Spiritual Steelhead Sunrise.

It’s been a while since my last blog and I have taken some heat from those who have brought it to my attention. My apologies, haven’t forgot about you, needed some long overdue time out to share the love of the family and recharge the batteries.

GB-Lower River Chrome still happening.

Weather wise not much has changed in the past six weeks with the exception of a spit of rain and dusting of snow; freezing mornings and cool daytime temperatures. As a result from a persistent prolonged high pressure most all Ca. steelhead rivers are low, clear, cold and challenging. How many years has it been since we have witnessed coastal systems bottoming out, low water conditions, during the height of the winter steelhead season?

The Trinity is no different and looks like a tempting gin and tonic and is still supporting strong numbers of steelhead, runbacks and fresh traditional native winter adults, scattered head to tail. However conditions are sensitive and fish are very spooky. Rain and warming weather would most definitely kick action into full throttle. Until it arrives bring you’re a-game, favorite fly selections and wouldn’t hurt to throw in a rabbits foot. I jumped right back into my guide mode and if you think steelhead fishing has been any easier for us, the following is just a taste of last week’s labor of love.

Bottoms Up

Jenny Hartwick & dry fly Loch leven.

After a couple successful days fishing the upper river I thought it would be a great change of pace to target the lower Trinity and introduce fish my good friends and clients to spey casting and fishing big water. The lower Trinity was 3300cfs. and clear; rare for this time of year as it generally is raging, 15000-30000cfs and simply out of the question. The thought of spey casting and the haunt of bright lower river chromers enforced the 11/2 hr. drive and prompted us to leave at o-dark thirty to be in the line-up at first light. Big water steelheading can be intimidating, especially for those who had just fished two days of 300cfs. in the upper river. Learning how to spey cast can also be intimating, especially for those who had just fished two days with lightweight rods and dry flies. After a few hours of casting and targeting the soft edges with blind faith we all decided to take a breather. Scotty commented how fun spey casting is and how much more demanding it is then single hand casting. The idea of giving the arm a rest and not forcing the issue was the determining factor for another option. Besides there was still time to target some favorite, more intimate waters, up river with lightweight sticks and dry flies. We bolted back up river, hooked up the raft; I rowed 2 miles and was in prime dry fly water just as the duns began to emerge. The long and short of the day; had a good time learning how to spey cast, released one/ rose one, invested 3 hrs. of driving, fished top to bottom,, sun up to sun down, before realizing we devoted 12 hrs. for the love and passion of steelheading.

Should have been here yesterday

Golden stone & hungry counterpart.

My good friend and client, Don, was down from Washington for his annual steelhead trip. After a successful day of steelhead and brown trout fishing we both agreed it would be fun to revisit and fish Lewiston Lake. The lake had been firing off, our expectations were high. We arrived that morning, the lake low, clear and calm with the exception of faint surface rises from actively feeding trout keyed on the midge hatches. Stoked and ready to rock, we suited/geared up, strategies set and I quickly positioned the boat just off the edge of a large roaming pod of surface feeders. Plenty of heads and tail action, we both were feeling it, until a blaring ear piercing siren sounded off echoing down the entire upper lake. Seconds later, a tidal wave of water surged from the Dam. The Bureau throttled water through the auxiliary release, a side chute that looks like massive waterfalls. What the hell? Thank God we weren’t fishing the channel by the release! Within a matter of seconds, flows increased, waters muddied and fish disappeared. Someone let the air out of the balloon, out hopes withered. Why? The eternal optimist, I jammed down the lake in an attempt to target lower waters before the muddy surge hit. We managed to hook a half dozen nice trout dredging leeches and seemed to have found out comfort zone. Not, it was short lived. About the time the increased flows reached us a serious south wind began to howl, transforming the entire lake into a whipped froth. Against the darken sky, 2-3 ft. whitecaps, representing the teeth of the lake, sprayed across the gunnels and bow. Windswept, the boat lifted, rocked and swayed like a bobber in a whirlpool. Fly fish, no way, no more. We both agreed to tuck tail and haul ass for safety. Strange day, someone saw us coming. Never the less, we salvaged the day fishing through a mess, boated in safely and scored good fun and success.

