The McCloud River is perhaps the most scenic of all the rivers in Northern California. The lush riparian vegetation and milky-green water give the river a unique character. The color of the water comes from the glacial flour, or dust, high on Mt. Shasta. The glacial waters seep into the ground and emerge in a series of springs near the town of McCloud. These springs form the Upper McCloud, which flows into McCloud Reservoir. The river below the reservoir is one of California's finest trout streams.

Fishing on the McCloud commences as the runoff recedes, usually between opening day and the end of May. Once the spring flows recede the river flows at a clear and cold 200 cfs all season. Hatches of mayflies and stoneflies are excellent in the spring. Nymphing is always productive. Dry fly action in the summer months is more limited to the late afternoon and evening hours. Mayflies and giant October Caddis provide excellent dry fly action again in the fall.

The average fish on the McCloud River is about 10 inches. Many small fish are caught during the summer months, but the average size becomes quite good in the Fall. Migratory browns supplement the population of resident rainbows in October and November. Some of these browns are over two feet in length!