McCloud River Fishing Report – Nov 5, 2026

The McCloud changed a lot this week. Releases from McCloud Reservoir started climbing on October 30, and the gauge above Shasta Lake went from about 270 CFS to roughly 780 by November 3, where it's held since. The Fly Shop's reports (11/1 and 11/4) say the flows are high and the clarity has suffered, and nobody knows yet when the releases will come back down. The October Caddis are still out, so once the water drops it should fish well again.

Current Conditions

Flows: About 780 CFS at the gauge above Shasta Lake, up from about 270 a week ago.
Water temp: About 47°F at the same gauge.
Clarity: Poor for now because of the higher releases.
Bugs: October Caddis, BWOs, and other small caddis and mayflies, though hatches have been on the small side.

What's Working

Fish the edges: At this flow, trout move to the softer water along the banks and behind boulders. Skip the heavy middle of the river.
Heavier nymph rigs: October Caddis pupae, olive hot spots, worm patterns and rubber legs, with enough weight to get down in the faster water.
Bigger, darker flies: In off-color water, a bigger silhouette is easier for fish to find.
Leave the spawning browns alone and fish the deeper water below the gravel instead.

Wading & Safety

The McCloud is slick and boulder-strewn at normal flows, and at nearly triple last week's flow it's dangerous to wade aggressively. Stay near the bank, carry a staff, wear studs, and don't try to cross. Carry bear spray in the canyon. Check the gauge before you drive in, since the flows could drop at any time.

Weather & What to Wear

Frosty mornings, then sunny and mild, with highs in the mid 50s to low 60s and lows in the upper 30s through Monday. Gloves and a warm hat for the morning.

Season & Regulations

November 15 is the last day to fish the Nature Conservancy's McCloud River Preserve this year. It's catch-and-release with a daily angler limit.
The public water is open all year. McCloud Dam to Ladybug Creek has no November closure. It's barbless artificials and catch-and-release (0 trout) from October 1 on, and Ladybug Creek to Shasta Lake follows the same rules.
Stay off the redds. Check current CDFW regs before you go.

Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.

McCloud questions this week

Is the McCloud fishing well right now?

As of November 5, 2026: The McCloud changed a lot this week. Releases from McCloud Reservoir started climbing on October 30, and the gauge above Shasta Lake went from about 270 CFS to roughly 780 by November 3, where it's held since. The Fly Shop's reports (11/1 and 11/4) say the flows are high and the clarity has…

What flies are working on the McCloud River right now?

As of November 5, 2026: Fish the edges: At this flow, trout move to the softer water along the banks and behind boulders. Skip the heavy middle of the river. Heavier nymph rigs: October Caddis pupae, olive hot spots, worm patterns and rubber legs, with enough weight to get down in the faster water. Bigger, darker flies: In off-color water, a bigger silhouette is easier for fish to find. Leave the spawning browns alone: and fish the deeper water below the gravel instead.

What are the McCloud River flows right now?

As of November 5, 2026: About 780 CFS at the gauge above Shasta Lake, up from about 270 a week ago. Water temperature: About 47°F at the same gauge. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

McCloud River Report – High Releases, Preserve Ends Nov 15

Current conditions in brief