Hat Creek
California · Northern California
Rainbow TroutBrown Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Hat Creek
Hat Creek Riffle
Hat Creek Riffle is one of California's most famous and challenging dry fly fisheries , a slow spring-fed section with enormous wild brown and rainbow trout that have seen every fly ever tied. Technical midge and PMD fishing demands expert skills. Fish up to 24 inches cruise feeding lanes visible from the bank.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Powerhouse No. 2 Outflow
Cold water releases from the powerhouse create productive tailwater conditions supporting the large trout population in Hat Creek Riffle. This inflow maintains critical summer temperatures keeping fish active and feeding. The area around the outflow is the most consistent fish-holding water on the creek.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Rising River Section
Below Hat Creek Riffle the Rising River section transitions to faster more forgiving water with good rainbow trout populations. This section provides a more achievable alternative to the technical riffle for anglers still developing their skills. Fish average 12-16 inches here with less selective feeding behavior.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable. Check TroutBible gauge before heading out , Hat Creek rarely varies but irrigation diversions can affect lower sections.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Upper Hat Creek
Above the famous riffle section upper Hat Creek flows through lava rock terrain with excellent wild rainbow and brown trout in faster water. This section rewards anglers willing to scramble through challenging terrain. The volcanic backdrop makes Hat Creek one of the most visually distinctive trout streams in the West.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Lake Britton Section
Near Lake Britton where Hat Creek is impounded the creek below the dam provides consistent trout fishing with stocked fish supplementing wild populations. This more accessible section offers easier fishing for beginners and families. Brown trout dominate the fish-holding areas near the dam.
💧 Ideal flow: Low and stable.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Anson's Gear Picks
Gear Anson has tested and trusts. TroutBible is not paid or sponsored by any gear company.
Rod — Budget · 9ft 3-4wt
Echo Carbon XL
Versatile fast action trout rod
Rod — Premium · 10ft 3wt
Echo Shadow II
Euro nymphing specialist
Reel — Budget
Lamson Liquid S
Premium drag at entry price
Reel — Premium
Abel SDF
American made precision reel
Waders — Budget
Simms Tributary Waders
Breathable entry level Simms
Waders — Premium
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse
3-layer GORE-TEX performance
Boots — Budget
Simms Tributary Boot
Rubber sole — river safe
Boots — Premium
Patagonia River Salt II
Premium rubber sole wading boot
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About Hat Creek Fishing
Hat Creek stands as California's premier spring creek, flowing from the volcanic springs at the base of Mount Lassen in Shasta County with crystal-clear water and remarkable consistency. The Lower Wild Trout section is strictly catch-and-release fly fishing only, making it one of the West's most technically demanding and rewarding trout fisheries.
Best Time to Fish Hat Creek
Hat Creek's volcanic springs maintain stable water temperatures year-round, creating reliable hatches of Pale Morning Duns and caddis throughout the seasons. Spring and fall typically offer the most predictable fishing conditions, though the creek's spring-fed nature means you can find rising trout during summer months when other California streams are struggling.
Species
Rainbow trout dominate Hat Creek's population and respond eagerly to precise dry fly presentations during peak hatches. Brown trout are also present in good numbers, providing an additional challenge for anglers willing to fish more selective patterns and techniques on this selective spring creek.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current California fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Hat Creek may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid California fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Flow data on this page comes straight from the USGS National Water Information System — the same source professional guides rely on. Readings update every 15–60 minutes, tracking CFS and gauge height in real time.