Current River Conditions:
Pit River Canyon Road will be closed to through traffic for up to a two hours on Tuesday, Aug. 9 while Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) contractor paves two short sections. Motorists may drive up to flaggers at the paving points from either end of the road during paving.

Water conditions are higher than we have experienced in recent years, but the fishing is good. There is plenty of room to fish on the Pit these days since the new water conditions have made a tough river to wade, even tougher! Better anglers are finding good trout fishing by placing flies suspended under indicators in the seams and slower water below the more identifiable frothy boulder gardens. The Pit River is a good choice!

To get the hook ups, knowing where and when is everything. So, where is when? Well, try mid-day and fish the slower water, were you can find it. Look for glides in between big frothy riffles.

Fly Selection:
Hot bugs can be Rubber Legs, Red Copper Johns, San Juan Worms, Shafer's 3-D, Black A.P.s.

If the Pit is not your idea of a good time, nothing wrong with Hat Creek, Upper Sacramento, Lower Sacramento, Fall River and the McCloud. The Pit is in fair condition. Look for conditions to improve through mid August. Go fish!

Click here for up to date flow on Pit 4.

In spite of the tougher conditions, anglers are still getting out on the rivers and fishing, making for a decent report here and there. Looks like we might see better conditions by the end of August. Hang in there. The fishing on the Pit could be fantastic this Fall!

The good news is Fall River is near by and should be fishing well. Baum Lake is another good choice as is Hat Creek. The Lower Sac has been fishing great!

Important Changes:
Some changes have occurred over the past two years. All anglers should be aware of the new increased flows in Pit reaches 3, 4, 5. Pit 3 now has a minimum flow of 280 to 350 cfs which is up from 150 cfs. Pit 4 now has a minimum flow between 350 and 450 cfs which is up from 150 cfs. Below Pit 5, minimum flows are between 350 and 450 cfs which is up from 100 cfs. Keep in mind that rainy, wet weather, snow run-off will have an increasing affect on river levels. Be smart, be cautious and think about where you are wading. The old favorite run is now chest deep and full of swift water. When you go, look for a new spot to fish. They are there. Lots of new spots.

ROAD NEWS: ROAD CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION LINE: 406-586-2206 ext. 703

In 2011, work along the Pit River road to make it safer and to provide more recreational access will continue. The road and the Pit River will generally be available for recreation throughout the construction period.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
Be ready for tough wading conditions when fishing this river, especially with higher flows scheduled from now on. Flat ground DOES NOT exist here! A wading staff is is necessary for most anglers. Move slow, and keep solid footing while in the water. (But just in case... pack some dry clothes, snake kit and don't forget to dry out your fly-box at the end of the day!). High-stick and short line nymphing techniques are the key to finding the biggest rainbows on this river. Have plenty of SSG split shot in your vest pocket. Feed lots of line and go for long drag free drifts, using an indicator and suspending flies 4 - 6 feet deep, in the long smooth glides between boulders, and there is no shortage of boulders!

More Fly Slection:

Dries:
• Elk Hair Caddis Tan #12-16
• Yellow Stimulator #8-16
• Mayfly Cripples #12-16
• Head Light Yellow Sallie #16
• Anes Mojo Salmon Fly

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Micro Mayflies #14-18
• Red Copper Johns #16-18
• San Juan GB Worm
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg #6-8
• BH Half Flashback PT #12-20
• Olive Zaddis #14-16
• Amber Wing Prince #14-18
• BH Black A.P. #10-16
• Iron Sally #14-16
• Lightning Bug #16
• GB Bird's Nest #10-16
• Olive Fox's Poopah #14-16

Streamers/Leeches:
• Beaded Lite Bright Bugger
• Zack's Swimming Leech
• Dead Drift Crayfish