California Fly Fishing November: Fall Trout & Steelhead Guide

01November Overview: California's Late Fall Fishing Prime Time

November delivers some of California's finest fly fishing conditions of the year. Cool mornings and stable weather patterns create ideal circumstances for both resident trout and returning steelhead. The state's diverse watersheds offer everything from technical spring creek fishing to powerful tailwater runs, with fish actively feeding before winter sets in.

Water temperatures have dropped into the optimal 50-60°F range on most rivers, triggering aggressive feeding behavior. Crowds thin considerably after the summer rush, leaving anglers with premium water access and responsive fish. The combination of favorable conditions and reduced pressure makes November particularly rewarding for serious fly fishers.

Key advantages this month include consistent midge emergences throughout the day, extended feeding windows due to shorter daylight hours, and improved water clarity as runoff season becomes a distant memory. Fish have had months to recover from summer stress and are building energy reserves for winter survival.

02Top Rivers Fishing Well This Month

McCloud River

The McCloud River hits its stride in November, offering some of the state's most technical and rewarding trout fishing. Wild rainbow trout become increasingly aggressive as water temperatures stabilize in the mid-50s. The river's spring-fed nature maintains consistent flows and crystal-clear conditions perfect for sight fishing.

Focus efforts on the classic pools and riffles between Cattle Camp and Ah-Di-Na. Fish respond well to small mayfly patterns during morning emergences, with BWO Comparadun patterns proving particularly effective. Afternoon midge fishing can be exceptional, especially in the deeper pools where fish concentrate.

The key to McCloud success lies in precise presentation and minimal disturbance. These wild trout have seen plenty of flies and require finesse approaches with long leaders and careful positioning.

Lower Sacramento River

November transforms the Lower Sacramento into a rainbow trout factory. The tailwater's consistent releases from Keswick Dam maintain optimal temperatures while providing the nutrient flow that supports massive insect populations. Trout fishing peaks during this period as fish pack on weight before winter.

The Redding area offers the most consistent action, with productive water stretching from Keswick Dam down to Red Bluff. Focus on the seams between fast and slow water, where trout position to intercept drifting food. Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Flashback Hare's Ear patterns produce consistently in the deeper runs.

Steelhead begin their initial runs during November, adding an exciting wild card to Sacramento fishing. While most fish push through quickly, fresh chrome steelhead can provide heart-stopping moments for trout anglers.

Kern River

The Kern River's unique character shines in November as flows stabilize and fish concentrate in prime holding water. Both the Upper Kern above Lake Isabella and the Lower Kern below offer distinct fishing opportunities. The granite canyon setting provides stunning scenery to complement excellent fishing.

Upper Kern sections fish well with attractor patterns like Orange Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis. The freestone character responds well to more aggressive presentations than spring creek environments. Lower Kern sections below the dam offer more technical fishing with consistent flows and selective trout.

November's cooler temperatures bring fish up from summer refuges in deep pools, spreading them throughout the available habitat. This distribution creates more fishing opportunities and reduces competition for prime spots.

Fall River

Fall River maintains its reputation as one of California's premier spring creeks throughout November. The consistent 52°F water temperature from spring sources creates a stable environment where trout remain active and feeding opportunities stay predictable.

Midge emergences occur throughout the day, with peak activity typically between 10 AM and 2 PM. The river's gin-clear water demands precise casting and natural drifts. RS2 emerger patterns work exceptionally well during midge emergences, while small Griffith's Gnat patterns handle surface feeding fish.

The key to Fall River success involves reading subtle rises and matching the specific stage of midge emergence occurring at any given time. Fish often feed just subsurface, requiring emerger patterns rather than traditional dry flies.

Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River below Camanche Dam offers excellent November fishing with the added bonus of potential steelhead encounters. The tailwater conditions create a productive trout fishery while serving as a migration corridor for returning anadromous fish.

Focus efforts on the first few miles below the dam where cold water releases create optimal trout habitat. Woolly Bugger patterns work well in the deeper pools, while smaller nymph patterns produce in the riffle sections. The possibility of hooking a fresh steelhead adds excitement to every cast.

03November Hatch Report

Blue-Winged Olives

November marks the peak of California's BWO activity on most rivers. These small mayflies (sizes 18-22) emerge throughout overcast days and during late afternoon hours. The hatches can be prolific enough to create selective feeding situations where fish ignore all patterns except precise BWO imitations.

Successful BWO fishing requires matching both the emerger and adult stages. Fish often feed more heavily on emergers struggling in the surface film than on fully emerged adults. BWO Comparadun patterns handle surface feeders, while RS2-style emergers work for subsurface activity.

Midges

Midge activity intensifies throughout November as other insect activity decreases. These tiny diptera (sizes 20-26) provide consistent feeding opportunities from late morning through mid-afternoon. California's spring creeks and tailwaters offer the most predictable midge fishing.

Successful midge fishing demands precise pattern selection based on the emergence stage. Larval patterns work in deeper water, while pupal patterns excel during active emergences. Adult midge patterns handle fish feeding on the surface.

Caddis

Late-season caddis emergences provide exciting dry fly opportunities on many California rivers. These emergences typically occur during the warmest part of the day, often between noon and 3 PM. The adults skitter across the surface, creating explosive strikes from opportunistic trout.

Elk Hair Caddis patterns in sizes 14-18 handle most situations effectively. The key involves matching the erratic movement of natural caddis by incorporating subtle twitches into the drift.

04Recommended Flies for November

Dry Flies

November dry fly fishing centers around matching specific emergences rather than using general attractor patterns. BWO Comparadun patterns in sizes 18-22 handle the prolific Blue-Winged Olive hatches occurring throughout the state.

Griffith's Gnat patterns work exceptionally well during midge emergences, particularly on spring creeks where these insects dominate. Size selection proves critical, with 22-26 hooks producing best results.

