Troutline

Pit River

California·Northern California·41.00° N, 121.70° W

The Pit River's boulder fields are so treacherous that they function as a velvet rope -- the slippery volcanic rock and ankle-breaking wading keep casual anglers away, which means the wild rainbows averaging 12-16 inches (with fish over 20 taken regularly between Pit 3 and Pit 5 dams) see relatively light pressure for fish this size and this close to a highway. The river flows between PG&E powerhouse dams that create a freestone-tailwater hybrid: cold, nutrient-rich releases feeding boulder-strewn pocket water with the kind of insect production you'd expect from a spring creek.

The October Caddis hatch is the Pit River's signature event. From late September through November, size 6-8 orange-bodied caddis bring the biggest fish in the river to the surface, and skating a dry fly through the riffles at dusk can produce explosive strikes from rainbows that have been hiding under boulders all summer. Outside of October Caddis season, the river produces strong hatches of PMDs, Golden Stoneflies, caddis, and Baetis. Nymphing the pocket water is productive year-round, and the short-line, high-stick technique that works on the Upper Sacramento is equally effective here.

The primary fishing sections are along Highway 299 between Burney and Fall River Mills, about an hour from Redding. The Pit 3 to Pit 5 reach is designated Wild Trout Water -- open year-round, barbless artificials only, 2 trout per day. Felt-soled boots and a wading staff are mandatory, not recommended -- this is genuinely one of the most dangerous wading rivers in California. PG&E dam releases can change flows rapidly and without warning. Summer temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 100 degrees. Fish early, carry water, and never wade alone.

Species

SpeciesAbundanceBest SeasonSizeNotes
Rainbow TroutAbundantMay-Nov10-22"Wild, self-sustaining population. Dominant species in all sections between PG&E dams. Strong, acrobatic fighters due to fast-water habitat.
Brown TroutUncommonSep-Nov12-24"Present mainly in lower sections (Pit 5-7) and near Lake Britton. Best targeted with streamers in fall.
Mountain WhitefishRareYear-round10-14"Occasionally caught while nymphing.
Ideal wading flow800–1,400 CFS
Blow-out>2,500 CFS
Ideal water temp48–62°F

Fall (Sep-Nov) for the legendary October Caddis hatch, stable flows, and big fish on dry flies. Summer (Jun-Sep) for diverse hatches and consistent conditions. Late spring (May) as flows drop to wadeable levels.

Sections

6 sections on this river

South Fork Pit

WadeRainbow Trout

The South Fork Pit River flows north from near Likely through high desert ranch country to join the mainstem upstream of Canby. Small freestone stream with wild trout in meadow and sage terrain. Mostly private ranch land with limited CDFW access at bridge crossings.

Best for: Small-stream dry fly fishing. Wild rainbow trout (8-14"). Solitude in remote Modoc County high desert.

Upper Pit — Canby to Fall River Mills

WadeBrown Trout · Rainbow Trout

The upper Pit flows through high desert rangelands in Modoc County before entering a canyon and reaching Lake Britton. Predominantly private ranch land with limited public access. Smaller water (20-200 CFS) with classic freestone character through meadows and sage-covered hills.

Best for: Solitude and small-stream dry fly fishing. Wild rainbow and brown trout (8-14"). Remote high desert scenery.

Pit 1 to Pit 3

WadeRainbow Trout

Below the Pit 1 Powerhouse, cold water releases create excellent trout habitat. The river runs through riffles, pocket water, and deeper pools with volcanic basalt bottom. Fall River and Hat Creek enter this reach, adding nutrient-rich spring water.

Best for: Nymphing and dry-dropper rigs. Strong hatches from spring creek nutrient inputs. Big wild rainbows (12-18").

Pit 3 to Pit 4

WadeRainbow Trout

The most celebrated fly fishing section of the Pit River. Cold, dam-controlled releases through a dramatic basalt canyon with massive boulders, pocket water, plunge pools, riffles, and deep runs. Highest density of quality wild trout on the river. Volcanic rock substrate is dark, slippery, and unforgiving.

Best for: October Caddis (signature hatch). PMD hatches. Euro-nymphing and short-line techniques. Trophy wild rainbows for anglers willing to work the difficult wading.

Pit 4 to Pit 5

WadeBrown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Similar in character to the Pit 3-4 reach but slightly less steep. Heavily boulder-strewn with excellent pocket water and runs. Cold-water releases from Pit 4 Dam maintain good temperatures. Brown trout become more common.

Best for: Nymphing and dry fly. Good streamer water for brown trout in deeper pools. Strong fall fishing with reliable October Caddis.

Lower Pit — Pit 5 to Big Bend

Wade & FloatRainbow Trout · Smallmouth

The river transitions as it approaches Shasta Lake. Water temperatures warm in summer. The canyon opens and the river becomes wider and slower. Mixed warm and cold-water fishery depending on season. Smallmouth bass become common downstream.

Best for: Mixed-species fishing. Smallmouth bass on poppers in summer. Trout in cooler months near dam releases.

Regulations

Current fishing rules and restrictions

Pit 3 Dam to Pit 5 Dam is Wild Trout Water: open year-round, artificial barbless hooks only, 2 trout per day. Other sections follow general regulations.

  • Pit 3 Dam to Pit 5 Dam: Open year-round, artificial lures with barbless hooks only, 2 trout per day
  • Designated Wild Trout Water
  • Other sections: General trout season (last Sat in Apr - Nov 15), 5 trout per day
  • Lake Britton: Open year-round, 5 trout per day

Wild Trout Water designation means no stocking occurs in the Pit 3-5 reach. The wading is extremely dangerous -- felt-soled boots and a wading staff are essential, not optional.

Source: California DFW Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Regulations change annually — verify before fishing.

Access & Logistics

Getting there, fly shops, and lodging

Getting There

Fall River Mills / Burney, CA

1 hr from Redding, 3.5 hrs from Sacramento, 4.5 hrs from San Francisco

Fly Shops

Lodges

Camping & Lodging

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. PG&E campgrounds along Lake Britton. Motels in Fall River Mills and Burney. Redding has full services 1 hour west.

The Pit River is one of the most dangerous wading rivers in California. Volcanic basalt boulders are round, slippery, and unpredictable. Never wade alone. A wading staff is essential. PG&E dam releases can change flows rapidly. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100F in the canyon.

Fishing data compiled from state wildlife agency regulations, USGS water data, NOAA, and regional fly fishing resources. Regulations change annually — always verify current rules with your state fish & wildlife agency before fishing.

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