Hat Creek is a legendary spring creek with an on-stream classroom at Powerhouse #2 and the lower reaches are perfect for beginners learning the art of fly fishing. The flatwater between riffles poses a challenge, requiring strategic casting due to its depth. The discerning and elusive trout in this area make each successful rise to your fly a noteworthy achievement.
Our Hat Creek walk & wade trips are tailored for 1-2 people near Burney, CA. On a typical day, we cover 1-3 miles of water. The day begins at 8 am and ends at 5 pm., complete with all necessary gear and lunch provided. Our friendly and experienced Hat Creek fly fishing guides share a collective experience of more than 80 years.
Embark on an adventure with our expert guides as they lead you through the captivating landscapes of Hat Creek. The journey takes you through classic spring creek flatwater and long riffles, offering diverse settings for both novice and seasoned fly fishers to hone their skills.
Hat Creek is now open year-round for catch and release. Since it’s a spring creek, it stays crystal clear and chilly pretty much every single day of the year.
Let’s break it down by season:
Early Season (May and June): This is what we call “prime time” on Hat Creek. Starting as early as Opening Day (last Saturday in April), tons of bugs start hatching, giving you plenty of chances to reel in some fish using nymphs or dry flies. With all these bugs buzzing around, it can be a bit tricky to figure out what the fish are munching on, but usually, they go for the bigger bugs like salmonflies in May and Green Drakes in June. But hey, even when those big bugs aren’t around, the trout will still go for little yellow stoneflies, Pale Morning Duns, and caddis. If the fish aren’t biting dry flies, try dead-drifting nymphs under indicators in the faster riffles. Just a heads up – popular spots like Powerhouse #2 riffle can get pretty crowded, but don’t worry, we know some secret spots that are just as good, if not better!
Summer (July and August): Some folks might call these months the “dog days of summer,” but trust us, there’s still some awesome fly fishing to be had! Every morning, you’ll see tiny Trico mayflies buzzing about, and in the evening, caddisflies emerge like clockwork. Anglers who come during these months usually fish early and late in the day since fishing can slow down a bit in the middle of the day. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to check out the nearby Pit River for some action-packed fishing before heading back to Hat Creek for the evening rise. It’s a great way to spend a summer day without bumping into too many other anglers!
Fall (September, October, & November): Fall is a local favorite on Hat Creek. While other rivers in the area get all the attention, Hat Creek often stays quiet, giving you the creek all to yourself – especially in the mornings when the Trico hatches are happening. In the evenings, you’ll see caddisflies coming out, and sometimes even the big October Caddis make an appearance. You’ll have plenty of chances for dry fly fishing, but fishing with dead-drifted nymphs or suspending dropper nymphs under big attractor dry flies can also be very effective. Keep an eye out for blue-winged olive hatches on overcast days – they can lead to some fantastic midday dry fly action. And if you’re up for a challenge, try your luck in Carbon Flats, where the trout are extra picky but oh-so-rewarding to catch!
Fall is a favorite time for locals to fish on Hat Creek. While other rivers in the area attract more attention, Hat Creek often stays quiet, giving you the creek all to yourself, especially in the mornings when the Trico hatches are happening. In the evenings, you’ll see caddisflies coming out, and sometimes even the big October Caddis make an appearance, exciting the larger fish in the creek. You’ll have plenty of chances for dry fly fishing, but fishing with dead-drifted nymphs or suspending dropper nymphs under big attractor dry flies can also be very effective. On cloudy days, keep an eye out for blue-winged olive hatches, which can lead to some exciting midday dry fly action on all the local streams, including Hat Creek. For a real challenge, try your luck in the most demanding section of Hat Creek, Carbon Flats, where the water is clear and smooth, and the trout are extra picky.
