Fall River · Fall River Valley · Late Season
Fall River Fishing Report – Solitude and Midday Mayflies
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 29, 2026: The Fall River is clear at normal spring-fed flows, with no shop update since October 20. Expect PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning through midday, with trout holding shallow along the weed beds. Fish small rusty spinners or PMD and BWO dries with a nymph dropper, and strip leeches or water boatmen in the wind.
Updated · Always-current Fall River report
Little has changed on the Fall this week, and the most recent shop report is still from 10/20. The pattern then was PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning to midday, with plenty of trout sitting shallow in the weeds. The Fall is spring-fed and steady, so expect that to hold, and expect the river to stay quiet while the crowds are on the salmon rivers.
Current Conditions
- Water: Clear, with normal spring-fed flows. Saturday's rain won't muddy the Fall the way it does a freestone river.
- Bugs: PMDs and BWOs, best from mid-morning through midday. Cloudy, drizzly days are often good BWO days.
- Fish: Many are shallow along the weed beds. Look for small, quiet rises.
Best Time of Day
Mornings are well below freezing this week, so there's no reason to be on the water at dawn. Start mid-morning, fish the hatch hard, and expect wind in the afternoon. 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
Widespread frost Thursday and Friday mornings, then a chance of light rain Saturday, with a slight chance of rain and snow Saturday night into Sunday morning. Sunny Sunday afternoon and Monday. Lows will be in the mid to upper 20s, with highs in the 50s. 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 29, 2026: Little has changed on the Fall this week, and the most recent shop report is still from 10/20. The pattern then was PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning to midday, with plenty of trout sitting shallow in the weeds. The Fall is spring-fed and steady, so expect that to hold, and expect the river to stay…
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 (10/22)
- 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 (10/29)
More reports from October 29, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Float Low for Room
- Trinity River Fishing Report – More Steelhead Every Day
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Moving Downriver
- McCloud River Report – Strong Caddis, Colder Water
- Pit River Fishing Report – Pit 3 Up, October Caddis On
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Small Bugs, Colder Water