April 28---HYMENOPTERA – SAY WHAT(diving wasp candy)
Spring sets the stage for so many exciting outdoor changes and fishing opportunities. For some it can be baffling as where to go and what to fish for. Others pleasure and peace of mind may not be fishing at all. It is just as easy to get caught up in spring’s blossoming beauty and observing the wonders of nature in colorful habitats. A major spring highlight I eagerly look forward to each and every year is the exciting hatches of Hymenoptera (aquatic diving wasps). Triggered by the first warming trends or heat ups of spring. These big hunks of protein float up in mass numbers and inspire most every double digit fish to key in and carelessly pork. Those who are on top of it and fortunate enough to experience a feeding frenzy are generally never the same--- totally jazzed, yearning for more and eagerly awaiting the next float up action.
My first encounter with diving wasps was 20 years ago when the first heat up of the spring delivered a mass float up of exceptionally large (size 6-8) wasps on LewistonLake. At that time the second generation/start-up of Callibaetis had been going off and providing solid action. Periodically a loud slurp from a suspiciously large sized fish overshadowed the typical Callibaetis rises. I directed my Callibaetis patterns to the heavy rollers without success. Witnessing the large numbers of drifting duns and not receiving any takers was puzzling. Were these heavyweights keyed in on something else? Stunned at the sight, sounds and numbers of larger trout slurping got the best of me. No better way to possibly solve the equation than to lay down the rod and tune in. Close observations in the film revealed large black aquatics, closely resembling black flying ants. Ahhhh s_ _t out of luck--- I had complete inventories of tired/true Callibaetis but no ants and as a result of no ant stash---no slabs. That night I called my good friend, Hal Jensen a popular and well recognized fly fishing legend and aquatic authority. I vividly remember the call. “Hey Hal, come on up. Every double digit trout in Lewie is gorging on large flying ants.” Hal patiently listened, paused, then started laughing before finally asking, “Herb, how many ants have you seen flying?” I gave it serious thought and mumbled “none.” That’s when he opened the door to my introduction and world of the Hymenoptera. But only before yanking my chain a half dozen times with knee slappers.
The order Hymenoptera is a large primarily terrestrial group of insects that include bees, wasps, ants etc. Their life cycle is much like a Steven King movie. The adult emergence (“float-ups”) is triggered by the first warm and windy weather patterns (80 degrees plus)…The adults maintain a low profile in the film, not easily recognized by the casual eye, and are often overshadowed by other aquatics before ultimately drifting ashore. They dry and fly straight to the trees such as oaks and evergreens to fornicate at night. Next day the females take flight and dives down to the bottom of the lake or river and deposits the eggs on the back of another aquatic to be used as a host, generally a caddis, damsel etc.. The wasp matures in a year and the cycle repeats itself. The larger (size 6-8) adults generally represent the first generation float-ups and most exciting. Surface takes on these large critters can be down right obnoxious. Smaller (size 10-12-14) most common generations follow. Depending upon weather/water conditions float ups occur right through May or until all generations have expired. They all activate a pork fest fly fisher’s dream about and one you most definitely want to participate.
Rich fertile ecosystems and clean cold waters generally support diving wasp. Some of the more popular waters I have experienced and successfully fished them are: Virtually most all Trinity waters (High mountain-Trinity-Lewiston Lakes) Trinity River, LakeShasta, lower Sac, Hat Creek, and Lava Creek. Bass-trout-even squawfish all feast on’em…Each supporting population varieties and their own hatch time frames dictated by current weather/h20 conditions—spring is the season.
There are several fly patterns that are effective. (Trinity Fly Shop maintains a complete inventory of deadly “locally fashioned/tyed” wasp patterns). Size is most important. Match generation float ups. Secondly, pattern profile---keep’em greased and in the film. Although those who are really dialed, Like Hal, have experienced great success a day or two before major float ups fishing intermediate lines and wasp patterns in the mid-water columns. Last, color—generally black bodies with large brown wings. (Other varieties vary and reflect multi color bodies) Mix and match a complete inventory and don’t leave home without’em. Diving wasp float ups often happen when you least expect them. Don’t be on the loosing end. This spring be well prepared and in tune with conditions. Now turn off your TV & computer and go stretch a line!
