Ma-Ma said they’d be days like this….

“There I was Herb, hiding behind streamside vegetation zooming in with my binoculars and dialing in on the surface rises. A crimson colored fall steelhead was ever so gently sipping blue wing olive duns— yeah steelhead actively feeding on dries. On a guided trip the day before Kit had gotten me into two adults, amazingly both on dries; one pressing 7lbs… I will never be the same and now realize there are no boundaries when fishing for steelhead. That is why I was head hunting today and for the past hour and a half quite content watching the rhythmic feeding activity. The hatch phased and so did the feeding session. Time and reference points locked and loaded and I know where I will be tomorrow.

Solitude is rare in today’s busy line-ups— But when you find it!

It was a long night and I dreamed of free rising steelhead. The day arrived and there I was well prepared with my 3 wt., 5X, #18 quill dun, jazzed and in position well ahead of schedule. The hatch began and it didn’t take long the drifting duns inspired my hungry companion. Like a kid in a candy store it was my time to light it up. Just as I was stepping in, bash, boom, clang. Wow a drift boat sounded its way down the shallow riffle around the corner and was soon upon me. The logo signified a commercial boat and I respectfully asked the guide to hold up for just a few so I could deliver a couple casts to the feeding steelhead. As if my request went right over his head or fell upon deaf ears, he mentioned they had a long float and needed to get down river. So I asked if he would walk his boat close to shore as I excitedly pointed out the feeding steelhead. He blurted out that is a jumping salmon and to my disbelief proceeded to drift through the heart of the activity, running over my target and instructed his clients to start fishing directly below me. My feeding companion disappeared, my hopes sank and I was violated by a know-it-all, inconsiderate ass. I felt fortunate I was not in that boat.”

Negative stories and feedback like this get under my skin and prompted this current post. We hear BS like this much too often during periods of heavy angler/boating use. Whether it is blatant disrespect for others, severe case of dumb ass or simply a new kid on the block uncontrollably bouncing down the river in new boat, there is no excuse for disrespect and cutting off fellow anglers. Fortunately this is not the norm on our local waters.

Sweet rewards & worth every amount of effort.

No doubt angling pressure intensifies on the Trinity River throughout peak fall-winter steelhead runs each and every year. Recognizable time periods and conditions such as holidays-weekends, after November 15 (closing general trout season) prime times, as salmon runs expire, extended low flow conditions, low flow closures on coastal rivers and hyped up glowing reports smeared over the net/publications periodically align. Unfortunately when they do the river becomes saturated with an overflow of anglers. Finding productive waters can challenge even the most seasoned veterans.

Sure crowded conditions equate to limited prospects and can suppress expectations. Is it reason for disrespect, flared attitudes or being a hole hog? Sure guides have a responsibility to their clients. But at what sacrifice? Shouldn’t they be leaders of example and preaching the gospel? Sure bank and shore anglers have just as much right on the water as boating anglers. Shouldn’t they also respect boaters and other users? Anglers have a simple choice, when to go fishing or not go fishing; besides if crowded conditions persist there are other west coast steelhead options. So why blow your cool? Want more government regulations and river restrictions? Fall-Winter is the grand finale. The seasons and fishery many have dreamed and eagerly waited for all year. Its steelhead season man!

Common sense and respect goes a long way and can help to make unfavorable conditions more tolerable and enjoyable. Heading into peak steelhead seasons keep in mind, the majority of steelheaders share a common bond for the passion of the sport and love of a coastal legend. Regardless of chosen method steelheaders are probably more alike than not alike. Treat fellow anglers the way you would like to be treated. Who knows you just may find another fishing companion to share costs and stoke. To those who don’t get it I strongly suggest you read and re-read the following until you do. In the event you can’t play by the rules feel free not to attend. In the meantime the 2011-2012 steelhead seasons are well upon us. Feel fortunate there are fish in the system, possibly a few with your name on them. Recent rains have reopened new passages and zip codes for fresh run fish and coastal opportunities. Good chance it will also thin out the bulk and provide some rested waters and breathing room for anglers and fish as well. Solid Grabs!!!

Trinity fly shop & new heavy metal look.

