Enjoy the beautiful and wild McCloud River, home to a historical strain of rainbows that now inhabit rivers such as the Snake, others in Chile, Argentina, and even down to New Zealand. On the McCloud, you also have the opportunity to hook up with one of its elusive German Browns, some exceeding 24 inches in length.

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.

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 and guided in this area for 18 years and fly fished the western United States for 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.

• Nestle's Water Bottling Plant
  Nestle, a worldwide corporation, has entered into a contested 100-year contract with the McCloud Service District to build 1,000,000 sq. ft. water bottling plant, the largest in the United States. The water source, a spring above the town of McCloud, services McCloud and feeds directly into Squaw Creek, a major spawning creek for the McCloud River trout. Terms of the contract also allow for unlimited water to be drawn from ground water wells at the plant. This would have an unknown effect on the aquifer. The contract is currently under appeal in the California Supreme Court. To read more about this and other Nestle-related topics, go to http://www.mccloudwatershedcouncil.org/.

• 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

• 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