The property surrounds more than 3,000 acres, and slightly more than seven miles of some of the best wild trout fishing in the American West.
The seven private miles of the majestic McCloud on Bollibokka tumble through beautiful, rugged mountain terrain and, arguably, some of the finest fly fishing water on the continent. Bollibokka is bordered upstream by more than a dozen miles of other private property. All of it extends to the high ridges on either slope of the McCloud and, collectively, this has been some of the most jealously guarded angling in the nation for more than a hundred years.
The McCloud River is famous for its breathtaking beauty and its trout. The river itself is a classic freestone stream, with one set of terraced riffles, and deep rainbow and brown trout-filled pools after another. Bollibokka is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest but located just 36 miles north and east of Redding on the south slope of Mount Shasta.The McCloud’s rainbow trout (salmo shasta) were used to successfully stock New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and to establish healthy rainbow populations in many of our western states. These beautiful, native rainbows are noted for their strength, aggression, and are the most famous and widely distributed trout in the world.
The pristine waters of the McCloud River and their famed hard fighting, beautiful Rainbow trout are unspoiled and thriving in this majestic wilderness.
Dry fly fishing can be good to amazing from April through November, with late spring, early summer, and fall being traditionally the strongest times of year for hatches. Caddis, Stoneflies, and a myriad of mayflies thrive in the nutrient-rich emerald water. Midsummer days with a hopper dropper or Turk’s Tarantula can also be rewarding. Nymphing all season long can be very productive and the variety of water holds a challenge for all levels of angler. Many nice fish are also caught each year on streamers. Bollibokka is a wild, fly fishing only, catch and release fishery.
Weekly rates are as follows:
• Historic Main House and Rock House - $8,925 per week (10% county bed tax)
• Way Station - $5,775 per week (10% county bed tax)
• Day Fishing - Mid-November through March - $350.00 for one or two anglers, $175.00 additional anglers + Guide Fees (guide is required if you aren't a yearly guest at Bollibokka)
Historic Main House and Rock House (Maximum 14 guests or 10 anglers):
The Historic Main House and Rock House are packaged together as the main angling compound at Bollibokka. The Historic Main House was built in the 1920's. It has five bedrooms and sleeps ten guests. Adjoining the Historic Main House is the Log Cabin (circa 1860), which is the historic dining room and fully-equipped country kitchen. Across the rolling lawn, the Rock House perches on the shoulder of the McCloud riverbank. The Rock House cottage has two bedrooms that sleeps four more guests and a small kitchen, dining area, and small living room.
Together the Historic Main House and Rock House will accommodate up to fourteen guests, but the compound is limited to no more than ten fishermen on their "beat" at any one time. An angler selecting a week at the Historic Main House & Rock House may bring as many as fourteen guests, (but no more than ten anglers), at any one time during their exclusive week at Bollibokka.
The Way Station (Maximum 6 guests):
The 'Way Station' is located five miles upriver from the Historic Main House. It was built in the early 1970's by a master German craftsman, and features mortise and tenon joinery and open beam construction, conveniently perched on a rock outcrop overlooking a deep emerald pool full of wild McCloud River rainbow and brown trout. The Way Station sleeps six and has its own fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room. The dining, housekeeping and itinerary are identical to the Historic Main House compound. There is a separate housekeeping and dining room staff available at the Way Station when it is used independently from the Historic Main House.
The McCloud River opens to fishing on the last Saturday in April and remains open through November 15.
Over 7 miles of the renowned McCloud River flow through the famous Bollibokka property. 5 miles of this (from the McCloud River Bridge upstream to Chatterdown Creek) is accessible to guests staying at the Historic Main House/Rock House, while the upper 2 miles above Chatterdown Creek is reserved for guests staying at the Way Station. A system of trails follows the entire ranch section of river, with some trails on both sides of the river.
May and June are generally considered the "prime time" months on the river. Starting as early as Opening Day (last Saturday in April), myriad insects begin to hatch on the McCloud, creating consistent opportunities throughout each day to catch fish on both nymphs and dry flies.
The most important hatches on the McCloud are from the order Plecoptera: stoneflies. The massive salmonflies are the first of the stoneflies to appear, hatching sporadically throughout the month of May and sometimes into early June. They are followed by numerous Golden Stoneflies and Little Yellow Stoneflies, all of which can get the McCloud River's numerous rainbow and brown trout rising on the surface. And even when the fish aren't focused on the flying adult insects, they'll readily take dead drifted stonefly nymphs in the McCloud's many pockets and deep pools.
