May and June emerge as the generally acknowledged "prime time" months on Hat Creek. Commencing as early as the final Saturday in April, a plethora of insects initiate hatching on this spring creek, providing consistent opportunities throughout each day for catching fish on both nymphs and dry flies.

During this period, Hat Creek experiences numerous concurrent hatches, making it challenging to discern the fish's preferred insects. While larger insects like salmonflies in May and Green Drakes in June typically dominate, trout in the Wild Trout Section of Hat Creek adapt throughout the day, feeding on little yellow stoneflies, Pale Morning Duns, and caddis. When dry flies aren't the preferred option, employing dead-drifting nymphs under indicators in the riffle water often proves effective.

The prolific insect hatches in spring and early summer attract anglers to well-known accesses like the renowned Powerhouse #2 riffle, occasionally leading to crowded conditions. Fortunately, the abundance of fish and a generally observed angler etiquette mitigate this challenge. Nonetheless, for those seeking solitude away from the crowds, our guides possess strategies to access less-frequented sections of Hat Creek.

July and August are occasionally labeled as the dog days of summer on Hat Creek, but this period still offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Each morning sees consistent hatches of tiny Trico mayflies, while at dusk, caddisflies emerge in the riffles by the thousands.

Anglers who choose Hat Creek during the midsummer months often concentrate on the hatches that occur early and late in the day. Acknowledging that midday fishing can be sluggish, taking midday siestas provides a pleasant and relaxing change of pace. .

September, October, & November mark the Fall Season on Hat Creek, celebrated as a cherished time by locals. While other North State Rivers attract more attention and angling traffic, it's not uncommon to find Hat Creek entirely to yourself, offering the opportunity to relish the morning Trico Hatches. The evening rise brings common caddisflies, and the presence of giant October Caddis can stir the excitement of the larger creek inhabitants. Abundant dry fly opportunities arise, and employing dead-drifting nymphs—or even suspending dropper nymphs below substantial attractor dry flies—proves to be highly productive.

On overcast days, exceptional blue-winged olive hatches may unfold. These diminutive mayflies are responsive to changes in barometric pressure, hatching whenever a storm front moves through the area, resulting in outstanding midday dry fly action on all regional streams, Hat Creek included. For an added challenge, attempt to deceive the discerning trout inhabiting Hat Creek's most demanding section of technical water: the clear, smooth micro-currents of Carbon Flats.