About
Pit River Hydroelectric System. The Achumawi called this homeland for millennia before it became known as the Pit River, and their descendants still live along its 207-mile course through Shasta County. Below the hydroelectric diversions, three distinct reaches offer Class II-III paddling through volcanic canyon country within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The Pit 3 section from Lake Britton to the Pit 3 Powerhouse runs Class II water known for trophy trout fishing. Downstream, Pit 4 and Pit 5 push the technical difficulty up with Class II-III rapids cutting through darker volcanic rock, supporting wild trout populations that draw serious fly fishers. At 1,100 CFS average flow (optimal range 500-2,500), the river runs cold and fast when Pacific Gas & Electric releases water from the upstream dams. The 2007 hydroelectric relicensing process altered some flow patterns, but the lower reaches still offer multi-day wilderness runs ending at Lake Shasta. The Fly Shop in Redding guides these waters for anglers targeting the resident rainbows and browns.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.