Fishing Conditions
Early scouting on the Fall River is finding very similar conditions to last year with very low and clear flows and minimal early season weed growth. The flow is steady and the river is clear with perfect conditions. The bugs have been sparse so dry fly fishing will likely be spotty but nymphing and pulling streamers will always find fish. With rainy weather in the forecast and other local streams in great shape we expect the opening weekend to be the usual social event as anglers make their annual pilgrimage but will likely lack the crowds that high water seasons bring. Fishing after opening weekend can be more enjoyable and productive if you are able.


Shasta Trout owners Craig & Jerri Nielsen have been sampling the Fall on or just after opening weekend for over twenty five years and plan to return again this season. We are featuring half a dozen seasoned guides on the Fall River this season including a few of the finest guides anywhere!


Expect predominately a mix of Blue Wing Olives and Pale Morning Duns along with some springtime caddis. Before and after hatches plan on nymphing or swinging flies to fish that are active and willing. Locating pods of feeders and technical, stealthy presentations will be key. Flows and clarity are currently ideal, and with little snow at lower elevations, melt from tribs on years like we are having is unlikely to cloud the water and spoil the dry fly fishing. We recommend scheduling one of our great local guides, all of them have been fishing and guiding the Fall River longer than our biggest competitor's guides have been collectively.


Water Conditions
The steady primary flows from this giant spring creek bubble out of the ground from the aquifer. The few small tributaries that contribute flows and can silt the river making fishing less productive, particularly the dry fly fishing. are also low and clear so we expect a terrific spring season. Some adult fish this time of year have moved into tribs and the upper river preparing to spawn, or are spawned out and heading back out. Please do not actively fish over pods of wild Rainbows on spawning beds.


Flies
Small dries are the norm during hatches. We prefer low floating imitations that provide good profiles such as Parachute PMD's and BWO's, Hacklestackers, Sparkle Duns and the like. Having Emerger and Cripple patterns is always a good bet as well. Try nymphing with or without a tiny indicator with small mayfly patterns such as Pheasant Tails, Hunch Back Infrequens, Poxyback PMD's, and Micromays as well as your favorite caddis pupa patterns. We most enjoy swinging small streamers and nymphs before and after hatch periods.