There is a fairly consistent hatch pattern on the creek which makes it a little easier to stock your flybox. The key to success at Hot Creek is presentation. Anglers do well to concentrate on feeding lanes between weeds that are close to shore. The substrate of the creek provides habitat and forage for the trout and could be damaged by the large volume of anglers that use the creek. Wading in the creek may uproot aquatic vegetation and damage this fragile system.
Anglers can easily cast to any spot on the creek from shore.
The only thing that could rival the fishing on this river is the surroundings. Flowing through a pristine canyon, the McCloud River provides the perfect setting for flyfishers and lure anglers alike. Flyfishers should do well with various nymphs fished throughout the pools and pocketwater. Lure fishermen may try probing the deep pools and runs found throughout the river. The water stays fairly cool so it may pay to slow down your various techniques and presentations.