Peter Graves – 1st shad.

The first warming trends of late spring triggers a heavy stoke and desire for many steelheaders to once again stretch a line for new cycles of life in anadromous systems. Generally, hot weather activates spring-summer runoff adding volume and velocity to rivers inspiring major shad migrations to take advantage of the open door. A final flush and grand finale that digs deep into those who can’t resist the temptation of chasing unpredictable fish migrations and yearning to experience, hot weather, cold beverages, social line- ups and multiple grabs.

2011 early season shad conditions were far from the norm. This year’s record snowpack and unseasonably wet and cold weather patterns nurtured chilly water temperatures (52-54 degrees) and full volume river flows in most all systems. Conditions most generally associated with steelheading. Shad are all about warm temperatures and favor 63-72 degree water temperatures. Although it has happened in the past, I can’t remember when was the last time I fished in a lineup of shadders layered in fleece, long underwear, hats/gloves and full raingear. Not to mention retreating to a warm campfire. It’s a relief to know there are others. Despite the harsh conditions those accepting the challenge and willing to brave the elements were not only surprised to experience there were shad but also a solid shad grab.

Talk’n Shad!

High flows inspired excellent early season striper runs and fishing in both the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. Since both stripers and shad are surface spawners deep suspicions of a good shad run was heavy on the minds. Joe Neil and fellow shadders reported fresh shad runs all the way up to Road 48 in mid-May. The American and Feather received the lead edge about the same time while we experienced shad in the icy waters of the Yuba at the end of May. One thing about high water years you know where the shad are and where they are not. Most any soft edge (this year Willow lines) and slower waters will be holding fish. Like steelhead, shad will migrate the easiest way possible. The key to high water success is to get down into the column of holding/transitioning fish. Forget the traditional long reach down and across approach. We discovered consistent success fishing heavily weighted (tungsten bead/lead bells) patterns fished on a short line nymphing approach. Short dap casts, quartered slightly upstream and followed through with a few payout mends, to achieve maximum depths and sustained prolonged drifts. 0X tippits was the savior to retrieving your patterns out of the willows and root wads. Standard type 4 Hi speed heads and multi-tips did the job. Spey-switch casters were reminded not to rev-it-up and take advantage with a Scandi line and type 4 tip. Over shooting the soft edges simply reflected a good casting session.

Chris Christinsen (aka C-) got shad.

Currently strong numbers of fish have filtered throughout the entire Valley systems. The down side is hot weather has triggered major late season runoff. All rivers are fluctuating daily, some dangerously high and unfishable. On a brighter note, it is better to have more water than not enough. Remember the drought years? No water no fish, not to mention major devastation on ecosystems and other wildlife. Prolonged high flows open the door not only for shad but also bonus stripers, spring-summer salmon-steelhead-trout. Cold water temperatures slow fish maturing and preserve the quality of the fish. How long will the 2011 shad run last? Not sure. However, we have successfully caught shad through July into early August. Years ago I was caught off guard when fishing the lower Trinity (September 26) and witnessed a 6 lb. hen shad on the flank of a fresh school of Chinooks. Bottom line, the balance of the shad run all comes down to runoff. Use good judgment and keep in tune with river flows. Anyone pissing or moaning-Shad up and go fishing!

Walt & handful of shad	CB – bundle up & say cheese
I see faces	Boat load of steelheaders-ah-er-shadders

Smiles of early success – Chris B

June is upon us and school is almost out. Kids out for summer! Many people ask us when is it a good time to start teaching their children how to fish or fly fish? We reply, as soon as possible! Fishing is a wonderful bonding experience for child and parent. The beauty and wonders of the great outdoors can be captivating and an exciting long term family affair. Our son, Chris, received his first fly reel at six months; a great exercise reeling both forward and backward. We actually had him on drift trips at 3-4 months, and at a year and a half we had him hooked up into his first half pounder steelhead. Our daughter, Kellie, also got into the action at age 11; fishing on Lewiston Lake, landing trout between making mud pies and venturing off for other shoreline discoveries. Now our grandson, Mason age 5, is following in their footsteps. Casting a fly rod and landing trout whenever possible. Never too young to begin.

Catch of the day – Kellie B

Simply based upon a few years of hanging around here is some sound advice you might consider before taking a child fishing. Before you go fishing have a well laid out plan designed around the child’s age. Take the time to consider their interest level and attention span. Leave the computer games/toys at home. Focus on the total and pure outdoor experience. Very young, under the age 10, you may be surprised kids simply enjoy the outing and tripping around just as much or more than fishing. At this age level you basically have about an hour to fish and maintain the interest. If fish are not biting or cooperating stay positive by turning the child loose so they can enjoy all the other aspects of the outdoors; hiking, skipping/throwing rocks, swimming etc..On the other hand, some kids are born fisherman; watching every TV fishing shows, reading every fishing mag/web site, spending their loose change and hard earned allowance on tackle and always expressing a strong desire to wet a line. If your child has these symptoms you are fortunate as they are truly a rare breed. I strongly suggest you support them in every way and take them fishing as often as possible. Ultimately, you will be glad you did. Never force fishing upon children—let them dictate how much and how long the trip should be. Always be there for help, encouragement and direction.

Nice vest – Mason Sayre & Rainbow!

We hear from some people that had grown up going camping and fishing, “it was the best times, whether we caught fish or not.” Some will even go as far as saying that if it wasn’t for camping and fishing with my parents, summers would have been boring and the fun actually kept many out of trouble, enhancing a new sense of direction and fun. Kids who grow up camping and fishing seem to be much happier with the simple things in life, are keen/ alert, have a greater outlook and tend to adjust to life’s sometimes bumpy roads. No better way to sooth the soul than go fishing. So if you are considering taking junior on a fishing venture, leave the Nanny behind and do it as a family. Fishing is a great cornerstone to build lifelong relationships and memories with your children. Fish’em now—Hook’em early!

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!