Trinity river “Fly only” water

Located 250 ft. below Lewiston Dam and flowing approximately 2 miles downstream to the Old Lewiston Bridge is the Trinity River’s “fly only” waters. This upper reach of the Trinity River is open April 1 thru Sept. 15th and, in a class by itself, represents the only managed “Fly only” waters in northern California. Not to be confused with other special managed waters (artificial only etc.); it was one of the first “fly only” waters in CA (possibly #2/Hot Creek #1). Since the inception of the special “Fly only” regulations these waters have increased in popularity and for such a modest length and brief season, the “Fly only “waters are recognized for producing rare opportunity and quality salmon-steelhead-trout fishing.

A Fly only” water bow released by – Eamonn Markham

In the beginning: 1964 Trinity-Lewiston Dams were completed and unfortunately eliminated an additional 70 miles of prime upper river habitats and restricted fish passage. Waters below Lewiston Dam currently represent the heart and upper headwaters of the Trinity River. These icy tailwaters have been identified as quality staging, spawning and rearing habitats. The question, how do you manage waters that historically produced thriving native fish stocks and now restricted below an artificial barrier and hatchery puzzled officials. Do you close waters entirely or utilize the resource and manage with special regulations to minimize impacts. Late 60’s DFG imposed special regulations that permitted angling (Fly only) with a restricted two fish limit (zero salmon) and then added a slot limit based on stream surveys (conducted by Mark Hampton, Fish and Wildlife and volunteers) which found summer steelhead that constituents wanted protected. Subsequently, the regulations were revised, from a two fish/slot limit, to a zero limit in the 1990’s (1994 adoption) after several years of debate and lots of local support; ultimately becoming Trinity County’s first zero limit- special managed waters. This would have never happened it were not for the leadership of the former California Trout north coast director, Tom Weseloh FOTR chairman the lateByron Leydecker , Trinity County Supervisors and my brother Glenn Burton who helped out with some knee-slapping humor and unique diving skills that occurred during our density/diversity dives. It’s true; the squeaky wheel gets the oil!

Summer Chinook & S.F. fan – Tristan Miham

Season of opportunity: Originally the “Fly only” waters reopened the last Sat. in May (Memorial weekend). To simplify regulations, years later it reopened the same day as the general trout opener (last Sat. in April). The season opening date changed a few years ago to open April 1 to accommodate anglers that were being impacted by ROD releases—to give them a chance to fish before the flows were ramped up. In essence, there was little biological impact and a desire to provide more opportunity so anglers would not be opposed to the higher flows that decrease their fishing opportunity during spring ROD releases. The September 15 closure has always been in place to protect spawning salmon.

Loch-leven –colorful and wily

Full House: Early season openers (Apr. 1) anglers can expect to encounter late winter steelhead and trout, occasionally sipping dries (Callibaetis-Calineuria). Hatchery juveniles galore provide smiles of success, especially for the young, while at the same time pacify larger specimens preferring a meat/potatoes diet. After spring flows subside (late June) a complete lineup of salmon-steelhead, brown and rainbow trout are available and respond to a variety of fly fishing methods/techniques. Mornings generally provide quality streamer/wet fly fishing, midday nymphing and evenings pop with multiple hatches triggering dry fly opportunities. Truly no boundaries as all can be effective at one time or another. Throughout the summer and remainder of the season, hatchery juveniles have thinned out, pools fatten up with staging salmon while late season hatches (PMD’s-Beatis-Midge) inspire bows, browns, and the occasional summer steelhead to selectively feed.

Hatchery juveniles provide fun & smiles of success – Mason on the release

Here and Now: Sure the Trinity’s “Fly only” water is no Henrys Fork, Silver Creek or other fabled blue ribbon water. But keep in mind; it represents the headwaters of a legendary coastal river that is 120 miles long, supporting three secondary rivers and thirty one tributaries before flowing into the lower Klamath and Pacific. Not to mention supporting year-round anadromous fish runs (Chinook-Coho-Steelhead) and resident fish populations (Rainbows-Brown trout) that keep you guessing and often wishing you tied on larger tippits. If you don’t mind high water angling and not a number cruncher, these waters are for you. Limited access, minimal pressure and occasional sweet rewards measured in pounds. Past few weeks flows have dropped below 1600cfs and those not weaned on minimum flows and willing to accept the high water challenge have been scoring. Flows are slowly dropping 90cfs a day (currently 800cfs) bottoming out to 450cfs July 26. Streamer fishing is solid, evening hatches are predictable and the lead edge of our springer’s have arrived. Get the hint?

“Fly water” spring steel – released by Eamonn Markham

Justin & sweet shad rewards!!!

No doubt the 2012 shad runs will go down as some of the best in many years. Ideal conditions (river flows, water temps, weather patterns and healthy shad runs) all blended together formulating a banner year that delivered plenty of ya-ya’s for fellow shadders. Central Valley systems (Sac-American-Feather-Yuba) flourished and most anyone who targeted favorite waters with any regularity was rewarded with solid grabs, multiple hookups and fulfilled their poor man’s steelhead fix.

