The Fall River is
the most visible part of one of the world’s
largest underground spring systems. The river is
entirely spring fed rather than runoff generated
as most river systems are, and as a result it
runs year round with virtually no fluctuation in
level or volume, and the water is very clear and
cold.
The Fall River is
38 miles in length and is located in an
intermountain valley of the Cascade Mountain
Range in the northeastern portion of California.
It enjoys a worldwide reputation as a trophy
wild trout stream drawing anglers from
throughout North America and Europe.
The principal
drawback to fishing the Fall River is lack of
access. The Fall River runs for nearly all of
it’s course through
private property with no public access. However,
the good news is that several members of the
Fall River Lions Club own riverfront property,
and if asked in advance will probably grant
fishing or boating access to their fellow Lions.
Or you can go to Fall
River Boat Rental and Launching.
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
Accessibility &
Directions
Fall River is about 290 miles north of San
Francisco. It is best accessed by taking route 5
north for 125 miles from San Francisco 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.
When & 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 barb less hooks only,
and two fish over 14 inches may be kept.
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.
