Pit River · Pit 3, 4 & 5 Reaches below Lake Britton · Fall
Pit River Fishing Report – Steady Canyon Flows, Fall Pocket Water
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 18, 2026: The Pit is my most productive wade fishery and the hardest wading I guide.
Updated · Always-current Pit River report
The Pit is my most productive wade fishery and the hardest wading I guide. Honestly, fresh first-hand Pit reports are scarce this month, so this one leans on the gauges and how the Pit usually fishes in fall. Read it as general guidance, not a catch report.
Current Conditions
- Pit 3 (below Lake Britton): about 340 CFS; daily averages 319–335 over two weeks.
- Pit 4 (below Pit 4 Dam): about 403 CFS; 403–446.
- Pit 5 (Big Bend): about 445 CFS; 424–448.
- What it means: PG&E controls these flows, and they've held in a narrow band, which is what you want here. But they can change without notice: check gauges before you go and get out if the water rises. (Upstream, PG&E's Pit 1 maintenance flows near Fall River Mills drop the evening of 10/18. That's not the Pit 3–5 water.)
What to Expect This Time of Year
- Euro nymphing pocket water is the bread and butter: stonefly nymphs, perdigons, small mayfly nymphs.
- October Caddis were expected "soon" in mid-month shop reports. Carry pupae, plus an orange Stimulator for evenings.
- Streamers: A crayfish pattern through deeper slots can move bigger fish.
Wading & Safety
High pH grows algae that makes the boulders unbelievably slick. Carry a staff, wear studs, fish with a buddy, and work pocket to pocket rather than crossing heavy water.
Access
The Pit 3 reach below Lake Britton is the most popular stretch. A road follows much of the canyon, but getting down to the water is steep in places. It's about 30 minutes from Fall River Mills.
Weather & What to Wear
Lows mid 30s to low 40s; highs mid 60s to low 70s, cooling to the low 60s Thursday. Rain chances of 30–40% from Tuesday night into Thursday. Bring layers, morning gloves, and a rain shell.
Season & Regulations
- Pit 3 Dam to the Pit 3 Powerhouse: open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks, 0 trout.
- Below the Pit 3 Powerhouse to Shasta Lake: open all year, with a 2-trout daily limit (4 in possession).
- Check current CDFW regs before you go.
Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.
Pit questions this week
Is the Pit fishing well right now?
As of October 18, 2026: The Pit is my most productive wade fishery and the hardest wading I guide. Honestly, fresh first-hand Pit reports are scarce this month, so this one leans on the gauges and how the Pit usually fishes in fall. Read it as general guidance, not a catch report.
Ready to book a trip?
Call or text Travis at (530) 722-8331 for a quick, same-day response, or book through The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.
Sources
Gauge readings are provisional. Dates show when each source was published or read.
- CDEC P35, Pit River below Lake Britton (PG&E) (10/18)
- CDEC PR4, Pit River below Pit 4 Dam (PG&E) (10/18)
- CDEC PRB, Pit River at Big Bend (PG&E) (10/18)
- American Whitewater, Pit 1 flows notice (updated 10/6)
- The Fly Shop (10/14)
- The Perfect Fly Store, Pit River page (10/6)
- Confluence Outfitters, Fall River Mills area guide (accessed 10/18)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.50(b)(110) "Pit River"
- NWS forecast, Pit 3 Dam area (10/18)
- NWS forecast, Big Bend (10/18)
More reports from October 18, 2026
- Sacramento River Fishing Report – The Egg Bite Is On in Redding
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows, Bright Fish and an Egg Bite
- Upper Sacramento River Fishing Report – October Caddis Season Is Starting
- McCloud River Fishing Report – Cold Water, Pre-Spawn Browns, First October Caddis
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Cold Spring Water, Fall BWOs and Pre-Spawn Browns
- Fall River Fishing Report – Quiet Water, Midday Mayflies