How could you not enjoy fishing Steelhead waters?

Gin’n tonic best describes current Trinity River low water flows and clarity. And many of you already know the next chapter of how this affects salmon-steelhead fishing. River flows are scheduled to drop again, October 18, from 450cfs. to 300cfs. and with little rain forecasted for the near future it appears these conditions may be around for some time.

The toilet bowel flush – A forever lasting memory that becomes deeply embeded.

So how does one deal with low flows and sensitive conditions? Piss, moan and whine or buck up and deal with it. Easy, no room for buzz killers—it’s the 2012 steelhead season man! Stoke is in the air, flourishing fall colors are coming on, fellow friendships are being rekindled, new equipment and flies are being tested, promising waters are waiting to be fished and strong numbers of fish are already scattered throughout the system. The table is set for those eager and willing.

Reflections of Steel.

No doubt low water steelheading is demanding. To better understand how these conditions impact their behavior, consider the complex life cycle of a steelhead. As a rearing juvenile they feed with reckless abandonment, migrate miles to the ocean, transform body chemistry, from fresh to salt, and accept an entirely new diet while maturing and eluding predators in one of the world’s largest rearing ponds (Pacific). Returning mature steelhead, again, transform body chemistry and adapt to freshwater environments and devote every effort, navigating miles of complex water compositions while eluding predators, returning to their natal rivers to perform their ultimate goal; spawn to perpetuate future stocks. In other words it’s not about feeding and crushing your fly. Steelhead are remarkably honed, instinctive creatures that respond and make every attempt to adapt with current environmental changes. Whether it is ravaged aggression or prolonged lock-jaw, steelhead are unpredictable at best; you either love-em or hate’em.

Here are a few hints of advice that have helped me during low water periods.

If It Feels Good Do It – Its mid-October and the time of year is right. Forget all the staggering weir counts and raw reports, if you’re feeling lucky and eager than go for it. Sure they may not come easy, no steelhead does. All it takes is a few at the right time and right place.

The beauty and complexities of a Steelhead’s journey.

Blinded by the Light – Keep in mind current conditions. If sunny conditions persist definitely take advantage of early mornings/late evenings. Mid-day fishing target west bank shadows and shy away from waters receiving direct sunlight. (Try staring into the direct sunlight for hours and see if you like it, let alone able to even see a fly). Earth tone clothing/gear is strongly recommended, especially during sunny conditions and blends well with your surrounds. During low water conditions take every advantage of overcast and low lighting conditions. Fish tend to be a bit more forgiving and express a willingness to move.

Size Matters – Reduce fly sizes. Big is not always better, although I always attempt to go big or go home. Traditional flies for swinging drop from2- 4-6’s down to size 8-10 and even 12’s depending upon water compositions. Even though skaters ride high and in the film, low waters tend to magnify them. They too should drop in size, often down to sizes 10-12’s. Straight line nymphers sometimes drop to 16-18 -20’s as it may seem appropriate. Unfortunately they often learn these hooks are not made to handle a tiger by the tail. Lengthen leaders to compliment water compositions. My 10 ft. leaders graduate to 12-ft. and tippits drop from a general 8-10 lb. down to 4-6 lb. test. Loosen drags accordingly, lift easy and let’em run.

Each & everyone are special. Most people’s smallest Steelie is their largest Rainbow Trout.

Don’t Worry Be Happy – Low water, high water, clear, muddy, warm, cold, tons of fish, no fish, no matter where you are steelheading is what it is and timing is everything. Even though low water currently persists the good news is a solid run of steelhead is already well distributed throughout the Trinity. For those in question, it could be a lot worse. I’ve been around long enough to unfortunately witness the worst of both, no water and no fish. You think fishing is tough now? Steelheading is not all about catching and it is for certain, you don’t stand a chance of catching one, if you don’t go. You know where I’ll be the next several months. All the best for solid grabs and shades of steel!

Returning home.

Be careful what you wish for. Anglers waiting for TR flows to drop got their wish as flows recently dropped to 450cfs. and fishing, as well as fish movements, has slowed dramatically. Low clear flows (dropping Oct. 15 to 300cfs.) and unseasonably hot temps, above 90 degrees, currently dominate and challenge even the best low water wizards.

The past five weeks high water flows, 900-1,000cfs., down the Trinity/Klamath were intended to help sustain desirable water temps to prevent any threat of a fish kill and did exactly that and much more. Late summer runs, staging in mid-river canyons, wasted little time and raced through the upper river in a matter of days while increased cool flows was just what the Doc ordered to activate major fall runs of both salmon and steelhead; creating some exceptional early- season high water opportunities for those who took advantage of the flush.

