Pit River
Shasta Co. · 207 mi · Class II–III
—CFS
Loading…Optimal: 500–2500 CFS · USGS #11365000
Length
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USGS Gauge
Pit River Hydroelectric Project · Shasta-Trinity National Forest
The Pit is northern California's longest river and one of its best kept trout fishing secrets — 207 miles from the Warner Mountains to Lake Shasta through a series of dam-controlled reaches known simply as 'Pit 3,' 'Pit 4,' 'Pit 5.' Wild rainbow trout average a foot-plus, and the volcanic canyon scenery below Lake Britton is some of the most dramatic in the state.
Trip sections
Pit 3 — Lake Britton to Pit 3 Powerhouse, Class II, trophy trout reach
Pit 4 — Class II–III, volcanic canyon wild trout
Pit 5 — Class II–III, final reach to Lake Shasta
Outfitters
The Fly Shop (Redding)
Pit River wild trout guides and gear
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.