Hey quick shop update. This past summer/early fall many of you stopped by and noticed the Trinity Fly Shop was under construction and some remodeling. Bottom line we needed more space for growth and inventory to better serve you. Finally it has all been completed and just in time for the fall-winter steelhead seasons.

While the economy has been in the reverse mode we felt no better time than now to use this time in a positive way, besides I was tired of getting razzed by my construction friends for pushing a 20 yr. comp roof 26 years. We finally dug deep and went heavy metal. The Trinity Fly Shop’s 8X12 pitch is now supporting a new metal roof that is fire resistant, reflects heat and carries a lighter snow load not to mention should last a lifetime. The 8X12 pitch supports a great walk through storage for inventory and misc. goods, freeing up office space and providing a bit more breathing room. Change is good however no more excuses for those lost notes, phone numbers, invoices and close quarters b/o.

Change is good-soft wears/lids remodel.

We removed the old classic upright wood burning stove and went electric. Yep the old burner served its purpose for 26 years, granted the dry heat often blew us all out of the shop and provided quick relief coming in from the wet and cold, and retirement was long overdue. The emissions were terrible not only to the environment but shop as well. Surprisingly we found out the old potbelly was actually illegal for resale so off to the recycle center. The entire corner has been cleared and re-opened. We had new rustic wood display shelving installed to better organize and display misc. soft goods and lids, not to mention open up more space; can actually turn around, at least for now.

Pat and Chris took a bull by the horns and stripped the walls of art/photos/ and other shop paraphernalia and sanded wear spots and prepped the walls/ceiling for a complete interior paint job. Whew labor intensive! However the rewards are sweet. The new paint job freshened up the shop’s interior and it’s amazing how much brighter, more cosmetically attractive and inviting it is. Now to cover it all back up with inventory, photos and artwork.

Regardless how bad or how good times may be people need to get away from their daily rigors & enjoy—time out & feel’n it!

With the new facelift what is the future of the Trinity Fly Shop? Regardless of how bad or how good times may be people need to get away from their daily rigors and enjoy. No better cure than to go fishing and stretch a line. We are here to fulfill your needs and help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. So we will continue to be here until you say enough. Until then we thank you for your loyal support. We also appreciate your comments and feedback although lately we have been hearing a lot of static, “why no on line shopping?” We apologize and ask to hang in there. Our recent efforts and new improvements are leading to new directions. By January 2012 Online Shopping will be available and we plan on providing you with our deadly flies, name brand soft wears and quality specialty goods, inspired by where we live and fish. It takes time to do it right and we settle for nothing less— our commitment to you and your friends. Trinity Fly Shop-Your Local Source!

Canyon Paradise- Solitude.

It has been a while since our last post and to those who read our currents I haven’t forgot about you. The past seven weeks of guiding have been nothing short of challenging as I have forgotten just about everything at one time or another. No brain farts just age, absent minded and not enough hours in a day to getter all done. Instead of writing some redundant B.S. we really care about what we convey to you and hope you realize it is much more than glorified daily client catch tallies and what rock to stand on reports. No offence number crunchers.

Jackie ain’t no lady.

An unexpected banner year for Klamath-Trinity River Chinook salmon surprised everyone. The runs supported bountiful numbers of exceptionally large adults, many exceeding 30 lbs., and countless numbers of jacks. The run is documented as the best in a decade and fish numbers/qualities returning shed strong promise for another good return 2012. Many thought banner salmon returns translates banner steelhead returns, seems logical although Ma Nature doesn’t work that way. At least at this point in time of the steelhead runs it appears the Trinity is supporting a good average return with strong numbers of early season natives that have been described as hotter than a two pecker goat in a forest fire with a BVT. Beautiful Indian summer weather and river conditions formulated a solid early season grab for jumbo half-pounders, adult Steelies and jack Chinook. Find a west bank shadow and skate’em up. The calm before the storm or like an old auto that runs great before it blows; both Kit and I knew it was suspiciously too good. Unseasonably cold weather and rains arrived and blew out the river, scattering fish throughout the entire system, erased any predictable patterns and released the whoopee air out of our balloon.

