Fly Fishing Guide on the Pit River – Drifting Waters

About Your Guide

Bill Schmunk is a licensed California fly fishing guide and longtime resident of the Intermountain region. With decades spent fishing and rowing the Pit River, Bill brings unmatched familiarity and professionalism to every trip. He is dedicated to providing a safe, rewarding, and stress-free experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

A salmon is jumping in the air on a white background.

Key features include:

  • One-on-one or small group instruction

  • Equipment provided at no additional cost

  • Local knowledge of the best holding water
  • Fully guided whitewater drifts through Class II rapids

  • Frequent sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife

  • Patient, customized coaching for every skill level

What Sets Drifting Waters Apart

Drifting Waters is a low-volume, high-quality guide service. Every trip is limited to just two anglers aboard a specially designed 13-foot raft outfitted like a drift boat. With front and rear fishing positions, the raft provides excellent stability, maneuverability, and casting space. It also allows access to remote, less-pressured stretches of the Pit River that most anglers never see.

The goal is not just to catch fish, but to build skills, create memories, and connect with one of California’s finest trout rivers.

A person is holding a rainbow trout in their hands
A man is holding a net with a fish in it in the water.

Experience a Day You’ll Never Forget

Welcome to Drifting Waters, a personalized fly fishing guide service operating exclusively on the Pit River in Northern California. Led by experienced guide Bill Schmunk, Drifting Waters offers expertly tailored trips for both seasoned anglers and those brand new to fly fishing. With more than 25 years of guiding experience and over three decades of local river knowledge, Bill delivers unforgettable days on the water filled with learning, action, and relaxation.


Whether you're looking to catch strong wild rainbow trout or simply want to drift peacefully through a scenic canyon, Drifting Waters will meet you where you are. Each trip is crafted around your comfort and goals, with careful attention to safety and enjoyment.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Booking with Drifting Waters is simple. Bill is available from Sunday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and offers trips throughout the main fly fishing season. To reserve your trip, call Bill directly at 530-945-1780 or email him at bills@driftingwaters.com. Advanced reservations are highly recommended due to limited availability.

Full Day and Half Day Trip Options

A man is holding a net with a fish in it in the water.

Full Day Trip – 550 dollars

  • Duration: 8 hours or longer
  • Includes lunch, tackle, flies, and rods if needed
  • For up to two anglers
  • Designed for a deeper exploration of the river and its trout-holding waters
A man is fishing in a river with a fishing rod.

Half Day Trip – 375 dollars

  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Includes drinks, tackle, flies, and rods if needed
  • For up to two anglers
  • Ideal for a shorter yet action-packed outing
  • All trips include shuttle service. Wading is optional but often recommended, especially in productive seams and riffles.

Discover the Pit River

The Pit River is the longest tributary of the Sacramento River, located in northeastern California. It flows through a varied landscape, including valleys and basalt canyons, and is known for its wild trout fishery and hydroelectric power generation. The river gets its name from the pit traps historically dug by the Achomawi people for hunting.

A man in a boat is holding a fish in his hands
A man is holding a fish in front of a river.

Book Your Pit River Fly Fishing Trip Today

Whether you're chasing trophy rainbows or soaking in the beauty of the canyon, Drifting Waters offers a fly fishing experience you will remember for years. Take the first step and contact Bill today to reserve your guided trip.