In addition to the stoneflies, there are many other insects hatching on the McCloud during this time of year, including several species of caddis, PMD mayflies, and several other varieties and sizes of lesser mayflies. With so many different kinds of insects in the air, there are dry fly opportunities throughout the day, and many different kinds of nymph patterns will also produce strikes from aggressive fish.
Summertime on the McCloud River sees the lightest fishing pressure of the season. Though much of Northern California can be baked in sweltering heat, the McCloud remains shaded and cool at the bottom of a deep, heavily forested canyon and can continue to fish well all summer long with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies.
There are generally less insects hatching later in the summer, though Golden Stoneflies and Little Yellow Stoneflies will still be found throughout much of the summer and caddis continue to come off every evening just before dark. The best dry fly opportunities will come late in the day, though nymphing the pockets and pools remains productive throughout the day. Summertime can be a great time of year for fishing streamers, too, targeting some of the bigger brown trout that reside in the McCloud's deep pools.
The Fall Season is a standby favorite for long-time McCloud River fanatics. The cool nights of fall bring out the giant October Caddis hatch, there can be stellar blue-winged olive hatches on overcast days, and the big bad browns begin to migrate upriver from Shasta Lake.
The first of the monstrous October Caddis larvae begin to appear on the rocks and boulders near the edge of the river in mid September, and by October there are literally millions of the inch-long cases decorating the river bottom as they prepare for emergence. The adult insects hatch at dusk throughout October and November, providing brief flurries of dry fly activity every evening and enticing trout to rise to big attractor patterns sometimes even in the middle of the day. Moreover, they'll eat the larvae and pupae of the caddis like trout candy all day long.
On overcast days, there can be some phenomenal blue-winged olive hatches. These tiny mayflies respond to changes in barometric pressure, and hatch whenever a storm front moves through the area, stimulating some great midday dry fly action on all of our regional streams, including the McCloud River.
And one can't forget the big brown trout that migrate upriver from Shasta Lake in the fall. These brutes can be a real adventure, chasing big streamers on sinking lines in the deep pools and often measuring better in pounds than inches. They're not easy to find and take true devotion to catch, but are an exciting option for big fish anglers willing to work hard for quality fish.
Anglers and their guests are welcome to arrive for their week anytime after 11:00 am on the Wednesday morning of their designated week.
There generally will not be staff there to check you in upon arrival - unless you've arranged for Bollibokka staff to be there during your stay - so make yourself at home! Towels, linens, soaps, and almost everything you need are provided for your stay.
Bollibokka guests will be provided with a very complete information packet of the property, with simple regulations and maps along with recommended fly fishing flies, tackle, and equipment.
Each cabin at Bollibokka has a fully stocked kitchen, and many guests choose to bring in their own food and cook all their own meals.
The Fly Shop® also works with the long-time Bollibokka staff, maintaining a list of people available to members for menu planning, shopping, cooking, and cleanup. The arrangements are made directly between the member and cooking personnel. Please contact The Fly Shop® at 800-669-3474 for more information on arranging for a cook during your stay at Bollibokka.
A few points to remember:
Bollibokka is a serene, natural setting in a remote landscape, and wildlife abounds. Be aware of black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, and be cautious to avoid poison oak. Young children shouldn't be unsupervised or out alone after dusk. There hasn't been any problem in this regard in Bollibokka's 100+ years, and we want to keep it that way.
The Historic Main House, Rock House, and Way Station are all non-smoking (including vaping) facilities. Guests are welcome to enjoy cigars or cigarettes on the deck or anywhere outside the lodge on the ranch. Please keep in mind that this is a fire-prone region, so be extra careful with any ashes from cigarettes on the ranch proper, and never, ever discard a cigarette butt anywhere on the property.
Considered a single unit, with capacity for fourteen guests, but limited to ten fishermen using the river. The 1920's Clubhouse has five bedrooms and sleeps ten guests. Adjoining the Main House is the Log Cabin (circa 1860), which houses the dining room and fully-equipped kitchen.
