The Pit River below Lake Britton dam has the highest catch rate and most consistent fishing of all the streams in northern California. Thirty miles of river provide endless opportunities to get away from other anglers. There are parts of the river right alongside a paved road as well as portions that require a strenuous hike to access. No matter where you choose to fish, you are likely to be rewarded with strong, wild rainbow trout pulling on the end of your line. The Pit fishes best from April through mid-July and again from mid-September through December. Mid-summer can be excellent, too, especially if the weather is not overly hot. Dry fly fishing is good mid-day early and late in the season and is excellent on summer evenings. Most of the time we fish with nymphs on the Pit. This river is an excellent place to learn various nymphing techniques, including indicator and indicatorless techniques.

The average fish on the Pit is 12" and the typical range is from 9" to 16". Pit River rainbows are very fat and strong, so a 14" fish can be difficult to land. Monsters up to 20" are caught occasionally, especially in the spring and fall.

The Pit is a difficult river to wade. Low visibility combined with uneven slippery rocks puts a lot of stress on ankles and knees. Felt-soled wading boots (spiked are even better) and a wading staff are a must.