The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Thank for the advice given in my "Stream Suggestions" thread.

I am headed to the Pit River for the first time. Yes, I am headed to a local Goodwill store to get some cheap ski poles to wade with.

My question is where to camp.

My friend and I driving up late Monday night and will arrive in the area sometime after midnight. I am seeing just two possibilities: Burney Falls State Park or Northshore. I would prefer something a bit more remote and primitive if possible but have turned up nothing in my research. Any other options or is Burney my best bet to access the #3 stretch of the Pit?

Between Burney and Burney falls is the road to access #3, (way closer to Burney Falls – right down 89 about a 1/4 mile I think). There’s plenty of camping around the area, although I’ve usually stayed at Burney Falls SP, but I leave early in the morn’n and don’t return till way after sundown, so the tent city never really bothered me too much. (But I usually prefer the remoteness as well) There are many campgrounds in the area and the entrance to Burney Falls SP should have maps in case you wish to wish look elsewhere. I am thinking that this time of year won’t be a problem, especially on a Monday night, but don’t quote me. Good thing about BFSP, is that it is a rocks throw to Burney Creek and a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Hat, just incase the Pit beats you up too much, and you want a afternoon of reprieve. Just remember to have a spare set of clothes in the car in case you fall in the drink. The one time I forget to bring’em, was the time I ended up doing the doggie paddle with water up to my nose… good times.

If you really wanted to go primitive, there is a spot on Pit Canyon Road that you can set up a tent. It’s nice and flat, but there are no toilets either. I believe it is on #3.

It should really start to pick up there about now. Have a blast...

Great reply. Thank you. I spoke to a ranger up there on the phone and she said to expect 15-20 sites occupied out of 129 on weeknights, so that plus the off-peak rates makes Macarthur-Burney Falls the right choice. Plus as you said, the creek is right there and I have fished it above the falls for some nice brookies in the past.

Digging some more I did find out about the primitive camp site you mentioned. It is just past the #4 dam but given the time of night I am arriving, I will just go for the easy to locate State Park.

Hopefully, the Isonychias will be in the water. Might be a bit early for October Caddis but I am bringing some flies and nymphs to match regardless.