Pit River
Powerhouse #3 · #4 · #5 · Wild Trout
N California, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 11355010. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 07/31/26
At 889 cfs, the Pit is running at a fishable but pushy summer level — fast volcanic-rock slots and seams are holding fish, but wading demands respect. Highs cresting 97–100°F through the forecast window make timing everything: get on the water at first light and plan to be off by 10am, then return at dusk. No recent shop reports, so this outlook is based on current conditions and the hatch calendar. Tan Caddis and hoppers are your July anchors — a hopper-dropper with an X-Caddis or Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail trailed 18 inches behind a Dave's Hopper #8 covers the afternoon terrestrial window effectively. PMDs can come off mid-morning before heat peaks; watch for risers in the canyon shade.
- Flow: 889 cfs — strong summer flows, wading technical in volcanic-rock sections. Stick to defined seams and current edges; avoid mid-river crossings.
- Hatches: Tan Caddis (#14–16) and terrestrials are peak. Hopper-dropper rigged with X-Caddis or Soft Hackle PT covers both. PMDs possible mid-morning in canyon shade.
- Water Temp: Expect 62–68°F in canyon sections — within the trout comfort zone but watch for heat stress above 68°F as air temps push 100°F by Aug 2.
- Best Window: First light to ~10am is the priority window. A secondary evening window starts around 7pm. Midday at these air temps is dead time for both angler and fish.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June (salmonfly)
The Pit River in northeastern California is a powerful freestone river running through volcanic canyon country east of Mount Shasta. The river is famous — and infamous — for its difficult wading: bowling-ball-sized rocks coated in slick algae, fast current, and deep pockets that punish careless footing. The fish are worth it: dense populations of wild rainbow trout, and good numbers of browns, holding in pocket water and runs that are not heavily pressured because of the demanding wading. Stoneflies in early summer and the legendary Pit River salmonfly hatch are the showstoppers.
The Pit River is widely regarded as having the most treacherous wading of any major California trout river — a fishery that selects for anglers willing to risk the wading for less-pressured wild trout.
January Outlook
January on the Pit River is midwinter on the volcanic plateau of northeastern California. PG&E-regulated flows keep the river fishable, though cold. Wild rainbow trout hold in slower runs and pools.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail
- San Juan Worm
Tips
The Pit River's multiple sections (Pits 3–7) vary in flow depending on PG&E powerhouse operations. Check flows before heading out — rapid changes are possible. Wild rainbows, some exceeding 20 inches, are the reward for winter persistence.
Water Notes
Regulated flows vary by powerhouse. Water 44–50°F. Cold volcanic plateau conditions. Sections below powerhouses hold the best fish.
February Outlook
February on the Pit River is still cold but fish begin showing more activity as days lengthen. Early Baetis hatches are possible on warmer afternoons.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Nymph
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
Tips
February can produce excellent nymph fishing on the Pit. The Pit 3 section below the powerhouse has the most consistent flows and largest fish. Two-nymph rigs drifted through the deeper runs are the standard approach.
Water Notes
PG&E regulated. Water 46–52°F. Flows can spike — always wade cautiously. Early Baetis hatches begin on warm afternoons.
March Outlook
March brings early spring and improving conditions to the Pit River. Baetis hatches become more reliable, and wild rainbow trout begin actively rising. Pre-runoff conditions typically offer good visibility.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry Fly
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March is an excellent month on the Pit — hatches begin in earnest and the fish are hungry after winter. The canyon sections of Pit 3 and Pit 4 are popular. Be aware of powerhouse releases, which can change flows rapidly.
Water Notes
Water 48–56°F. Pre-runoff clarity. PG&E regulated. Flows generally stable in March before Sierra snowmelt.
April Outlook
April is a prime month on the Pit River before spring runoff peaks. PMD and caddis hatches begin. Wild rainbow trout are actively feeding in all sections.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Nymph
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Baetis Dry
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April through early May before runoff peaks is prime Pit River time. The volcanic plateau setting and the hatch activity make this one of the best periods. Fish the pockets and runs below powerhouses.
Water Notes
Water 52–62°F. Spring conditions — flows can increase with snowmelt. Monitor USGS gauge 11376550.
May Outlook
May on the Pit River can be excellent early but Sierra snowmelt may increase flows. PMD, Caddis, and Golden Stonefly begin to emerge. Some years, high flows make wading difficult.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stonefly Nymph
- PMD Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sculpin
Tips
Early May can be stellar before snowmelt peaks. The Pit's regulated sections are more stable than freestone rivers. Fish the canyon sections — access requires some hiking but the wild rainbows are worth it.
Water Notes
PG&E regulated. Water 56–66°F. May flows variable with snowmelt. Clarity often good due to lake regulation above.
June Outlook
June is high season on the Pit River. Golden Stonefly and PMD hatches are excellent. Wild rainbow trout are actively rising. The volcanic canyon scenery is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stonefly Dry
- PMD Parachute
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
Tips
June is arguably the Pit River's best month. The Golden Stonefly hatch on the Pit is world-class — large naturals trigger aggressive surface takes from wild rainbows. The Pit 3 section gets the most pressure but Pit 5, 6, and 7 reward exploration.
Water Notes
Water 58–68°F. Flows regulated. Some sections require a hike in. No bait fishing in most sections — artificial lures and flies only.
July Outlook
July on the Pit River is summer heat on the volcanic plateau, but the canyon sections stay cooler. Terrestrials become important. Morning and evening fishing is most productive.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Stimulator
- PMD Cripple
- Soft Hackle
Tips
July fishing on the Pit is best in early morning and evening to avoid the midday heat. The canyon sections provide shade. Hopper-dropper rigs work well. The wild rainbows are powerful fish in fast volcanic-rock water.
Water Notes
Water 62–70°F. Summer heat on the plateau but canyon sections are cooler. Fish early and late.
August Outlook
August on the Pit River is hot and terrestrial-driven. The wild rainbow trout are opportunistic surface feeders in the early morning and evening.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- Beetle
- Evening Caddis
Tips
August mornings before 9 AM and evenings after 5 PM are the best times. The Pit River is a challenging wade — volcanic basalt boulders require felt soles or studded boots. The wild rainbows fight extraordinarily hard in the fast water.
Water Notes
Water 64–72°F. Summer. Fish early morning and evening. Felt soles essential for volcanic basalt wading.
September Outlook
September brings falling temperatures and improved fishing on the Pit River. Caddis and Trico hatches continue. The volcanic canyon is spectacular in autumn light.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Trico Spinner
- BWO Nymph
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September is excellent on the Pit. Temperatures moderate and fish feed more actively through the day. The autumn light in the volcanic canyon is beautiful. Good year for hopper-dropper rigs through mid-September.
Water Notes
Water 58–66°F. Falling temps. Clarity typically excellent. PG&E flows regulated and stable.
October Outlook
October on the Pit River is a prime fall month. Baetis hatches return, the canyon is golden, and wild rainbows are feeding aggressively before winter.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
- RS2
Tips
October is one of the Pit River's finest months — cooling water, reliable Baetis hatches, and actively feeding wild rainbow trout. The canyon sections are less crowded and the autumn colors are excellent. Pre-spawn rainbows are in peak condition.
Water Notes
Water 52–60°F. Excellent fall clarity. Flows regulated and stable.
November Outlook
November on the Pit River is late fall with good fishing for the dedicated angler. Midge and Baetis hatches continue on warmer days.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- BWO Nymph
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
November is quiet and rewarding on the Pit. The powerhouse-regulated flows remain consistent. Fish the deeper runs and pools. Wild rainbows are in excellent condition.
Water Notes
Water 48–56°F. Late fall conditions. PG&E regulated flows. Fewer anglers after October.
December Outlook
December on the Pit River is winter on the volcanic plateau. Cold but fishable thanks to PG&E regulation. Midges produce fish in the deep pools.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- San Juan Worm
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
December fishing on the Pit requires commitment — cold volcanic plateau conditions but the regulation keeps the river fishable. The wild rainbows of the Pit are there year-round. Fish the deepest, slowest water.
Water Notes
Water 44–50°F. Cold. PG&E regulated. Remote canyon access — plan accordingly.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Stonefly Calineuria californica |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #6–10 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis (Tan Sedge) Hydropsyche spp. |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | #14–16 |
|
| Hopper / Terrestrials Melanoplus spp. / Formicidae |
Jul, Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #8–14 |
|
Access & Approach
Burney and Fall River Mills are the main bases. Wade access at multiple PG&E powerhouse stretches (Pit 3, Pit 4, Pit 5). California fishing license required. WADE STAFF AND STUDDED BOOTS ESSENTIAL — the Pit's wading is among the most hazardous in the West.
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 →
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About Current
Pit River 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.
Pit River 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.