Hat Creek
Fall River Valley · Wild Trout Section
N California, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 11355500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Hat Creek running 165 cfs at 46.8°F — below typical June levels but prime spring creek conditions with PMDs hitting peak emergence. Water temp is just shy of the 50°F threshold that triggers consistent caddis activity, but warm afternoons (83°F today, mid-70s through weekend) should push surface temps up for better dry fly action. Focus midday PMD emergence in the pools, then switch to evening caddis patterns as water warms. Two-fly nymph rigs remain the bread and butter between hatches.
- Flow: 165 cfs — lower than typical June range but textbook spring creek levels for technical sight fishing
- Hatches: PMDs peaking now, size #16-18. Water temp approaching 50°F caddis threshold with warm afternoons
- Water Temp: 46.8°F morning reading — expect afternoon warming to trigger better surface activity
- Best Window: Midday PMD emergence 11am-2pm, evening caddis potential as water warms through day
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Spring Creek
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–Aug
Hat Creek below Lake Britton is one of California's most challenging spring creek fisheries. The 3.5-mile wild trout section — designated fly fishing only — winds through a meadow corridor with glass-clear spring water and enormous, selective rainbow and brown trout. Hat Creek is famous for requiring the most precise presentations and lightest tippets of virtually any California trout water.
Hat Creek's wild trout become conditioned to reject standard patterns — they require precise size and color matching that challenges even expert anglers.
January Outlook
January on Hat Creek is the quiet season. Midges and Baetis nymphs produce fish year-round in the wild trout section below Power House #2. The Shasta Cascade setting is cold and stark.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
January Hat Creek fishing is for dedicated spring creek anglers. The stable spring creek temperatures keep fish feeding. The wild trout section is fly-only year-round. Fine tippet and careful presentations are always required.
Water Notes
Stable 150–400 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round. Spring creek consistency — same conditions January through December.
February Outlook
February midge fishing on Hat Creek. The spring creek character provides consistent conditions regardless of month.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
February on Hat Creek is consistent — midges and early Baetis on warm afternoons. The fish are large and selective year-round. 6X tippet minimum, 7X for the flat sections. A quiet, technical winter experience.
Water Notes
Stable 150–400 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Consistent spring creek conditions. Early Baetis on warm February afternoons.
March Outlook
March brings the first significant Baetis activity to Hat Creek. Early hatches on warm afternoons begin the transition from winter midge fishing to spring hatch season.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Midge Dry
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March Baetis hatches on Hat Creek can be surprisingly good. The spring creek's constant temperature means early season here is more reliable than most freestone rivers. The wild trout section near Fall River Mills is worth the drive in March.
Water Notes
Stable 150–400 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Early Baetis activity building through the month.
April Outlook
Hat Creek in northern California is a world-class spring creek. Baetis and midges produce fish year-round in the wild trout section.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Sparkle Dun #18
- RS2
- Midge Pupa
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Hat Creek requires technical presentations. The wild trout section from Power House #2 downstream is fly-only. Fish are very selective — 6X tippet minimum, 7X preferred.
Water Notes
Stable spring creek flows 150–400 cfs. Water 46–54°F year-round. Spring creek clarity — exceptional visibility.
May Outlook
PMDs and Caddis join the Baetis program. Hat Creek's spring hatches are world-class.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Baetis Dun
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
The afternoon PMD hatch on Hat Creek is one of California's finest dry fly experiences. Fish are large and selective. Approach the flat sections very carefully.
Water Notes
Stable 150–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Perfect spring conditions on a world-class spring creek.
June Outlook
Excellent early summer fishing on Hat Creek with consistent hatches and fewer crowds than later in summer.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Evening Dun
- Soft Hackle Caddis
Tips
The evening caddis hatch is excellent in June. Fish the pools and riffles in the wild trout section. A two-fly nymph rig is an excellent backup when fish aren't rising.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Outstanding spring creek conditions.
July Outlook
Summer fishing on Hat Creek. The spring creek stays cool compared to surrounding waters. PMD and Caddis hatches continue. Terrestrials become important in July.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant (size 20)
- Hopper (small)
Tips
Hat Creek is one of the cooler options in northern California during summer heat. The wild trout section near Cassel fishes best in the morning and evening. Ants and small beetles along the grassy banks supplement the hatches.
Water Notes
150–350 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Spring-fed consistency keeps summer temperatures manageable.
August Outlook
August terrestrials and late Caddis on Hat Creek. The spring-fed section stays cooler than surrounding Mount Shasta area rivers. Morning and evening sessions produce best.
Productive Patterns
- Ant (foam, size 20)
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper (small)
- Beetle
Tips
August on Hat Creek: arrive early for the best fishing before the day warms. The flat spring creek sections heat with the afternoon sun but remain cooler than freestone alternatives. Terrestrials are reliable supplements to the caddis hatches.
Water Notes
150–350 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Warmest month but still cooler than surrounding area rivers. Fish mornings.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season on Hat Creek. The fishing is exceptional with reduced pressure.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
September and October are Hat Creek's finest months with reliable BWO hatches and large fish feeding actively before winter.
Water Notes
150–350 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Excellent fall spring creek conditions.
October Outlook
October is Hat Creek's finest month. Reliable BWO hatches, reduced pressure, and fish in peak condition. The fall is the best time to experience this northern California spring creek.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
October BWO hatches on Hat Creek are the most reliable and prolific of the year. Fish the flat sections in the afternoon — overcast skies produce the best activity. The wild trout section is at its least pressured.
Water Notes
150–350 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Outstanding fall conditions. Prime Hat Creek month.
November Outlook
November late BWO fishing on Hat Creek. The spring creek is quieting toward winter but the fish are still actively feeding on overcast afternoons.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November on Hat Creek is excellent for the dedicated angler. Late BWO activity on mild days. The wild trout section is very uncrowded. The spring creek conditions stay consistent through all seasons.
Water Notes
Stable 150–350 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Consistent late fall spring creek conditions.
December Outlook
December midge fishing on Hat Creek. The spring creek's constant temperature keeps fish feeding year-round. A quiet winter gem in the Shasta Cascade region.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Midge Pupa
- WD-40
Tips
December on Hat Creek is consistent and solitary. The spring creek never changes with the seasons — the same fish in the same lies are catchable every month. A peaceful winter drive to the Shasta Cascade country.
Water Notes
Stable 150–350 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round. No seasonal variation. The most consistent fly fishery in California.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #16–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Burney, CA. Pacific Gas & Electric provides access easements through much of the wild trout section. California fly fishing only regulations with single barbless hooks. Free parking at several pullouts along Hwy 299.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Ted Fay Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in California requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
California fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Hat Creek conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Hat Creek is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.