If you want to fish with a bent pole, the Pit River is where you want to be

Pit River - CA (Modoc County)


by The Fly Shop
5-14-2012
Website

The Pit River consists of a series of dams and reservoirs that stretch for some 30 miles from Lake Britton to Shasta Lake.

Current River Conditions:
Want to catch trout? The Pit River is fishing pretty good. As a matter of fact, if you have trouble getting bent on any of the streams east of Redding, CA., the Pit River is the answer to your woes.

Bring the wading staff! We highly recommend wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) too.

The Pit is a delightful choice at this time of year. Solitude is found here.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
Hot flies can be Pat's Rubber Legs, #16 Pheasant-tail nymphs, and most #16-18 nymphs in dark to bright colors.

Be ready for supremely tough wading conditions when fishing the Pit. Flat ground DOES NOT exist here! A wading staff really makes a difference for every angler who fishes here. Pack some dry clothes, snake kit and don't forget to dry out your fly-box at the end of the day! 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.

Water Flows:
Pit #3 Flows
Pit #4 Flows
Pit #5 Flows

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:

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

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Deceptive Cray
• CB Black Bird's Nest - #10-16
• Sexy Souka - #6
• GB Black A.P. - #10-12
• Micro Mayflies - #14-18
• RK Sin City - #16
• Red Copper Johns - #16-18
• Zebra John - #16-18
• San Juan GB Worm - #12
• Pat's Brown Rubberleg - #6-8
• GB Half-Flashback PT - #12-20
• Amber Wing Prince - #14-18
• Lightning Bug - #16
• GB Bird's Nest #10-16

Streamers/Leeches:
• Beaded Lite Brite Bugger - #6
• Zack's Swimming Leech - #8

Fly Fishing Gear:
• The Fly Shop's ? Landing Nets
• Pit River Hardwood Wading Staff
• Simms ? Headwater Stockingfoot Waders