April 20---GENERAL TROUT OPENER(April 24-Trinity Trout Options)
The general trout opener is this weekend (Sat-April 24) and waters above Lewiston-Trinity lakes re-open to all angling. Not to be confused with the earlier opening (April 1) Trinity River “Fly Only” waters” the lesser known Trinity Alps headwater lakes and tributaries are a unique composition of high mountain lakes, freestone rivers, Trinity lake (Ca’s fourth largest impoundment) and rich and fertile tailwaters. These west side gems are greatly influenced by weather and water conditions, all maintain reputations as sensitive and moody, yet able to pump at the right time and place. Some fish early while others keep anglers on hold until weather and water conditions settle---a season for all. The broad, ever changing lineups can keep anglers busy right through the entire trout season. Those desiring to fish and explore new waters off the radar, come check’em out…
HighMountainLakes---The Salmon-Trinity Alps supports over 53 lakes to choose from. However with this years snowpack (120% above norm) forget this weekend opener…Weather-h20 pending---possibly mid-June. Ice out always key for hunk Brookies. (Contact 530-623-2121 for trail and wilderness info).
Trinity Lake—Firing off NOW for early season smallmouth bass action. (currently supports state record smallie at 9lbs.1 oz.) but what about the trout…Great tributary rivermouth prospects…Float tube/pontoons/prams required to get into key lineups of intercepting tributaries…Wading anglers can also reap the rewards… Target the h20 mix. .Intercepting waters will be cold and flowing high---attracting hungry targets grazing deep. Deep water streamer fishing/nymphing holds strong promise… Weather pending mid-day hatches such as, March Browns, Blue Wing Olives, Yellow Sallies and Golden stones may develop and inspire surface action. No need fishing early—generally best mid-day during any heat up…Possibly BEST Prospect for opener.
Freestone Rivers (N.Fork Trinity—East Fork Trinity—Swift-Stuarts) all will be too cold and high…Heavy snowpack will keep these waters on hold until possibly late May-June. Keep a close eye on’em… He who strikes first generally elaborates about the one that got away and should have used 2X—those lake runs simply kick your bootie…This years opener---target their rivermouths…Trinity Lake Tributary Trout.
GrassValley lake---Happening NOW for fat, 10-17” native rainbows and land locked steelhead. Streamer/leeching with Clear Camo fly lines rule however some Callibaetis and aquatic Wasp hatches occurring on warming weather patterns. Requires 45 minute hike in and floating device. Where in the Hell is GrassValley lake? Trailhead only 10 minutes from Trinity Fly Shop. (Stop in for details and popular patterns).
LewistonLake---Increased flows down the Trinity River will also benefit Lewiston anglers---adding more current and direct line ups. Callibaetis-Midge already popping on lower flats while deep water leeching/streamer fishing yielding some slabs cruising the main channel waters. High flows will dominate Lewiston now through late summer…HatchMatchingLewistonLake.
Trinity River---High Flows through June…Good things happen to those who wade and wait…
If you can’t have fun with this west side lineup---you simply don’t know how to have fun! Remember---Trinity Fly Shop is filled to the gills with quality goods and here to help. Open 7 days a week… Keep in tune and stay turned on---your on the spot “local” source…
April 13---SLIPPERY WHEN WET(rubbers-felts-studs---you be the judge)
Brewing on the front burner the past year and a half has been much concern regarding the transport of undesirable foreign species and vegetations from one resource to another. (Refer ad: www.calflyfisher.com bottom page 56 April issue). .
These undesirable hitch hikers have negatively impacted specific resource habitats that in some lakes and rivers have ultimately impacted fish populations and resulting in declining fisheries. There are many ways undesirables can be transported including waders, boots, nets, float tubes, boats, trailers, skies/wakeboards etc...Lately there has been heavy controversy about felt soled wading boots, their future and roll as fly fishing gear and most importantly their impacts in helping spread the unwanted.
