Trip brief · McCloud River
How to go fish the McCloud River
The months we list for the McCloud River are May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
October Caddis#6-10
October Caddis Dry
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Access
Ah-Di-Na Campground (TNC Preserve)
41.040, -122.020parking
Lakin Dam Access
41.130, -122.040parking
Fowlers Camp
41.270, -122.080parking
Castle Crags Access
41.160, -122.060
Regs — check current rules before you go
Fly fishing only, single barbless hooks required, catch-and-release mandatory on the lower McCloud TNC preserve section. California fishing license required. The Nature Conservancy section requires advance reservation — visit nature.org for details. Check CDFW regulations for current seasonal restrictions. Open year-round on most sections.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the McCloud River page →