Pit River
Pit River
- Boat Ramps
- 9
- Access Points
- 29
- Species
- 12
The Pit River is one of Northern California's premier wild trout fishing destinations, flowing from Lassen and Modoc Counties through rugged canyons before eventually emptying into Lake Shasta. This nutrient-rich tailwater fishery is renowned for its powerful wild rainbow trout that thrive in its cold, oxygen-rich waters. While the Pit River has earned a reputation for challenging wading conditions—often described as standing on bowling balls covered in snot—those willing to brave its difficult terrain are rewarded with exceptional fishing opportunities and remarkable solitude. The river's series of dams and powerhouses, operated by PG&E, divide it into distinct sections with varying characteristics, all offering anglers a chance to test their skills against some of California's hardest-fighting trout in a picturesque backcountry setting.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Pit River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Pit River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Pit River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
California licenses and regulations
California Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
California Fishing License Online
In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.
California Freshwater Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
California Stream Access Laws
The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.
Take Pit River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Pit River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Pit River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Pit River and check the forecast before you go.
PIT R NR CANBY CA
All Flow Stations
Pit River fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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Fishing spots
- Big Bend Boat Launch
- Ruling Creek Campground Boat Ramp
- Pit 4 Take-out
- Madesi Boat Launch
- Hwy 299 Bridge Boat Ramp
- Pit 5 Boat Ramp
- Fall River Mills Boat Ramp
- Pit River Campground Launch
- Lake Britton Boat Ramp
- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Access
- Lake Britton Access
- Hike-in Access - Modoc National Forest
- All 118 spots
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