Fall River remains one of Central Oregon’s most consistent summer fisheries, and good news is ahead—ODFW just completed a fresh stocking of trophy-size rainbows during the week of August 4–8, with another planting scheduled for next week (Aug 11–15). This keeps the river productive and full of eager fish as we move through August.

On the water, midges remain your top producer. Trout are keyed in on Zebra Midges in olive, black, and purple, sizes 18–22, especially mid-morning and during evening light when subsurface activity kicks back up. PMDs and caddis are also active, with fish feeding on emergers and adults in shaded riffles and along foam seams. Small dries like Parachute PMDs, Purple Haze, and Elk Hair Caddis frequently pull surface eats when the light softens.

When the surface bite slows, go deep with your subsurface game. Tailwater Tinys, mini jig leeches, Warrior Jigs, and flashback pheasant tails all continue to earn takes under light indicators. And if the fish are locked in tight and aren’t hitting nymphs, stripping a mini leech or articulated streamer through deeper pockets often triggers attention from larger, more selective trout.

With recent stockings, clean water, consistent hatches, and receptive fish throughout, this stretch is offering both technical fly fishing and moments of simplicity for anglers this week.