Hog Fest happening – Herb Burton, Gary Seput,Tom Weseloh, &
Ken “Hogman” James heading in…

Joe Neil low profile – full stretch.

For those who followed our April 10 Current here is the answer to a question we are asked frequently this time of year: Grass valley lake is a 40-acre plus wild trout managed fishery (artificial/barbless hook) located just below the crest, west side of Buckhorn summit, off HWY 299 West. The access is not well defined but rather a pullout along the HWY, just above a “private” fenced gate (adjacent to Restoration Billboard). Do Not Park in Front of Gate. A small trail heads down the hill adjacent to pullout, through a fence, and into a brief landing around storage sheds. Do not take road prior to storage buildings. We refer to this as the “road to Hell” as it doesn’t lead anywhere near lake, as many have discovered.

Anglers may approach both upper and lower lake by hiking along the rough network of roadways below storage sheds on the main road blocked by Gate. The lower lake (Dam) is much easier to locate and may be reached by turning right, up a steep grade that drops back down into the lake (about a 45-minute hike). Access to the upper lake requires some research and knowledge of the terrain.

Solitude stoke…

Grass Valley Lake was constructed roughly 20 years ago to help curb sediment loads in the Trinity River and improve salmon/steelhead habitats in Grass Valley Creek, a major spawning tributary in the upper reach Trinity River. There was little regard for the lake as a fishery. However resident and landlocked populations of rainbow trout and steelhead, established in the creek prior to the dam inception, have naturally perpetuated. The lake now supports strong populations of 10-16” hardy specimens with occasional larger fish available. Thanks to Cal Trout it now represents Trinity County’s second special managed fisheries.

Linda Seifert tubed & displaying a typical land-locked.

The surrounding steep terrains limit bank access; therefore, floating devices such as float tubes or lightweight rafts/pontoon boats are a must. Stripping/trolling wooly- buggers, leeches and streamers have proven effective almost anytime. Insect populations include Mayflies (Callibaetis-Baetis), Caddis, Midge, Dragon/Damsels and Terrestrials (Aquatic Wasp-Beetles), providing hatch matching nymphing and surface opportunities. The lake is open year-round but fishes well spring through early summer and again throughout the fall. Angling pressure is generally light to moderate with weekday anglers often scoring pure solitude. Need further information? Trinity Fly Shop is only 15 minutes away. Tread lightly, pack out what you pack in and enjoy!

Let it flow, a personal favorite Elvin Bishop song, is just exactly what is currently happening down the Trinity River. The Bureau of Reclamation and State water officials allocated a four day 11, 000cfs. water release down the Trinity River with hopes of restoring salmon-steelhead habitats. Years of restricted flows from Trinity-Lewiston Dams have drastically impacted salmon-steelhead spawning, rearing and holding habitats. The high flows are intended to mimic wild pre-dam river actions. It is anticipated the dynamics will scour river bottoms, eliminate sediment loads and loosen gravels that will help to recreate a wild alluvial system. Will it work? Time will tell.

Not since the flood waters of 1997 has the Trinity River received flows of this nature. Even though the 11000cfs. peak flows are short term anglers will have to wait quite a while before wetting a line. High flows are scheduled to last through early July. 3,000cfs. through May and slowly ramping down; becoming fishable at about 1500cfs in early July. As flows recede it will be exciting to see the impacts of the high flows. Many were aware of the scheduled 11000cfs. flows for the 2011 water year. However, to see the river’s hydraulics at 11, 000cfs. up close and personal is astonishing. To those who have never witnessed high flows down the Trinity River or believes the Trinity originates at Lewiston Dam—this pictorial is for you…

Salmon-Trinity Alps—53 high mtn. lakes, 1,600 miles of streams— the source	Trinity lake-145 miles of shoreline — 4th. Largest water impoundment in the state.
Trinity Dam/Power House in 1st. gear-11000cfs. into Lewiston lake.
	11,000cfs. release—Surf’s Up… Max. release is 28,000cfs.- shake-rattle-roll!
Lewiston Lake narrows and at 11000cfs. revealing a hint of pre-dam flows.	Lower Lewiston and at 11000cfs. still fishable!
Lewiston Dam releasing 11000cfs. into Trinity River.	Trinity “Fly Only “Waters.
TRRP doing what they do best-dozing & filling in vital adult staging/holding waters.	Diversion pool barely recognizable.
Upper Bridge Pool (Hey there are still trees growing along the river-don’t tell TRRP.)	Rarity at Steel Bridge—no trailers.
True meaning of “river front” property	H20 under the bridge—Heads up, No heads down– Zero clearance!
River hydraulics working over the famed Exhibition Run.

If you believe 11,000cfs. is a lot of water… 1964- after the completion of Trinity Dam engineers projected it would take 5 years to fill Trinity lake. That same year Trinity Lake filled to one (1) skinny inch from toppling over the earthen dam. The draft report stated, “thank God the Lord shut the spigot off just in time.” 1997-Trinity Lake was 93% full with a max. release of 28,000cfs. Peak inflows registered 82,000cfs… Do the math. Never under estimate the powers of Ma nature!