Elk Hair Caddis patterns provide exciting action during afternoon caddis emergences. These flies work particularly well when presented with slight movement to imitate the erratic behavior of natural caddis.

Nymphs

Nymph fishing dominates November success rates as subsurface feeding increases with cooler temperatures. Pheasant Tail Nymphs remain the most versatile pattern, effectively imitating multiple mayfly species in sizes 16-20.

Flashback Hare's Ear patterns provide additional attraction in deeper water or during low-light conditions. The flashback helps fish locate the fly in complex current situations.

Mysis Shrimp patterns work exceptionally well on tailwater systems where these crustaceans form a major food source. Size 16-18 patterns in pink and orange colors produce consistently.

Emergers

RS2 patterns bridge the gap between nymphs and dry flies, effectively imitating insects transitioning from nymph to adult stages. These patterns prove particularly effective during BWO emergences.

Simple emerger patterns with CDC wings and dubbed bodies handle various mayfly emergences. The key involves fishing these patterns in the surface film where emerging insects spend considerable time.

Streamers

November's cooler water temperatures increase streamer effectiveness as trout become more aggressive. Woolly Bugger patterns in black, olive, and brown colors work consistently across various water types.

Clouser Minnow patterns excel in tailwater situations where baitfish form a significant portion of trout diets. The weighted eyes help get the fly down quickly in faster currents.

05Gear Recommendations for November Fishing

Rod Selection

November conditions favor versatile rod choices that handle both delicate presentations and more aggressive techniques. A 9-foot 5-weight provides the ideal balance for most California rivers, offering enough backbone for larger fish while maintaining delicate tip action for small flies.

Spring creek fishing benefits from lighter 4-weight rods that protect fine tippets and provide subtle presentations. Conversely, steelhead possibilities on certain rivers suggest having a 6-weight available for unexpected encounters with larger fish.

Line Considerations

Weight forward floating lines handle most November situations effectively. The versatility allows for both nymph fishing with indicators and dry fly presentations during emergences.

Consider having a sink-tip line available for streamer fishing in deeper pools or during periods when fish hold in deeper water. A 10-foot sink-tip provides enough depth without excessive weight.

Leader and Tippet

November fishing demands longer leaders to compensate for clearer water conditions. 12-foot leaders provide better fly presentation while maintaining fish-to-angler distance. Tippet selection ranges from 5X for general nymph fishing to 6X-7X for technical dry fly situations.

Fluorocarbon tippet provides advantages in clear water conditions, offering reduced visibility and better abrasion resistance. The investment pays dividends when fishing technical spring creeks or pressured tailwaters.

Essential Accessories

November weather requires layered clothing systems that accommodate changing conditions throughout the day. Start with moisture-wicking base layers and add insulation as needed. Quality rain gear proves essential during California's variable fall weather.

Wading gear should include studded boots for improved traction on slippery rocks. Many California rivers feature granite or basalt substrates that become treacherous when wet. Knee-high waders suffice for most situations, though chest waders provide options for deeper water access.

06Techniques and Tactics

Reading November Water

November fish behavior shifts toward energy conservation and opportunistic feeding. Focus efforts on water types that provide feeding opportunities with minimal energy expenditure. This includes seam lines between fast and slow water, eddies behind boulders, and the heads of pools where current concentrates food.

Fish often move into shallower water during the warmest part of the day, typically between 11 AM and 3 PM. This behavior creates excellent sight fishing opportunities on clear rivers.

Presentation Strategies

November presentations must account for more selective fish behavior. Dead drifts become critical as fish scrutinize food items more carefully. Eliminate drag through careful line management and strategic positioning.

Upstream presentations work well for spooky fish, allowing natural drifts without line shadows. Use mending techniques to extend drift length and maintain natural presentation throughout the entire drift.

Timing Considerations

November's shorter days concentrate fishing activity into a narrower window. Plan to be on the water by 9 AM to take advantage of warming temperatures and increasing insect activity. The period from 11 AM to 3 PM typically provides the most consistent action.

Morning hours often produce well with nymph patterns before surface activity begins. As the day warms, watch for emerging insects and be prepared to switch to dry flies or emergers quickly.

07Weather and Water Considerations

November weather in California varies significantly by region and elevation. Coastal areas experience mild temperatures with occasional Pacific storm systems, while mountain regions face more dramatic temperature swings and potential snow at higher elevations.

Monitor weather forecasts carefully and be prepared for rapid changes. Storm systems can improve fishing by increasing insect activity and fish feeding behavior, but they also create dangerous conditions in canyon environments.

Water levels typically remain stable throughout November unless major storm systems move through the region. This stability benefits fishing by allowing fish to establish predictable feeding patterns and hold in consistent locations.

08Conservation and Ethics

November fishing occurs during a critical period when fish prepare for winter survival. Practice careful catch and release techniques to minimize stress on fish that need energy reserves for the coming months. Use barbless hooks, minimize fight times, and handle fish gently.

Respect private property and fishing regulations, which vary significantly across California's diverse watersheds. Some areas have special regulations or seasonal closures designed to protect spawning fish.

Consider participating in habitat restoration projects during the off-season. Organizations like California Trout work throughout the year on projects that benefit wild fish populations and fishing opportunities.

The excellent fishing conditions in November come with the responsibility to preserve these resources for future generations. Follow Leave No Trace principles and encourage others to do the same.

09Sources & References

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Fishing Information
• US Forest Service - Region 5 Fishing Resources
• California Trout - Conservation and Fishing Information
• Trout Unlimited Magazine - Fishing Reports and Techniques
• Fly Fisherman Magazine - California Fishing Reports
• USGS Real-time Water Data for California
• American Rivers - California River Conservation