Pit River · Pit 3, 4 & 5 Reaches below Lake Britton · Fall
Pit River Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Few New Reports
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 22, 2026: The Pit is steady and fishable, with few fresh catch reports. Flows are about 340 CFS at Pit 3, 400 at Pit 4 and 445 at Pit 5. Best bets: Euro nymphing the pocket water with stonefly nymphs and perdigons, October Caddis pupae as the canyon cools, and crayfish streamers in the deep slots. Wade carefully.
Updated · Always-current Pit River report
There's very little new information on the Pit this week. The most recent shop report is from 10/14 and had no fresh first-hand reports. So this report leans on the gauges and on how the Pit usually fishes in late October. Read it as guidance, not a catch report.
Current Conditions
- Pit 3 (below Lake Britton): About 340 CFS, up slightly from about 320 last week.
- Pit 4 (below Pit 4 Dam): About 400 CFS, down from about 445 last week.
- Pit 5 (Big Bend): About 445 CFS, steady.
- What it means: The flows are in a narrow, fishable range. PG&E controls them and can change them without notice, so check the gauges before you go and get out if the water comes up.
What to Expect This Time of Year
- Euro nymphing pocket water: Stonefly nymphs, perdigons and hot spot nymphs.
- October Caddis should start any time as the canyon cools. Carry pupae, and an orange Stimulator for the evening.
- Streamers: A crayfish pattern or a Woolly Bugger through the deeper slots.
Wading & Safety
The Pit's boulders are covered in slick algae. Carry a staff, wear studs, fish with a buddy, and work from pocket to pocket instead of crossing heavy water.
Access
The Pit 3 reach below Lake Britton is the most popular stretch. A road follows much of the canyon, but the walk down to the water is steep in places.
Weather & What to Wear
Showers Thursday, then hard frost and sunny days through Monday. Mornings will be in the mid to upper 20s, with highs in the 60s. Bring gloves and warm layers, and don't plan an early start.
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 22, 2026: There's very little new information on the Pit this week. The most recent shop report is from 10/14 and had no fresh first-hand reports. So this report leans on the gauges and on how the Pit usually fishes in late October. Read it as 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) (10/22)
- CDEC PR4, Pit River below Pit 4 Dam (PG&E) (10/22)
- CDEC PRB, Pit River at Big Bend (PG&E) (10/22)
- The Fly Shop (10/14)
- 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 (10/22)
More reports from October 22, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Salmon Pile In, Eggs Still Rule
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows Meet Fall Rain
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Building
- McCloud River Report – Spawning Browns, October Caddis
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – BWOs, Midges and Frosty Mornings
- Fall River Fishing Report – Midday Hatches, Cold Mornings