In solid! – Ooh feel the power!

Some of my most enjoyable and memorable guided fishing trips is with children and the younger generation. There is nothing quite like observing their wide-eye fascination of the great outdoors while teaching them how to cast and fish. Their high energy free spirit and willingness to learn are all the desirable traits that jazz a fishing guide or instructor. The entire experience can only be highlighted by the fortune of good luck and witnessing their first catch. Some Youngblood’s are gifted and natural born anglers. Remarkably at an early age they develop skills and talent that rapidly blossom into consistent success. We have witnessed many fall victims to a lifelong passion and addiction. This past spring-summer both Kit and I were fortunate to guide and fish with the following young lineup I personally feel, in one way or another, you will be hearing about them sometime in the near future.

NAME: Conner Laursen
AGE: 17
RESIDENCE: Auburn, Ca.
FAVORITE WATERS/FISH: Mexico-Ca. (Trinity River-Lewiston Lk.) Dorado-Steelhead-Trout.
AMBITION: Engineering/welding

Conner Laursen terrorizing Lewiston trout.

Conner is well traveled and by the age of 15 he has fished more exotic fresh and salt water destinations than most anglers in a lifetime. (Mexico-South America-Africa-Montana-Idaho). Because of his background and exposure to both fresh and salt water fisheries Conner has a solid power stroke fully loaded by an enhanced double haul that will rival most. He is a small giant. His delivery is generally point blank (often casting too far) and knows how to back it up. Always positive and determined Conner maintains a strong not if but when attitude searching favorite waters for steelhead and trout. I have guided Conner for the past three years and learned to not under estimate his quiet and casual demeanor—More times than not he cashes in on screaming dividends.

NAME: Tristan Mihan
AGE: 15
RESIDENCE: Cottage Grove, Or.
FAVORITE WATERS/FISH: Trinity-Lewiston-Trinity Lks. Steelhead-Salmon-Trout-Bass
AMBITION: Pro baseball pitcher

Tristan Mihan & fresh run Chinook slab.

I have watched Tristan grow and develop since he was a baby. He is Kit Kreick’s nephew so that explains a lot. At a very early age Tristan was exposed to both fishing and hunting thanks to Uncle Kit. Natural progression led him to take up fly fishing. A south paw, Tristan delivers a more relaxed forward stroke resembling a true “west coast steelheader’s windup.” He currently is a freshman baseball pitcher playing varsity ball and that may very well influence his casting style. Even though Tristan is currently living in Oregon, a state of many fishing options, he has always maintained a passion for his home waters—the Trinity. He knows them well. Whether it is target hunting for selective feeding trout or dissecting waters for steelhead, Tristan always maintains patience which is so vital to success. His approach can best be summed up like a Tim Lincecum—fast ball, slider and on full count have the balls to throw a change-up. Tristan is never afraid to step out of bounds to be successful.

NAME: Kaii Burton
AGE: 12
RESIDENCE: West Palm Beach, Fl.
FAVORITE WATERS/FISH: Florida-Ca. (Trinity River-Lewiston Lk.) Tarpon-Snook-Kingfish-Redfish-Peacock Bass-Salmon-Trout.
AMBITION: Professional fishing Guide

Kaii Burton in natural rhythm.

Not until this past summer had I seen Kaii Burton in full action. Some anglers are good, whether it be skill, luck, mojo or whatever you call it. Kaii has it and knows how to use it. Living right on the water Kaii was exposed to Florida fresh and saltwater fishing at an early age by his father Paul and Grandfather Mark. Currently he targets just about anything that swims anytime he can. This summer he visited us for two weeks and continuously out fished anyone willing to wet a line with him. His conventional skills are off the charts. We exposed him to fly fishing and first time out he terrorized Lewiston trout up to 4 lbs… He is a natural born caster with unique ability to read and effectively fish promising waters. His mind is like a sponge, absorbing all the advice offered and asks the right questions. His favorite rod is a classic slow-medium Powell “West Branch” 5 Wt… He vowed to follow through with the long stick in Florida—Flats anglers beware.

