It is always a good idea to watch the flows before you go and when you are fishing. Having said that, the Pit is still bigger and dirtier than we like in most areas. Big Bend flows are around 1,600 cfs. With no rain in the forecast flows will continue to drop but you may want to give this gem some time to simmer down and clear out before trying your luck.

Go prepared with snow chains/tires, shovel and emergency jackets and winter clothing. Bring a sleeping bag just in case you get stuck. The Pit is remote and few people venture to fish here in the winter. If your car/truck battery dies.. you may have to walk out or spend the night.. don't laugh. It happened.

Contact us about the Pit River via e-mail or call 800-669-3474.

Bring the wading staff! We highly recommend wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) too. The Pit River is a demanding river to wade thanks to slippery, bowling-ball like boulders and rocks. Keeps the crowds down!

The Fly Shop's® Tips: Use a lot of split shot, get the nymphs down fast. Fish the pockets, shoots, creases. High-stick and short-line technique is the best approach. A good fly selection consists of #6-8 brown or black rubber legs, #14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, #18 Zebra Midges or any dark midge for that matter. When fishing indicators suspending #14-16 nymphs, don't put the flies so deep that your hitting bottom every drift. Put the flies up where the fish can see them. Show the rainbows a fly enough times and they will come to it. A #14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymph is a very consistent fly on the Pit. Under a medium sized indicator, fish a #6-8 Pat's rubber Legs and a #14 pheasant tail nymph or #14-16 prince nymph. Mercer's #16 black Micro-Mayfly is another great fly. High-stick and short line angling techniques are very, very effective on this stream.

Be ready for supremely tough wading conditions when fishing the Pit. Flat ground DOES NOT exist here! A wading staff really makes a difference for every angler who fishes here. Pack some dry clothes, snake kit and don't forget to dry out your fly-box at the end of the day! The Pit River rainbows will eat all day most of the time. These feisty fish can be found holding in fast bubbly water and in slower, smooth flowing water as well. High-stick and short line nymphing techniques are the key to finding the biggest rainbows on this river. Have plenty of BB, AAA and SSG split shot in your vest pocket. Feed lots of line and go for long drag free drifts, using an indicator and suspending flies 3 - 6 feet deep, in the long smooth glides between boulders and broken riffles. An there is no shortage of boulders, riffles, runs and pockets.