Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River
California, United States
The new Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River combines the ambiance, elegance, and spacious accommodations of the extraordinary 1921 Arts and Crafts-style Pit River Lodge with the talented guide staff, creative menus, and renowned fly fishing schools that have distinguished Clearwater House on Hat Creek for the past 25 years. The Lodge is a full-service fly fishing destination, offering meals, accommodations, guiding and instruction on northeastern California's five great wild trout rivers and spring-fed stillwaters. Click on the links below to see all we have to offer
| Capacity: | 40 |
| Open: | April to November |
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| Location: | We are located in Fall River Mills, California off of Highway 299. |
| Reservations: | 530-336-5005 |
| Rates: | There are a number of fly fishing packages available from between $605 per person for a weekends fishing to $1375 per adult and $675 per child(under 14) for a family fly fishing camp. |
| Minimum Stay: | 1 |
| Deposit: | A deposit of 50% is required within 14 days of booking. |
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| Fly Fishing: | The 100 miles of forested mountain country between the volcanic peaks of Mt Shasta to the north and Mt Lassen to the south hold the finest concentration of wild trout waters in California. Two remarkable spring creeks and three freestone rivers offer a range of fly fishing opportunities unmatched on the west coast. In addition to these five rivers, we have a number of smaller spring-fed creeks and stillwaters that grow rainbows of impressive size and beauty. Because these rivers are all within easy driving distance of each other, Clearwater guides often take guests to fish two or more fisheries a day. This renowned spring-fed river rises clear and cold from Thousand Springs, in the shadow of Mt. Shasta, and meanders nearly thirty miles through the lush Fall River Valley. Its large wild rainbows come readily to a well-fished dry fly or nymph. Fall River's legendary hatches range from the tiny #22 Trico spinner to the giant #6 Hexagenia mayfly. All flatwater, the Fall is fished only from aluminum prams with small motors. Big wild rainbows and extraordinary hatches mean great fishing all season. The most famous spring creek on the west coast, Hat Creek is California's version of the chalk streams of southern England where fly fishing was born. In 1968, it became the west's first fishery to be managed exclusively for wild trout. Clear and weedy, Hat's rich waters support a diverse insect population and thousands of trout per mile in the three miles of Trophy Water. There are 16 fishable hatches. The fishing is tough on the flats, with large fussy trout, small flies, and 7X tippets. There is also over a mile of productive riffles and runs for nymphing. The evening caddis hatches often bring the fish to the surface in a feeding frenzy. Described by fisheries biologists as the finest naturally-occuring wild trout fishery in California, the Pit River offers over 30 miles of beautiful, remote canyon water. Below Lake Britton, the river is divided into three reaches by dams and powerhouses. Wading can be challenging, but the beauty of the canyon, the miles of productive pocket water and pools plus the high catch rate of bright wild rainbows make it perfect for the angler seeking solitude and adventure. Northern California's most famous freestone fishery. The McCloud is a classic pool and pocket water river in a magnificently wooded canyon. The McCloud rainbow is highly prized. In the late 1800s, it was the source of rainbow stocks now found around the world. In the autumn, it has a fine run of brown trout from Lake Shasta. Special regulations protect this fishery and it produces trout to 24 inches, typically on nymphs and streamers. The three miles of Nature Conservancy water is zero-kill and limited to ten rods a day. We fish both this water and the six miles of public water above the Conservancy. We also fish the upper river, above the reservoir, where the wading and access are easy and the many small fish quite willing. A sparkling little trout river with crystal clear water, and nearly 50 miles of pools, pockets and runs, full of wild fish. It offers easy access, easy wading and a relaxed and intimate fishing experience. After a chemical spill in the early 90s, this classic little trout river has astonished everyone with the speed and success of its recovery and now enjoys zero kill regulations over most of its length. The railroad runs the entire length of the canyon. Walking the tracks gives great access to remote sections and evening dry fly opportunities in summer can be excellent. This is another of the little-known gems of Intermountain fishing. Within McArthur Burney Falls State Park, vast springs flow from the porous basalt and create a sparkling little spring creek just a couple of miles long in a setting of extraordinary beauty. Teddy Roosevelt called Burney Falls one of the wonders of the world. Over 6 million gallons of water a day flow over the falls, to support a fishery of wild rainbows mixed with occasional browns. Not to be missed! Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, Big Lake, Eastman Lake, the Tule River, the Little Tule River, lower fall River - these are a few of the waters we fish from the Adipose, our bass boat, in the east side of the Fall River Valley. This is the largest spring system in the United States. The water is gin clear, the casts can be long and the fish can be picky; but the scenery is spectacular, the birdlife abundant, and the rainbow trout unforgettable! The Sacramento River below Redding has become recognized as a world-class rainbow fishery. Since we use drift boats on the Lower Sac, you can get out and wade or spend the whole day in the boat - it's up to you! The water between Redding and Anderson is close to Clearwater and has some of the best trout fishing in the state. While it's mostly nymphing, there are good caddis hatches from spring to fall. Clearwater Lodge has the most extensive fly fishing school in the west. Over the past 30 years, we have taught thousands of people the skills and pleasures of fly fishing. Our location in the heart of the finest wild trout waters in California means that after learning on our spring creeks and freestone waters, you can go anywhere in the country and expect to feel comfortable on the trout waters there. Most schools are Wednesday to Sunday and include meals, accommodations, instruction and the use of any major tackle items. Here are the school's we offer: Mastering the Art of Flyfishing Women's Mastering the Art of Flyfishing Advanced Dry Fly Advanced Nymphing Advanced Sinking Line The Master Angler The Guide School Here's how to select the school that's right for you: Choose Mastering if you have little or no recent fly casting or fly fishing experience, virtually no familiarity with the tackle or knots of fly fishing. Previous fishing experience is not necessary. Choose an Advanced Class if you have been through the Mastering program or if you already have a reliable and reasonably accurate overhead cast, the ability to place your fly in a six foot circle at about 20 feet consistently, a general familiarity with the knots and tackle of fly fishing, and basic wading and stream fishing experience. Choose the Master Angler if you wish to become an expert angler. Choose the Guide School if you want to teach fly fishing skills. If you have any question about the right school for you, call us and let us help you decide. Clearwater's fly fishing packages offer a complete angling experience. The perfect way to experience the magic of fly fishing for the first time or explore the waters in the Intermountain area. Enjoy excellent meals, comfortable accommodations, and expert guiding. Come share the wonder of fly fishing in this special part of California. All you need is your personal clothing and your sense of enthusiasm! Please visit our website at http://www.clearwaterlodge.com/index.shtml for more detailed information |
| Transportation: | Rides from Fall River Airport. |
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| Lodging: | The Main Lodge is a historic Arts and Crafts building of lava rock and clear fir. There is a Great Room with sofas, Mission chairs, and a large fireplace. The Library has a selection of fly fishing titles. The bedrooms in the Main Lodge feature queen beds, private baths, oriental rugs, and antiques. Connected by a portico to the Main Lodge, the Annex building has seven single rooms which share two baths and a sitting room with stone fireplace. All lodge buildings have air conditioning and wireless internet access. There are three cottages offering two or three room suites. |
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