Sits a short distance across the lawn at the edge of the river. It has two bedrooms that sleep four more guests, and is complete with its own smaller kitchen, dining area, and living room. The lower five miles of the river, from Chatterdown Creek down to the main gate to the property, is reserved fishing water for the Main House and Rock House.
Set on a perch overlooking the river with unmatched views from the deck, the Way Station is the perfect spot for a smaller group. The Way Station has three bedrooms that accommodate six guests, or four anglers. It is located five miles upriver from the Main House, has its own fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and living room.
Dining options at Bollibokka are a reflection of each guest's preference. Anglers and their guests may elect to handle their own meals and menu or opt to use the Club staff for a fee. Bollibokka has a staff available for menu planning, shopping, cooking and clean-up. Alternatively, anglers and their guests may choose to do their own cooking. The kitchens are fully equipped and stocked with condiments, and there are barbecues and smokers, along with a dishwasher in every kitchen.
Guests provide their own housekeeping during their stay. All the beds are freshly made prior to arrival and towels are provided for each guest. The facility is cleaned on the Tuesday after departure.
The Main House has three refrigerators, the Rock House has one, and the Way Station has two. Each kitchen has a dishwasher and is stocked with everything but food. Each location has a barbecue and briquettes. All beds are freshly made prior to arrival, bath and hand and face towels are provided for each guest.
Aside from the fishing, Bollibokka is the perfect place to relax, unwind and connect with nature. Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and Otter inhabit the river canyon. The trails on the property are great for hiking, and the river is the place to cool off with a brisk swim on warm summer afternoons.
We spend a lot of time high-stick nymphing the pocket water and deeper pools of the lower McCloud, oftentimes casting heavily weighted flies or split shot weights, making 5 or 6 weight fly rods ideal. 4 weight rods can work for casting dries during an evening hatch, but don't quite get the job done when nymphing or fishing with streamers, while 5-6 weight rods offer the flexibility to cast both nymphs and dries, and handle big trout in the heavy freestone currents.
Reels should have a good drag system and be equipped with a floating fly line. Trout on the lower McCloud average 10-14 inches, but fish from 16-22 inches are not uncommon and there's always the possibility of hooking into an even larger lake-run brown trout. Even the smaller trout are wild and powerful, while the bigger fish can be real tackle busters. If you intend to target big trout on streamers, you will also want a full sinking or heavy sink-tip line.
Waders are highly recommended; felt or studded boots are mandatory, while a wading staff is also strongly suggested. The McCloud is a rigorous mountain freestone stream with slick bowling-ball shaped boulders and at times extensive hiking is required to access its numerous pocket water and pools. Wet-wading can be a great option, too, during the warm summer months.
• Leaders for nymphing should be 7 1⁄2 to 9 ft. long, tapering to 4x
• Fluorocarbon tippet spools of 3X, 4X, and 5X
• Dry fly leaders should be 9 to 10 ft. long, tapering to 4x or 5x
• Tippet spools of 4x & 5x will work for your dry fly leaders
• Split Shot (BB and AB)
• Indicators: a variety of different types and sizes of indicators can be useful on the McCloud, including big yarn indicators such as the Boles Float Rite for the deeper pools and smaller indicators (Thingamabobbers, Frog Hair, FishPimp) for the pocket water.
• Hat • Sunscreen • Polarized Sunglasses
• Clippers • Hemostats • Camera • Wading Staff
• Layered clothing system, including rain gear (seasonal)
The most productive flies for fishing on the McCloud River can change throughout the season, and sometimes what works one year doesn't work as well the next. Listed below are some general fly pattern suggestions, based on a few of the fly patterns that have worked consistently over the years. For the most up-to-date fly suggestions, give us a call at The Fly Shop at 800-669-3474.
• #14-18 Fred Gordon's Prince Nymphs
• #8 -14 Mercer's Beaded Biot Epoxy Golden Stones - Gold
• 14 -18 Copper John (Red and Original)
• #14-16 Z-Wing Caddis Pupa-Green (with and w/out B.H.)
• #14 Fox's Poopah. ( Tan and Olive/with and without B.H.)
