The Church, The Cathedral, Holy Water, and the Jewel of the West Coast are all names given to the spring fed, McCloud River, over the years. With names like this, you know we are talking about a special place. Many of the rivers in Northern California have been ravaged for gold, timber, and the obvious… water. The McCloud River’s rugged surroundings and lack of gold kept both people and industries at bay. The McCloud Dam, forming Lake McCloud, separates the Upper McCloud River from the Lower McCloud.

The Lower McCloud River fills Lake Shasta with help from the Upper Sacramento River, the Pit River, and various other creeks. Lake Shasta supplies the water for the Lower Sacramento River and most of the power in the Northern CA. The Upper McCloud River, home to the native McCloud River redband rainbow trout is more of a creek than a river.

Now, I am not saying that you won’t have a good time if you go, as it is an incredibly beautiful place to spend your time. The McCloud River is not the wading nightmare of the Pit River, but involves quite a bit of hiking and moderately tough wading.There are certainly times when a beginner angler can feel like the have finally cracked the code, but in the middle of the day during the heat of the summer some skill is required. The public water is minimal and gets fished often. Great fly choice and presentation is important. As long as you’re in good physical shape the fishing gaps can be bridged with a good guide or a positive attitude.

Fish the soft edges of the river

Look out for rattlesnakes on the bank of McCloud. Here is a link on avoiding a rattler bite.

Hunt don't fish. Meaning keep your prey feeling like a predator.

Know when to hunt shade(when it's hot) and know when to hunt sun (when it's cold)

Fish dries all day if you want to. You'll find fish if your good.

Morning and evening will be your best bet in the summer if you are a beginner. Don't burn out my fishing too hard in the middle of the day.  

When nymphing, If you are not snagging bottom you are not fishing a long enough leader or enough weight.

Fish smaller flies to catch more fish

Cast large streamers quartered up stream near the bank and stripped quickly using the current to form a belly in your line. This is what the big Brown Trout like.

Look out for poison oak - it is everywhere. If you think you got it on you (you did), rinse all of your exposed skin with cold river water to help close your pores and rinse the poison off. Heat and sweat open you pours and spread the poison. Bring along a couple packets of Technu, a detergent formulated for poison oak.