Current River Conditions:
Shane Kohlbeck sums it up for this river in his report published January 13th: "Took a little road trip, and fished the Pit River yesterday for a couple hours. This was my first time up there since the flows got jacked up, so I was shocked to see the water as high as it was. Almost "up in the trees", but I found a couple spots to wade out (carefully). Kicked myself for forgetting my wading staff!! Anyhow, decided to start with a sink-tip and bugger, and first cast I was rewarded with a fish of at least 18". A super nice fish for that particular stretch of river I was on. Scored 3 more on the bugger over the next 15 minutes... then went to the nymphs. Huge BWO hatch happening, so a small bh PT nymph went under a rubberlegs. Over the next 45 minutes, I must have hooked at least 15 fish. The fish were really grabby and all nice fish in the 14-17" range. Most ate the PT, with a couple coming to the 'legs".

Great report Shane!!

Best flies include just about any fly in the list to the right. Combine a bigger, rubber leg nymph pattern and a smaller #16 mayfly nymph and a BB to AAA split shot depending on how fast or slow/deep or shallow the river is where you are standing, and plan on getting the landing net wet (by falling in too!)

The fat rainbows of this remote N. California freestone will tear line off your reel and leave you stunned! Bring the wading staff! We highly recommend wearing a PFD too. The Pit is a delightful choice! Solitude best describes the fishing experience of the Pit River in December.

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. 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.

Up to date Pit River flows:
Pit #3 Flows
Pit #4 Flows
Pit #5 Flows

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!). To get the hook ups, knowing where and when is everything. The Pit River rainbows will eat all day most of the time. These feisty fish can be found holding in fast bubbly water and in slower, smooth flowing water as well. High-stick and short line nymphing techniques are the key to finding the biggest rainbows on this river. Have plenty of BB, AAA and SSG split shot in your vest pocket. Feed lots of line and go for long drag free drifts, using an indicator and suspending flies 3 - 6 feet deep, in the long smooth glides between boulders and broken riffles. An there is no shortage of boulders, riffles, runs and pockets.

River Fact:
The Pit, the Klamath and the Columbia are the only three rivers in the U.S. that cross the Cascade Range.

Flies:

Dries:
• Elk Hair Caddis Tan #12-16
• Yellow Stimulator #8-16
• Mayfly Cripples #12-16

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Black Bird's Nest #10-16
• Dark Lord
• Sexy Souka
• GB Black A.P. #10-12
• Micro Mayflies #14-18
• Red Copper Johns #16-18
• Zebra John #16-18
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg #6-8
• Little Olive Sloan
• Zack's Thurmanator Stone
• BH Pheasant Tail #12-20
• Amber Wing Prince #14-18
• GB Bird's Nest #10-16

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