Herb and Pat Burton-38 yrs. strong and staying true to course—“Your Local Source!”

It’s been a while and despite any rumors, didn’t hock the shop or become mentally challenged, although some may disagree. We’re still around. In fact Pat and I are stoked to be back in Trinity, running the shop, pumping the oars and recharged after a long needed, off the grid, extended vacation.

For the love, passion & lifetime memories. Take time to teach the next shift How- Why- When and have a fly fishing friend for life.

It’s been a rude awakening, adjusting back to reality and work rhythms, after weeks of no television, computer and limited cell contact; virtually unplugged. So filtering thru e-mails, junk/spam, popups, robo ads and a slew of obnoxious internet investment and website solicitations, I started laughing and thought WTF is everyone inundate? Scary how all this BS and the screen have played into daily strides; makes the old occasional landline misdial or pledge seem so innocent and forgiving.

I do have to mention, we got a chuckle; a particular solicitation evaluated and deemed our business site dated, non-responsive and confusing. Wow how cool we thought, they know us only too well! Maybe our site reflects a faded BW Polaroid. And yes, our logo indicates a lot of fat numbers (est. 1982); we’re beginning our 38^th yr. in business. Keep in mind several well established brick-mortar fly shops have closed and our piece of the pie has drastically diminished. Can we get some credit for keeping our heads above water even if we are far from bullet proof? Our time off the grid reminded us our identity, Trinity Fly Shop, and ability to withstand the test of time, at least to date, is not because of screen smear marketing and sales but rather a reflection of simple old school principals; passion, commitment and personalized service, catering to all anglers and skill levels and local knowledge, based upon a lifetime of teaching, guiding and lobbying to protect and effectively manage local fisheries and resources. So heading into the homestretch, sorry folks, we are going to leave glowing, big dollar on line fly fishing marketing and business prospects to the next shift and stay true to the course that successfully got us here.

Russ Chatham always had a way of capturing the moment with the reader right along aside him. Must reads for any fly fisher!

Off the grid also provided time for us to recognize how fly fishing, fly fishers and the industry have changed over the past 20 plus yrs. Mega on-line outlets have sunk many ships and forever changed the fly fishing retail industry. Another major change, we have witnessed an increasing number of anglers, especially beginning fly fishers, simply wanting to cut the fat and throttle straight to catching; using most anything as long as it is tied on a fly line and rod and catches fish. Maybe it is just eagerness, lack of patience, youth or trend, disturbing to witness people fishing $400-600 outfits and haven’t learned to cast 50 ft. Not knocking anyone wanting to catch fish. It is a natural desire and primary objective for many. However, anyone axing the learning curve, throws level of accomplishment out the window and dummies up the sport; limiting fly fishing skills, opportunities and education. Taking time to learn and enjoy how, why and where, (fly casting- presentations- techniques, recognizing water compositions-habitats, fly selection and coordination with specific water compositions, understanding aquatic entomology and hatch matching, fish behavior, lore of waters and stream etiquette) is a wealth of knowledge gained that ultimately helps advance you to become a well-rounded accomplished fly fisher.

Some of the most fun and memorable fly fishing experiences is not measured by how many caught but rather how much fun you had fishing (1990 Cira Dean River Tribe).

Cool to see how some fishing changes have intergraded with electronics. Hard copy maps are all but out and the ability to google map and gps specific target waters is awesome and very convenient. Cell phone orders, late night traveling or visiting anglers needing flies or misc. tackle goods, are definitely increasing. My personal favorite is cell orders, straight from the water, anglers fighting fish or honkers going off in the background. I just have to laugh and shake my head and remember it is one of the many advantages Trinity Fly Shop being your local source! Anyone have a line on wilderness drown operators and delivery service?

Not surprising, blogs seem to be on the way out; replaced by streamlined abbreviated script, delivering up-to-the minute reporting, often supporting mug shots for proof and hype. At a glance updated “word” for those on the run.

The past has clearly revealed fly fishing is constantly changing and evolving new directions. Like it or not makes no difference, a sign of the times and next shift. On that note, most everything eventually comes to an end, so after 38 years of delivering the local word, the time has come for me to step aside and leave the tweets, text and social media to the next shift. It’s time, besides the last thing I want to do is bore you writing about the good old days while exiting the back door. It has been a great ride and for those who actually followed Anglers Update or Currents (my blog) I appreciate you putting up with my jabber. Believe it or not, I have always tried to deliver something you could chew to help you and your friends score fun and success. I thank you.

Casting one more for the Gipper & You

Late winter TR steelhead on a dry fly is an accomplishment of a lifetime!

