Burney Area Fly Fishing Report

Dave Neal reports on 7.23.2015

Pit River

Fishing continues to be solid in the Inter-Mountain region. I’ve spent most of my guide days in the areas of Hat Creek, Fall River and Pit 3 this week. With lots of good (cold water) summer fishing destinations nearby, Clearwater Lodge has been our base camp for adventures. Chef Noel’s amazing culinary creations are always a fantastic finale to a great day on the water!

Pretty significant news for Pit #3… The road about 1 mile below Britton Dam is CLOSED to all traffic (@Siren Run access). PG&E is ripping out 300ft of the road to re-build and perform scheduled maintenance in specific areas downstream. We are told this closure will be in effect well into September!!

This is a major bummer as Pit #3 has been fishing very well for us lately and the water conditions have been great (It’s remaining cold and healthy for trout!!). This is a significant loss of access to a very good summer fishery. Anglers are encouraged to travel from Big Bend off Hwy 299 to access the Pit #3 section by traveling upriver from there. 

Morning and late afternoon high-stick sessions have been solid for wild Pit River trout. Staple mayfly patterns like Hogan’s S&M, Mercer’s Micro Mayfly in brown and olive #14-18, along with Fox’s Poopah’s, Bird’s Nests, Gordon’s Prince and Silvey’s caddis #14-16 have been go-to caddis patterns for me. We have also have success turning some heads in late afternoon short-line dry fly fishing!!! Fish the appropriate pocket water to set yourself up for success!

Hat Creek

Hat Creek and surrounding waters (Cassel, Baum Lake, etc) have been consistently fishing well this week! These waters are great for teaching fundamental skills to beginners and especially, kids. July and August are great months to introduce friends and family to the wonderful world of fly fishing. If you are not familiar with these areas, a knowledgeable guide can really make the difference!

Fall River

Fall River fished well for us yesterday. The upper river wasn’t too crowded and the weather is mild this week. Highs of 82 degrees and some breezy afternoon’s have made for a wonderful summer conditions on this amazing spring creek. The river is pretty weedy in areas, but actually opening back up in some spots. Hatches were not intense, but plenty of fish were chowing on small midges, and small mayfly nymphs dead drifted in the lanes and drop offs. We also had some really great moments swinging sparsely tied “leech style” patterns on the clear intermediate line. It’s fun to mix it up and fish for those grabby trout that move to eat the swinging flies…go for the grab… and take a break from the bobber!

I have not been out hexing in a while. We are currently in a cloudy, breezy, cooler weather pattern. Burney and Fall River experienced a deluge thundershower a few evenings ago. The rain is much appreciated, but the current weather pattern may affect the evening hexing a bit this week…

Cheers

David Neal
Reel Adventures Guide Service
760-914-0465 mobile