Fish Valleyon Upper San Joaquin River (Wilderness Sections)
What's working on Upper San Joaquin River
- 01Upper San Joaquin River entering prime fall fishing conditions.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are strong; PMD activity is tapering.
- 03October Caddis emergence is a key event for fall dry fly fishing.
- 04Subsurface fishing with midges and nymphs remains highly effective in cooling waters.
- 05Water temperature is 42°F, with clear skies and a light breeze.
What to tie on at Fish Valley
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
PMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, becoming even more important in cooler fall water temperatures for subsurface feeding.
Buy at AmazonMidge Larva
Midge larvae are a year-round staple, particularly in colder fall conditions when trout feed heavily on subsurface insects.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are returning, making this a crucial pattern for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
October Caddis
Fall brings the largest caddis hatch of the year in many western rivers, making this dry fly essential.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Pheasant Tail Nymphs are effective year-round, especially during fall BWO periods when mayfly nymphs are active subsurface.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
This versatile streamer imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory trout, especially as water temperatures cool in the fall.
California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.