Sunday Social

For years I have always preached Sundays are generally a very good time to target the Trinity. Visiting anglers fish Friday afternoons and then do a full on Saturday fish out. Successful anglers generally fish early Sunday, then blaze, while those holding their bottom cheeks high tail it over the hill for a number-crunching confidence builder. What would we do without the lower Sac? A long awaited warming trend activated the first predictable dry fly action of the year and I was jacked for my Sunday guide trip, until I pulled into the boat launch. To my surprise, a couple of empty trailers indicated a couple boats launched earlier, while two more were prepping for the same drift. No big whoop. I’ll take my time, let it warm and come in behind everyone late. I suited, prepped the raft and sat on my tailgate, enjoyed my breakfast and waited for the two boats to castoff. The mellowing sun and warmth was soothing. I reflected back, prior to the developed boat lunch, remembering the days when I had to personally cut through the dense vegetation with shears and machete to gain access and launch; the good old days, when the entire Trinity experience was pure and fishing unmolested. The chatter and clang of yet another drift boat arriving disrupted my early morning reflections. Ok, still doable I thought, until another boat arrived and then another. Two boats already drifting, two waiting, I’m waiting and three more, totaling eight (8) boats, doing the same drift? What happened to Sundays? Doors flew open, anglers jumped out, stereos sounded and guides began barking out detailed orders while jockeying for launch position. Total chaos, I questioned why would a fleet drift the same waters? Must be “the hot spot,” I thought to myself. Then the unimaginable, two more boats arrived. It was beyond unimaginable; I started laughing and thought the whole scene was hilarious. Kind of looked like a mega boat expo or regatta; everyone line up and start your engines. One of the guides, a close personal friend, took note of me waiting and came up and politely apologized; which I thought was really cool and typical of his demeanor, a genuine smooth operator. I mentioned, “no worries, I’ve never witnessed this many boats on the Trinity, or at any launch site, and thought it was exciting to experience. I did ask,” what is the proper protocol when drifting, pass on the left or right?” He laughed as he and two others drove off opting for another drift. Squeezing in the lineup, I launched my raft and returned two hours later. Remarkable, the boat launch was vacant, the way I remembered Sundays. Although, all day long, I could swear I could hear the stroke of their oars just around the bend, my clients never saw another boat, another fisherman and had a very memorable and, most remarkably, successful dry fly fishing day.

When the going gets tough, the tough, well you take it from here. However, keep in mind, during sensitive or extreme conditions, rewards are just that much sweeter. See ya on the water; and bring rain!!!

Amen.

Tom makes it a habit to be at the right place at the right time.

When is the best time to go steelhead fishing? A question we hear often, that depending upon who you ask, supports answers that tend to raise more questions. The following reveals where our heads are at and may or may not help shed some light for those in question.

I recently received a call from my good friend Tom, coastal steelhead guardian, “Come now, tomorrow will be too late. “The hype and tone of his voice got the juices flowing. Tom is a north coast resident and lifelong devoted steelhead junkie that has invested over three decades of fishing his neighborhood. He is rare talent and knows waters, conditions and fish like few others. When he main lines us with glowing prospects it’s full on, Tom has never cried wolf.

GB and Snow White.

My first thoughts were sure, great timing, right in the heat of our annual inventory and I’m supposed to drop and jam to the coast. As I dug deeper into the back stock of feathers and hooks, blowing counts and brain drained over ripening coastal conditions, number crunching and inventory strangely became low priority; his call haunted me. Pat also heard the conversation and was on it from the get go, been there done that, “Go; get out of here you’re doing more harm than good and drive’n me crazy. Fortunately, after 30 yrs., she knows the drill and her advice was just the language needed to satisfy my temptations and desires. A quick call to my brother, to deliver the word and surprisingly within 10 minutes we were set to blast off to the west side.

It’s better to be lucky than good. Remarkably, this trip, everything came together and our last minute blast and cast proved to be outstanding and successful. Great company, minimal pressure, prime river conditions, willing fish and beautiful scenery. Sounds too good to be true, if you only know how many times we’ve been victimized by inclement weather and blown river conditions. As usual, Tom was right on, one more day would have been too late. Fishing was short lived. That night a low pressure arrived and blew out the river.

Fresh ‘n Flawless.

Coastal steel was in the air. Kit had just cancelled his annual Tule Lake hunting trip and also received a call from his good friend and Smith R. fishing companion, Justin, indicating solid coastal activity was brewing. Well aware these fish don’t wait for those who drag their heels, Kit was out the door, boogied a four hr. drive and in the line-up that afternoon. His devoted efforts were rewarded with tidewater chrome; a slab of a lifetime. Kit is still in a daze and like most other steelheaders desiring more; a passion that becomes deeply embedded and progressively gets worse. The only fix or sure cure is another jolting grab.

