Hugh & hefty native buck.

This year’s steelhead season has been challenging for most everyone. While fishing has been good for those who time it right others have not been so fortunate. Pockets of beautiful fish have been filtering through the system with warm sunny Indian summer conditions dominating; creating “dig’em”out demanding conditions. For the most part it has been a very enjoyable early season highlighted with some screaming beauty and impressive success. However many felt an early season rain would be the solution to even better fishing. Well, those who did the rain dance and prayed for the juice got it. Sunday the first major storm of the season brought a whopping 61/4” of rain in a 36 hr. period—Blowing out the entire watershed with a royal flushing.

Indian summer solitude…

The upper river (Douglas City) jacked up from 300 cfs. to 1800cfs…The lower system (Hoopa) peaked from 800cfs. to 12,000 cfs… Remember it is only late October. If this doesn’t get the fish moving, confused or even disorientated I don’t know what will. Past experiences have revealed all secondary rivers (North-South Trinities & New River) as well as most all tributary streams will siphon runs from the main stem, diluting major fish concentrations. A natural selection process for all “native” stocks that happens each and every year after the first significant rains and water fluctuations. On the other hand it is full steam ahead as Hatchery stocks tend to race through the system, huddled and regimented, until arriving at the Lewiston facility. Hurry up to wait mentality. Production personnel will simply release the unripe steelhead back into the system for a repeat migration. Just when they thought they were home?

Johnnie go steelie!

All north coast rivers are flowing and re-opening for what appears to be a very promising early season. Steelheaders now have a wide variety of top prospects to stretch a line. Rare to have so many rivers coming into shape with strong possibilities so early in the season. Currently the Trinity River is dropping and starting to fish once again. However more rain is in the forecast for the next few days. Weather forecasters indicated a La Nina’ (wet) fall-winter. It seems to be following the trend—time will tell. A steelhead’s world is constantly changing. Keeping this in mind I have preached it is always best to call ahead for current conditions. TRINITY FLY SHOP is your “Local Source” for accurate and reliable (on the river) reports and up dated information. 530-623-6757 or trinflyguy@shasta.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it is your connection for a quality Trinity Experience. (Need Help—Herb-Pat-Kit-Chris-Luke are here to answer your questions & help get you hooked up).

Indian Summer steel as colorful as the season itself.

The stage was set. A colorful landscape amongst towering evergreens provided a stunning highlight that was all but captivating. Cresting the west bank, filtering rays from an early morning autumn sun provided a prolonged dark sanctuary and enhanced the haunting beauty. A flock of mergansers shot through the river corridor, disrupting a resting heron that let out a loud croak while dodging and yielding the regimented flight. Ravaged by sexual maturity spawning Chinook jockeyed for position, pairing off, while digging redds along the soft edges of main riffle waters. An eager water ouzel hopped from rock to rock dipping and diving for aquatics and other tasty tidbits that were served up from the salmon orgy. Catching a glimpse of a fresh run Coho slicing through the riffle interrupted the moment and delivered another level of stoke and appreciation.

Sketchy fish reports deterred the majority. Surprisingly with all the river hype and publicity runs were void of anglers; a treasured rarity these days. However the early morning shift was full on and already delivered us two bright hatchery adults. Smiles of success and vocal excitement echoed. After the release of his chrome treasure, Ed decided it was time to pause and reflect. Besides the early morning four hour drive from the Bay was as good excuse as any to pop the vino and soak it up. Both anglers had scored but little did they know.

Misty morning magic.

Matt was more than willing to forfeit the time out and already stepped in for the next pass. Steelhead and the grab are simply contagious! Delivering a full stretch across the main run, Matt incorporated a couple upstream mends to allow his #2 Pimp to drop into the far seem for a bottom scouring dredge. The fly presented a four stage presentation; the drop, dead drift, lifting swing and the hang-down (Dangle) before covering all promising waters. Stepping down, Matt repeated his delivery. Feet up, kicked back and enjoying the full comfort of the bucket seats, Ed lifted his stash of vino and started to mention something when all of a sudden Matts reel bursted into full throttle. The surging yank and tight line connection forced Matt to buckle and bow to his leaping quarry. Erupting from the center of the run was an unusually large steelhead sporting a broad, quadrangle profile that represented serious size and weight. Landing back within the confines of the run the steelhead made no bones about it. He wanted no part of Matt or the Pimp. In an instant the magnum buck sped off in hot pursuit down stream taking Matt directly into the core of his backing on the initial run. Out of control, rod at full flex and reel still in high pitch the steelhead raced through the tailout and into a complex boulder strewn series of pocket waters. “Run” I shouted! Run!

Steelheading & the grab is contagious full stretch in search of fun.

Wide-eyed and stunned, Matt hustled down river holding rod high and expressing great concern about the limited amount of backing left on the reel. Hoots and cheers from the gallery gave Matt encouragement as he proceeded down around the corner. In the blink of any eye the rod went limp and all was suspiciously quiet. Slowly we could see the silhouette of a tired, defeated steelheader casually walking back up river. Holding the rod and reel up to display his defense it was obvious the canyon buck not only got the best of him but also made off with 70 ft. of fly line, as well. Matt muttered, “What the hell— Some fish are just not meant to be landed.” All was quiet. A bald eagle soared above, briefly checking us and the spawning salmon out before flying up the canyon; adding to the mystic, beauty and magic of Indian summer steelheading. Sound Advice- Never show up at a gun fight with a limp 6 wt. and/or 100 yds. of backing… Thoroughly check out all your gear and be well prepared before stepping in. Trinity Fly Shop, “your Local source” always has the goods, local knowledge and offers sound advice with an easy smile. Check us out!