2010 leading wading boot manufactures have launched a major campaign to help minimize evasive species by producing new lines of rubber soled/studded, non studded variety wading boots. Many eliminating the use of felt altogether, at least for the time being. A major pitch from manufactures are felt compositions absorb more and maintain nooks and crannies, allowing easy transport for unwanted hitch hikers while rubber soled boots do not.…Seems rational and reason to believe. If true than right on! Every little bit helps. Especially when something new is developed to benefit resources and possibly aid anglers. But can’t undesirables still be transported by boot tongues, laces, seams, cracks, stitching and the boot design itself, regardless of sole compositions? Factor in wader designs, breathable (most supporting neo booties), old style rubber and neoprene to compliment your wading boots and you compound the opportunity for transporting evasive species. And what about rubber sole boots and their performance, safety and maintenance? How much more user friendly are rubber soles?
Up the down side and for what its worth. What we have experienced after considerable time in the water is rubber soles have come a long way. Even with stud designs they just haven’t come up with bottom gripping performance when compared to felt...No just yet. It appears they are on the right track as new designs shed light on specific waters. However felts, especially when incorporating studs, still provide a far superior performance, providing a more safe no-slip, positive footing, at least when targeting west coast steelhead rivers. Consistent feedback we receive in the shop from serious steelheading friends/customers, sporting various new rubber sole boots styles with/with out studs and targeting NW fisheries reinforce and insulate our field experiences.(Dean—Deschutes—Umpqua—Klamath river bottoms will test and challenge the best, leaving little room to falter) Our number one priority and concern that trumps all---we value the safety features felt delivers to ensure our guided friends, customers and even ourselves remain upright and out of the drink. No more serious way to get hurt or involved in a bad situation than unstable footing/wading. Reliable sure footing/wading gear is vital for your safety, attitude out on the water and success. Anglers targeting stillwaters, springcreeks and those who sport the wear and never step out of a drift boat may reflect other opinions. You could probably nit-pick for days and weeks the pros and cons. Advice for those baffled and not wanting to get tangled up. In a perfect world, anglers purchasing wading boots might consider two pair. One for non sensitive and aggressive waters. The other, possibly a less expensive set, devoted to sensitive infected waters only. Keeping sure footing where it needs to be and compromising for the resources---the best for both waters and yourself. It could happen! In any case call us old school, stubborn mules and/or just plain sensible. Until manufactures come up with rubber sole compositions comparable to felt performance we are not jumping on the band wagon or discounting felt inventories just yet. Trinity Fly Shop is your on the spot,”Local Source” maintaining a complete inventory of Chota/Bare Wading Boots/Waders sure to pacify all level anglers. (Custom sizing and special orders always available)! As for the rubber-felt crunch---Get Out There & You Be Da Judge!!!
April 6 --- Opening Day(wide open after the opener)
The hype, anticipation, preparation and simply down right feeling good about getting together with your favorite hombres and stretching a line---nothing quite like opening day on your favorite trout waters. In our case the Trinity River’s “Fly Only” waters reopened April 1 with near perfect low water conditions and offering a full plate of well rounded opportunities for dry, wet, nymphing and streamer fishing techniques. These waters are very unique to anglers in that this brief two mile section of the Trinity below Lewiston Dam is managed as “fly fishing only” (no bait/artificials) and support a zero limit. It is only one of only two “fly fishing only” managed waters in the state---the other being Hot Creek. Why? In the case of the Trinity these waters represent major staging and sanctuary waters for its anadromous fish returns (including spring-summer-fall steelhead-chinook salmon as well as fall Coho). The method and zero limit regulations imposed and governing these waters are obvious, to reduce or minimize impacts on both juvenile out migrants and returning adults while permitting anglers to utilize the resource. Although the season is brief, April 1 through Sept. 15th, these waters offer exciting diverse opportunities and appeal to a variety of fly fishers of all skill levels each and every season.
