High Sierra Topix

Hey folks,
Im camping in the Burney area next week. If anyone has specific fly fishing advice (bugs, methods, etc), I will happily take it. I know the Pit River and Hat Creek are nearby, but I was also entertaining fishing Burney Creek above the falls, too... so as to avoid getting in trouble for running off from the family.

Feel free to PM me if you like. And thanks!
SB

I fished it last July. The pools and runs right above the falls were loaded with planted trout. With good polarized glasses, you'll see the grey backs of planted fish in most pools. A caddis puppa worked best (tan color sz14 or 16)). We caught so many that we got bored after about two hours and then headed to the Pitt.

I understand that the fishing is good further upstream from the foot bridge that you can also get into some wild trout.

Great spot for kids or people new to fishing. Warning, there are lots of tourists so you'll usually have a good audience.

Bart

The Mosquitos are legendary. Don't forget the DEET.

I've only fished that area once, but I have to say I LOVED the Pit. It's one tough river to fish, possibly The toughest I've fished but then again we had plenty of action. Just be prepared that you will likely have a lower hookup to net ratio than normal in part becuase you just cannot chase any biggies downstream if they run (and they always do from my experience). Hat creek certainly had plenty of fish, and an even healthier population of anglers ... I'll leave it at that. As for bugs it really depends of course on the conditions at the time, but I would hazard a guess that most caddis imitations would be productive as well as some golden stones. I'd also bet that a sz 16 parachute Adams would likely find plenty of hungry fish on any of those streams you mention. Just guesses as I've only fished that area once about a month ago...
JB

The Pit has new higher flows and can be even more difficult to fish than it used to be. However, those are some of the hardest pulling trout you will find. Bring a wading staff and some ibuprofen. Hat Creek has been declining for years but is still worth a visit. If you're not a spring creek specialist try the powerhouse riffle in the morning, preferably midweek. Don't wade thru the riffle or the guides get bitchy.
I always enjoy fishing Burney creek downstream of the falls for lots of little fish slashing dries. Try a hopper/dropper if they're not hitting the dry.