Fall River

Fall River originates from some of the largest freshwater springs in North America, and the result is 21 miles of gin-clear, weed-rich flatwater holding wild rainbows that average 14-18 inches with plenty pushing past 20. The springs maintain temperatures around 48-52 degrees year-round, which means the aquatic insect production is extraordinary -- and the trout are fat, football-shaped, and extremely well-conditioned. There are no riffles, no rapids, and no easy fish. This is pure spring creek fishing at its most demanding.

You cannot wade Fall River. The bottom is soft volcanic silt that will swallow you to the waist, so all fishing is done from prams, pontoon boats, float tubes, or canoes. The river averages 50-100 feet wide and about seven feet deep, with a slow, steady current over dense beds of submerged vegetation. Water clarity regularly exceeds 20 feet, which means the fish see everything -- your leader, your tippet, your shadow, your mistakes. You'll need 12-16 foot leaders tapered to 5X-7X, perfect drag-free drifts, and the patience to wait for a feeding rhythm before you cast. The payoff comes during the Hexagenia hatch in late June and July, when the largest mayfly species in North America brings the river's biggest trout to the surface at twilight.

Fall River sits in a broad volcanic plateau in Shasta County, framed by Mount Shasta to the west. Fall River Mills is the nearest town, about 75 minutes from Redding. Parking at launch sites is limited, especially during Hex season, so arrive early. Wind is the primary enemy on this flat water -- calm mornings fish best. The river is designated Wild Trout Water with catch-and-release only and barbless artificial lures. If you've never fished a true spring creek before, this is not the place to start, but if you've got the skills and the right boat, there's nothing else like it in California.