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Come experience with local guide Rick Cox the adventure of fly fishing northern California's Mt. Shasta blue ribbon rivers, world famous for their legendary trout.
Enjoy the beautiful and
wild McCloud River, home to an historic
strain of rainbow trout that now inhabit
various rivers in the United States. These
fish have also been transplanted to Chile,
Argentina and New Zealand. In addition, you
have the opportunity to hook up with one of
the elusive German Browns that can exceed 24
inches.
Fish the Upper Sacramento which sports a variety of water types--from freestone, to pocket, to deep runs and pools. Salmon and steelhead both bred in this river before the construction of Shasta Dam.
The hearty rainbow trout here can run up to
20 inches plus in length.
For the true addict, willing to suffer the agony of steelheading and its explosive adrenaline rush, join Rick on one of his winter steelhead trips.
Rick has lived outside of
McCloud and guided locally since 1993 and fly fished the western United States for
over 30. He utilizes classic techniques along with new ones developed specifically for local rivers. His knowledge, so freely shared, is appreciated by beginners and experienced anglers alike. Novices and the curious are welcome, rental equipment is available, lessons and instruction are offered. Friendly patience coupled with fun is the theme of the day. And, for those who inquire, Rick will share the Zen of river fishing as taught to him by an old sage.
For visitors new to the area, not only will you experience a wonderful day of fishing but also the magnetism of the mythical, mystical Mount Shasta, third highest peak in the Continental U.S. Returning visitors will have some understanding of this because, surely, it's ONE of the reasons you return!
Alert! McCloud River Threatened!
There are currently three
significant issues occurring that could have
major impacts on the historic McCloud River. All
interested and concerned persons are encouraged
to get informed and involved. The very future of
the river is at stake.
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Flash! Nestle's Water
Bottling Plant
Nestle's has recently announced
plans to abandon their proposed water
bottling plant here and instead locate it in
Sacramento. Go to
http://www.mccloudwatershedcouncil.org/
for more information.
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The McCloud
Reservoir Dam
Currently up for relicensing with
the Federal Energy Commission, P.G.&E. is
pursuing renewal of its permit and the
process has begun. The reservoir is a major
source for water to generate power at the
Pit River Power House No. 5. The dam
construction has contributed to the
extermination of the Dolly Varden fish
population that once thrived in the river
and has isolated the McCloud Redband trout
above it. Prior to the dam, the river base
flow during summer months used to run at
1,000 cfs; today it is at 350 cfs. Are
further reductions possible? Turbidity
levels and periods of very low releases have
also been a post-dam problem. Unless the new
permit addresses the fragile health of the
river, we may have a disaster in the making.
For more information, go to P.G.&E.'s
project website
http://www.mccloud-pitrelicensing.com
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Raising Shasta Dam
The Bureau of Reclamation is
currently studying raising Shasta Dam 6 1/2
feet to 18 1/2 feet. There is even a rumor
of raising it 200 feet! Any increase will
impact all tributaries to Shasta Lake. The
McCloud River is one of these. An
interesting purchase of the Bollibokka
Fishing Club was made recently by Westlands
Water District. Bollibokka's property runs 7
miles along the McCloud River just above
Shasta Lake. Westlands is the nation's
largest water district and based in Fresno.
Sounds like positioning to help make the
inevitable dam raising easier--one less
property owner to fight the raising, one
more southern California water district
angling to shunt northern water south. This
issue is in its infancy now but don't wait.
See the article in the Redding
Record-Searchlight dated 2/19/07 at
http://www.redding.com/news/2007/feb/19/flood-concerns/

Upper Sacramento River
surrenders 22" Rainbow
Chasing McCloud River Trout
Rick on Upper Sac, Spring '09
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Your host and guide, Rick Cox

Early spring catch, Upper Sac

Ernie Kinzli, Upper Sac

fine steelhead!
Rick welcomes
beginners and
experienced anglers alike in the "Classroom"
Mossbrae Falls
a wild winter
steelhead!
McCloud River
Upper Sacramento
Rainbow, August
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