Fall River · Fall River Valley · Late Season
Fall River Fishing Report – Warm Afternoons, Midday Bugs
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of November 5, 2026: The Fall River is clear at normal spring-fed flows, and there's no new shop update since October 20. Expect PMDs and BWOs from mid-morning through midday, with trout along the weed beds. Fish small rusty spinners and PMD or BWO dries with a nymph dropper, and strip leeches when the wind comes up.
Updated · Always-current Fall River report
The Fall is steady as ever, and there's no new shop report since October 20. That's normal for this time of year, and it's also why the Fall is a great choice right now: while most anglers are chasing steelhead and salmon, you can have long stretches of this spring creek to yourself. This week's sunny, calm forecast should make for good midday hatch fishing.
Current Conditions
- Water: Clear, at normal spring-fed flows. With no rain in the forecast, nothing should change.
- Bugs: PMDs and BWOs, best from mid-morning through midday.
- Fish: Many trout are holding shallow along the weed beds. Look for small, quiet rises.
Best Time of Day
Mornings are well below freezing, so start mid-morning and fish the hatch through midday. Afternoon wind is common on the Fall, and when it picks up, switch to stripping small leeches or water boatman patterns along the weed edges.
Quick Rigging Tips
- Use a long, fine leader and present the fly downstream so the fish sees it before the line.
- Small rusty spinners and PMD or BWO dries for risers, with a small mayfly nymph under the dry for fish that won't come up.
- Pack a sinking or intermediate line for windy afternoons.
Access
Almost all of the Fall 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 every morning, with lows in the upper 20s to around 30, then sunny afternoons in the upper 50s to mid 60s through Monday. A warm hat and gloves for the boat ride out.
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 November 5, 2026: The Fall is steady as ever, and there's no new shop report since October 20. That's normal for this time of year, and it's also why the Fall is a great choice right now: while most anglers are chasing steelhead and salmon, you can have long stretches of this spring creek to yourself. This week's…
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 (11/5)
More reports from November 5, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Flows Down, BWOs Up
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Low, Clear, More Steelhead
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – Octobers On, Lake Fish Moving
- McCloud River Report – High Releases, Preserve Ends Nov 15
- Pit River Fishing Report – Pit 3 Back Down, Caddis On
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Quiet Week, Fish Small