Kit-up from tidewater.

So, when is the best time to go steelhead fishing? Well, how successful do you want to be? How often do you get a shot at steelhead? How many more steelhead seasons will you be fortunate to experience? Steelhead seasons are never long enough and windows of opportunity are brief. Success is largely related to timing and one’s ability to take advantage of favorable conditions whenever possible. It helps to be a bit crazed, driven by the pursuit and lured by the mystic to simply go for it, especially if a reliable source calls you out. If they do, no questions asked, its pedal to the metal. Speaking of favorable conditions, currently a stable high pressure system has settled in Nor Cal, for the next week, and most all coastal rivers are dropping into prime conditions. Feel’n lucky? Then what are you doing sitting around reading this flap-jaw. Go cash in at your favorite steel mill!!!

Ma-Ma said they’d be days like this-Dbl. Backing Run.

Native chrome innocence

Greetings and Happy New Year! January 1, 2012, early afternoon, it was warm beautiful and 60 degrees on the front deck of our shop. Annual grasses and plants are awakening and beginning to grow. Major flocks of Robins have arrived, feeding and resting in the grassy meadows while flights of various other varieties of early arriving migratory birds can been seen passing through. The false spring has even inspired a few frogs to emerge as they can be heard croaking during the height of the warmth in the afternoons. The surrounding Trinity Alps are void of snow. River flows are abnormally low, winter steelhead are late, and the first generations of Callibaetis mayflies have begun to hatch. Wow, strange and hard to imagine we are currently in the height of our winter season. Or are we?

I’ll take the odds this persistent west coast high pressure system will eventually lose its grip and sooner than later we’ll receive some kind of winter season. Although I’m still convincing myself it is too early to be thinking of the consequences otherwise. Before our true winter steelhead runs arrive and we wade too deep into the 2012 line-ups now seems to be an appropriate time to reflect back on the highs and lows of the passing 2011 year.

For the most part the late winter 2011 T.R. steelhead run was below average (T.R. Hatchery processing roughly 2037 hatchery adults) with a few late season pulses providing opportunities and smiles of success for those lucky enough to hang in there and be at the right place at the right time. Most unique was the cooperative weather patterns that provided long durations of prime fishing conditions, in other words plenty of opportunities for success not only on the Trinity but many coastal rivers as well. Bob Burke, Russ Giuntini, Steve Hopkins, Lance Boen, Bill Morrish, Mike Irvine, Mike Steele, Ray Sardo, Peter Samulson, Dick Stanley, Terry Imai, Dwains-Darran-Danny Spencer, Chuck batts, Jeff Earhart, Bruce West, John Reardon, Mike-MikeJr. Callan, Norm Christensen, Peter Callendar, Tim-Kathy Regan, Hugh Walpole, Mark Brown, Andy Laursen, Keith Sutter, Ken Oda, John Van Dyke, Glen Stanley, Tom-Nancy Fossey, Dick Seevers, Dick-Diane Peevler, Matt-Scott-Josh-Guelfi, Ed Pollock, Steve Finley, Skinny Otis, Earl Miyamoto, Ed Sakoda, Grea Nau, Sam Fisher, Terry Hawk, Tan Yik, Bill Closs, Dave Stone, matt Sabasky, Dick sayor, Jerry davis, Frank-Nikki Blum,Tom Weseloh, C- and Nancy Christensen, Charles Dilworth, Don-Scott Frogner and many others scored.

Alive & well on Xmas Island

After a very intense December workload Kit and I found a rare opportunity to hook up with some great friends and travel to Christmas Island for some fishing and much needed R & R. Surprisingly after 17 years of working together this was our first fishing adventure/travel vacation we got to share the stoke. The Christmas Island experience was mid-boggling. Never a dull moment filled with positive spirits, laughter and some incredible full on bonefish and trevally fishing, truly a trip of a lifetime. Anyone expressing a passion for flats fishing or desiring a quality saltwater experience owes it to themselves to get with on this one.

After our trip back from the third world we both have a greater appreciation for our lifestyles and backyard. We shifted gears into our late winter steelhead/brown trout dry fly season. Quality river conditions combined with timely Callibaetis and Calineuria hatches formulated solid mid-day surface activity. Poor Man’s New Zealand, good numbers of quality late winter natives and lock levens were caught off guard grazing on the surface. Target shooting and head hunting lasted through early April, until winter’s round two of abnormally wet and wild weather blew us out the remainder of the season.