2012 Shad Highlights include Ken Oda’s whopping 27” female, measured/taped; yep, Ken’s largest shad ever. Once again congrads Ken!!! Following suite was many broadside hens pressing over 23”. Justin Garwood’s 23 ¼” slab paid heavy cash dividends. J won a hefty $350.00 Shad Pot!!! A devoted twist– Head Hunters Shad Camp celebrated 29 years of Shadding; all alive, well and initiating new members/next shift. Welcome Eddie-Steve-Scott!!! (You all showed that bird whose boss!) Recently we were able to hook up and fish with a west coast steelhead/shadding legend and friend, Russ Chatham. Russ has a very strong passion for the grab and has fished shad for over 60 years. Accompanying Russ was his beautiful and talented friend Loretta. Both armed with vintage glass, classic reels and eager to stretch attitudes. They both scored. Russ kept us all laughing with his classic stories and at the same time blew us all away with his aggressive west coast casting skills; timeless, deadly effective and a wizard to watch. Thanks Russ and Loretta for all the fun!

Russ Chatham & Loretta & vintage Glass

While most runs have peaked and are winding down there is still plenty of late season action to be had. In fact some of the most exciting shad action is currently firing off late evenings. It’s all about sex and water temperatures. Like stripers, Shad are surface spawners therefore favor the upper surface water columns for late evening spawning. To compliment these waters floating lines and smaller trinket flies (10’s-12’s-14) rule late season shadding. Since the majority are attending the surface orgy it makes no sense to get down and dirty with sinking lines and heavy flies; those who do miss the party, not to mention get denied. Besides a shad grab on a floating line raises the roof tenfold!

Central Valley Bone fish

The key to late season success is to find and fish the preferred upper water columns fish are staging and preparing to spawn. (Ever witness shad in the shallows or at your toes?) Target softer/slower inside waters, just off main velocities and channels. Late season shad favor the warmer shallows and more times than not anglers are wading kneecap depths. Old rule of thumb—when in doubt, step back! We have discovered a floating line and slightly weighted fly accompanied with proper line manipulation helps to achieve a deadly late season presentation we have crudely dubbed—“the Doink.” (A semi Greased line presentation; where the fly is presented broadside to quarry). Cast across or slightly upstream preferred waters. Incorporate a couple stack mends downstream, paying out line, to allow the fly to achieve some depth. As the current accepts the belly of the line, engaging the swing, begin a series of small downstream mends to help pick up draft and open or broaden the swing. Takes are generally quick and subtle and depending upon water compositions and fish activity, occurring just as the fly completes its dead drift and begins to emerge; a finite productive zone that often represents a mere, 2-3 ft. drift. Thought your shadding was over? Go Doink and getter done!!!

Head Hunters 29 yrs. strong and still shadding after all these years.

Late winter/spring rains have truly been a blessing and saving grace to northern California lakes and rivers and no time more obvious than now. What appeared to be a dismal critically dry year in all of northern California has been replenished with great water qualities in most all watersheds. Currently snowmelt and runoff has peaked and most all lakes are full, or near full capacities while Coastal/Central Valley rivers are supporting healthy flows and slowly dropping into prime mid-spring fishing conditions.

Prime trout fishing is happening now in most rivers.

The great water qualities and timing of this year’s runoff has been nothing short of ideal. The lower Sac has fished awesome all spring and is currently pumping with dependable, high yield trout fishing. Valley striper action has been solid and even though the main run is over it is still firing off and delivering in the Sac, American and Feather rivers. Following suite, the cottonwoods are in full bloom, shad runs are in full swing in most systems. Highlighting the lineup, coastal dogwoods are in bloom and impressive numbers of fresh run springer’s (salmon-steelhead) are currently filtering through coastal and a few valley rivers. Other than being classified as an old school veteran there is some merit to hanging around the block a few years. This year, as I observe the formulation of all current favorable conditions, it is comforting, not to mention I’m totally jazzed, to see the potential, the opportunity and the positive impacts happening to our rivers and their fisheries. Based upon past experiences it’s all good and brewing in our favor.

Slab Happy! G.B. and full on salmon fishing.

It gets better! Adding to the magic, based upon ideal ocean conditions (great upwelling, temps and food) fisheries biologists have predicted one of the largest salmon runs in modern day history for the 2012 year. While it may be a bit premature to accept their glowing prediction, ocean salmon fishing has been nothing short of exceptional from Moss Landing north to southern Oregon. Early season openers have reflected healthy bait schools and strong Chinook populations. And in some cases salmon fishing has been off the charts with limits common. Odd, it wasn’t that long ago many of us thought healthy salmon stocks were a pipe dream and a thing of the past. Generally what is good for salmon is also good for steelhead. Exciting to ponder what does this mean for California’s 2012-2013 steelhead runs?

