Posts tagged: pg&E

A Hard Year on the McCloud: Will It Get Better Before November 15?

October 24, 2008, by 2 comments

Despite the inhospitable flows (courtesy PG&E), I’m fishing the McCloud tomorrow, throwing streamers and hope in equal quantities. (Why? More on that next week).

In the meantime, let’s admit it’s been a hard year on the McCloud; springtime fishing was disrupted by PG&E’s months-late flow studies (they were supposed to take place prior to the season opener).

Then – right when the fall fishing was starting to break loose – a broken powerhouse and the resulting high flows nullified the McCloud’s typically excellent BWO and October Caddis hatches.

No olives. No hummingbird-sized caddis. No big trout (well, no easy ones anyway).

The McCloud is a special place for a lot of fly fishermen; it’s impossibly beautiful, the fishing can be great, and the fish are typically gorgeous.

With the fishing aspect stricken from the list of possibilities, and with the high flows slated to (possibly) last through the end of the season, it’s safe to say PG&E has generated a lot more enemies than it has power on the McCloud.

Expect a report next week. And don’t forget – there are other great places to fish near the McCloud (despite what some of you believe).

See you on the McCloud, Tom Chandler.

News Flash! McCloud Flows Still Up, Probably Remain That Way For a While

October 13, 2008, by 15 comments

The McCloud River’s flows remain high – courtesy a failed PG&E powerhouse – and according to one of the Underground’s highly placed sources, it may not be coming down any time soon.

Yes, it’s been a hell of a year for the McCloud; PG&E’s flow studies originally slated for a pre-season slot were delayed, and ultimately mucked up some of the McCloud’s typically stellar spring fishing.

Now the McCloud’s suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous flows in the fall (another peak time), and anglers aren’t happy.

In fact, the frequent emails I receive suggest they’re pretty damned unhappy, which speaks volumes to the McCloud’s place in the hearts of minds of NorCal’s fly fishing population.

Keep the digits crossed, Tom Chandler.

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ALERT! Lower McCloud Flows Increasingly Abruptly Starting Sunday, 21st

September 20, 2008, by 9 comments

The Lower McCloud’s flows are about to be bumped from 250 cfs to 650 cfs (starting Sunday, 9/21).

I just recieved this via email from Steve Nevares (PG&E McCloud-Pit Relicensing Project Manager). Planning to fish the Lower McCloud? Read ‘em and weep.

Yesterday, an equipment situation was identified at James B. Black Powerhouse that has required PG&E to shut down and stop all water flow through the powerhouse. Currently it is estimated the powerhouse will be shut down 2 weeks.

Due to this, starting tomorrow Sunday 9/21, at approximately 10am, PG&E will progressively increase the flow in to the Lower McCloud River from McCloud Dam.  The water flow will increase approximately 100cfs per hour.  The current base flow as measure at the Ah-Di-Na gauge is approximately 200cfs.  The flow will increase by approximately 450cfs to 650cfs at Ah-Di-Na to match the current inflow to McCloud Reservoir.

PG&E understands the effect the increased flow will have on fishing access on the Lower McCloud River and will work to resolve the situation ASAP.  More information should be available by Monday and I will communicate more information as soon as it is available.

The planned flow of 650cfs isn’t the fishiest of flows, but it’s not unfishable either. And as the flows are bumped up, it’s very possible that throwing some big, big streamers might be productive help you hang a big brown trout.

More news as I get it.

See you at the news desk, Tom Chandler.

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