California

McCloud River below McCloud Dam

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Location Snapshot

Lower McCloud River is a northern California wild-trout reach below McCloud Dam. The principal supported target is rainbow trout, with brown trout providing additional species variety within the same fishery.

Information Only

StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.

Fishing Overview

The McCloud River below McCloud Dam is the wild-trout water California manages downstream of the dam, where rainbow trout and brown trout live.

Fishery Profile

Documented species you may encounter at McCloud River.

Medium confidenceLast verified: Aug 15, 2026

Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations

Target species

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Expectation
Primary
Population
Wild
Native status
native
Confidence
High confidence
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Expectation
Common
Population
Wild
Native status
introduced
Confidence
Medium confidence
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Best seasons

Spring
Summer
Fall

Common techniques

Fly fishing
Nymphing
Spinning

Official sources

Hatch Match

No destination-specific hatch data is currently available.

General fly suggestions

Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.

These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.

Location and Access

Cataloged river location

California

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The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.

River Details

Target Species

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

Access, Parking, and Regulations

Verified access notes and official resources for McCloud River below McCloud Dam. This is StrikeTracks guidance — always confirm with official sources.

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