Trout Excursions
Fall River, the gem of the world-class NorCal trout fisheries.
Meet the Unique Trout of Fall River
These trout are genetically unique, and a similar strain is not natively found in any other river system on earth. Fall River has two strains of rainbows. One is very closely related to the famous McCloud Redbands and typically has brighter colors and is known to get extra fat. The other unique strain is a remnant of the days when anadromous fish could still reach Fall River. These fish resemble California Valley Steelhead more closely with their dark colors and impressive length. These two strains spawn at opposite times of the year, keeping their genetic pools unique; this phenomenon is still being studied in major universities.
Save thousands of dollars and a long plane ride to New Zealand or Patagonia and fish the river system where both places sourced their world-renowned trout.
Plan Your Trip
Fall River Expeditions
Fall River trips are available from mid-April through October and are considered our home water. Fall River isn't a productive morning fishery, so trips typically push off around 9 am and will end by 6 pm. Fall River is fished exclusively by boat (Clacka Headhunter skiff) and is calm enough to motor up and down. Summer days on Fall River can be very warm, so dress appropriately and always bring a hat, sunglasses, boat-friendly shoes, and a water bottle. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and gear are always provided.
Evening Hex Trips
Hex Trips are unique as they are two-part days offered only in August. The first leg is a typical morning of upper river fishing and starts around 8 am and runs till 1 pm. After lunch and rest, we will meet on the Lower River around 5 pm to fish evening Caddis until the massive Hexflys appear. At that time, we will break out the giant bugs and stalk some of the biggest fish in the river until we run out of light. Hex trips are the pinnacle of dry fly fishing and prove to be challenging for even the most season anglers and aren't recommended for novice anglers. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime hatch experience.
Distinctive Lodging
Quigley Lodge is the premier place to stay in the Fall River Valley. This lodge has been around since the days of its legendary namesake, Bob Quigley. Fall River is known for many famous patterns and techniques developed during the infamous late nights at Rick's Lodge (now Quigley's). Pouring over the logbook of legends who have stayed at this fantastic property is reason enough to book a night at this piece of living history. In addition, Quigley Lodge is the launch point for all our Fall River trips, making your stay much more convenient. Book well in advance, as space fills quickly.
Hatches
Gin-clear water, giant bugs, and big fish what more could a fly fisherman want? Fall River is the most extensive spring river system in the United States and boasts fish large enough to prove it. This famous bug "conveyor belt" has over 3500 fish per mile, with an average size of 16," and has two of fly fishing's most desired hatches: the Hex and Green Drakes.
The Hexagenia Mayfly is the largest in Northern America and only exists in a few select rivers and lakes. Hex Trips are unusual since the hatch doesn't begin until the sun goes down and are only found in the lower river. As the sun sets with Mt. Shasta in the distance, the river becomes carpeted with these massive bugs, and everything from juvenile trout to black bears gorge themselves in an all-out feeding frenzy.
The infamous Green Drakes are among the only hatches rivaling the mighty Hex. Being one of the most sought-after hatches in the world, Green Drakes have earned their reputation as one of the toughest, and Fall River is no exception. They are commonly found in large numbers in the upper river in May, September, and October. The Green Drake hatch usually is a consistent afternoon/evening hatch, but a cloudy day can produce an entire day of absolute top-tier dry fly fishing. Locals say Green Drakes are the fish's favorite, and they can become almost drunk during a strong hatch.
Fall River
Fall River is the gem in the crown of the world-class NorCal Trout Fishery system, and only the most elite rivers of the world can hold a candle to it.
Fall River stands out among the others due to its rich history and unique resemblance to a remote spring creek that grew to the size of a tailwater. Due to these remarkable characteristics, Fall River is productive by using techniques such as stripping leeches, throwing dries, or standard indicator bobbing.
The river is divided into Upper and Lower sections by a bridge most boats can't pass under.
The Upper River is more heavily wooded and has some of the state's best dry fly and leech water. The Upper River is known for its large fish and lava-rock springs and has one of California's premiere Green Drake hatches. The Upper River has been home to some of the most iconic figures in fly fishing and is generally regarded as the best place to wet a fly in California.
This unique section of the river is privately owned, and I am honored to be the only guide with year-round access to this iconic stretch.
In the Lower River, electric green grass dominates the river bed, creating an almost hypnotic effect, and this is where the bug conveyor belt can be seen in action. This section is more expansive and slower moving than the Upper River and boasts the prolific Hex hatch.
Fall River trips are great for first-timers due to the plethora of targets and techniques, but also for experts looking to do dry fly trophy hunting.