In the months of February, March, and April, late winter and early spring fishing on the Pit River can be exceptional, provided water conditions and weather align favorably. During this period, there are notable hatches of March Brown mayflies and smaller caddisflies that may commence as early as February, extending through March and April. The peak is marked by Pale Morning Duns emerging in mid-April, while the sizable stoneflies make their appearance as the weather warms later in April.

Successful fishing during these initial months is significantly influenced by weather conditions and runoff. Fortunately, the river's flows are largely regulated by releases from its numerous dams and powerhouses, ensuring that even in wet years, the river remains fishable for much of the spring season. Consequently, the Pit River has become a preferred early-season fishery. Stormy weather can trigger memorable Baetis mayfly hatches, and the warm, sunny days that characterize the onset of spring in the North State are optimal for fishing during this time. The increased insect activity spurred by warm weather tends to make the trout more responsive. Notably, some of the most rewarding dry fly fishing of the entire year occurs on sunny days in March and April on the Pit.

May and June are widely recognized as some of the river's "prime time" months. With the warming weather in late spring and early summer, a diverse array of insects hatch on the Pit, offering consistent opportunities throughout each day for catching fish on both nymphs and dry flies.

During this period, the stoneflies take center stage. The massive salmonflies kick off the stonefly hatches, emerging sporadically from May to early June. Following them are numerous Golden Stoneflies and Little Yellow Stoneflies, enticing the wild rainbow trout of the Pit River to rise to the surface. Even when the fish aren't fixated on flying adult insects, nymphing in the pocket-water with substantial stonefly nymphs proves to be exceptionally productive.

As summer progresses into July and August, the "dog days" usher in the best time for wet-wading the Pit River. Highsticking the pocket water and oxygenated pools during the morning and midday yields nice trout. Hatches of Golden Stoneflies and caddis provide sporadic dry fly opportunities in the hour just before dark.

By late July or early August, the river's many submerged boulders transform into a haven for midge larva, becoming a newfound delicacy for trout from late summer through the fall. Fishing traffic remains light during the summer months, making it one of the favorite times of the year on the river. Anglers can relish the solitude.

In the fall, the Pit River showcases some of its larger insects, featuring the renowned Isonychia mayflies and a few substantial October Caddis, complemented by the most favorable weather of the season. These sizeable insects emerge by crawling onto streamside boulders and vegetation. While dry fly opportunities may be infrequent, the robust rainbow trout in the canyon's turbulent pocket water often voraciously feed on the nymphs that easily detach in the tumult.

Overcast days unveil exceptional blue-winged olive hatches. Responding to changes in barometric pressure, these diminutive mayflies hatch whenever a storm front sweeps through the region, triggering outstanding midday dry fly action on various local streams, including the Pit, spanning both the fall and winter seasons.