CB steelheading for shad

Record late season rainfall and snow packs maxed out all Trinity County waters and water agencies classified and allocated an extreme high water release down the Trinity River. Upper river flows exceeded 13000cfs.. And the rains continued right through June—maxing out most all California watersheds. The American, Feather, Yuba, and most all central valley rivers swelled bank to bank. Mid-May Shad Fishing was out of the question. Nothing to lose, a few high water research trips revealed shad were in, surprisingly on the grab (55 degree water temps) and our shadders still willing to brave and challenge the elements. Wet, cold, windy, high water, you name it, persisted right through June. I can’t remember the last time we all layered up in fleece/long underwear, neos and wool garments camping and huddled by the campfire shad fishing. I’m still trying to dry out and keep warm. Remarkably we experienced fair to good numbers of shad with plenty bonus hookups of impressive numbers of spring-summer steelhead. 2011-will long be remembered— Steelheading for shad.

Byron Leydecker A True Friend of the Trinity River

May 12, 2011, Byron Leydecker passed away at the age of 83. Byron was a long time personal friend, fisherman, conservationist and a gifted man of many great talents. Above all he was a devoted fly fisherman with a deep passion for steelhead and love and great appreciation for the Trinity River. Founder and chairman of Friends Of The Trinity River, Byron’s relentless efforts, drive and commitment to protecting and restoring the Trinity River resulted in a monumental flow decision (Dec. 2000—fotr.com) that ultimately has helped the Trinity River with increase returning salmon-steelhead stocks. Byron always said, “Fish can’t walk.” Next time you and your friends step into your favorite Trinity River waters remember Byron by giving a moment of thanks and a tip of your hat for his years of dedication and devoted efforts. Byron Leydecker forever a True friend of the Trinity River.

Tailwater trout

Trinity lake smallmouth fishing was a bust, no predictability, too much wet cold weather and way too much cold water. However trout fishing, off nearly all intercepting tributaries, was simply off the charts all spring-summer-fall. House boating, fishing, wake boarding, can it get any better? By mid-July Trinity River flows settled down to fishable heights, 2300cfs. , and a strong spring-summer Chinook salmon run kicked off the action. Anglers experienced a solid lineup of bright chrome kings, averaging 12-16 lbs. with a few topping 25 lbs.. Rare catches of salmon- sized brown trout, up to 12 lbs., also added some flavor to unsuspecting anglers. Just when you thought the run was over pulses of bright slabs continued showing right until the fall runs arrived. Whew! Feel the power not to mention it was great to once again kick on the smoker! As flows continued to recede (700 cfs.) the rivers “Fly Only “waters became fishable. Unfortunately most anglers were disappointed with the action. Throughout the entire 2011 season fishing in the “Fly Only” section was slow. Why? Many blame major TRRP projects/ gravel injections that filled in, eliminating vital deep water holding pools, and drastically altered the entire Fly Waters. For every action there is a reaction. Come On Man!

Tristan hunk’n-it-up with a summer slab

Late July it didn’t take long for the word to get out Lewiston Lake was fishing solid. Aquatic wasps, callibaetis, midge, scuds, damsels/dragons, leeches, worms, it made no difference most everyone caught fish all summer long. It was great to see campgrounds full and a variety of anglers feeling it and enjoying the action. Louie is still fishing as of this post. When in doubt or burned out—its Louie-Louie time. A substantial late summer 4 day flow increase (450cfs-2300cfs) in late August activated one of the best fall Chinook runs in a decade. Fall salmon fishing was simply great for most everyone who tried. That sounds odd; we haven’t had a decent run in years. Why? It has been identified a combination of; banning off shore fishing, great ocean conditions (upwelling, temps and food) along with quality in stream conditions (spawning, rearing and water qualities) all coming together to help the rebound. Unusually large returning adults, up to 45 lbs. and larger were accompanied with significant numbers of 1-4lb. returning jacks, a strong indication for another possible large return for the 2012 year. Gear up with your 8-9wts. and get down. I’ve probably lost most of you long ago so enough! Welcome 2012 with your waders wet, rod bent and feel’n it—- Looking forward to seeing you in the line-ups. Now Get Out There!!!

