Pit Fishing Forecast
Pit River Falls and below
Opens Last Sat in Apr
General season. Wild trout water sections
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 8:49 PM
59°F
--
2 AM - 4 AM
Cress Bug
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
freestone
44°F - 52°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days
March Brown
Mayfly
Western March Brown, afternoon hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| February | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| March(Now) | 44-52°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| April | 48-56°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| May | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Caddis, Salmonflies |
| June | 54-62°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| July | 58-66°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| August | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Hoppers, Caddis |
| September | 56-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 50-58°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 44-52°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
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.
Access Points & Parking for Pit
Pit 3 Dam
Below Pit 3 Dam with consistent flows.
Pit 4 Dam
Below Pit 4 with productive water.
Lake Britton
Access to upper sections.
Big Bend
Classic Pit River access.
How to Fish Pit: Tips & Tactics
The Pit River offers challenging fishing for wild rainbow trout in a rugged volcanic landscape. Multiple dam releases create varied conditions across different sections.
Best Times of Day
Early morning and evening are most productive. Caddis hatches bring fish to the surface. Nymphing is effective throughout the day.
Recommended Techniques
The river is challenging to wade - volcanic rock is slippery. Target pocket water and runs. Dry-dropper rigs work well. Be prepared for technical conditions.
Water Conditions
Dam releases create varied flows across sections. Water clarity is generally good. Volcanic substrate creates challenging wading.
Fly Selection
October Caddis are important in fall. Stonefly patterns work well. Attractor dries produce in pocket water. Nymphs in sizes 14-18.
Local Knowledge
The Pit is known for difficult wading conditions. Use a wading staff and felt soles. Multiple powerhouses create different sections with unique characteristics.
Local Tips
Fall River Mills and Burney are nearby towns. The Pit is challenging but rewarding. Combine with trips to nearby Fall River and Hat Creek.
When is the Best Time to Fish Pit?
Spring
Good fishing after spring flows stabilize. Stoneflies begin emerging.
Summer
Prime season with consistent hatches. Fish early to avoid heat.
Fall
October Caddis hatch brings big fish up. Excellent conditions.
Winter
Limited and challenging. Some sections fishable in mild weather.
Recommended Equipment for Pit
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is standard for the Pit.
Line
Floating line for dry flies and nymphing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Felt soles essential for volcanic rock.
Essential Flies
Pit Fishing Regulations
Season
Check California DFW for current regulations.
Limits
Varies by section. Some catch-and-release areas.
Special Regulations
Different regulations for different reaches below each dam.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations by section.
Notes
PG&E controls water releases - check generation schedules.
Always verify current regulations with California fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Pit
Local Fly Shops
- The Fly Shop - Redding
- Shasta Angler - Dunsmuir
- Clearwater House
Guide Services
- The Fly Shop Guides
- Pit River Outfitters
- Shasta Trout Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
800 - 1500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
54° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other California Trout Rivers
Sacramento (Upper)
Truckee
Walker
Owens
Fall River
Ready to Fish the Pit?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast