A recent round of late winter rains has once again helped to slowly alleviate the drought and has activated a mixed bag of spring fishing options. Late season steel, rainbow and brown trout, large-smallmouth bass—Trinity-Lewiston-Grass valley lakes, Trinity River where to go and what to fish for; a good problem to have for those catching spring fever and itching to stretch a line.

Most coastal rivers have closed and the 2013-2014 steelhead runs are winding down; leaving a few of us feeling a bit down and out. Just when you thought it was over, recent rains, March out like a lion, have inspired a small blast of late winter runs, possibly secondary/tributary stocks denied earlier due to the lack of rains/flows, into the upper river. Fish are typical of our late winter native runs, trout like in nature and size, averaging 3-5 lbs. and willing; accepting dries, wets, streamers. Complementing the late winter native adults is a rather strange run of bright chrome hatchery half-pounders, up to 2-3 lbs.. Regardless how strange and or trying to figure out why, these hyperactive bursts of energy are a great bonus and when located, eager to snatch. Anglers needing a final steelie fix should be able to get it targeting J.C. to Lewiston.

The Trinity’s “Fly Only” (Zero limit) waters re-opened April 1 and those who took advantage of the opener were rewarded with late season steel, bows and occasional brown trout. These waters fired off with some quality heavy weight action and great dry fly opportunities. Currently, there is a potpourri of spring hatches popping, Callibaeits (#12-14) Baetis (#18-20) PMD’s (#12-14-16) Crain Flies (#12-14), Green Drakes (#10-12), Caddis (#12-14-16) and afternoon burps of Skwala’s (#8-10-12), all weather pending; nothing quite like a lineup of bugs that keep hatch matchers guessing and on their a-game. So they say, river flows are scheduled to be sometime toward the mid-end of the month and how much, how long is still to be determined. So, anglers have plenty of time to get a full flex and their ya’ya’s on this exciting and highly regarded section of water.

Strange, this spring Lewiston Lake has been fishing a little on the slow side; possibly due to windy weather patterns, inconstant flow releases and sparse bug activity; elements just not lining up. April is generally prime Callibaetis time on Louie and the lower flats are usually firing off. Not this year, however, overcast, rainy days have triggered some quality midge (pupa’s, poly-backs, tweeners) activity as well as deep water leeching, with clear camo fly lines. Predictable flow releases and stable warming weather should kick these rich and fertile tailwaters back into full throttle.

Warming weather has also triggered some Trinity Lake pre-spawn smallmouth bass activity. Anglers targeting south facing points and rock piles are sticking some impressive spiny rays up to 5 lbs. The lake is low, 58%, and other than the north end rock piles, finding rocky structure is easier said than done. Much of the lower level structures are covered with sediments. Heat and stable weather has recently been hard to come by and is also vital for early spring success. Grubs and Tube worms will generally getter done. Once bass pods are located, break out the fly rod and get on it with eel/leech patterns, oversized rubber legs and Slump Busters. Rough boat launch at Minersville is open.

Feeling like you need some fishing on the wild side, Grass Valley Lake, ten minutes from the Trinity Fly Shop, is also going off. Grass Valley Lake is a headwater forty acre impoundment, feeding Grass Valley creek, located in a beautiful semi-wilderness setting. Requiring a 45 minute hike and floating device (float tube-U-boat-raft), the fishing solitude, beauty and hike is more often than not, well worth the effort. Grass Valley supports strong populations of both resident and land-locked steelhead that average 9-14” with occasionally larger fish testing tippits. Deep water nymphing and stripping dark (olive-Black) leeches with clear camo intermediate lines have proven to be a favorite approach. However the lake also triggers some great Callibaetis and Hymenopteria (aquatic wasp) hatches that can yield quality surface activity. Solitude awaits you!

Spring is here and the time is right to stretch a line. Currently, a variety of quality Trinity options are available and firing off while the general Trout Opener, in much of the state, isn’t until April 26 (Sat.). Why wait? Get out there!!!