Fall River · Fall River Valley · Late Season
Fall River Fishing Report – Midday Hatches, Cold Mornings
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 22, 2026: The Fall River is clear at normal spring-fed flows and quiet. PMDs and BWOs hatch from mid-morning through midday, with many trout sitting shallow along the weed beds. Best flies: small rusty spinners, PMD or BWO dries with a small mayfly nymph dropper, then leeches or water boatman patterns once the afternoon wind comes up.
Updated · Always-current Fall River report
The Fall is still the quiet option while most anglers chase salmon eggs on the Lower Sac and the Trinity. The latest shop report (10/20) has the same pattern as last week: PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning to midday, and lots of fish sitting shallow in the weeds.
Current Conditions
- Water: Clear, with normal spring-fed flows. Rain doesn't muddy the Fall the way it does a freestone river.
- Bugs: PMDs and BWOs, best from mid-morning through midday.
- Fish: Many are shallow along the weed beds. Look for small, quiet rises.
Best Time of Day
With frost every morning, there's no reason to be on the water at dawn. Start mid-morning, fish the hatch hard, and plan on wind around 2 p.m. When it comes up, strip small leeches or water boatman patterns along the weed edges.
Quick Rigging Tips
- Use a long, fine leader and drift the fly downstream to the fish, so it sees the fly first.
- Small rusty spinners and PMD or BWO dries for the risers. Hang a small mayfly nymph under the dry for fish that won't come up.
- Bring a sinking or intermediate line for the windy afternoon.
Access
Almost all of the river runs through private land, so it's fished from flat-bottomed boats with small motors. Going with a guide who has a boat is the easiest way to fish it.
Weather & What to Wear
Showers and possible thunderstorms Thursday, then sunny days through Monday. Lows will be in the 20s with widespread frost, and highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Bring a warm hat, gloves and layers for the boat.
Season & Regulations
Fall River is open all year, so you can keep fishing it through the winter. It's catch-and-release (0 trout), with only artificial lures and barbless hooks. Check current CDFW regs before you go.
Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.
Fall River questions this week
Is the Fall River fishing well right now?
As of October 22, 2026: The Fall is still the quiet option while most anglers chase salmon eggs on the Lower Sac and the Trinity. The latest shop report (10/20) has the same pattern as last week: PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning to midday, and lots of fish sitting shallow in the weeds.
Ready to book a trip?
Call or text Travis at (530) 722-8331 for a quick, same-day response, or book through The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.
Sources
Gauge readings are provisional. Dates show when each source was published or read.
- The Fly Shop (10/20)
- California Fly Fishing Reports (10/14)
- Confluence Outfitters, Fall River guide page (accessed 10/18)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.50(b)(47) "Fall River Complex"
- NWS forecast, Fall River Mills (10/22)
More reports from October 22, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Salmon Pile In, Eggs Still Rule
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows Meet Fall Rain
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Building
- McCloud River Report – Spawning Browns, October Caddis
- Pit River Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Few New Reports
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – BWOs, Midges and Frosty Mornings