Hat Creek Fishing Forecast
The Hat Creek is a spring-influenced California trout stream where gin-clear water and picky fish reward patient drifts and fine tippet. Anglers target rainbow trout and brown trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in the Intermountain West, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in April through October. USGS gauge 11355500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: Hat Creek's Wild Trout section is one of California's most technical spring creeks. Large rainbow and brown trout thrive in gin-clear water, demanding precise presentations. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Today's Hat Creek is reading 48°F and 122 CFS. That's a 7/10 day on the water. Top pick: a WD-40.
Open Last Sat in Apr — Nov 15
Wild Trout section (Powerhouse 2 to Lake Britton): open year-round, C&R barbless flies/lures only
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 9, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 5:50 PM
48°F
122 CFS
5 AM - 7 AM
WD-40
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September Hatches
Trico
Mayfly
Summer Trico spinner falls. Early morning. Size 24.
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis through summer.
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Excellent fall fishing. Browns aggressive.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September(Now) | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
spring creek
48°F - 58°F
What Makes the Hat Creek Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Trico (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 56–68°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Powerhouse 2: Start of the Wild Trout section. Technical fishing begins here.
Rules anglers miss
Wild Trout section has strict regulations. No bait, barbless hooks.
When is the Best Time to Fish Hat Creek?
Spring
PMD and BWO hatches begin. Fish become active as temperatures warm.
Summer
Prime season with Trico hatches. Fish early morning for best action.
Fall
Excellent fishing with fewer anglers. Brown trout become more active.
Winter
Challenging but fishable. Midge fishing during warmer days.
Recommended Equipment for Hat Creek
Rod
8.5 to 9-foot, 3 or 4-weight for technical presentations.
Line
Floating line with long, light leaders.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 6X-7X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Careful wading to protect the resource.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Hat Creek: Tips & Tactics
Hat Creek's Wild Trout section is one of California's most technical spring creeks. Large rainbow and brown trout thrive in gin-clear water, demanding precise presentations.
Best Times of Day
Morning Trico hatches from July through September are the highlight. PMD hatches occur midday in early summer. Evening caddis activity can bring fish up.
Recommended Techniques
Sight fishing to specific trout is essential. Use 6X-7X tippet and long leaders. Wade carefully to avoid spooking fish. Dead-drift presentations with perfect drag-free drifts.
Water Conditions
Crystal-clear spring water demands stealth. Stable flows from spring sources. Weed beds provide cover and food for trout. Best fishing during stable weather.
Fly Selection
Trico patterns in sizes 20-24 are essential. PMD and BWO patterns for mayfly hatches. Pale Evening Dun for summer evenings. Terrestrials work during warmer months.
Access Points & Parking for Hat Creek
Powerhouse 2
Start of the Wild Trout section. Technical fishing begins here.
Carbon Bridge
Mid-section access to productive water.
Rising River Access
Access near the confluence with Rising River.
Baum Lake
Lake access for still water fishing.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 350 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
54° - 64°F
Ideal for active trout
Hat Creek Fishing Regulations
Season
Wild Trout section has specific season dates. Check California DFW.
Limits
Catch-and-release in Wild Trout section. Artificial flies only.
Special Regulations
Wild Trout section has strict regulations. No bait, barbless hooks.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited in Wild Trout section.
Notes
Wild Trout section is the premier fishing. Other sections have different regulations.
Always verify current regulations with California fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Hat Creek
Local Fly Shops
- The Fly Shop - Redding
- Shasta Angler - Dunsmuir
- Hat Creek Fly Shop
Guide Services
- Hat Creek Guides
- The Fly Shop Guide Service
- Shasta Trout Guides
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Hat Creek — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Hat Creek?
Excellent fall fishing. Browns aggressive.
What flies should I bring to the Hat Creek?
For the Hat Creek (spring creek), carry: Trico, PMD, BWO, Pale Evening Dun, Elk Hair Caddis.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Hat Creek?
On the Hat Creek, trout hold between 54° and 64°F. The spring-fed source keeps temperatures remarkably stable.
Do I need a fishing license for the Hat Creek?
Yes — you need a valid California fishing license to fish the Hat Creek. Local season: Wild Trout section has specific season dates. Check California DFW.. Daily limit: Catch-and-release in Wild Trout section. Artificial flies only..
What hatches should I watch for on the Hat Creek in September?
Trico is the signature hatch on the Hat Creek in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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