• #6 Superfloss Rubberlegs (Brown/Black)
• #16-18 B.H. Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
• #14-18 B.H. Micro Mayfly Nymph (Olive, Brown, Black)
• #16-18 Hogan's S&M Nymph
• #14 -16 Bird Nest (with and without B.H)
• #18 Black, Olive, or Red Midges
• #8-10 Mercer's Tungsten October Pupa
• #16-18 Elk Hair Caddis (Olive & Black)
• #16 Cutter's E/C Caddis Emerger
• #16-18 Parachute Adams
• #16 Hackle Stackers
• #8 Mercer's Flush Floater Foam Stones
• #6 Salmonfly
• #8-14 Rubberleg Stimulators Yellow
• #16 TFS Li'l Yellow Stone Dry
• #14-18 Yellow Humpy
• #14-16 Quail Body
• #8 Bead-Head Black Crystal Buggers
• #6 CH Bunny Buggers
• #2 Double Bunny
Bollibokka on the McCloud has more than 7 private miles of the majestic McCloud river that tumble through beautiful, rugged mountain terrain and some of the finest fly fishing water on the continent. Bollibokka is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest and located just 36 miles north and east of Redding on the south slope of Mount Shasta.
Upon your confirmed booking we will provide directions to the property in your confirmation paperwork.
Last Saturday in April through November 15
Day Fishing - Mid-November through March - $350.00 for one or two anglers, $175.00 additional anglers + Guide Fees
It takes a little less than an hour to drive to Bollibokka from Redding.
Anglers and their guests are welcome to arrive for their week anytime after 11:00 am on the Wednesday morning of their designated week. There generally will not be staff there to check you in upon arrival - unless you've arranged for Bollibokka staff to be there during your stay - so make yourself at home! Towels, Linens, soaps, and almost everything you need are provided for your stay.
You will have the run of your specified beat until Monday evening departure. Tuesdays at Bollibokka are reserved for cabin cleaning and property maintenance.
The Main House and Rock House waters extend from the McCloud River Bridge (adjacent to the main gate) upstream to Chatterdown Creek, approximately 5 miles of river. The Main House and Rock House facilities can accommodate up to 14 guests, although there is a maximum of 10 anglers.
The Way Station beat begins at Chatterdown Creek and runs upstream to just below the Trail Crew Camp, a little over 2 miles of river. The Way Station can accommodate up to 6 guests, with a maximum of 4 anglers.
A system of trails follows the entire property section of river, with some trails on both sides of the river at bridges or historic crossings. This section of the McCloud is comprised of deep emerald pools, riffles and pocket water, all full of wild rainbow and brown trout.
Bollibokka guests will be provided with a very complete information packet of the ranch, with simple regulations and maps along with recommended fly fishing flies, tackle, and equipment.
Each cabin at Bollibokka has a fully stocked kitchen, and many guests choose to bring in their own food and cook all their own meals.
The Fly Shop® also works with the long-time Bollibokka staff, maintaining a list of people available to members for menu planning, shopping, cooking, and cleanup. The arrangements are made directly between the member and cooking personnel. Please contact The Fly Shop at 800-669-3474 for more information on arranging for a cook during your stay at Bollibokka.
The fishing on the McCloud River at Bollibokka is compatible for anglers of all skill levels and experience. Some of the terrain and fishing is more challenging and better suited for experienced anglers in good physical condition, while there are still several productive pools easily accessible from the different lodging facilities.
Non-fishing companions have the run of roads and trails on their respective beats on the property. The Bollibokka property is a wonderful natural resource for photography, painting, hiking, birdwatching, and more. And that's not to mention relaxing at any one of the different cabins with a good book and the sights, sounds, and smells of the McCloud River just a stone's throw away.
Bollibokka is a serene, natural setting in a remote landscape, and wildlife abounds. Be aware of black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, and be cautious to avoid poison oak. Young children shouldn't be unsupervised or out alone after dusk. There hasn't been any problem in this regard in Bollibokka's 100+ years, and we want to keep it that way.
The Main House, Rock House, and Way Station are all non-smoking facilities. Guests are welcome to enjoy cigars or cigarettes on the deck or anywhere outside the lodge on the ranch. Please keep in mind that this is a fire-prone region, so be extra careful with any ashes from cigarettes on the ranch proper, and never, ever discard a cigarette butt anywhere on the property.
Please contact us with any questions or if you need more information on Bollibokka on the McCloud River.
Click on the image below to get directions to The Fly Shop®.
The Fly Shop, Inc.
4140 Churn Creek Road
Redding, CA 96002
800-669-3474
www.theflyshop.com
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