Close encounter of others fishing

2011 marks my 29th year of guiding the Trinity River and as already mentioned the past seven weeks have been nothing short of challenging and never a dull moment. Whether it is the unpredictable and unseasonably wet and wild weather influencing conditions, simply out of rhythm, age or a combination of all the above I openly admit I have entertained myself with the following forgotten items on various guide trips this fall. Spare rod (thank God nobody broke a rod that day), Tippit material (used 0X all day fortunately it didn’t matter), my watch (followed shadows and the sun), Socks (lucky water temps were 62- dealt with clammy feet), Fleece pants (coldest day of the yr. and used up all the hot h20 that evening in the shower), hot lunch (bragged about Pat’s hot chili yet pulled it off with smoked salmon/garden goods/Garlic cheese bread/bevs), Cash for gas(drove my commute back on fumes-although admit it was an “Acolie Squeezer”). Grand prize, at the end of the day, approaching my vehicle we all noticed I left the driver’s side window down all day. Or did I? At first it appeared someone broke the front windshield however it turned out to be severely splattered bird shit (window was down, everything else locked–cell phone, $150 shades etc. still sitting on the dash). Please bear with me but as the old saying goes— its better to be lucky than good.

Remove any blinders-Fall beauty

One thing I have not forgotten is just how special fall steelheading really is. The colorful beauty of the autumn landscape, the forever changing pulse of rivers, their fickle personalities and complex compositions, multiple over lapping anadromous fish runs( fresh run incoming adults and at the same time out-migrants of various origins drifting down river, complimenting the commutes are in stream/tributary spawning spring-summer stocks), the birds and restless wildlife, hidden intensity levels and yet almost bizarre methods of angling, the heavy vibe of blind faith commitment, confidence and devoted determination , stepping into a rested favorite run knowing not if but rather when, rekindled friendships and camaraderie, fishing camps and fireside meals flowing with favorite bevs while discussing and reminiscing the day encounters, Oh Yeah, mystic of a unique highly praised and desired west coast treasure and blast of energy capable of tearing into the core of your backing at the blink of an eye; leaving the victims heart in his throat, hands shaking and yearning for more. Fall steelheading is the main event and grand finale before winter’s harsh chilling grip. To miss it is a sin. Besides, ask yourself how many more steelhead seasons will you be able to enjoy?

Eager fall perfection.

I recently ran into a couple fly fishing friends on the lower river, both veteran steelheaders that would use any excuse in the book to chase steel. I was surprised to see them, especially Bob who recently turned 80. The last time I saw him he appeared in poor health and I thought to myself his days on the water are numbered. Surprisingly enough he was wet- wading, could no longer suit up, and by his own admittance embarrassed holding a spinning rod in hand yet wearing a smile. Tom, who also recently turned 71, was suited up in waders, toting his Spey rod and sporting a heavily taped hand- finger cast on his left hand. I inquired and he mentioned he fell into the blackberries and severely cut open his finger. His heart medication, blood thinners, enhanced an uncontrolled bleeding and Bob had to take him to the emergency room. We caught up over a couple cold beers and laughs. Driving back home that evening I couldn’t help but reflect back on my encounter with my friends. There they were, aged steelhead vets, handicapped and wounded yet still feeling it and doing whatever they could to get one more grab or solid hook up. I laughed out loud to myself and uncontrollably shed a few tears as I thought if that isn’t steelheading I don’t know what is. Share the stoke and Go get’em!!!

A true steelheader for a true steelheader

Elusive & don’t come easy. Be well prepared to accept the challenge.

They’re in! What are you waiting for? Stoke up your confidence and accept the challenge of a lifetime. Tie on a favorite fly and go catch a steelhead. Experience a staggering surface eruption from an illuminated profile inhaling a skating dry. Feel the power of an arm wrenching wet fly grab that surges straight into the core of your backing. Enjoy the eye- level high coiled aerial displays and electrifying bursts of power that ignites the high pitch of a screaming reel throttling into overdrive. Out of breathe out of control. Oh yeah!!!

