Fishing Seasons

The cold waters of Fall River pour out of several aquafirs at the edge of Fall River Valley. The water comes from the glaciers of Mt Shasta and is incredibly rich in minerals, and coupled with the limestone strata at the bottom of Fall River, are the basis of the weed growth in Fall River & resulting prolific insect hatches this river is famous for.

From Riverside you can access miles of this slow moving spring creek, making it possible to reach those sections of the river that are fishing best during your visit. Fall River trout average 12-14 inches, but there is a superb population of bigger fish, they're just harder to catch.

May

In May the high (3300') altitude translates to cool mornings and evenings. The water can be discolored some and usually cold enough to depress much of the hatch activity. Any hatches that do occur will normally start late in the morning and can last until mid afternoon. Green Drakes can hatch, especially on overcast or rainy days. The trout are there so all you have to do is alter your fishing techniques to match the conditions. Sinking tip lines and shorter leaders and some type of streamer or nymph will be the order of the day. Indicators and nymph droppers can pay off at times as well. If you do see any top water action it most likely will be from PMD’s or Baetis or both. The one insect you always want to be ready for in May is the flying ant or termite. Always carry some winged patterns of these insects.

June & July

June is always considered to be the best dry fly month almost anywhere in this part of California. PMD’s, Blue Winged Olive Spinners, Small Yellow Stones, Caddis, Trico’s, the giant Hex and Terrestrials are all making their appearance. Most of this wonderful insect activity continues on through July. The Hex hatch will stop sometime around the middle of July, but the rest of these insects will be present right into August. The timing of some these hatches might change, but nevertheless you will still have consistent dry fly action.

August & September

This is considered Trico time on both Fall River & Hat Creek. This is usually the first hatch of the day with a spinner fall following. PMD’s usually will come off during late morning and sometimes last until early afternoon. Terrestrials can be fun in the afternoon and on into early evening. Caddis hatches will come off almost every evening and really are one of the most consistent hatches of the year.

October to mid November

As the nights cool and the daytime temperatures drop the PMD hatches can intensify. Baetis will put in there appearance and are one of the most important hatches at this time of year. The big October Caddis appears, although it can be a spotty hatch, but it can really excite the big trout. On warm evenings Caddis can show up. We have had wonderful dry fly activity with Baetis patterns right to the end of the season. Rain storms can sometimes create intense hatches of these little fellows. The fall colors are making their appearance and what a showing they can put on. October- what a glorious month!

Even though anglers come to Fall River seeking dry fly action many fish are hooked every season on nymphs suspended under indicators or dry flies. A number of anglers have perfected the art of fishing soft hackle flies on this river. It is a much easier way of fishing than almost any method once you get the hang of it. Also, a number of people fish sink tips or sinking lines with leeches, etc much of the season. To each his own- it is all great fun.