May 22 - May 24 12:00 AM
Pit River Below Lake Brittan Dam
Fishmaster:
Alex Ferber / alex.ferber74@gmail.com
Location:
Pit River, close to Burney, California. The Pit river is located in the Shasta National Forest. Accessed via Hwy 299 and Hwy 89. Approximately 2 hrs east of Redding California
Lodging:
We will be camping at Ruling Creek Campground PG & E Campground – First come first serve ($15.00 daily cost subject to change). Located on the Pit 4 reach, below the Pit River 4 Dam. There are toilets, and fire rings. There usually is water available. The closest shopping is in Burney, about 1 hr away.
Description of the River:
The Pit river is a tailwater fishery, freestone in nature. It is accessed via a frontage road, maintained by PG and E. There is about 30 miles of river to explore. The river is well known for its wild and hard fighting Rainbow trout. It is fished mainly using nymphs, dead drifted under an indicator or using tight line techniques. On occasion fish will take dry flies, as well. These fish are pound for pound some of the hardest fighting trout you will ever experience. This boulder strewn river is notorious for its challenging wading. The nymphing can be quite technical, where getting good drifts will be rewarded with some awesome hookups. Typically this river is not terribly pressured. The river is in a beautiful, remote,wooded canyon, with some stunning views. The weather in May is very comfortable, typically in the 70’s.
Equipment:
9 ft, 5-6 wt rods, typically faster action work best. Typical nymph rig set ups, with lots of split shot. Felt, studded wading boots are essential. I would avoid rubber/Vibrum soles. This is a slippery river. This river has excellent Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis, so flies mimicking these bugs usually work well.
Skill Sets:
Strong wading skills are important. This river has tight quarters, so having a strong roll cast, and single spey casting techniques are very helpful in getting you bugs into position. There is some hiking, but most of the river access is right along the river.



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Posted on May 22nd, 2026
