Monthly Archives: July 2010

Native remnant-sporting colors.

E-Yow! It’s been blazing hot this past week. Scorching temps have soared over the century mark, even in our neck of the woods, creating thirst and desire for bountiful numbers of your favorite chilled beverages that seem to go down way to easy. Mild nights, long days, blaring sunlight and prolonged hot temps are simply harsh fishing conditions and quite the norm during peak summertime. Most all lower elevation fisheries are impacted and during heat up periods fish tend to develop modified feeding habits. Seeking low lighting and cooler temperatures trout are most activate early mornings and late evenings. Mid-day most fisheries downshift into a neutral mode while trout tend to be become lethargic and develop heavy eyelids. To achieve optimum conditions and keep the odds off success in your favor anglers need to target lower elevation waters early and late…

Freestone scour & rage.

But what about fishing mid-day during the heat? Get high young man. No, not agriculturally enhanced or intoxicated, although if that’s your bag. Head to the high country waters of Trinity County where it is much cooler and mid-day fishing can be refreshing and much more forgiving. Trinity County is blessed with a remarkable number of headwater freestone streams that are just now coming into great shape after an extensive runoff. These sweet water gems include upper Trinity River, East Fork Trinity River, Swift Creek, Coffee Creek, Stuarts Fork, Papoose Creek and many others. (Reference Streamtime Trinity River Map—always available at T.F.S.) Mostly freestone compositions these headwaters streams offer a variety of scenic and challenging pocketwater/pool fishing. Rock hopping and target casting small drys, nymphs and terrestrials with lightweight outfits (2-3wts.) for healthy populations of native rainbows, browns and brookies. Overshadowed by other popular Trinity waters these streams receive moderate to light fishing pressure therefore fish can be quite eager and willing. Multiple hook-ups are common. ( Ok-Ok—number crunchers can apply…) Most trout are small, however on occasion larger lake run trout are available and catch the unsuspecting angler off guard; usually departing fly and tippets and leaving the surprised angler wide eyed and stunned.

Brookie ain’t no lady.

The Alps terrains are rugged, remote and no gemmy. While these streams are inviting they are close but far away. Spirited heart anglers have to invest time and effort for sweet rewards. It is wise to develop a game plan when selecting waters for fishing. A favorite personal approach is to stash a mountain bike at the lower end of your approach. Target waters above and hike/fish down to your bike. Another option that doesn’t involve a mountain bike is select waters adjacent old logging or secondary roads. Hike/fish downstream and hike back up the road and walk back upstream. Optimally it would be great to have someone pick you up at the end of a stretch of selected water. All these options permit you to thoroughly fish more waters without the hassle of hiking back up stream. Devoted freestone anglers know the drill — Minimize your hiking efforts to maximize your fishing. Wade wet, it is refreshingly enjoyable and adds to the comfort level from the heat. Go light, a small backpack is ideal. Carry only what is needed. (Handful flys-tippits-hemos-license-bevs/snacks etc.) When fishing the Trinity freestone streams it is all but haunting as the wind blows through the canyons and whispers the tales these waters not long ago supported legendary runs of salmon and steelhead. The spirit and beauty of these colorful natives are cherished remnants of their ancestors and a reminder of Ma Nature and her will to survive and perpetuate. Respect, tred lightly, catch-release, and heat up to cool down.

Headwaters-liquid source… Beautiful Salmon-Trinity Alps.

A river never sleeps. It is constantly changing. One major impacting factor that greatly influences river change/alternations is high water flows. High flow velocities activate hydraulic actions that can scour river bottoms. This “natural” process reveals loose and clean gravels while at the same time grooms and re-deposits gravel loads throughout the system. Prolong high water flows can also contribute and benefit rivers by washing out undesirable sediment loads. River morphologists often refer to the word “alluvial” to best describe these actions. Mother Nature’s hydraulic rhythms ultimately create desirable spawning, rearing and aquatic habitats that are most essential for sustainment and perpetuation of both resident and anadromous “native” fish stocks. The hydraulic flushing pulse is an incredibly fascinating and unique process that has nurtured watersheds for thousands of years or until the inception of dams and other man influenced alternations.

Loch Leven jackpot.

The 2010 Trinity River high water flows represented the following peak flows: Upper river (Lewiston) peaked out at 6,000cfs. While the lower river (Hoopa) peaked out around 38, 000cfs.(Adding up all secondary rivers and tributary flows many forget just how massive the lower Trinity drainage is.) Finally the upper Trinity River has settled down from this springs high flows and leveling off down to a prime 750cfs..(A bench release for the next three weeks—dropping to 500cfs. July 31). It is exciting to once again be able to fish the river and closely observe the many changes. Each and every year we eagerly look forward to our research/observations and there is no better way to tune in than floating it with rods in hand.

Summertime research.

Even at 750 cfs. we have already witnessed the following changes. Many upper river holding/staging waters have filled in either naturally by gravels from secondary tributaries or by artificial Gravel Injection/Placement projects; or both. (These waters primarily include—Diversion Pool—Bridge Pool—Petersons Pool –Burner as well as the top end of Rush Creek). These specific water compositions are of major concern and vital to native stocks. Not all “native” stocks spawn within the main stem TR. “Native” tributary stocks rely on main stem TR deep cool water pools/sanctuary waters to stage/mature before entering secondary tributaries. In essence, some pre-mature native fish stocks race through the system seeking deep/cool waters to hold over. Time will tell. On a brighter note prime traditional riffles, from Douglas City on up to Bucktail, appear groomed and ready to support new arrivals. In between non-descript waters, glides, tailouts etc., vary with bottom compositions. Some prime waters seem to have been smothered with silty/sandy bottoms. Others have reformed with beautiful rocky bottoms and shed light for great possible options. In other words, with the high flow hydraulic actions you loose waters, you gain waters—keeping anglers guessing. As the river continues to drop to its minimum flow of 450cfs. I’m sure these waters will reflect other appearances and possibly provide additional options. Whether they hold receptive fish or not is all up to Ma Nature and current conditions. Whether they provide a “bucket” or maintain a “sweet spot” is all up to the angler and their abilities to search’em out. Go for the Jackpot and keep tight lipped!