Bubbling right out of the ground, this roughly 8-mile-long spring creek travels in a northeasterly direction until it
joins the Deschutes River between the towns of Sunriver and La Pine. This spring-fed tributary is FLY FISHING
ONLY and courses gin-clear through stands of lodge-pole pine and high mountain meadow. The ever-reliable flows
of this spring creek, make it an excellent choice for walk and wade anglers when the levels of other rivers in the
region are low or in flux.
An easy 30-minute drive south of Bend, the middle and upper sections of the Fall have a good population of both
hatchery and wild rainbow trout. The stocked fish (often indistinguishable from the river’s wild rainbow trout) are
added several times a year and mingle with the other species of wild fish; brook trout, brown trout, and mountain
whitefish. The lowest section (below Fall River Falls) receives wild brown and rainbow trout from the main stem of
the Deschutes River.
As is characteristic of many spring creeks, this river is cold, clear, and meandering throughout most of its length.
Selecting fine tippet, tying good knots, and using leaders long enough to avoid spooking fish that see plenty of
anglers, is required. Beyond making good choices with your terminal tackle; fly selection, casting, and line
management skills to achieve good drifts, can be difference makers as well. Consider a half or full-day trip with
one of our guides to help you learn and understand how to apply these different spring creek strategies. There’s
really no substitute for time on the water with an expert. Guides are adept at helping you quickly recognize the
factors that impact trout behavior and grasp those techniques that will yield spring creek success.
Stop by the fly shop for a river map, advice on access, and the staff’s favorite seasonal fly pattern choices.
