Trout Source

Introduction

Northern California's Fall River is arguably the state's best spring creek.  Hatches (including the famous "Hex" hatch) are impressive even by western standards and stretch throughout the entire summer.  Heavy wild rainbows dominate the fish population.  However, because it is a spring creek, catching these fish often requires skilled presentation.   The river is best floated, since aquatic weeds make wading difficult and much of the land bordering the river is private. Access is via numerous lodges or two public access points.  The Fall eventually enters into the Pit River in the town of Fall River Mills.

River Character and Access

The Fall winds through ranchland in a broad valley, and in this sense is not a scenic as nearby rivers such as the McCloud and the Upper Sacramento.  The surroundings also lend themselves to windy conditions.  The exception is the upper 1/3 of the river, which is lined with trees and contains some riffles and pocket water in the higher reaches.  As far as trout streams go, the Fall is rather uniform throughout its course.  Like all spring creeks, the water is quite clear and contains thick vegetation crawling with stream insects.  Combined with nearly steady water temperatures, these conditions lend themselves to fat, football shaped trout. In the absence of real structure, trout in spring creeks such as the Fall congregate around weeds.  For skilled fly fishermen, 20-inchers are not uncommon.  Because the current is slow, these fish can afford a close and careful inspection of your fly.  You will need to be skilled and/or patient to catch these lunkers.  Most fishermen practice catch and release, although regulations permit keeping two fish measuring 14 inches or more. 

Fall River is about 290 miles north of San Francisco.  It is best accessed by taking I-80 east from San Francisco, then I-5 north for 125 miles to the 299 East (Lake Blvd.) exit.  Take 299 east toward Burney and Alturas for about 74 miles until you hit Fall River Mills, where the Fall enters the Pit River.  There are two public access points to the Fall.  The first and most popular is the Cal Trout boat ramp on Island Road, where limited parking is available (arrive early) and you must carry your boat down a path to the water.  The other is the Pacific Gas & Electric launch site where McArthur Road crosses the lower river near a church.  Like the Cal Trout site, this area offers limited parking (roughly 15 cars) and requires you to carry your boat to the water.  There are also numerous lodges providing river access.  (get driving directions)

When and How to Fish

The Fall River's fishing season stretches from the last Saturday in April through November 15. Fishing is with artificial lures and barbless hooks only, and two fish under 14 inches may be kept.  Check out the regulations.  Water temperature in the spring creek area is fairly constant throughout the year.   Summer is hot with afternoon breezes. Spring and fall, though generally fishable, bring unpredictable weather ranging from cold to warm, and dry to heavy rain.  In the fall, rainbows spawn in the upper stretches (accessible by boating upstream from the Cal Trout ramp).   Pale Morning Duns are the predominant hatch throughout the season on the upper and middle Fall, with peaks in late May and June and late August and September.  These insects come off from late morning until mid-afternoon. Blue-winged Olives are also common in the early and late season on the upper and middle stretches, but they trail off in summer.  In June, an impressive Little Sister Sedge hatch occurs.  In late summer, Tricos are common along the entire river in the early morning.  The Fall's most famous hatch, however, is the Hexagenia Mayfly hatch in late June and July which brings the big boys up to the top.  This hatch is most common in the middle and lower stretches of the river.  The "Hex" is the largest mayfly (size 2 or 4), and hatches in the late evening and early night.  Nymph fishing can be extremely productive before the hatch.  Imitate the swimming motion of the naturals by twitching your rod tip as the fly swings down and across.

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.