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!!!