How is the Pit River?

[lynnwhite44]

I usually fish the Pit River several times a year but I have been unable to make it there yet this year. I'm curious to hear from other anglers how the new higher flows have affected the river. I fear some of my favorite spots may be too high and fast to fish. I might try the Pit in a few weeks but it's tough to choose between the Pit, Lower Sac, Trinity and Klamath in the fall.

[EricO]

The flows on the Pit aren't fun. Pit 3 is still brutal wading. Hard to find places that aren't high. But, that said, if you can find good water you'll catch fish.

Just got back last w/e. Go to fly was a Red BHFB Pheasant tail. The grabs were very subtle so set on everything.

Also, bring some dry clothes with these flows. I fell in twice and had to drain the waders at end of the day, but then again, I have a 90% fall in ratio on the Pit. Dang river gets me every time.

Good luck.

EO

[Eric M]

I agree,the higher flows make the Pit much less fun. Can't cross where you want, sections of productive water you can't get to, willows and brush blocking your movement along the bank. Some friends and I just returned from our 19th annual trip to the Pit, for some it was their last. We are not getting any younger and the higher flows made for some clothes drying by the fire. All that said, of course the fish are there in the same type of water as the past, just tougher to get to.

[lynnwhite44]

Thanks for the info guys. You just confirmed what I thought the conditions would be like. On one hand there will probably be even less people venturing into the canyon than before but on the other hand less accessible good water.

I hear ya guys, I have fallin in the drink every time I've fished the Pit.

The Pit have my vote for the most slippery toughest wading.

[EricO]

No joke on the slippery wading. This was the first time I've fished it without spikes. They were on backorder so I went with straight felt. I will never, ever, ever do that again. Ever.
Lol.

EO

[Eric M]

Also, PG&E required by the feds, had to hire a environmental consultation firm. We were lucky enough to run into one of their employees/owner. The poor gal got an earful, but she was handing out surveys regarding the new flows. She also said that PG&E had hired a security guy who patrols all reaches daily looking for who knows what. Mind your P's and Q's if you see a guy on a Segway!!

[Fly Guy Dave]

No joke on the slippery wading. This was the first time I've fished it without spikes. They were on backorder so I went with straight felt. I will never, ever, ever do that again. Ever.

A suggestion: I use #6x 3/8" type AB sheet metal screws as the metal studs in all of my wading boots. They work great, and I've never had any problems using them. You can usually get a box of 100 for less than five bucks.

--F.G. Dave

[lynnwhite44]

Ya cleats are a must on this river. A segway? Really? That's funny.

Here's my favorite Pit River pic. Caught her mar/apr 2010 before the flow change, looks like she just spawned. Notice the two teardrops, must be gangsta.

[EricO]

Nice looking fish....and a long one at that!

Here's a couple from two weeks ago. The first one (unlike most Pit fish) had not one spot. Very interesting looking. I caught another one that looked like a cuttbow- it had two long orange slashes under it's throat. Most of the fish look similar but every so often a get a few that look totally unique. Different strain perhaps? Got me.

EO

[EricO]

Oh what the heck, here's a few more. Fall colors starting as you can see by the canyon.