NAME: Mason Sayre
AGE: 6
RESIDENCE: Vacaville, Ca.
FAVORITE WATERS/FISH: Anywhere and whatever is biting.
AMBITION: At the moment-Pro baseball player

Mason Sayre puts the pressure to ’em!

At the ripe age of 6 Mason Sayre sheds some outstanding prospects for becoming a very talented angler.
Sure I’m biased -Mason is our grandson. After devoting 29 years of commercial guiding I have seen what it takes. If you’ve got it you’ve got it. Not a coincidence or fluke, time and time again Mason has demonstrated he has the best of both, skill and luck. Just ask anyone who has fished with him especially his father, Chad, who he often out fishes. Addicted to the grab, it makes no difference what or where he fishes. Mason simply enjoys being outdoors. Starting out with a 6’ Cortland GRF1000 fly rod Mason learned a basic 30 ft. cast. This summer he has progressed to a 9’ Echo 5wt. yep, 9’ and even tried a clear- camo sinking line with success. Mason has a long way to go. If he continues to focus and peruse fishing he is sure to become an all-star angler.

It is encouraging and comforting to see new young anglers in the line ups. They represent the next shift not to mention the future of our resources is in the hands of the younger generations. Opportunity, encouragement, support and humor fuels the stoke. Let’s keep’em out there!

Two kinds of beauty.

Every alternate year the lower river Hoopa tribe has its ceremonial boat race/dance. Trinity River flows are increased for this special event. We have had numerous inquiries as to when flows will be increased, how much and what possible impacts they will have on the fisheries. To date the following is what we have received. Keep in mind it is not itched in stone. In the past as they have modified timing and flows.

Beginning 8-28-11 (Sun.) Trinity River flows begin ramping up from a current 450 cfs. to a max. release of 2650.cfs… (51/2 times) the river’s current flows…

8-30-11 (Tues.) T.R. flows will begin ramping down from peak flows. At 8 pm. 9-1-11 (Thurs.) T.R. flows will level back down to 450cfs thru October 14.

Joe Neil – Late evening glimmer.

As far as impacts to the fisheries your guess is as good as ours. What? Past experiences have revealed surges of increased flows, cooling water temperatures, accelerate fall salmon-steelhead runs when the lower system sustains prolonged unseasonably high water temperatures. On the flip side high water years, when lower river temps are cool and remain desirable for fish, increased flows and cooling H20 temperatures have surprisingly stalled or retarded migrations; if fresh fish have already found their comfort zone why move? Just when you think you might have it going, 60 miles upstream the mid-canyon/ upper River maturing spring-summer salmon-steelhead respond entirely different; the beauty of anadromous fish unpredictable, here today gone tomorrow. Mystic, the unknown a haunting “high” most devoted salmon-steelheaders thrive on as they exercise spirited hunches or second guess favorite waters with blind faith and callused determination. If it feels right —Go For It! As for fishing, already late summer and lead fall runs are moving through the lower “K.” Don’t sit around waiting for glowing reports— Get out and make’m!

While on the topic of water Trinity Lake is currently only 8’ from maximum capacity this late in the year. The highest I have witnessed in 29 yrs. Good news or bad news. While full lake capacities have benefitted fisheries and lake users many Trinity County residents monitoring lake levels have been voicing the following concerns:

A – Will Trinity Lake have adequate storage capacity for this winters precipitation/runoff?
B – If the Bureau has to significantly raise T.R. flows this fall, are they considering the effect/impact on the sport fishing industry, hotels, gas stations, retail stores, restaurants and the rest of this economically depressed County which rely on this busy season?
C – October 15 T.R. flows are scheduled to drop to 300 cfs.. It would seem prudent to consider actually increasing and or sustain a higher minimum release at this time in anticipation of a wet fall-winter seasons.

