Fall River
Anglers Hone Skills on Fall River
Fall River is a stunningly beautiful and unique spring-fed river in a remote corner of northeastern Shasta County. This is quiet, slow moving water with stunning views of the vast high desert region and 14,000 ft Mt Shasta. The entire network of spring-fed water includes Fall River, Tule River, Lava Creek, Big Lake and Ahjumawi State Park. It is the largest spring creek by volume in California and it is among the largest spring networks in the country.
Lined by miles of private property consisting of ranches and working farms, Fall River is fished from small-motorized skiffs or Jon boats in order to gain access to the many miles of slow moving meanders. There are no walk and wade opportunities on Fall River. We typically fish from my Adipose skiff while on anchor and anglers are required to make long, delicate presentations.
Fishing the Fall River provides a unique experience and introduction to more technical techniques for glassy calm, clear, water. The river often provides classic sight casting opportunities for large, hard pulling, wild and native rainbow trout.
Swinging leeches or another aquatic insects on a slow swing or lift presentation is also an effective and traditional method to fool these educated spring creek trout.
The river produces prolific hatches of aquatic insects that are common in all spring creeks: a plethora of mayfly species, midges, caddis, water boatmen damselflies and dragonflies.
In the lower river and especially Tule River there is one mayfly that is worth highlighting... the giant hexagenia limbata. The Hex hatch is one of the quintessential Fall River experiences. Presented as a dry fly during the evening emergence the 2” long hex will garner the attention and raise some of the biggest trout in the river. The takes are often explosive and deliberate; addicting enough that you will add this event to your adventure list in the summer every year.
For more information on fishing the Fall River please contact me about accommodations. There are few lodging options right on the water or in nearby towns of Fall River Mills and Burney. Nearby fly fishing waters also include; Pit River, Hat Creek, Baum Lake, and others.
