The Fall River, California
Fall River
The Fall River is the largest spring fed river in the United States. Rising in the mountains above Fall River Mills, this river flows down to the power generation plants and goes on to form part of the Pit river system.
Springs abound in this region and the lower river has hidden lakes formed where springs occur close to the river.
The water is clear and cool in relation to the area. This leads to massive hatches and good weed growth which in turn gives fat and feisty wild rainbows and a few browns. The lower river also has catfish, bass and whitefish, a species despised in the US but which I love to catch. They run and fight in a similar manner to a chub in Europe and are often a day saving species if the trout are on hunger strike.
Fall River fish are truly wild, no stocking takes place and during a drift thousands of fry and small fish will be seen. You will also see large shadows as fish of well over 24" disappear beneath the weedbeds.
This bounty doesn't mean the fish are easy, far from it. A delicate presentation with the correct dry fly will often fool one fish or even two but to "stand still" while fishing is a recipe for a blank day. The fish change their feeding habits by the minute and the successful anglers are those who constantly observe and change the fly or type of presentation to match the stage of the hatch.
This fishery is a true test of angling skill. I recommend fishing this river at least once during any holiday in this region.
All fishing takes place from boats and there is very little public access - a days guided trip for two anglers will cost around US $400 plus gratuities.
Recommended flies include: