Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Pit River below Lake Britton holds some of the most underrated wild trout in California. Sections 3 and 4 flow through basalt canyon country with strong hatches and few anglers. The river is not easy to fish but the rewards are significant for those willing to navigate the terrain.
Pit River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The Pit River cuts through volcanic basalt country in Shasta County, flowing west from the Great Basin toward the Sacramento Valley. Sections 3 and 4 below Lake Britton are the most productive fly fishing water. The canyon is steep and access requires some hiking. Most anglers who discover it come back every year.
Wild rainbow trout average 12 to 15 inches with larger fish in the deeper canyon pools. Brown trout populate the slower sections. The river sees a fraction of the pressure of nearby Hat Creek and Fall River, which keeps the fish less selective and more responsive to attractor patterns.
Salmonfly and Golden Stone hatches in late May and June bring the best dry fly fishing. Caddis are the most consistent summer hatch. Fall BWO hatches from September through November fish well on cloudy days when other hatches are quiet.
See the full California Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of California's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Pit RiverWhat to Fish
The Pit's stonefly hatches are one of the best-kept secrets in Northern California. Salmonflies peak in late May and Golden Stones follow through June. Large trout that are rarely seen through the summer become aggressive and accessible during the stonefly window.
Recommended: #4-8 Stimulator, Sofa Pillow
Evening Caddis hatches on the Pit are consistent and productive through the summer. The fish rise freely to adult Caddis at dusk. Swing a wet fly or soft hackle through the film during the hatch for aggressive takes.
Recommended: #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Spring and fall BWO hatches fish well on the Pit, especially on cold overcast days. The fish in the canyon sections see less pressure than the nearby spring creeks and respond more readily to standard patterns.
Recommended: #18-22 Sparkle Dun, RS2
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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