Unless you’re an experienced fisherman who seeks out the best places to fish, you probably don’t know that McCloud River is a world-class fishing spot. This Northern California river meanders 77.1 miles through Siskiyou and Shasta counties. Fishermen (and women) come from around the country to fish in this beautiful river. But it’s not just for experts– beginners can learn to fish on this river, too!

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.

Fishing is a fun activity enjoyed year-round on the McCloud River, which is renowned for its trout fishing, especially the native McCloud River Redband Trout.
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Visitors to the McCloud River will also be captivated by the area's immense natural beauty.
Other trout species, such as brown and rainbow trout, also swim in the McCloud River.
California Department of Fish & Wildlife/Flickr
There are numerous companies in the area offering day-long fishing excursions, plus fishing gear rentals.
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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.

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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.
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The river also offers many refreshing spots to swim in its blue-green waters.
While visiting the McCloud River, stay in the town called McCloud. The McCloud Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and a short drive from the river.
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The McCloud River is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where visitors can find all sorts of enjoyable outdoor activities.
Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA/Flickr
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has a wide-range of hiking and backpacking trails.
If you want to sleep under the stars and next to the river, there is the rural
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
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