Pit 7 Reservoir in Shasta County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Pit 7 Reservoir lies in Shasta County, in California. The bank gives way to pine and hardwood. At some 480 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The margin runs to about 4.7 miles in total. Few waters listed in Shasta County are bigger. Burney lies 16 miles from the water. The big place round here is Chico, 78 miles distant. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Pit 7 Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Shasta County records list Chinook salmon, green sturgeon, rainbow trout, brook trout and Sacramento sucker among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read this water for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 72°F and December near 40°F. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Plan around that when you fish this water. Cool nights slow the mornings but sharpen the evenings.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Pit Six Reservoir, 5 miles out. Check the position at this water before loading the car.