout feeding in the film.
Muddler Minnow
This sculpin and baitfish imitation is very effective in the fall, particularly when swung through riffles and runs where predatory trout are lurking.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source for trout year-round, and this weighted nymph is particularly effective in fall's cooler, often clearer, water.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Ah-Di-Na Campground
Offers public access to the lower McCloud, known for good wading and active trout.
Fowler Camp (McCloud River)
Another public access point providing entry to excellent freestone water.
McCloud Reservoir Outflow
The initial stretch below the reservoir often holds good numbers of fish due to consistent cold water releases.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Ted Fay Fly Shop
Get McCloud River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about McCloud River.
What flies work best on McCloud River?
Our top scored fly patterns for McCloud River right now are Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in McCloud River?
McCloud River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on McCloud River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for McCloud River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is McCloud River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for McCloud River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.