Big Sur River
river in California
Requires careful timing and local knowledge, but provides a memorable experience in a very scenic part of California.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Water levels are minimal and crystal clear
- 01Water levels are minimal and crystal clear.
- 02Expect opportunistic feeding on fall Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches and larger October Caddis.
- 03Focus efforts on deeper plunge pools and slow, shaded runs.
- 04Extreme stealth is paramount; wear muted, earth-toned clothing.
- 05Egg patterns are a crucial imitation for opportunistic Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout.
Past reports week by week
1 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blood Dot Egg
Imitates fish eggs, a crucial food source for opportunistic Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout during the fall spawning season.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
A highly effective egg imitation that capitalizes on Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout feeding on eggs during the fall.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, ideal for selective Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout and Steelhead in clear, low water conditions.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile nymph that imitates various active mayfly nymphs, a consistent food source for Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout year-round, and particularly effective subsurface in fall.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a consistent food source, and this pattern is excellent for enticing finicky Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout in clear, low water.
October Caddis (Dry)
Targets the emergence of October Caddis, one of the most significant caddis hatches of the fall in many western rivers, attracting rising Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that mimics leeches and baitfish, always a good searching pattern for aggressive Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout, especially when swung through deeper pools.
Where to fish and who to ask
Andrew Molera State Park
Coastal access with a mix of estuary and lower river fishing.
Ventana Wilderness Access
Upper river access requiring hiking into the wilderness.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Central Coast Fly Fishing
Get Big Sur River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Reel Basics: Drag Systems, Backing & What Matters
Master fly reel fundamentals: drag systems, backing capacity, and essential features that truly impact your fishing success.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Spring Creek Fly Fishing in the USA – Limestone Waters
Discover America's premier spring creeks and limestone streams offering challenging, technical fly fishing for selective trout in crystal-clear waters.
Quick answers
Common questions about Big Sur River.
What flies work best on Big Sur River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Big Sur River right now are Blood Dot Egg (80% confidence), Glo Bug (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Big Sur River?
Big Sur River holds Steelhead. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Big Sur River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Big Sur River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.