My Shake Down Plan was to stay two nights on the Sacramento River, two nights on the McCloud River, and 4 nights on the Williamson River. However, I am in a hotel in Bend, Oregon. I drove to Fowlers Campground on the McCloud River and arrived at 11:00. The campground was full with two cars waiting to see if a spot opened up. I drove through the campground and people were not camping, they were putting up compounds, ready to stay the full 14 maximum days.
I then did some sightseeing, and things have changed over the 35 years since I last was in the area. Major attractions had nice trails and fencing, whereas in the past we could park on the edge of the cliff, take a narrow trail down to the waterfall, and catch trout in the oxygenated water. Not possible today.
Years ago I stood on top of the dam casting flies to stocked trout. The area is now overgrown and I down they are stocking the area. Below the dam I had success in the past swinging nymphs for native five inch trout. Not exciting on the size of the fish, but they were magnificently beautiful. The banks of the river / creek were heavily covered in brush so I didn’t choose to fight the vegetation even though I knew there were beautiful fish there.
Leaving the McCloud River area, I drove to Chiloquin, Oregon, to find fly shops to gain information about fishing the Upper Williamson River. Two of the three “Flyshops” were guiding companies, and one was at a home address way up in the hills. The only “real” fly shop did not have a physical address or website, one had to call them. So, I headed out to the Upper Williamson River Campground and paid for two nights. After making it to the river it was a wonderful spring type creek. I looked like a lot of hiking up and down river, and a little too much for me right now. (Most river access is across private property, and until I get my fishing legs back, a 100 yard stretch of river is my maximum).
A beautiful area. However, upon further Internet browsing, the Forest Service says the best fishing here is in August and September. Now, I had a tough night sleeping in my van last night. I have too much stuff, and much of it is in the wrong place (ex: toiletry bag in the front, my bed time head position is in the back). But, the biggest restrictions for movement / comfort, are the two larger plastic containers holding the last minute packing stuff, and the bug screen that will not close, so it has to go (It severely limits getting in and out of the van even when it is tied back.
So, after driving 90 minutes to the Williamson River, I decided to head to Bend, Oregon, where there are several rivers and real fly shops nearby. I’m staying in a hotel ($$$-aarrgghh) to not have another bad night in the van. I’ll go to a park tomorrow and remove the things that are getting in the way…..without battling mosquitoes at a campsite.
Tomorrow I’m on the search for fishing information, Neodymium magnets (just going to magnet up a full bug screen when needed), Bear Spray, and camping on a river where I can find cool water and 100 yards that I can fish.
I plan to fish tomorrow, Really, That’s What This Trip is About!!!
Tight Lines!!