5-17-13  It’s that time of year when about every 3rd call is asking about the Holy Water Salmonfly Hatch. I would have to say it is setting up to be very good this year. With our major lack of precipitation in mind the corps seems to be pulling the flows back already and they are now below 2000 cfs coming out of the dam. This will make much more water available to fish up there for everyone.

On the move

The forecast is calling for unsettled weather for the next week or so so that will hold the hatch back until about the last week of the month which is the traditional start time. There has been good fishing up there lately on the stonefly nymphs as they are moving to the shore to become adults.   The next week or so will be a good time to see them in the grass and trees along the riverbank.

Big Bug time

We are set up here at the shop with lots of reliable patterns for this hatch and invite you to come by and browse our selection!

McCloud River, Northern California

And there it is gang, right where we all want to be. Wandering aimlessly up a trout stream, fly rod in hand. Well, now’s a good time to put that getaway together. Here’s a quick roundup:

Upper Sacramento: At this writing it’s about 1750cfs at Delta, which means it’s still a bit high but not out of the question. I would give it a another week or two. try to catch it on the high side of prime.. trust me.

Lower McCloud (below McCloud Res): This is a good bet. I am concerned that they will spill some water eventually as the reservoir fills up - but they haven’t yet. Ash Camp has the best flows now, but the whole river down through ah-di-na is fishable.

Hat Creek: A little far if you’re coming from the Rogue valley, but worth the trek. A very consistent early season fishery. Good bug activity early on. I had good fishing down there this last weekend.

Wild Hat Creek Rainbow

Diamond Lake: From Diamond Lake Resort: As of this morning, May 9th, folks are launching boat from the north boat ramp nearest to the Resort. The lake is 75% ICE FREE! There is still slushy ice at the north and south ends of the lake but the center of the lake is all open water. The continued warm weather will likely have nearly all the ice off the lake by the weekend.
Time to “Stretch Your String!!”

Noth Boat Ramp - May 9

Springtime Salmonflies

Big Bugs Rule!