Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parkon Big Sur River
Water levels are minimal and crystal clear
- 01Water levels are minimal and crystal clear.
- 02Expect opportunistic feeding on fall Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches and larger October Caddis.
- 03Focus efforts on deeper plunge pools and slow, shaded runs.
- 04Extreme stealth is paramount; wear muted, earth-toned clothing.
- 05Egg patterns are a crucial imitation for opportunistic Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout.
What to tie on at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Blood Dot Egg
Imitates fish eggs, a crucial food source for opportunistic Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout during the fall spawning season.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
A highly effective egg imitation that capitalizes on Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout feeding on eggs during the fall.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches, ideal for selective Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout and Steelhead in clear, low water conditions.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile nymph that imitates various active mayfly nymphs, a consistent food source for Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout year-round, and particularly effective subsurface in fall.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a consistent food source, and this pattern is excellent for enticing finicky Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout in clear, low water.
October Caddis (Dry)
Targets the emergence of October Caddis, one of the most significant caddis hatches of the fall in many western rivers, attracting rising Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that mimics leeches and baitfish, always a good searching pattern for aggressive Steelhead and Wild Coastal Rainbow Trout, especially when swung through deeper pools.
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.