Even though the opener occurred midweek, this year’s opener was no different and very popular. Trinity Fly Shop was swamped with excited and eager anglers including: Chris Christensen, old school Chuck, Steve Hopkins, the “Hogs” (Tom Weseloh, Gary Seput. Ken James, Glenn Burton, Scott Stratton, Bob Jones, Kit Kat, CB), Gary Rosenburg, Hardy Bettinger, Jess Arnold, Rich Aims, Berry Badger and “Shortbase.” (We Thank You!) Motels, campers and popular camp grounds were booked with anglers engaging in a variety of extra curricular activities. Camp fires were surrounded with anglers reminiscing sessions and riverside social groups gathered, rekindling friendships, talking tackle, casting new equipment and sharing new fly patterns. Tailgates were dropped chairs and coolers were displayed, barbeques sweetened the air and anglers simply got it on. Some scenes represented a pre sporting football/baseball event. We observed from,”the rail” (local hang out and vantage/overview of the upper fly water) and counted over 24 vehicles in one parking lot. On popular waters anglers were lined on both sides of the river while streamside festivities rocked on with good tunes and opening celebrations of all levels. It didn’t make any difference, if you were in the water or not, everyone was totally jazzed. Certainly not the place to be for those seeking solitude. (Although plenty of unmolested promising waters were readily available below the OldBridge boundary. The entire Trinity River, South Fork upstream is open year-round). Hands down---social celebrating dominated the opening day fly water scene. Great to see and experience the comrade of fellow anglers taking time out during economic times that have not been easy for most. Not to mention the importance of understanding personal values and how vital it is to share the stoke and charge the batteries every now and then. Oh yeah---how was the fishing? It just didn’t matter.
Last minute update--- April 9-10-11 Jimmy Green International Spey-O-Rama Fly Fishing Festival at the Golden Gate Angling/Casting Club: Golden GateParkSan Francisco. Open to the public and attendance is FREE! Trinity Fly Shop’s Kit Kreick, Chris Burton, and Chris Christensen will be there as well as numerous (got to see to believe) spey casting greats. For more info: www.spey-o-rama.com... Rev it up this weekend!!!
This spring if you don’t like the weather just wait awhile – warm & sunny, rain, cold hail & snow—lately Trinity County has been getting it all. Add constant changing pressure systems, a bouncing barometer, and swirling winds from every which way that even the bugs are dazed and confused as to which ones should pop, when and where. Shake it good and blend it all together and you have a classic formula for some very fickle fishing. However, for those who don’t take it all too serious and get run off by howling winds, lightening or simply the combination of all the above, chances are good you just may experience some out of control dry fly action.
This past week has really kept Trinity River anglers on their A-game as a wide variety of dry fly opportunities popped with a series of forever changing conditions. Early warm weather triggered some very intense (blizzard) caddis hatches from Junction City on up to DouglasCity. The unexpected early season blaze inspired quality late season steelhead (some lingering fresh ‘ens as well as runbacks) and double digit browns to selectively feed on both emerging pupas and drifting adults (new and spent). The strength of the hatch was mid-day. The catalyst --- warm record breaking temps/heat. Why---who knows??? Craig Stephens, hit the calm before the storm and experienced steelhead & brown trout dry fly action that blew him away, at least for awhile. Chuck Batts, Ed Pollock, Andy& Connor Laursen, Dave Green, Keith Sutter and Steve & Andy Finley all joined in and scored fishing on top or in the film .
Move aside! Just when the stage was set for caddis and everyone filled their fly inventories, appropriated specific times and dialed in their favorite waters for more on top ya-yas, cool, wet, overcast weather arrived, and erased any thought & hope for caddis hatches. While the caddis went bye-bye, the severe 180 degree weather change surprisingly triggered sheets of jumbo-sized , late season Callibaetis mayfly hatches. The big,(size #12) mid-day chocolate colored bon’bons didn’t let anyone down & kept the action going on top. Both steelhead and browns rolled their eyes and porked . Hatch durations included several heat up periods lasting 2-31/2 hours.. Film emergers (Punk-Rockers) for the entrees, Compara-Duns, Bullets served as the main course. Talk about hitting the lotto---our close friends and Oregon fishing guides Randy & Lorna Ridgon (www.oregontrophytrout.com) from Chiloquin, stopped by for a few nights of fun, laughter and ultimately expressed their stellar spring creek talents. Both landed double digit brownies and must mention parted a few 5X tippits. That’s right-ain’t no big’gens here in Ca..