Zero rainfall for the entire month of Feb and unseasonably warm temperatures have got most everything I can think of, or you can image, confused and out of sync; including me. Icing down the beer in Feb? Remarkably late season steelhead fishing on the TR is still happening; just way different and ideal for low water wizards. The TR, as you might imagine, is low glassy, fish spooky yet bug hatches well ahead of schedule and inspiring some unique big fish small fly opportunities for those willing to lay down the big sticks and target mid-day hatches with their trout 5-6wt rods and dry flies.

Although far and few between, TR lock-levens occasionally enter the feeding lanes and test your light tippit talents.

Callibaetis mayflies, Hydropsyche caddis, Calineuria stoneflys and critters I’ve yet to identify are main order on the menus. (Compara-duns- Pullovers- Punk Rockers-Compara-nymphs- Elkhair caddis-T-Bones-Mr. Beams) will do the job when fished on 4-5 X tippits, long leaders and spring creek approach. Remember one cast, at the right time, is better than 10 hacks. These fish are steelhead and spook at a loud fart! Hatch times vary with daytime temps, however 12-4pm seems to be the witching hr. with good burps of bugs, or left overs, going right till dark. Of course, all weather dictating bug hatch durations and feeding activity. Far from what one would imagine this time of year. So no sniveling, this is what is currently being served. Those dialing in and getting with the program are scoring on some rare opportunities. Desiring to test your mid-winter dry fly skills and talents— Look no further!

We’re here for the long double haul, so keep in mind there is always somebody in the Trinity Fly Shop available to help, answer your questions and even take on- the-water cell orders. Feel free to contact (530-623- 6757 or trinflyguy@shasta.com) anytime for current up to date fishing information, conditions, guide service, casting lessons, flies-fly tackle selections, fly tying inquiries or to simply chew the fat. Stay Stoked and Solid Grabs-Herb

Russell Chatham was my mentor through the early 70’s. I was fortunate our paths crossed a few times, mostly on the river. He passed last Nov. 2019-Gone but will never be forgotten. I am grateful for all he has given us. Russ Chatham & motley shad crew living it up on one of his favorite fisheries—the Yuba River.

Tis the Season to be Steelheading!

Trinity winter wonderland—tempting & unmolested runs-Fair weather anglers need not apply.

Nothing like the first snow of the year to refuel the steelhead stoke and entice a fresh rotation; not to mention prime us for winter and elevate holiday spirits. A real head spin and adjustment. After months of abnormally dry, above average temperatures to unseasonably cold snowfall, the first significant storm of the fall season pounded NorCal and surprisingly dumped a couple feet of snow in the Trinity Alps and lowlands. The cold blast proved a blessing; welcome relief from another scary fire season and bumping TR flows and motivating steelhead movements.

Diane Peavler and Darren Victorine set the stage with a chrome arrival.

Runoff was short and sweet, bumping up lower TR, Weitchpec-Willow Cr. 400 cfs. and mid-canyon waters, Cedar Flat, Del Loma, Big Flat, a couple hundred cfs. and helped kick off late fall-early winter fishing. Over all steelhead fishing has improved, not numbers, but quality. A new pulse of bright fall natives, averaging 3-6 lbs., and occasional half-pounder, shifted gears and now scattered throughout the system. Primarily natives, the fresh arrivals may very well represent secondary or tributary native stocks awaiting the next flush to ascend natal waters. Size is deceptive, new arrivals are bright explosive hotties eager to rip and tear; everything you want on a 6 wt.. Why this year’s smaller than average size trend or, to date, low hatchery numbers are anyone’s guess. Perhaps the next flush will entice traditional larger winter stocks.

Winter bead snair, one more removed.

Current TR flows are gin tonic clear, water temps have dropped to the low 40’s and fish spooky. Stealth is synonymous with current low flows and glassy conditions. And those exercising stealthy approach, along with adjusting mental expectations, appropriate gear and flies to compliment runs, waters and conditions are rewarded. (#6-8)- Mr. Pimps, Rocks, Olive Breadcrusts, Nuggets, Chappies and marabou Articulated Leeches in black, olive, and wine are first flavors of choice for swing/traditional fishing when fished on floating lines or multi-tips with intermediate heads. Straight line nymphing (#12-14-16) Robo nymphs, Diablos, Cream Dreams, Olive

Everything you could want on a 6Wt.-Single or Two-Hand.

Tidbits, Copper Red-Blu-Grn Jons, beads-glow-bugs hinged off (#4-6-8—10) Black-Brown-Olive Rubber-legs have all produced. Mid-day, peak air-h20 temps, Blue-Wing Olive hatches continue to inspire both half-pounders and occasional adult steelhead to graze on the surface. Anglers targeting the upper reach, JC-Lewiston, should be prepared with favorite 5-6 wt., dinky dries (#16-18- BWO—Hi-vis Parachutes-Pull-Overs-Quill Bodies-Para-Tilts) long leaders and tender (4-5X) tippits for some rare eye-opening surface opportunities. Hatches should continue until the next major flush. Desiring big fish, small dry fun?

