The Fall River

The Fall River is the largest of California's spring creeks, fed by several icy aquifers coming from the snows and glaciers of Mount Shasta. It is the nation's largest spring system, creating a wonderland of crystal-clear, 50-degree rainbow trout habitat. At the same time it is both the finest spring creek fly fishing opportunity in California and one of the best in the United States. It is certainly the angling showpiece of the entire Shasta Cascade region and one of the richest spring fed rivers in the world.

Fall River itself is some fifteen miles long with an average depth of 7 feet of icy cold water, making it impossible to wade. The entire river bank, from where the headwaters bubble out of the ground to its confluence with the Tule River is privately owned, making public access along the river difficult even though the water itself is open to the public. Millionaires and savvy sportsmen have bought up every piece of river frontage creating exclusivity and privacy to be reckoned with. A notable lawsuit in 1971 declared the river navigable if you can get a boat in the water, and Cal Trout's limited access point near the Island Road Bridge does allow for some accessibility for small prams or other watercraft, though gas motors are not allowed through the Cal Trout Access.

Seasons

The Fall River opens to fishing on the last Saturday in April and remains open through November 15.

Click here for more detailed information on the seasons to fish the Fall River

Fly Fishing the Fall River

For the most part, Fall River is wide, slow moving, and it is the waters in the mid section of the river that provide the best fly fishing opportunities for both nymphing and dry fly action. The combination of the character of the river and the limited public access make this an equipment intensive experience. Specialized, shallow-draft John boats, equipped with both small outboard and electric motors are absolutely necessary to navigate the river. Once a pod of selectively feeding trout is located, guides and anglers anchor the boats upstream of the fish and cast slack-line presentations downstream to the feeding trout.

Limited public access is only one of the many reasons that Fall River is so popular with spring creek fly fishermen. The valley that the river winds through is spectacular, with the visages of both Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen to the west and south. The river bank abounds with wildlife, as waterfowl, otter, muskrat, eagles, osprey, heron, and deer all make regular appearances during a typical fishing day. Nature lovers, bird watchers, duck hunters and wilderness-oriented fly fishers covet this exclusive California resource. Bing Cosby, Clint Eastwood, and Walton Powell have all navigated and savored this natural spring fed ribbon of glass-like waters. The wild rainbow trout in the river, however, are certainly the main attraction.

The Fly Shop® has a private access for its guides and clients right smack in the middle of some of the best fishing water on the river. Our experienced Fall River guides begin and end each day at Riverside.

The fishing on Fall River is technical and demanding because of its gin-clear water and slow-moving currents, but with a skilled and properly equipped guide these incredible fish and the full length of Fall River become accessible to anglers of all skill-levels. This fantastic spring creek is located only an hour and a half east of Redding (75 miles) near the small (population 648) historic community of Fall River Mills.

To make a reservation, please give us a call at 800-669-3474 during business hours any day of the week. We can give you the answers you need or the detailed explanations to questions you might have, or check on guide availability and confirm your guide reservation in minutes.

If you prefer to correspond on-line simply e-mail us at info@adventuresinflyfishing.com and we will respond promptly.