Shirley & silver shades of brown.

Lewiston residents living directly below California’s largest 50 yr. old earthen dam also have concerns about its integrity and safety in the event of an abnormally wet fall/winter. A uncontrolled release while flooding many could be catastrophic and devastating to Trinity County’ economy as well. Dammed if water agencies release too much H20, dammed if they don’t; a complex juggling act that is a result of damming, diverting and attempting to control a once wild free flowing river. There is still about two months before normal wet weather patterns arrive. Does anyone believe there has been anything even close to normal this year? Besides what is normal? Mild seasons & Shades of early fall Chrome!!!

Luck beats the odds – Florida angler, Kaii Burton & tail-water slab.

Yesterday I busted a gut when I was working in the office and semi listening to Chris and others talk fishing. Stories, fishing reports and the standard ribbing one another echoed throughout the shop, everyone uniquely expressing themselves and in great spirits. Cool! As I listened in I couldn’t help but engage. The hype, excitement, anticipation and eagerness to get out on the water got me so jazzed I too felt like I should get out and stretch a line. Still a great buzz after all these years. Damn I’m glad we fish!

Hot temps & dropping flows didn’t deter C.B. – Fresh run chrome salmon.

Complementing the humor and highlighting fishing conversations/stories is the distinctive language that is often used to describe flies, techniques, favorite waters and fishing in general; Fishing Jargon. An entirely different language that is readily spoken by seasoned veterans and generally voiced or enhanced depending upon “the moment.” Raw- rank, hardcore serious to knee-slappers, there seems to be language and cliché’s that describes most everything about fishing. There could be endless chapters written about fishing jargon however we thought just for fun lets share some favorites. Feel free to comment and add your favorite.

Fishing Reports–Fish pouring into the river—Stacked like cordwood— Jumping on the bank–Walk across their backs—the “wad” is in—Stuffed head to tail—Flooded with fish—Limits the rule

Fishing (Feedback) Reports—Crushed’em—Killed’em—Knocked’em dead—Slayed’em—Jumped on the hook—Solid Grab—Easy ‘n stupid—Ripped their lips—Fishing sucked—Should have been here yesterday—Skunked—Goose egg—Struck out—No fish in the ditch

Favorite Fishing Spots/Waters—The Bucket— the Gut–Honey Hole—Glory Hole—Sweet Spot—Hot Spot—Soft sweetness–the Meat’n potatoes,

Fish Descriptions (Big)—Hog—Slab—Moby—Toad—Old Moe–Lunker
(Small)—Dink—Juvie—Fry—Winki-pop—Wink is better than a stink

Fishing Techniques—Strip tease—Dredging—Tight line twitch–Straight lining—Down-dirty—Scouring—Rip’n tear—-Chugging—Marshmallow fishing

Fishing Action (the bite)— Sip—Pluck– Grab–Rise—Pull–Take— Feeding frenzy—Slam dunk– Inhaled it–Saw the whites of his eyes–Flushed it—Slash and burn–Tug is the drug–Piglet to gator slam

Fishing Etiquette (Lack of)—Pinched—Cut off—Dropped in on—Snaked—Corked—Block’n tackle—Hole hog— A_ _ Hole–( others we feel we shouldn’ print)

Going Fishing—Stretch a line—Rip some lips—Lace’em up and head out—Chase some steel—Head hunting—Rip’n tear—Dissect some candy,

Fishing Slogans – I fish therefore I lie—Steelheading for sanity— Born to fish–Many men go fishing without knowing it is not fish they are after—Early to bed early to rise fish all day and make up lies— Shut up and fish–Fish for today live for tomorrow.

To date still one of my favorite fishing slogans: The worst day of fishing is better than the best day at work. Amen! Even though dropping river flows and the extreme heat has slowed fishing, after this morning post, I’m going to lace’em up and head out, get down and dirty and dredge my favorite glory hole for a slab!

Joe John Winn & 1st summer steel.