Hat Creek · Powerhouse 2 to Lake Britton · Fall
Hat Creek Fishing Report – Small Bugs, Colder 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 29, 2026: Hat Creek is quiet, with no shop update since October 20. The upstream gauge holds about 110–120 CFS and the water is cooling. Expect BWOs and midges in the flats and Powerhouse 2 riffle. Fish a small dry with a size 18 or smaller nymph dropper, or size 18–22 Adams and Baetis dries.
Updated · Always-current Hat Creek report
There's not much new on Hat Creek this week. The latest shop report is still from 10/20, so this report leans on the gauge, the weather and how Hat usually fishes heading into November. That report pointed to BWO and midge hatches in the flats and around the Powerhouse 2 riffle, with October Caddis expected in the riffles above the Highway 299 bridge.
Current Conditions
- Flow: About 110–120 CFS, steady all week. That's the USGS gauge on upper Hat Creek, well above the wild trout water, so treat it as a trend, not a Powerhouse 2 number.
- Water temp: About 44–47°F at the same gauge, a degree or so colder than last week.
- Bugs: BWOs and midges. October Caddis should be showing in the upper riffles about now, but I don't have a fresh report confirming it.
What to Expect This Week
- Dry-dropper: A small dry with a size 18 or smaller BWO nymph or midge under it.
- Small dries: Adams and Baetis patterns in sizes 18–22 for risers in the flats, best on cloudy afternoons.
- Browns: Olive streamers along the weed beds and undercut banks early and late.
Quick Rigging Tips
Use a long, fine leader for dries in the flats, and step up to heavier tippet for streamers. Watch a fish's feeding lane before you cast.
Access & Wading
The wild trout section runs from the Powerhouse 2 riffle down past the Highway 299 bridge to Lake Britton. Wade slowly in the flats, and stay off the weed beds and spawning gravel.
Weather & What to Wear
Widespread frost Thursday and Friday mornings, rain likely Saturday afternoon and night, then sunny Sunday and Monday. Lows will be in the mid 20s, with highs in the 50s to around 60. Bug activity will be best from late morning through the afternoon.
Season & Regulations
- Hat Creek from Lake Britton up to Baum Lake (not including the concrete Hat No. 2 intake canal) is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks, catch-and-release (0 trout).
- Check current CDFW regs before you go.
Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.
Hat Creek questions this week
Is the Hat Creek fishing well right now?
As of October 29, 2026: There's not much new on Hat Creek this week. The latest shop report is still from 10/20, so this report leans on the gauge, the weather and how Hat usually fishes heading into November. That report pointed to BWO and midge hatches in the flats and around the Powerhouse 2 riffle, with October Caddis…
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.
- USGS 11355500 Hat Creek near Hat Creek (10/29)
- The Fly Shop (10/20)
- California Fly Fishing Reports (10/22)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.50(b)(55) "Hat Creek"
- NWS forecast, Hat Creek / Powerhouse 2 area (10/29)
More reports from October 29, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Float Low for Room
- Trinity River Fishing Report – More Steelhead Every Day
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Moving Downriver
- McCloud River Report – Strong Caddis, Colder Water
- Pit River Fishing Report – Pit 3 Up, October Caddis On
- Fall River Fishing Report – Solitude and Midday Mayflies