Fall River
McArthur · Spinner Falls
N California, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 11355010. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Fall River sits at 1400 cfs — elevated but fishable for the prime callibaetis and PMD window. Water temps in the mid-50s are triggering solid midday emergences on both hatches, with callibaetis showing particularly strong in the slower sections. Ted Fay Fly Shop notes the June decision dilemma — this spring creek's consistency means you can focus on hatch matching rather than chasing flows. Target the glides with size 16 Callibaetis Parachutes and PMD Sparkle Duns during the 11am-2pm emergence window.
- Flow: 1400 cfs — elevated but prime for wade fishing. Higher flow pushes fish to softer water along banks and in back eddies.
- Hatches: Callibaetis and PMD both active midday. Size 16 Callibaetis Parachute and PMD Sparkle Dun matching the emergence window.
- Water Temp: Mid-50s — perfect for PMD emergence threshold. Callibaetis thriving in these stable spring creek conditions.
- Best Window: 11am-2pm for surface action during peak emergence. Evening fishing stays productive but focus on deeper runs.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Spring Creek
- Best months: May–Oct, peak May–June & Sept–Oct
Fall River in northeastern California is a true spring creek — its source is McArthur Swamp and a series of cold springs that maintain near-constant temperature year-round. It flows lazily through volcanic plateau meadows before joining the Pit River, offering challenging but highly rewarding sight fishing to large rainbows feeding on midges, PMDs, and callibaetis.
Fall River's unique geology — fed entirely by underground springs — gives it one of the most stable water temperatures of any river in the western United States.
January Outlook
January on Fall River is the quiet season but the spring creek character means year-round fishing. Midges and Baetis nymphs in the float tube sections produce large, selective rainbows even in winter.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Mysis Shrimp
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
Float tube or pontoon required year-round on Fall River — wading is impossible in the dense weeds. January fishing is quiet and productive. The spring creek constant temperature keeps fish feeding. The MC Ranch section requires a permit — contact in advance.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,200 cfs. Water 52–58°F year-round. Float tube required. Winter access can be limited — call ahead.
February Outlook
February midge and early Callibaetis activity on Fall River. The spring creek's constant temperature keeps large rainbows active and feeding.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Callibaetis Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
February is quiet on Fall River but the large fish are feeding. The float tube approach requires cold-weather waders and dry suit or neoprene. The fish don't care about the season — they feed year-round in the spring-fed water.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,200 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Consistent year-round conditions. Float tube required.
March Outlook
March Callibaetis and early PMD activity begins. Fall River's spring season starts in March with the first significant hatches of the year.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Nymph
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March is when Fall River's hatch calendar begins in earnest. The Callibaetis nymphs are active and fish begin feeding more visibly. Float tube approach with long casts to rising fish is the technique. 5X tippet minimum.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,200 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Spring hatch season beginning.
April Outlook
April spring season on Fall River. Callibaetis and PMD hatches building toward the peak May–June fishing. Large rainbows becoming more surface-oriented.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Extended Body PMD
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is excellent at Fall River. The Callibaetis and PMD hatches produce consistent afternoon rises from very large fish. Approach carefully by float tube — these fish are spooky. 5X tippet and long, accurate casts.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,200 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Excellent spring conditions. Peak season approaching.
May Outlook
Fall River is a world-class spring creek in northern California. The callibaetis and PMD hatches produce large, selective rainbows.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- PMD Cripple
- Extended Body PMD
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Fall River is float-tube water — the weed beds make wading impossible. Motorized boats are restricted. Bring a float tube or pontoon. Fish are very large (20+ inches) and extremely selective.
Water Notes
Stable spring creek flows 600–1,200 cfs. Water 52–58°F year-round. The ultimate spring creek challenge.
June Outlook
Excellent spring fishing on Fall River with consistent callibaetis and Pale Evening Dun hatches.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis
- Pale Evening Dun
- Extended Body PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The PED hatch in the evening is Fall River's signature experience. Large rainbows rise consistently in the evening glide sections. A float tube or pontoon boat is essential.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,200 cfs. Water 54–60°F. Perfect northern California spring creek conditions.
July Outlook
July summer fishing on Fall River. The spring-fed water stays cool compared to surrounding northern California. Callibaetis and Pale Evening Dun continue. Morning sessions before the day heats are productive.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- Pale Evening Dun
- Midge Cluster
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Fall River in July is one of the few comfortable summer fly fishing options in northern California. The spring-fed water stays 52–58°F even in the summer heat. Float tube the glide sections in the morning for rising fish.
Water Notes
600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F — remarkably consistent. The spring-fed source maintains ideal temperatures through summer.
August Outlook
August on Fall River. The surrounding area is hot but the spring creek stays cool and productive. The evening PED hatch continues to produce excellent surface fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Pale Evening Dun
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- Extended Body PMD
- Midge
Tips
The PED evening hatch on Fall River continues through August. The evening fishing from 6–9pm can be spectacular with large fish rising confidently in the glide sections. Float tube approach from the MC Ranch access.
Water Notes
600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F consistent. The most reliable summer temperature of any California spring creek.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing with callibaetis and BWO hatches. Fall River produces some of its largest fish in September.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis
- Blue Winged Olive
- Pale Evening Dun
- Midge Cluster
Tips
September is when Fall River's fish are at their fattest and most active. The callibaetis hatch continues well into fall.
Water Notes
600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Outstanding fall spring creek conditions.
October Outlook
October is one of Fall River's finest months. BWO and Callibaetis hatches are reliable and large fish feed actively before winter. The spring creek fishing is outstanding.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Callibaetis
- Midge Cluster
- Soft Hackle
Tips
October BWO hatches on Fall River are excellent. The fish are at their most active and well-conditioned. The evening spinner fall in October can produce some of the year's finest dry fly fishing. Float tube approach required.
Water Notes
600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–56°F. Excellent fall conditions. One of the best California spring creek months.
November Outlook
November late season on Fall River. BWO and midge activity continues on the spring-fed water. The fish are still feeding and the setting is quiet.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- Callibaetis
- RS2
Tips
November Fall River fishing is consistent and uncrowded. The spring creek conditions don't change significantly with seasons. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons. Float tube approach required year-round.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–56°F. Consistent spring creek conditions.
December Outlook
December midge and Baetis fishing on Fall River. The spring-fed spring creek produces fish year-round. A quiet winter outing in northern California's Shasta Cascade country.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Callibaetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
December on Fall River is consistent and solitary. The spring creek never changes. Float tube required year-round. The MC Ranch access section requires advance reservation even in winter. A unique California winter experience.
Water Notes
Stable 600–1,000 cfs. Water 52–56°F year-round. Consistent December conditions identical to spring.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callibaetis Callibaetis spp. |
Jun, Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | #14–18 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #16–18 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–24 |
|
Access & Approach
McArthur, CA area. Virtually all river access requires a boat — no wade sections. Canoe or pontoon recommended. Rick's Lodge is the local fishing destination. Dry fly only, single barbless hook, California regulations.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Ted Fay Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in California requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
California fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Fall River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Fall River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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