John Noyes – Slab on, Who’s Got Who?

This year’s fall Chinook salmon run is predicted to be one of the most robust in more than a decade and early data indicates the run is on track to meet that prediction. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) issued the first preliminary salmon counts showing how many salmon have been counted in the 2012 season. As of Aug. 31, close to 300,000 salmon were taken off the Ca. coast by both sport and commercial fishing fleets (Commercial harvest 172,914 —Sport harvest 111,196). Although this year’s catch obviously is an improvement over 2011’s, it is still only considered an average year by recent historical standards. Inland sport harvest, hatchery returns and escapement numbers will be available later in the year.

Sore arm release

We give the 2012 salmon run two thumbs up as we have experienced an unusually higher number of adult and jack Chinook hookups. Hooking and landing have proved to be two opposites. Fish we have landed are bright and healthy (recently observed a slab that was as large as a sheet of plywood) reflecting great ocean conditions. Current strong numbers appear to be representing the heat of the fall run. Salmon are scattered throughout the system, head to tail, with strong surges still entering the lower river. A few lead steelhead have entered the mix and shed another option.

Jacks are often eager to grab, Garret sport’n smiles

It’s encouraging to witness a healthy salmon rebound, especially after years of depressed returns and controversy. Yet, you have to question, is this a fluke, simply a haunting reminder of the past or the beginning of a rebounding trend? Current fisheries data and predictions seem to be fairly accurate and surprisingly with the Bureau getting on board, releasing additional water, you almost feel there is hope. At this point in time, most exciting is to consider what is good for salmon is generally also good for steelhead. Bring your stealth approach, step in with a smile and appreciate what is now. Get Out there!

Solid Flex–Ray Sardo hang’n on.	Lead edge, native chrome

Fresh run chinooks are always smoking favorites.

Shorter days cool evening temps have signaled fall is in the air. The harvest season is upon us and the summer produce has been making its way to canning rooms, kitchens and tables. One of our favorite harvest seasons delights that rivals the cornucopia of garden fresh produce is smoked fish. And this year western salmon-steelhead rivers are reflecting bountiful returns that not only shed light for the future but also permits us to reap the rewards and fire up the smoker.

Smoking fish has always been a harvest highlight and I was first inspired to this native form of cooking by my riverside good friend and neighbor, the late Rod Guptin (Sarge). When we first moved to Trinity Co we rented an early 1900’s log cabin across from Sarge and whenever he fired up the smoker the luring smell of salmon/steelhead penetrated the cabin and quickly got our attention. For years, both Pat and I tuned in, watching Sarge preform his artful magic, and enjoyed what we refer to as salmon candy. Sadly, Sarge passed; leaving his legacy of smoking some of the best fish in Trinity Co and, to our surprise, willed his bullet proof 1953 GE stainless steel ice-box smoker to Patty and me.

TR hatchery steelhead are often plentiful and prime smoking candidates.

Like any fruits of labor, smoking fish is a slow process and requires a full day and a half of attention; cleaning/cutting up fish, mixing up the brine, preparing the heat source and smoking material. Sarge taught us from the get go, the brine is a key process to taste and one of the most important ingredients; keep it simple and do not attempt to overshadow the great natural taste of fresh salmon, steelhead, or trout.

There are no boundaries for brine recipes, whatever moves you and fulfills your tastes. We have settled on the following sweet/sour recipe that continues to be our favorite for fish and compliments our smoking rhythms. (Based upon 10-15lbs. prepared fish). Brine time: Salmon (36 hrs.) –Steelhead/trout (24 hrs.)Mix thoroughly!

• 1qt.-72ozs. Kikkomans Teriyaki Sauce
• ½ cup Honey
• 1/8 cup Garlic/course pepper seasoning
• ½ cup Brown sugar
• 2-Pinapples, juiced/crushed (or 3 cans crushed)
• 1-Lemon, 1- lime juiced

Black/red oak offers unique taste and great smoke material.

Charcoal, in a deep cast iron casing, is our heating source. We generally attempt to maintain a constant 160 degree temperature. (Some of our Hoopa friends simply smoke air temperature, which in the lower valley can often exceed 100 degrees even in September). Smoke is also a key ingredient for taste. We exclusively use the bark from Black/Red oak for a unique taste, clean burn and minimal ash. I prepare and crush the heavy bark into fine chips and use both dry and wet chips. The dry chips are used for starting and whenever a quick smoke is needed. The wet chips are soaked in water 24 hrs. ahead of smoking and used for toning down hot flair ups and maintaining a slow smoke. Once the smoker reaches the desired temperature the fish are placed on the racks, skin down, and coated with a simple brown sugar/water/course pepper basting sauce. Oak chips are added, vent set, pop a brew, and take care of your honeydews or kick back and enjoy the ball game. As a general rule about every 45 minutes, I refuel the fire and stoke it with a gracious handful of appropriate chips not to mention take a hit from the smoking vent and its addictive aromas.

