Rainbow Trout

Chasing Rainbow Trout near Forest Falls offers a classic Southern California mountain stream experience. The key here is understanding the seasonal changes in water flow and forage. Spring runoff can make the streams challenging but also brings out the larger fish that are actively feeding. As the water clears in late spring and early summer, focus on presenting natural-looking baits and flies. Dry-fly fishing can be excellent during the warmer months, especially in the early morning or late evening. A local tip is to hike upstream from the main access points to find less pressured fish in the smaller pools and riffles. Remember that water temperatures are critical; trout become less active when the water gets too warm in the summer, so fish early or high up in elevation where the water is cooler. Pay attention to insect hatches, matching your flies accordingly. The trout population here is sustained by both stocking and natural reproduction, so catch and release is encouraged to maintain the quality of the fishery.