Hat Creek represents the quintessential chess game of spring creek fly fishing for wary trout.

Current River Conditions: Hat Creek is in good shape. A few slamon flies fluttering about. The hatches of those big bugs are a little behind schedule this year. Lots of PMD's in #18 and #18 Caddis in the late afternoon through early evening. A few golden stones are out as well. Try stripping and swining flies like leeches, buggers and even nymphs for best results. We should have better hatches of stoneflies by the end of June.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips: Suspending a Micro-Mayfly under a dry Salmon Fly works. The AM hatches consist of little green baetis, about #18. A few PMDs are coming off. The evening bite is produced by #6-8 leeches, like Zack's Swimming Leech and buggers like Fox's Peacock Buggers. Look for caddis in the evenings starting about now. Look for rising fish along the flats below the Power House #2 riffle. For the best presentation, drift your D&D Cripple down and across to rising fish. For a fun challenge, try catching Hat Creek trout on as many tactics as you can: small indicators with nymphs, swinging wet flies and/or streamers, and, of course, with a well-presented dry fly. The Powerhouse #2 Riffle is one of the best spots on the creek, but also one of the most popular. Anglers seeking a real challenge should sight-cast to trout in the fabled "carbon flats" section, and those looking for solace can hike into the freestone section just above Lake Britton. 5wt rods are perfect. Have an extra spool loaded with a Scientific Anglers Wet Tip Clear Fly Line.

River Fact: It is true, the fact is Hat Creek acquired it's name because a surveyor lost his expensive hat there back in 1852. Folk lore supports the rumor that his friends laughed it up after listening to him cuss up a storm. In an impromptu witty ceremony, the creek was aptly named.

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Midge Hanger
• Matt's Stoneflies - Salmon Fly
• The Thing From Uranus - Salmon Fly
• Aanes Mojo Stonefly Adults - Salmon Fly
• Last Chance Cripple #14-22
• Normans Loop Wing BWO & PMD
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Spotlight Caddis Emerger Olive #16
• Mercer's Missing Link #16-18

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Tungsten Jig PT
• Posse Bugger #14
• Glass-Bead Micro May-Black or Olive
• Mercer's Gidget Brown or Olive
• Pat's Brown Rubber Legs #6-8
• GB Half-Flashback PT #14-20
• Burk's Crystal HBI
• Zack's Pseudo May #16-18 (Any)
• RK Flatulators Any/All

Streamers/Leeches:
• Zack's Zugger's Yellow/Brown
• Fox's Peacock Buggers #8
• Zack's Swimming Leech Various
• Fox's Cone Bugger Rust
• Double Bunny
• Beaded Mini Leech Olive

Fly Fishing Gear:
• Simms ? G4 Pro Wader
• The Fly Shop's ? Stockingfoot Chest Waders
• Wading Boots
• Get Buff