The Gorgeous, Little-Known River Is One of the Most Underrated Fishing Spots in Northern California

Unless you’re an experienced fisherman who seeks out the best places to fish, you probably don’t know that the McCloud River is a world-class fishing destination. This underrated Northern California fishing spot meanders 77 miles through Siskiyou and Shasta counties. Fishermen (and women) come from around the country to fish in this beautiful river. For many, the draw is the quiet, remote wilderness and the chance to reel in the rare redband trout native to the region.  

Whether you camp in the area or you’re here for the day, fishing on MCCloud River will be a memory you will walk away with. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, multiple waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and lush forest, chances are, you’ll enjoy this scenic fishing destination in Northern California as much as we do. 

Nestled inside the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Upper McCloud River is considered to be above McCloud Reservoir, and the Lower McCloud stretches from the reservoir to Lake Shasta. The Upper McCloud is rarely stocked, but the section from Lower Falls to Upper Falls is stocked and is open to bait fishing. The Lower McCloud is a popular spot for fly fishing and catch-and-release fishing.

So, what kind of fish can you catch here? The short answer is trout! Since the river is spring-fed, it's the perfect destination for year-round fishing, and the flowing river is renowned for its unique catch, especially the native McCloud River Redband Trout.

Other trout species, such as brown and rainbow trout, are plentiful here. If you're not an angler and you simply enjoy fishing for fun, you'll be happy to know that numerous companies in the area offer day-long fishing excursions, plus fishing gear rentals.

One of the highlights of the McCloud River is its immense natural beauty, and you'll be captivated by it. When standing on the rocky edges of the river, surrounded by lush greenery, canyon walls, and the rushing river, you'll feel like you're deep in the wilderness, miles away from major tourist destinations, and you are. In fact, the closest major city is Redding, and San Francisco and Sacramento are over 200 miles away. So, if you're searching for a remote fishing spot in Northern California, this is it.

One of the most famous places to fish on the McCloud River is at the Bollibokka, a 3,000-acre private fishing property. Bollibokka is a wild, fly-fishing, catch-and-release fishery, open from April to November. Although Northern California can be very hot in the summer, the riverbanks are often shielded from the sun by towering trees, and cool mountain air helps keep people comfortable. Not to mention, the summer (from May to June) is the best season to fish when the insect population swells, increasing the trout activity on the water.

The river also offers many refreshing spots to swim in its blue-green cool waters. While visiting the McCloud River, stay in the nearby town of McCloud. The McCloud Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and is a short drive from the river. Camping is also an option if you want to spend nights in the wilderness.

The McCloud River is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where visitors can find all sorts of enjoyable outdoor activities. Here, you'll find a wide range of hiking and backpacking trails. If you want to sleep under the stars and next to the river, campsites are available in the area. I would opt for camping, so that you can explore more of the river, including swimming, kayaking, and seeing the gushing waterfalls.

As you can tell, a trip to McCloud River is not only about world-class trout fishing, it's about the whole experience. Whether you're an expert angler or a beginner, you will enjoy a day on this hidden fishing spot in Northern California. With a little bit of patience and a need for adventure, you could have one of the most memorable fishing trips of your life.

You can find several places to park to access the river, including nearby campgrounds. Keep in mind, anyone over 16 will need a valid California sport fishing license, and additional permits are required to fish on the river. Be sure to visit the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information.