Brines are key to quality taste— Keep’m simple!

Thanks to Sarge each and every harvest season we have enjoyed smoking fish for our family and friends. It’s a fun tradition and every smoke is delightfully different. Sure we have big shoes to fill; we have never been able to duplicate the quality of Sarge’s smoked candy, however each harvest season we thank him and sure like trying. Fire it up & enjoy!

Chill’n & smoke’n.	Pat with fruits of labor —salmon candy.

Vac-pac ensures freshness, longevity and great packaging for any occasion.

Boston angler, Dave LLoyd & early morning success.

Smoke’n hot temperatures (100 degree plus) have dominated our neck of the woods and much of the north state for the past few weeks. How hot is hot; like cranking up your kitchen oven up to 450 and climbing in! Ouch! It has been quite a few years since we have experienced prolonged sizzling temps and the sweltering heat has challenged most anyone spending time outdoors.
What about those who live outdoors? Fish and wildlife also experience discomfort from the heat. Like many of us they tend to lay low, taking advantage of early morning, late evening hours and nocturnal behaviors for most activities. As temperatures soar and water temps rise, trout and salmon become lethargic, seeking cool deep water pools or highly oxygenated waters, and even become susceptible to diseases and parasites. In fact, in an effort to help Trinity River fisheries, this summer anglers are surprised to witness a Trinity River flow increase. August 13 the Bureau of Reclamation increased flows from 450cfs. to 1050cfs. to supplement flows in the lower Klamath to help protect a possible record-breaking run of adult Chinook salmon from disease outbreak and mortality. Releases will vary between 1000cfs. to 1200cfs. and drop to 450cfs. late September. (For current flows/forecasts check out river conditions on our site).

Mark Burton barefoot’n & catch’n on Lewie.

A cooling trend is forecasted in the near future but until then how do you find relief? Hanging out at your favorite watering hole is no brainer and our favorite way to elude a meltdown and enjoy temporary comfort. Despite the heat surprisingly there are still some exciting fishing opportunities currently firing off. Check out these Trinity heat busters!
Trinity lake-Great opportunities for all family members and a personal summertime favorite. Swimming, boating, skiing, wakeboarding receive top billing however wet wading and casting small flies for eager bluegill and bass is a kick for all levels anglers. Target most any points and rocky shorelines. A 3-4 wt. rod and variety of small leeches, nymphs and rubberlegs will do it.
Trinity Alps – work up a sweat to cool down in the high altitudes and wilds of the Trinity Alps. Although this may not be the best time of year to target lake fishing the solitude, screaming scenery of the rugged Trinities, diving in the cold, gin clear waters of a pristine lake, clean mountain air and a shot at some high mountain brookies is a full on chill out and stoke for anyone.
Trinity Freestones – Upper Trinity R., Coffee Cr., Swift cr., Stuarts Fork are little gems that support excellent colorful native trout populations. Wet wading provides soothing comfort from the heat while target casting pocket waters with your 2-3 wt. and high riding dries in remote settings is drip-dry satisfying.
Trinity Salmon – Crack of dawn is key for transitioning fish movements. Target traditional riffles, glides and tailouts. Once the sun bleaches out the shallows, you’re generally toast. Rare but mid-day can be productive for holding slabs. Deep water scouring presentations are required yet may be a bit redundant for some. Want a whopper? Stay with it!!!

Kaii Burton pimp’n Dragons/Damsels.

Lewiston Lake – Increased lake and river flows has cooled water temps and triggered consistent mid-day damsel/dragon hatches as well as late evening midge hatches. Float tubes/pontoons are always a great approach targeting Lewie’s tailwaters and cooling down. However, barefooting in an aluminum boat/pram, in Lewie’s icy waters, can help to generate popsicle toe relief from the heat and also offers an elevated sight vantage for cruising targets.
Trinity Fly Only Waters – Despite higher flows quality activity is still happening. Deep water nymphing/streamer fishing dominates early and late. Some fish still targeting sporadic PMD hatches around 4 to 8 pm. 2012 has represented one of the best “native” summer steelhead runs in years. Let current conditions dictate approach, beef up tippits and fish with a smile. Closes September 15…

If you can’t experience a good time and cool down with something in this line up you deserve to be a baked couch potato. See ya in the water— on the cool down!

Summer Steelhead on drys? Just ask Chad Sayre.	Have fun in the summer time – come for the float of it….