Strange? A few warm-sunny-days, caddis pop. Next few days, cool, wet and overcast- mayflys pop. Whats that all about? One thing that isn’t so strange and not surprising---fish love it all and readily dial in. How long will this unstable exciting top water action last? Your guess is as good as mine or better yet, ask the weather gods. Those feeling lucky and have the time to stretch a line, acclimate, observe and dial in, matching current hatches and their progressive phases, are sure to experience the challenge and excitement of this year’s ever changing spring lineup. (April 1---“TrinityFly Only”waters re-open---call 530-623-6757/e-mail
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for conditions/prospects)
March 22---We Told’em Not To Come(little did we know )
In the guiding profession you have a sincere obligation, to your friends/customers, for being honest and committed in every way in helping their experience be successful and memorable. Their time is just as valuable as yours. Keeping them informed about current conditions and their future fishing trips should be a natural stride for any guide and has proven to us, the past 28 yrs., to soundly be the best policy. Not to mention vital to establishing a great, repeat customer base and maintaining a long term friendship they, as well as their friends, can always trust and depend on. Nobody is more disappointed than a guide when having to cancel a trip due to unfavorable conditions. It’s the call the customer wants, but doesn’t want. Ultimately they are thankful and generally more than willing to reschedule another time.
Recently both Kit and I were up against the wall with some very fickle conditions and unstable weather patterns. The past three days fishing on the Trinity River was down right tough and a reflection of undesirable conditions. We decided to give our customers the call…Bruce West, Dave and John Reardon had all fished with us for years and trusted our judgment and as expected were disappointed with the call. We put the trip on the back burner for possibly another time. Surprisingly, that afternoon Bruce called me back and indicated they all needed a change in scenery and willing to accept what ever was served up. Seldom do we back down however knowing this gang and their cool attitudes we decided to flex and go fishing.
Ma nature has a mind of her own. I don’t care how many years you spend guiding---just when you think you know---you really don’t. Unsettled weather and for reasons only God knows why, the next two days fishing lit up and blew away the gang. The first day there was a solid wet fly grab. Magic patterns---“the Rock & Copper-Tone Stones.” Bruce, Dave, John all scored on steelhead while Charlie lost one. Round two, second day a record breaking daytime temperature of 74 degrees sparked one of the most intense caddis hatches I have ever experienced on the Trinity. Both steelhead and brown trout readily dialed in and put on the feed bag. Top water dry fly fishing was simply bizarre---browns up to 5 lbs. and both runback and fresh steelhead up to 6 lbs. accepted our Punk Rockers—Bullets---Trinity Compara Nymphs…Yeah! Go figure. Previous three days fishing soured while the past two days provided some of the best we’d witnessed this late winter/spring. What a head spin. One thing for sure. Bruce, Dave, John and Charlie all confirmed they will definitely be back the next time we tell them not to come…
Recently we had a few days off and no better way to take a break from the daily rigors than research other favorite waters. Where do local boys go stretch a line late-winter/spring? No brainer---LewistonLake. This rich and fertile tailwater supports educated, well fed trout populations and generally fires up late winter early spring. Trout populations are unique and vary; colorful diverse strains that have been planted, some holding over and on the fatten-up, to native silvery chrome, Land Locked steelhead varieties that have successfully reproduced since the inception of Trinity-Lewiston dams. Much like steelhead, (they appear to be distant descendants), they are the ultimate tailwater challenge; selective, well proportioned, turbo charged and literally capable of taking you for a ride.
Our visit to the lower lake revealed the glassy waters of Lewiston was going off and its fishery very much alive and on schedule. The rainy conditions triggered intense late morning/early afternoon midge hatches throughout the entire lower lake. After a brief observation and developing our game plan we boated out to the areas of activity (wade fished and from the craft) and targeted our quarry with tender gear. Light /med. action 5/6wt. Beulah rods, 12ft. leaders-6X tippits. Hatch matching on Lewiston Lake, fishing the midge, is always a chore and imperative to success. Lewiston fish generally begin grazing on emerging pupas in the deeper water columns and as the hatch progresses and intensifies they key in on the upper water columns as well as the surface. Over the years we have discovered flats supporting vegetation that slowly transition into main channel waters are prime early season midge waters. Hands down the best pupa imitation was Chris Burton’s locally fashioned and tied CB Pupa (#16). Early, this fished well deep on an intermediate Clear-Camo sinking line. As midge hatches progressed we targeted the upper water columns and the CB pupa produced best when slowly stripped on a floating line. Peak hatch provided a few brief flurries of exciting in-the-film surface opportunities. Our locally fashioned and tied Poly-back Emerger (#18) fished well and turned the heads of some stubborn slabs. For the new comer---simply take the time to check it out. Close observations will most often reveal, bug activity, trout behavior and cruse patterns.