Typical of fishing reports, by the time this is posted, it won’t make any sense as another major storm is forecasted to blast NorCal with significant rain and snow.

Don’t let the innocense fool you, 1X!

TFS is open rear round and always here to help. Questions regarding Holiday Gifts-Call-(530) 623-6757

On that note, the Pacific storm door appears to be open and it’s that time of year anyone planning a trip north, keep a close eye on current weather and river flows. Trinity Fly Shop (530-623-6757) is your trusted local source for current, tell it like it is or isn’t, conditions and fishing reports as well as here to answer your questions and help you and your friends get hooked up. How to slow the train down, like the blink of an eye, another year has passed. Because of you and your friends remarkably we survived another year. We thank you all for your continued loyal support. Best for the Holidays & 2020 -Tis the Season to be Steelheading!!!

Fishing offers vast avenues of exciting exploration-Beauty and the wild through a wet lens.

A man and his Muddler, veteran TR steelheader & Charo chief— Bob Burke.

A dominating high pressure system parked off the west coast, for the past month, continues to deliver an Indian summer with unseasonably warm, above average, temperatures. The lack of rain, low flows, glassy conditions and, to date, marginal salmon-steelhead returns, have proved challenging for both fish and fisherman. After a promising and cool semi- wet September who would have guessed, mid-day November, TR steelheaders would be wearing suntan lotion, t-shirts and sporting straw hats while running for the shadows.

“Their” world, up close.

The past has demonstrated dry fall seasons are nothing new or rare to California.

And when unfavorable conditions impact fishing, coupled with low salmon-steelhead returns, it’s easy to point fingers. Weather, poor ocean conditions, over estimates, excessive harvest, limited in-stream spawning, or all the above, does anyone really have the answers? They’re STEELHEAD! Keep in mind its mid-November and way too early to evaluate or, case of the impatient, write off 2019 TR Steelhead.

Like Father, like Daughter—Darren and Mariah Victorine exercising talents and fall Trinity trout options.

“Muddler Maddness”- Russ Giuntini with chrome companion.

On a brighter note, for the second year in a row the Klamath received solid steelhead returns. Lower TR weir counts reveal a fair number turned right. Lean numbers throughout the upper TR reach may be an indication fish stalled in the lower canyons, ignoring the calendar, and awaiting desirable flows and conditions. Not to forget Klamath-Trinity steelhead, currently staging in the Pacific, are also awaiting the next flush to make their move. Next round of weather could be the catalyst.

Resembling a native TR summer steelhead- Lewiston Lake perfection.

Despite less than desirable conditions, anglers staying with it and fine tuning their gear, conforming to the demands of spooky steelhead, low glassy H20, and targeting favorite shadowed waters are managing to get a few shots at half-pounders and occasional 3-6 lb. adult steelhead fishing wet and small dry flies during mid-day Blue Wing Olive hatches. Weather forecasters are predicting a change for the upcoming week with the possibilities for a chance of rain. Do the dance. Looking for a low H20, small bug steelhead challenge? Get out and exercise your low water talents and enjoy what is served! See Ya at Hatch Time!

Weeks of a persistent warm high pressure system, low flows and a rich/fertile TR popping aquatics is a primo formula to inspire steelhead to rise to the occasion.

Unsuspecting, a steelhead’s Jackal/Hyde personality is not for everyone and generally weeds out the whiners.

“Is the fishing worth coming up,” is a question often delivered to us, each and every steelhead season that has never been a popular inquiry or made any sense to me personally, especially during the heat of late summer-fall steelhead runs. I’ll just mention maybe it’s better for some, those afraid of the odds and especially number crunchers, to stay home, couch it, take care of chores or sit in the confines of their office; wondering what if or wishing they were fishing. Regardless, good reports, raw reports, or no reports, does it really matter? It’s that magical time of year—its steelhead season!

Most anyone in tune with Oncorhynchus mykiss  dreams and chomps at the bit, waiting for fall-winter steelhead and willing to jump, at the mention of a fresh rack, to chase chrome. Besides, how many rivers, at this time of year, offer opportunities to swing flies for arm-wrenching grabs or skate dry flies, yielding jaw-dropping surface takes, for fish that typically average as long as your arm? Any chance to fish for steelhead can’t be that bad! Primo water qualities, pods of steelhead throughout the system and opportunities available to fuel the stoke, so is it worth it? Na, stay home and clean the garage!

Down the line and, second round, into the backing; Steve Hopkins prevailed.