Fall River…

I spend most of my guide days during the months of May & June on northern California’s premiere spring creek… Fall River… located in the far northeastern edge of Shasta County. Two southernmost Cascade Range volcanoes dominate the horizon of this spectacularly lush high desert valley - with 11k ft Mt Lassen looming off in one direction and 14k ft Mt Shasta towering off to the northwest.

Since my early Clearwater Lodge days this has become one of my favorite rivers in our region to fish and guide anglers. May & June is primetime.

Fall River is just small componenent of an enormous spring-fed cold water system located near the towns of McArthur and Fall River Mills. The town of Burney and well known McArthur-Burney Falls State Park are located 25 or so minutes away to the southwest.

We fish many of the different aspects of this large spring-fed system but, Fall River, itself gets most of the attention. The river is completely bordered by private property & working ranches - but luckily large enough to run boats (my Adipose drift boat w/ a 6hp kicker works great) … access is complicated, but also the reason this river isn’t completely trammeled.

This part of CA is remote enough not to draw a lot of attention… except for intentional anglers who have sought it out… whether by reputation or by suggestion of a guide or fishing mentor or buddy. For most anglers it’s hallowed tradition. And, I have fished many 2nd and 3rd generation anglers who were introduced to fly fishing Fall River by their grandpa or a great Uncle.

This place is special, magical even. For me and many of my peeps it has become an annual journey & tradition as well. Spending time on its consistent, quiet and calm currents and grassy flats… casting tiny dry flies to very educated, large, wild and native rainbow trout. There is no place I’d rather be in the late spring/early summer.