Pit River · Pit 3, 4 & 5 Reaches below Lake Britton · Fall
Pit River Fishing Report – Pit 3 Up, October Caddis On
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: October Caddis are hatching on the Pit, but PG&E roughly doubled Pit 3 to about 690–730 CFS on October 27, so wading there is much harder. Pit 4 is about 435 CFS and Pit 5 about 455. Euro nymph perdigons, hot spots and rubber legs, carry caddis pupae and Stimulators, and use a staff.
Updated · Always-current Pit River report
Two things changed on the Pit this week. The good news: the latest shop report (10/27) says October Caddis are now coming off everywhere. The caution: early on October 27, the Pit 3 gauge below Lake Britton went from about 335 CFS to over 700 in about five hours, and it's still near 690. PG&E controls these flows and changes them without notice.
Current Conditions
- Pit 3 (below Lake Britton): About 690 CFS this morning, after running 720–730 since the morning of 10/27. That's roughly double last week's 335.
- Pit 4 (below Pit 4 Dam): About 435 CFS, close to last week.
- Pit 5 (Big Bend): About 455 CFS, steady.
- What it means: The Pit 3 reach is pushier and harder to cross at this flow. Pick your spots, fish the edges and pockets you can reach safely, or look at the Pit 4 and 5 reaches. Check the gauges right before you go and get out if the water comes up.
What's Working
- October Caddis: Pupae through the pocket water, and an orange Stimulator or caddis dry in the evening.
- Euro nymphing: Perdigons, hot spot nymphs and rubber-leg stones. The Pit is a great river for a Euro rod.
- Streamers: A crayfish pattern or a Woolly Bugger through the deeper slots.
Wading & Safety
The Pit's boulders are covered in slick algae, and higher water makes that worse. 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
Widespread frost Thursday and Friday mornings, light rain likely Saturday, then frost and sun Sunday and Monday. Lows will be in the upper 20s, with highs in the 50s to around 60. 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 29, 2026: Two things changed on the Pit this week. The good news: the latest shop report (10/27) says October Caddis are now coming off everywhere. The caution: early on October 27, the Pit 3 gauge below Lake Britton went from about 335 CFS to over 700 in about five hours, and it's still near 690. PG&E…
What flies are working on the Pit River right now?
As of October 29, 2026: October Caddis: Pupae through the pocket water, and an orange Stimulator or caddis dry in the evening. Euro nymphing: Perdigons, hot spot nymphs and rubber-leg stones. The Pit is a great river for a Euro rod. Streamers: A crayfish pattern or a Woolly Bugger through the deeper slots.
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) (10/29)
- CDEC PR4, Pit River below Pit 4 Dam (PG&E) (10/29)
- CDEC PRB, Pit River at Big Bend (PG&E) (10/29)
- The Fly Shop (10/27)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.50(b)(110) "Pit River"
- NWS forecast, Pit 3 Dam 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
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Small Bugs, Colder Water
- Fall River Fishing Report – Solitude and Midday Mayflies