At the blink of an eye the 1X departs and line goes limp. Oh Shit! Heart throbbing hands shaking and a sudden haunting silence; you manage to put it together and closely inspect knots and tippit. Disappointment sets in. You discover equipment failure. Last year’s tippit simply didn’t cut it. To lose a fish out of control is one thing but to fall victim to last year’s old tippit material, well there is just no excuse for Dumb-Ass.

Early steelhead of this size/ quality are simply a holy terrier & ass kicker. Just ask Bob Jones.

When steelheading you always need to bring you’re A-game. Opportunities are far and few between and there is little room to falter. Ask any veteran steelheader, a major attribute of a steelhead’s mystical world is if there is anything that can go wrong it will and more times than not to your benefit. So how does one maintain the positive edge and keep the odds in their favor? No better way to begin than to invest the time and effort and follow through with an annual preseason inventory and maintenance punch list.

Wade Gear/Software
Waders—Check for leaks and make repairs. No cure for soggy drawers-popsicle toes.
Wading Boots—Check laces, felts/studs. Replace for positive traction. Get a grip! (Rubber soles may be fine standing in a drift boat or wading meadow/still-waters—but don’t cut it on western steelhead rivers).
Wade Belts—adjust for proper fitting for all waders/clothing—especially if not used in a while.
Rain gear—Check for leaks and waterproofing, comfort/dryness enhances confidence.
Vests-Satchels-Chest packs—Make sure waterproof, lube zippers, check buckles, snaps, velcro pockets for tears/holes/wear, organize and always maintain/keep handy current fish licenses/tags, pen.
Gear-Bag/Boat bag— misc. items for single/multi-outings; hats, gloves, sunglasses, wind-cutter, extra fleece, camera, pen, flashlight, knife, snacks, h20, duct tape, wader patch, sun block, insect repel, band-aids/advil, backup tackle/gear, plastic bags etc…If you think you may need it, at some point you will.
Rod Tubes/Scabbards—lube zippers, inventory back up rods, reels. Write (with permanent marker) your name/contact no. on all tubes— Can’t return ‘em if there is no contact number.
Landing hand—great net option that easily stores in vest/satchel or gear/boat bag. You’re third hand!
Wading Staff—Check durability for dependability, lube fold staffs, and inspect all cords, clips, holsters.

Rods/Reels/Lines
Fly Rods—Check wraps, closely inspect tip- tops/ stripping guides for wear, reel seats for loose foot screws, positive grip, wax all ferrules, tape loose ferrules (especially switch/spey rods).
Reels—Check chassis, reel mounts, drag systems, spools, and all working components (lube when necessary—especially non-sealed disk drags)). Smooth rotation with zero hesitation.
Fly lines— Closely inspect for wear/cracks (especially tied/welded loop ends). When in doubt replace ’em. Floating lines dress with high quality line dressing (Russ peak/Aquel) every other time out. Multi-tip lines check inventories & storage wallets for line selections/ conditions, unspool ¼ backing on all reels/spools to ensure no binding/tangles, annually( or whenever needed) replace all butt sections and re-tie all knots to backing, leader up all lines, backup lines and tips with fresh new leaders/tippits.

Flies/Terminal Tackle
Flies—inventory and stock in multi sizes/weights (dries/skaters, wets, nymphs, streamers,), organize/label/categorize in appropriate fly boxes (Trinity River-Klamath R.-Umpqua R. etc). You never have too many flies to compliment a variety of techniques water conditions and rivers. Buy or tie Quality flies on quality irons—they don’t come back!
Misc. terminal tackle—Inventory and replace (out with the old) tippit,butt section material/leaders (buy new and quality) nippers, zingers, hook hone, hemos/pliers/scissors, thermometer, tape measure (de-liar), lead-shot, needle tube/bobbin, floatants, reel lube, line dressings..

All this may sound a bit tedious or labor intensive but remember your gear/tackle is the major link to you and your quarry not to mention a vital key to success. Take care of it NOW so it will take care of you later. Sure this punch list isn’t the ultimate answer for steelheading success. However following through with a thorough preseason tune up and being well prepared is sure to keep you further away from licking your wounds and hanging on to loose ends. Get with it & Get Out there!!!

Trinity Fly Shop is filled to the gills for your needs – Open seven days a week. Your Local Source