Guided fly fishing

Hat Creek fly fishing guide

I guide Hat Creek, a spring creek northeast of Redding, for technical dry fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. My favorite months are May and June, when the salmonfly hatch is on, and September. The fish are picky, so it's a real test of your casting and presentation. Call or text (530) 722-8331.

Latest Hat Creek fishing report → · Redding fly fishing by month →

During June, dry fly fishing for rainbows and browns on Hat Creek can be a challenge that truly tests your skills. The salmonfly hatch adds to the excitement, making it a great month to fish.

September is another good window on Hat Creek.

Season
May through June, and September
Where
Shasta County, northeast of Redding
Fish
Rainbow trout and brown trout
How we fish
Technical dry fly fishing
Trips
Full or half day; lunch and drinks provided; gear on request
Book
Call/text (530) 722-8331
Angler in a sun hat and fishing vest holding a brown trout at the edge of a clear creek

When to fish the Hat Creek

May to June
Salmonflies and other hatches bring big fish to the surface.
July to August
Hot afternoons; mornings and evenings are the best windows.
September
Another good dry fly window as the weather cools.

Season and regulations

Check current CDFW regulations for the stretch you plan to fish.

Regulation notes reflect the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations as of . Regulations change; check CDFW before every trip.

Questions about the Hat Creek

When is the salmonfly hatch on Hat Creek?

In my experience, late May into June. It varies with the year, so call or text me for current timing.

Is the Hat Creek fishing well right now?

As of October 22, 2026: Hat Creek is quiet this week. The latest shop report (10/20) points to good BWO and midge hatches in the flats and around the Powerhouse 2 riffle, with October Caddis expected soon in the riffles above the Highway 299 bridge. Beyond that, there's not much new first-hand news, so the rest of this…

Latest report ·

Hat Creek Fishing Report – BWOs, Midges and Frosty Mornings

Hat Creek is quiet this week. The latest shop report (10/20) points to good BWO and midge hatches in the flats and around the Powerhouse 2 riffle, with October Caddis expected soon in the riffles above the Highway 299 bridge. Beyond that, there's not much new first-hand news, so the rest of this report is seasonal guidance.

Current conditions

  • Flow: About 120 CFS, steady at 110–120 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 45–48°F at the same gauge.
  • Bugs: BWOs and midges, with October Caddis coming soon.

Read the full Hat Creek report

Earlier Hat Creek reports

Book a Hat Creek 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.

Other rivers: Lower Sacramento River · Trinity River · Upper Sacramento River · McCloud River · Pit River · Fall River