Hat Creek represents the quintessential chess game of spring creek fly fishing for wary trout.

Current River Conditions:
Fishing best in the morning hours and then right after sunset. Warm weather will lead to better hatches that create better all-day fishing. Won't be long before stoneflies and salmon flies are creating better reports.

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
The AM hatches consist of little green baetis, about #18. The evening bite is produced by #6-8 leeches, like Zack's Swimming Leech and buggers like Fox's Peacock Buggers. Look for rising fish along the flats below the Power House #2 riffle. For the best presentation, drift your D&D Cripple down and across to rising fish. For a fun challenge, try catching Hat Creek trout on as many tactics as you can: small indicators with nymphs, swinging wet flies and/or streamers, and, of course, with a well-presented dry fly. The Powerhouse #2 Riffle is one of the best spots on the creek, but also one of the most popular. Anglers seeking a real challenge should sight-cast to trout in the fabled "carbon flats" section, and those looking for solace can hike into the freestone section just above Lake Britton. 5wt rods are perfect. Have an extra spool loaded with a Scientific Anglers Wet Tip Clear Fly Line.

River Fact:
It is true, the fact is Hat Creek acquired it's name because a surveyor lost his expensive hat there back in 1852. Folk lore supports the rumor that his friends laughed it up after listening to him cuss up a storm. In an impromptu witty ceremony, the creek was aptly named.

Suggested Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Last Chance Cripple #14-22
• Normans Loop Wing BWO & PMD
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Spotlight Caddis Emerger Olive #16
• Mercer's Missing Link #16-18
• Mercer's Poxyback Green Drake

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Mercer's Poxyback Green Drake
• Dark Lord #12-16
• Glass-Bead Micro May-Black or Olive
• Mercer's Gidget Brown or Olive
• Pat's Brown Rubber Legs #6-8
• GB Half-Flashback PT #14-20
• Burk's Crystal HBI
• Zack's Pseudo May #16-18 (Any)
• RK Flatulators Any/All

Streamers/Leeches:
• Zack's Zuggers Yellow/Brown
• Fox's Peacock Buggers #8
• Zack's Swimming Leech Various
• Fox's Cone Bugger Rust
• Double Bunny
• Beaded Mini Leech Olive

Fly Fishing Gear:
• Simms ? G4 Pro Wader
• The Fly Shop's ? Stockingfoot Chest Waders
• Wading Boots