A beautiful, eventful, positive and yet strange year, even our garden and fruit trees are flourishing. (Both Pat and I have limited horticulture backgrounds and are far from sporting green thumbs) and question why. It all seems too good to be true. Like an old classic vehicle that runs great just before it blows. Why all the favorable conditions? Why all the positive impacts and quality fishing? What changed and how or why did it change in such a short time frame? Should we even question it all? As mentioned earlier I’ve been fortunate enough to have witnessed similar rare, quality conditions and fishing in years past. Recently I have seen and experienced enough to say brace yourself for a stellar fishing year. Ma Nature has delivered us a royal flush!

Scott Stratton- switch- rod shadding.	Full flex shadding.

Late evening-late season steelie in the net.

Thanks to late season, March-April rains and snow, the Trinity basin dodged a “critically dry” water year and was allocated a “normal” water year. April 30th, water agencies began increasing TR flows, from 300 cfs. to 2500 cfs. to mimic annual spring runoff. Flows are scheduled to increase, reaching a peak flow of 6000 cfs. May 10 and slowly ramp down, to a high water fishable flow, of 2000cfs. June 20th. Flows will ultimately drop to 700cfs. July 21, prime fly fishing conditions. Check out our homepage for current river conditions for the complete 2012 TR flow schedule.

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO WAIT: Prior to the April 30th flow increase, TR anglers experienced one of the best late season steelhead runs in many years. Just when you thought it was over late season rains and freshets inspired surges of both hatchery and native steelhead into the upper river, bright aggressive and eager. Why so late? The best to my knowledge, fish don’t look at the calendar; they respond to conditions. With 2011-2012 being one of the driest winters on record many winter steelhead simply held and staged in lower river canyons awaiting desirable conditions. Ironically, when most everyone cleared out ideal conditions formulated and the grab was on. Anglers such as MJ, C-, Glen Stanley, Eddie Hipol, Chad Sayre, Landon Fredrickson, Scott Stratton, Tim Regan, Ed Pollock, Matt Guelfi, Norm Christenson, Don-Scott Frogner, Freddie Ferber, Tim & Abby Styczynski, Skinny Otis and many others scored late season success and solitude.

Eddie Hipol & tailwater success

FUN DOESN’T STOP HERE: Even though high flows have put a temporary kibosh to TR fishing anglers willing to step out of the box and itching to stretch a line have the following exciting Trinity fisheries they can target. Under the radar best describes these fisheries that are currently firing off and locally regarded as much more than simple options. Burned out on favorite waters and looking for something out of the ordinary? Check ‘em out and get with it!

Trinity Lake –Smallmouth bass – Late season rains/cold weather has suppressed -activity and pre-spawn happening NOW! Lake levels have dropped and conditions are ripening. Trinity Center (Chicken Flats-Ballpark) and North Tailings all great boat/tube/pontoon prospects. Conventional fishing-cranks/ grubs—Fly fishing-deep water leeching/streamers/crayfish patterns. How many of you have recorded a 5 lb. smallmouth on the fly? The lake record, 9lbs., is haunting!

Trinity lake – Trout – Healthy spring flows/runoff has formulated excellent rivermouth prospects. Even though all streams re-opened April 28 (Sat.) they are currently too high for fishing; possibly lower elevation streams (East Fork) in a week. Currently the “mix” of intercepting tributaries is the sweet spot. Deep water (Multi-tips/Slime Lines) leeching/streamers are always effective. However early season hatches of March Browns, Yellow Sallies/stones, and Aquatic wasp are key early season aquatics can pop and activate exciting surface activity. Limited wading restricts lineups so most definitely float tube/pontoon/boats give you the edge. Keep the odds in your favor. This time of year never leave home without’em.

A river runs through it–Lewiston Lake

Lewiston Lake – Trout-Been nothing short of excellent and just hasn’t stopped fishing since last summer. Increased flows have activated full currents throughout the lake and fishing has even gotten better, if you can imagine. Mid-level and deep water leeching/streamers/nymphing rule. However overcast, moist balmy conditions activate prolonged midge/Callibeatis hatch durations; creating excellent dry fly, head hunting prospects. Aquatic wasp hatches have already flirted with warming spring temps. Look for this critter to bust loose with the next significant heat wave. Check your fly stocks-be prepared.

Ruth Lake-Bass – A southern Trinity gem that offers excellent camping, boating and fishing. Legible waters offering great structure fishing for large-small-mouth bass and spiny rays. Enjoy top water popper fishing or need the numbers, look no further! Great for families and large group outings.

Tributary perfection

Grass Valley Lake – Trout – Take a walk on the wild side. Only 15 minutes from TFS and requires a 45 min. hike. Consistent quality fishing, semi wilderness setting and minimal pressure translate good fun. A float tube a must. Deep water leeching/nymphing always productive. Callibaetis/Aquatic wasp and Damsels are primary early season aquatics. Modest sized resident/land-locked steelhead generally keeps number crunchers pacified. Sweet rewards, well worth the effort.

Baffled where to go, what to do and or have fly fishing questions? Need help and sound advice? Or do you and your friends simply need effective fly selections and want to get pointed in the most promising direction with the latest scoop. No need to look elsewhere. The Trinity Fly Shop has been your trusted “local” source for thirty years. You’re Source for a Quality Trinity Experience!