Pit River

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.

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.

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").

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.

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.

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.