Early season midge fishing on LewistonLake is a very tender and challenging affair. Fishing can be down right difficult along with unstable weather patterns, complex hatches, selective trout and accepting the light tippit/small bug challenge. You either love it or hate it. It’s all about timing, and the bugs---understanding midge hatch cycles and targeting promising waters with appropriate fly selections. Those who successfully fish Lewiston have learned to appreciate this unique tailwater and quickly realize it is much more than an option.
March 7---Late Winter Last Chance Steel(sure cure for any cabin-spring fever)
Frogs are croaking, birds are chirping, vegetation buds are popping and wildlife is abundant---Spring fever is easy to catch as another beautiful Trinity landscape is awakening. However, a recent series of cold, wet and windy weather patterns continues to dominate and remind us, “old man winter” still maintains his grip and reluctant to leave. The winter-spring transition is an intense time of year and a personal favorite. Virtually no fishing pressure, late winter native steelhead are still available for those willing to dig’em out highlighted with sensitive, yet predictable, mid-day aquatic hatches inspiring both anadromous and resident fish to selectively feed on the surface. A unique time of constant change, exciting and diverse fishing opportunities and sure cure for any cabin/spring fever.
To date, the upper Trinity (Junction City – Lewiston) is clear and offering healthy flows and good late season opportunities. Recently, Bill Closs and Steve Jensen, from Los Altos, fished with us and scored on a Poor Man’s New Zealand success… Steve scored on his first steelhead on the fly while Bill landed two beautiful Loch-Leven browns… Skinny Otis, from Carmel, fished with Kit to land two for four steelhead hooked. “The Mr. Pimp,” has more than proven its late season success while copper-tone stones. “The rock”, and olive breadcursts in sizes 2-4-6 are other great late season wet fly choices. The menu for dies is easy---a variety of Callibaetis patterns (“punk-rocker” always deadly---see Straight From the Fly Bench for details), parachutes, compara-duns in sizes 12-14 while adult olive stones in sizes 8-10-12 yielding the occasional toilet-bowl flush surface takes. 4X tippits rule for those targeting on top…
Below JC the Trinity is holding healthy flows due to secondary rivers and tributaries---big H20’s...Quality lower river winter steelheading is available right up until our “springers” show---April (when the dogwoods bloom). Windows of opportunity are all up to runoff and Ma’ nature… Feeling Lucky? – Go For It!
Feb. 27—True Devotion (number crunchers need not apply)
I picked up the late night phone call on our private line and all I remember hearing was, “The river is jello-green, dropping like a rock and delivering ocean fresh winter steel.” Our coastal guardian connection actually wanted to share the stoke and invited Kit and I to fish with him the next day. The 2009-2010 coastal winter steelhead season has been harsh; weather patterns literally teasing anglers with yo-yo conditions and leaving few windows of opportunity. Only coastal locals, or the rare live-on-the-edge gambling anglers have scored on the few days that conditions lined up and the fishing fired off.
Coastal steelheaders are truly a rare breed themselves. Thick skinned, callused, tight lipped, willing to wait it out and go the distance in-between sessions. They find comfort with the hauntingly beautiful scenery, the smell of the redwoods, salt air, maintain a positive attitude and keep an eternal hope for the chance to sink their irons in steelhead fresh from the salt. Only those who have experienced the coastal rush realize the only cure or fix is yet another solid grab.
This time the phone call was too late. I just got back from two weeks in Mexico and had a full prearranged guide schedule. Kit had his nose to the grind with the same line up---both of us painfully declined, or more like dropped the ball and struck out. That night Tom busted our chops and e-mailed us the “should have been here” photos. The window was short lived—2 days…Current frontal systems blew out the entire north coast…The river we were to fish rose from 1,100 cfs. to 16,000 cfs.. Future forecasts are calling for more series of fronts and rain---possibly blowing out the coast for the rest of the season. Bottom line---we blew it! SOUND ADVICE—if you ever hear “its jello-green, dropping like a rock, and going off”---Drop everything and Get On Your Horse And Ride!!!
Tom Weseloh. North coast veteran steelheader and close friend.
Up close and personal---Northern Cal. steelhead of a lifetime.
Jelllo green, dropping like a rock & on---Go for it!!!
