May and June emerge as the pinnacle months on the river, often referred to as the "prime time." Commencing as early as the last Saturday in April, a diverse array of insects embark on their hatching journey on the McCloud, presenting consistent opportunities throughout each day for anglers to lure fish with both nymphs and dry flies.

Among the crucial hatches on the McCloud are those of the Plecoptera order, particularly stoneflies. The colossal salmon flies, the initial stoneflies to make an appearance, sporadically hatch from May into early June. Following them are numerous Golden Stoneflies and Little Yellow Stoneflies, enticing the river's abundant rainbow and brown trout to rise to the surface. Even when the focus shifts away from the flying adult insects, these fish readily take dead-drifted stonefly nymphs in the McCloud's myriad pockets and deep pools.

In tandem with the stoneflies, an array of other insects graces the McCloud during this season, including various species of caddis, PMD mayflies, and several lesser mayfly varieties in different sizes. The diverse insect presence ensures dry fly opportunities throughout the day, and various nymph patterns prove effective in enticing strikes from the river's aggressive fish.

During July and August, the McCloud River experiences its lightest fishing pressure of the season. While much of Northern California may be sweltering in the heat, the McCloud maintains a shaded and cool environment at the bottom of a deep, densely forested canyon, allowing for excellent fishing opportunities throughout the summer with both nymphs and dry flies.

While there might be fewer insects hatching later in the summer, Golden Stoneflies persist, and caddis continue their evening emergence just before dark. The prime dry fly opportunities unfold late in the day, complemented by productive nymphing in the pockets and pools throughout daylight hours. Summertime presents an excellent opportunity for fishing streamers, particularly targeting the larger brown trout inhabiting the McCloud's deep pools.

In exceptionally warm summers, the melting glaciers on Mount Shasta can introduce silt-colored water into the lower McCloud River. Despite initial concerns, experience has shown that this off-color water doesn't necessarily hinder fishing. As long as there's a foot or more of visibility (which is typically the case), the fish can still see your flies, but they become less skittish and feed with increased confidence. Bigger, darker flies tend to be more successful, primarily in a nymphing scenario. Additionally, the upper McCloud remains fishable, providing a nearby option for those seeking dry fly action.

The Fall Season holds a special place in the hearts of devoted McCloud River enthusiasts, offering a favorite standby for those in the know. The cool nights of fall bring forth the magnificent October Caddis hatch, complemented by stellar blue-winged olive hatches on overcast days, and the grand migration of big brown trout upstream from Shasta Lake.

The emergence of the colossal October Caddis larvae begins on rocks and boulders near the river's edge in mid-September, with millions of inch-long cases adorning the river bottom by October as they prepare for emergence. Adult insects hatch at dusk throughout October and November, creating brief flurries of dry fly activity every evening. Trout eagerly rise to big attractor patterns, sometimes even in the middle of the day. Additionally, they voraciously consume caddis larvae and pupae like trout candy throughout the day.

Overcast days present the opportunity for phenomenal blue-winged olive hatches. These tiny mayflies, responsive to changes in barometric pressure, hatch during storm fronts, resulting in excellent midday dry fly action on regional streams, including the McCloud River.

The fall migration of big brown trout from Shasta Lake adds another layer of excitement. Pursuing these brutes becomes a real adventure, involving the pursuit of big streamers on sinking lines in deep pools. Often measuring in pounds rather than inches, these elusive fish require dedication and hard work but offer an exhilarating option for anglers seeking quality catches.