The Pit River got its name from deep pits dug along the river by Native Americans to trap wild game. It is the largest river in Northeast California, originating near the Oregon-California border and flowing into Lake Shasta.

Numerous hydroelectric dams split the river into sections. The country surrounding the river is rugged, with steep canyons, waterfalls, thick brush, and slick boulders. The high pH of the water provides a strong insect population, thus supporting a robust fish population. Pit River rainbow trout live in every pocket in the river and average 12-16 inches with some reaching over 20 inches. Their girth and strength are notable.

In the spring and early summer, the rainbows gorge on blue wing olives, salmonflies, and golden stoneflies. Activity slows down in the summer due to warmer water temperatures, although fish will feed on caddis hatches in the mornings and evenings. Action picks up in the fall with the hatches of October caddis and slate drake mayflies. The river is open to fishing in the winter, although the fish are not as active.

The high pH of the water also promotes algae growth. This reduces water visibility and makes wading the river bottom very slippery. There are some road access points to sections of the river, but the majority is accessed by hiking the banks and is not for the faint of heart.

Most of the fishing is done below Lake Britton. Some campgrounds are present along the river, although the surrounding area is remote. Lodging and amenities can be found closer to Redding.