Shasta & Klamath Area Fly Fishing Report
Riley Rennick of Wild Waters Fly Fishing reports on July 16th, 2026
Fishing Report - McCloud / Upper Sac / Williamson
The dog days of summer are here. Temperatures are climbing, hatches are winding down, and we're adjusting our techniques to keep up with changing conditions. While the fishing is different than it was a month ago, there are still plenty of opportunities for anglers willing to adapt.
Upper Sacramento River
The major hatches have largely wrapped up, with only a brief window of surface activity during the last 30 minutes of daylight. Water temperatures have climbed significantly below Soda Creek, making fish more concentrated in cooler water.
Your best bet right now is to fish early or late, and focus on the upper section of the river. The most productive approach has been getting flies down near the bottom with either an indicator rig or a tight-line setup. Fish are holding deep and aren't moving far to eat.
If you're fishing the lower river, keep a close eye on water temperatures and fish responsibly. Consider ending your day if temperatures climb above 68°F to minimize stress on released trout.
McCloud River
The McCloud continues to stay a little cooler than the Upper Sac, especially around Ash Camp, and overall conditions remain good. The exceptional hatches we experienced this spring and early summer have faded, so we're changing tactics here as well.
Focus on fishing deep. Trout are still feeding, but with much less aggression than they were a few weeks ago. Many takes are subtle, so stay alert and set the hook quickly—fish are spitting flies almost immediately.
This time of year the McCloud shifts from a numbers game to a trophy hunt. The larger brown trout are beginning to show themselves, and if you're willing to brave the summer heat, big fish can be the reward. My favorite way to target these fish is by stripping streamers through deeper runs, although an indicator setup can be just as effective.
Williamson River - Chiloquin, OR
Wild Waters is now offering guided trips on the Williamson River near Chiloquin, Oregon, and we have limited availability remaining for August and September.
While many regional trout streams slow down during the hottest part of the summer, the Williamson is just getting started. As Upper Klamath Lake warms, giant trout move into the cold spring-fed water of the Williamson, creating one of the best trophy trout fisheries in the West.
This is a true quality-over-quantity fishery. Long, casts are mandatory—50 feet or more is the norm. There are no bobbers here, just swung flies, dry flies, and some truly spectacular trout.
The fishing has been really solid so far this summer, with trophy fish being encountered on a regular basis. If you've ever wanted to chase some of the largest and most unique trout in the West, now is the time.
Learn more here
Riley Renick
Wild Waters Fly Fishing
877-934-7466
Owner/Guide
Wild Waters Fly Fishing
877-934-7466
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