Fishing on the McCloud River

For at least 100 years fishing on the McCloud River has been a treasured experience. Located in Northern California at the foot of the beautiful Mt. Shasta, the McCloud River offers some of the best fishing in the country.
It is home to a strain of Rainbow trout that has been used to populate streams and lakes worldwide. It also has Browns, some of them whoppers.

The McCloud River is only six miles from the charming old lumber town of McCloud. You may stay in town at the McCloud Hotel or at several bed and breakfasts or you may camp along the river. To camp, drive east of McCloud for about 6 miles until you see a sign that says "Loop Road." Take this dirt road to several campgrounds. Camping is very popular so try to get in early during a weekday.

Fishing along the McCloud River is accessed either at the Loop Road or at the Nature Conservancy reserve at Ah Di Na. State law requires barbless hooks at both places. At Ah Di Na you must catch and release. In other places your limit is 2 fish. You can fly fish or use a spinning reel with nightcrawlers or salmon eggs as bait. It is possible to catch a fish from 18 to 28 inches long so line and leader must be able to handle this weight. However, try to use the lightest line and leader possible because these trout are pretty wily.

If you fish from the loop road, you need to hike away from the campgrounds as the river is heavily fished in these areas. You quickly leave the crowds and usually can find a piece of the river to yourself. Fish in the direction of upstream to downstream and try to get your fly or bait into the pools just below the rapids. Take a little time to enjoy the scenery. Some of the areas are old growth timber with many other plants also. The area has rattlesnakes so watch your step and where you put your hands. The Wintu Indians used this area and people sometimes find arrowheads made from obsidian. You will be surrounded by wildlife and seeing deer is very common. Also hiding in the woods are bears, coyotes, mountain lions, and wolverines, but these animals won't bother you. At least so far, there has never been an attack by a wild animal on the McCloud River.

Be sure to allow a day to fish at the Nature Conservancy preserve at Ah Di Na. Only 10 anglers a day are allowed, 5 by reservation and 5 first come, first served. To make a reservation call 415 777 0487. To get there drive south from McCloud on Squaw Valley Road to Lake McCloud and continue right until you reach Ah Di Na. The river here is in pristine condition and is surrounded by timber that has never been logged or developed in any way. Fishing here is superb but you must resist the temptation to keep that 20-inch Rainbow.