Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Middle Fork American River, CA
Great conditions right now. Air temp 71°F is in range; Water flow is ideal
Best window: afternoon (2-5pm
Weather: few clouds, 71°F · Wind: 3 mph · Flow: 1,036 CFS (medium_flow) · Season: Fall
Today is about as good as it gets this fall—you've got calm conditions, perfect water flow, and multiple hatches happening simultaneously. Focus on midge and trico patterns in small sizes (16-20), since those are your bread and butter right now, but keep a few terrestrial imitations handy because there's still enough activity on the water to make them worth trying. The 71-degree air temp means fish will be actively feeding throughout the day without the lethargy that comes with colder weather, so don't expect a narrow window. Work the slower pockets and seams where insects naturally congregate, stay low and move deliberately, and you should have a solid day of dry fly action.