Pit River
The Pit River near Burney, California is a powerful canyon tailwater with Pit 3, Pit 4 and Pit 5 sections, heavy pocket water and lots of trout.
- 276 miRiver length
- May–JunBest season
- 2Game fish
- 41Access points
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Pit River
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About the Pit
The Pit River runs through a steep basalt canyon in Northern California. It is a tailwater fed by hydropower releases and spring creeks, with fast pocket water and slick boulders. It is Gold Medal water and holds a lot of trout per mile.
Pit 3 runs below Lake Britton Dam to the Pit 3 Powerhouse and is the easiest to reach and wade. Pit 4 runs between the Pit 4 and Pit 5 dams. Below Pit 5, the road follows the river and access is limited.
The Pit holds brown trout and rainbow trout. Tule perch also live here.
Major hatches include salmonflies, golden stones and the famous October caddis in fall. Pale morning duns, blue-winged olives, midges and hoppers fill in the calendar. Rubber Legs patterns are a staple.
Flows change often and wading is hard. Road closures can affect access. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and flow reports before you go.
Pit River below Pit No 1 Ph near Fall River Mills, CA
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See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
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Brown Trout
1 other species
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Sacramento watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Pit
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Bring a wading staff
The rocks are big and slick. A staff and studded boots are common gear here.
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Check flows first
Releases change with little notice. Look at the flow before you leave and again when you arrive.
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Start at Pit 3
Pit 3 has the easiest access and wading. Many turnouts give you paths down to the river.
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Check for road work
Roads near Lake Britton and Pit 4 have had closures. Confirm before you drive.
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Wade within your limits
If the flow looks too high, find another spot. This river can be dangerous.
Every access point on the Pit, in your pocket.
- 41 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Pit
Pit River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Pit River in California?
Late spring brings stoneflies and salmonflies. Fall brings the October caddis and good weather.
Where can I fish the Pit River near Burney?
Pit 3 below Lake Britton is the most popular. Pit 4 and the water below Pit 5 are also fished. Fall River and Hat Creek are nearby.
Can you wade the Pit River?
Yes, especially at Pit 3, but footing is slick and flows change. Wade carefully and use a staff.
What flies work on the Pit River?
Rubber Legs, Pulsating Caddis, Hogan's S and M nymphs and October Caddis patterns are classics. Orange Stimulators work in fall. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Pit River?
The river holds brown trout, rainbow trout and tule perch.
Are there special rules on the Pit River?
Yes. Check current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, and look for any road closures near the river.
