Hat Creek Fishing
Hat Creek is a legendary spring creek and one of the best walk-and-wade fisheries in the region. With gentle terrain, minimal elevation change, and no large boulders, it offers some of the easiest and most accessible wading you’ll find.
While wading is easy, the fishing can be challenging. Hat Creek hosts a wide variety of hatches, making it an ideal place to hone your casting skills and learn different presentation techniques. The slow, flatwater sections between riffles demand precision and strategy, especially given their depth and clarity. The trout here are selective and elusive—so every rise to your fly feels like a true accomplishment.
Target Species
Hat Creek is now open year-round for catch-and-release fishing. As a spring creek, it stays cold and crystal clear throughout the year, making it a reliable fishery in all seasons.
Early Season (May–June): This is prime time on Hat Creek. Starting around Opening Day (last Saturday in April), major hatches like salmonflies, Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, yellow stoneflies, and caddisflies offer excellent dry fly and nymph fishing. Fish can be selective with so many bugs around, but drifting nymphs under an indicator in riffles can be highly effective. Popular areas like the Powerhouse #2 riffle can get crowded, but we know plenty of quieter, productive spots.
Summer (July–August): Despite the heat, fishing remains good—especially early and late in the day. Expect Trico hatches in the morning and strong caddis activity in the evening. Midday lulls are common, so many anglers explore nearby rivers like the Pit during the day, then return to Hat Creek for the evening rise.
Fall (September–November): Fall is a favorite among locals. With fewer anglers around, you can often have the water to yourself. Trico hatches continue in the morning, caddis and October Caddis emerge in the evening, and overcast days can trigger Blue-Winged Olive hatches. Dry flies work well, but nymphs or dropper rigs under attractor dries are also very effective.
Where We Fish
We do most of our wading near the town of Burney – on a typical day we cover 1-3 miles of water. This is very easy wading and it makes it easy for us to cover as much new water as we’d like.
Hat Creek has many slow, flatwater sections between riffles that demand precision and strategy, especially given their depth and clarity.
What's Included
We provide all the essential gear for your trip, including rods, reels, lines, and all terminal tackle. This covers flies, leaders, tippet, split shot, indicators, and any other expendable items needed for the day. You’ll also be supplied with water, Gatorade, and snacks, and on full-day trips, lunch is included for two anglers.
- Instruction and Guidance
- Rods, reels, lines and all terminal tackle. This includes flies, leaders, tippet, split shot, indicators and any other expendable amenities needed for the day.
- Water / gatorade, snacks
- Lunch for 2 anglers in included on full days
What To Bring
Please remember to bring your valid California fishing license, as well as appropriate clothing for the day. This includes waders, boots, and any personal gear you may need—such as rain gear, sunscreen, gloves, or layered clothing for changing weather conditions.
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation. If you prefer not to shuttle your own vehicle, we can arrange a shuttle service in advance for an additional fee.
We’ll provide water, Gatorade, and food, but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks, including beer, wine, or cider.
Lastly, gratuities are not included in the trip price but are greatly appreciated. A customary tip is 20% of the trip cost.
- Valid California fishing license
- Waders
- Boots
- Weather gear (rain gear, sunscreen, gloves etc.)
- Transportation. If a shuttle service is desired, it can be arranged in advance of the trip for an additional charge.
- Alcoholic Beverages: This includes un-distilled fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and cider.
- Gratuities: if you are inclined to tip your guide, 20% is customary.
- Hard liquor
Hat Creek Fishing FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
From $475
Trip Rate
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