Christmas is fast approaching and we have had many inquiries about what to buy for family member’s relatives or favorite fishing friends. Listed below are popular quality stocked items, backed with our field tested approval/warranties that is guaranteed to put a smile on most any anglers face, not to mention stoke in their fishing. We have included web sites for further detailed product information. Snagged and have questions or need help with gift ideas, feel free to contact us at any time— Always here to help. All orders also receive our new colorful/attractive Trinity Fly Shop logo vinyl sticker. Remember—all orders go out same day received. (530) 623-6757—trinflyguy@shasta.com

TRINITY FLY SHOP’s TOP 10 GIFTS

#1-Buelah Classic Switch Rod Outfits (Complete Rod/case-Reel-Line-Backing) – The rage &Incredible quality for modest price $650.85 (Choose Weights 5/6—6/7—7/8). Perfect for the Trinity R. and smaller north coast waters. (beulahflyrods.com)

#2-Echo Single hand Rod Outfits (Complete Rod/case-Reel-Line-Backing)-Best rod/outfits and bang for the buck. Echo quality, crisp actions/lifetime warranties. Wide selections:
Ion Series (7-8-9-10 weights) —$350.80— Ion 10’Steelhead Series (6-7 weights) —$340.80
Carbon Series (2thru 6 weights) —$325.00. High performance complete outfits to be proud of! (rajeffsports.com)

#3-Cortland Complete Beginning Fly Fishing outfits (Rod-Reel-Line-Backing-Rod Tube) —$169.00. Everything you need to get started—just add water and smiles! (cortlandline.com)

#4-Professor Bodkin Magnetic Car Top Rod Carriers (Easy transport/No dismantle) —$79.95 (profbodkin.com)

#5-Chota 350 Felt-Studded Wading Boots—$139.95 (For those tired of ending up in the drink
wearing more expensive slippery/unstable rubber soled bottom boots. A must for all aggressive wade anglers!(chotaloutdoorgear.com)

#6-TFS Custom Fly/Tackle Satchels—$29.95 (made USA/from recycled waders, simple our design, lightweight, semi waterproof). 3- Colors-Tan-Steel Blu-Multi. Straight up—Sweet!

#7-Redington Stratus Wading jacket—$99.95 (100%Breathable/complete waterproof/Shorty design for serious fishing/wading) S-M-Lg-XL-XXL-XXXL— Withstand the elements & Stay Dry! (redington.com)

#8-Wapsi Complete Fly Tying Kit—$59.95 (Vise-tools-Hooks/Materials How to Book) Start ‘em young, break away from the video/screens. Nothing like creative hands, artistic tying skills and of course catching a fish on your own flies. Share the fun-start tying now! (wapsifly.com)

#9-TFS Gift Certificates. Any amounts. Dazed& Confused as what to purchase. Let them decide!

#10–Guided Fishing Trips. The Ultimate Gift. Exciting Year Round Fishing Trips for Steelhead-Salmon-Trout-Shad. Complete Fly Fishing Crash Courses also available. Party 1—$395.00—Party 2—$435.00—Single-Switch-Spey Casting Classes also available.)

STOCKING STUFFERS

a-Clear Camo Intermediate Fly line-$60.00-Can’t fish spring/tailwaters without’em!
b-Skagit Moe Tip Kits (switch/spey winter conditions)T8-Lgt.–T11-Med.–$149.00 Get Down!
c-TFS Boxed Fly Selections (Includes foam/waterproof Logo Fly Box) You always need more! Trout-$36.96—Steelhead-$41.95—Spey-$51.95 (Wet-Dry-Seasonal selections as well)
d-Redington Stretch Wade Belt-$19.95 Better to be safe than soggy!
e-Chota Windproof Micro Fleece Fingerless Gloves-$27.95 Snug-comfortable!
f-Fox River Wick-Dry Wade Socks-$9.95—Wick-Dry Poly Liner-$6.95 Keep’em toasty!
g-New -TFS Logo Radar Wool Blend Caps-$16.95 Stylish & warm!
h-Sibley Field Guide To Birds-Help/reference & identify natures beauty-$19.95
i-Rivers of The Lost Coast DVD-$19.95 Classic/informative and a must have for all!

We here at the Trinity Fly Shop thank you for your loyal support and friendship and wish you all the very best for a healthy and happy Holiday Season— Epic Opportunities, Rings of Rises and Solid Grabs! Herb-Pat-Chris-Kit-Landon