Pit River · Pit 3, 4 & 5 Reaches below Lake Britton · Fall
Pit River Fishing Report – Pit 3 Back Down, 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 November 5, 2026: Pit 3 dropped back to about 355 CFS on October 29 after its spike to over 700, and has held since. Pit 4 is about 410 CFS and Pit 5 about 460. October Caddis are hatching everywhere. Euro nymph perdigons, hot spots and rubber legs, carry caddis pupae and Stimulators, and bring a staff.
Updated · Always-current Pit River report
Good news on the Pit: the Pit 3 reach is wadeable again. After PG&E pushed it to over 700 CFS on October 27, the gauge below Lake Britton dropped back to about 360 on October 29 and has stayed near 355 all week. The shop report (11/4) says October Caddis are coming off everywhere, which makes this a prime week to fish it before winter storms blow it out.
Current Conditions
- Pit 3 (below Lake Britton): About 355 CFS, steady since October 29.
- Pit 4 (below Pit 4 Dam): About 410 CFS, slightly lower than last week.
- Pit 5 (Big Bend): About 460 CFS, steady.
- What it means: Pit 3 is back to comfortable pocket-water flows. PG&E can still change these flows without notice, so check the gauges right before you go.
What's Working
- October Caddis: Pupae through the pockets during the day, and an orange Stimulator or foam caddis dry near dark.
- Euro nymphing: Perdigons, hot spot nymphs and rubber-leg stones. The Pit is made for a Euro rod.
- Streamers: A crayfish pattern or Woolly Bugger worked through the deeper slots.
Wading & Safety
The Pit's boulders are slick with algae. Carry a staff, wear studs, fish with a buddy, and move pocket to pocket instead of wading across heavy water. Get out right away if the water starts rising.
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 every morning, then sunny afternoons in the 60s through Monday, with lows around 30. Bring gloves and layers, and there's no need for 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 November 5, 2026: Good news on the Pit: the Pit 3 reach is wadeable again. After PG&E pushed it to over 700 CFS on October 27, the gauge below Lake Britton dropped back to about 360 on October 29 and has stayed near 355 all week. The shop report (11/4) says October Caddis are coming off everywhere, which makes this…
What flies are working on the Pit River right now?
As of November 5, 2026: October Caddis: Pupae through the pockets during the day, and an orange Stimulator or foam caddis dry near dark. Euro nymphing: Perdigons, hot spot nymphs and rubber-leg stones. The Pit is made for a Euro rod. Streamers: A crayfish pattern or Woolly Bugger worked 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) (11/5)
- CDEC PR4, Pit River below Pit 4 Dam (PG&E) (11/5)
- CDEC PRB, Pit River at Big Bend (PG&E) (11/5)
- The Fly Shop (11/4)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.50(b)(110) "Pit River"
- NWS forecast, Pit 3 Dam area (11/5)
More reports from November 5, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Flows Down, BWOs Up
- Trinity River Fishing Report – Low, Clear, More Steelhead
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – Octobers On, Lake Fish Moving
- McCloud River Report – High Releases, Preserve Ends Nov 15
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – Quiet Week, Fish Small
- Fall River Fishing Report – Warm Afternoons, Midday Bugs