Trinity River Fly Fishing Guide Service Blog

Anyone fishing the TR late winter with any regularity has witnessed the beauty and significance of the (Callibaetis) mayfly.

In the event anyone else is blinded by the light, as comedian Brian Regan referenced, “the big yellow one is the sun”. Finally spring! Or is it?

Carr Fire impacts to TR upper reach tributaries. Headwaters demand serious habitat restoration,. Time to turn the keys off TRRP mainstream projects and invest $ and efforts to curb sediment loads in the mainstream.

I realize it has been a while since my last post. Although I’m climbing the ladder a bit more slowly these days, this time, not my excuse. It’s just been one of those prolonged winter-spring transitions that has been nothing short of rowdy and unpredictable. Local waters and fishing have been just as unpredictable; blown out, turbid, bouncing barometric pressure, solid grab one day, humbled the next; conditions literally changed by the day, hour and sometimes by the minute. Factor in the Carr fire impacts to upper river secondary’s (Deadwood, Hoadley, Grass Valley) purging heavy sediment loads into the mainstream, gut instincts led you to believe the river was out for the year. On that note, it was hard to get motivated or inspired about anything that was truly anyone’s guess.

Buzzer Beater! TR guide, Darren Victorine, landed his last steelhead, preciously at the sound of the Lewiston Dam alarm flushing TR. The innocent native hen pounced a T-Bone!

I will mention those willing to risk it and lucky enough to score fishable conditions, did well, not numbers, but tightening up on kelts and a good number of fresh run late winter natives. And, while weeks of overcast rain and balmy conditions might have been gloomy and depressing for some, it prolonged generations of Callibaetis (mayfly) and Calineuria (stonefly) hatches that triggered dependable dry opportunities and helped refuel the stoke. A final added bonus, April 1 TR “Fly Only” waters reopened and fired off one of the better openers in years. Solid mid-day dry action with an added spice of exciting meat and potatoes (streamer) fishing yielding occasional late winter slabs; a great, totally unexpected, highlight to wrap up the 2018-2019 steelhead seasons.

Over 40 inches of rainfall, 160% plus average snowpack, headwaters flowing full steam and Trinity lake capacity pushing 90%“what does all this mean? Its Goanna blow captain, goanna blow! April 14 it did. The Bureau allocated a wet water year (701,000 acre ft.) and increased TR flows that will peak 10900 cfs. April 29. Odd, above average rainfall and record snowpack, many are questioning why wasn’t the TR dealt an extreme wet (815,000) allocation? Go figure. Should also mention we dodged a bullet. Remarkably TR headwaters are clear and surprisingly were not severely impacted by last winter’s rage. Early 2018 winter storms were cold, dumping snow in the Alps and lower levels, minimizing runoff, in Trinity-Lewiston Lakes. Never have I observed this amount of rainfall and snowpack with minimal impacts to headwaters. (Early 70’s- 80’s-1997 entire TR watershed was turbid for the year). To date, spring runoff has not even begun and with California getting

hosed, head to tail, this fall-winter could prove interesting, possibly okole squeezer, with lakes potentially supporting healthy, above average, carryover capacities. It’s been a while since the last round of multi-year wet cycles.

Without a doubt high flows are a blessing and will benefit habitats, wildlife and hopefully help set the stage for rebounding anadromous fish stocks. The latest TMC Flow Schedule (http://www.trrp.net/restoration/flows/current) indicates TR flows will remain high and unfishable through much of June and into July. High water is everywhere and not going away anytime soon, get used to it. For those wanting to keep in tune with their gear and need a spring Trinity fix, consider the following local options.

Springtime is always a popular season for spiny-rays and fly fishers. Why, they pull and crush flies!

TRINITY–RUTH LAKES- Large-smallmouth bass fishing fires all spring-early summer; with this year’s above average snowpack/runoff possibly all summer and into early fall. Opportunities for jumbo buckets and smallies, pre-spawn grab happening NOW. Springtime warming temps key. Although plenty of shore fishing available, no doubt, boat, pram, pontoon, tube gives you the edge.

Trinity Lake rivermouth/boca fishing for trout and landlocked steelhead has always been a personal favorite. The upper TR is open year-round; other streams (East Fork-Stuarts Fork-Swift Cr.-Papoose) do not open until general trout opener April 27 (Sat.). Scenery is epic and fishing the mix with a variety of styles, can be very rewarding. Seldom numbers, however the quality of fish is high caliber. Trout, bass and landlocked salmon stage and graze these waters. Limited wade fishing available and floating devise offers mobility that helps increase the odds. Both lakes offer excellent spring-summer camping options.

Classic Lewiston lake specimen-Flawless with an attitude.

LEWISTON LAKE- Cold, rich and fertile tailwater supporting biggins! A Bureau design, strictly for power and water diversion to CVP, Lewie-Lewie resembles a large spring creek, flowing much of the year based upon water diversions, and is a popular tailwater to many fly fishers. It’s rich and fertile habitats are grossly infected with mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midge, damsels, dragons, scuds, aquatic wasp, lampreys, you name it and they probably exist and consumed by bows, occasional browns and landlocked salmon. Early spring “Aquatic Wasp” (Hymenoptera) steal the show. Warming spring temps activate generation “float-ups” that get the attention of every double-digit fish and lite up the lower flats and protected bays off main channels. Lewie fishes year-round, supports fishing opportunities for all anglers, including handy-cap access, and offers excellent camping facilities. Primo lodging is available at Lakeview Terrace (New cool owners- remodeled cabins) and boat rentals, tackle, good advice and fun people/owners (Matt-Louise) available at Pine Cove marina.

GRASS VALLEY LAKE- (requires a 45 minute hike)-Nestled atop Buckhorn summit and only 10 minutes from Trinity Fly Shop, this 40 acre gem is popular for float tubers seeking solitude, quality fishing and scenic surrounds. GV supports a healthy population of small (8-14”- occasionally larger) resident and land-locked steelhead willing to accept a variety of offerings; nymphs, dries and most popular, leeches- streamers- damsels fished deep and on the strip. Semi-wilderness walk on the wild side and should fish well into mid-summer this year.

Sad but true—Tim and Joy Brady closed TRINITY OUTDOORS. An iconic Weaverville based sporting goods store that filled a void with quality goods and services for over 30 years. A real loss to all outdoor enthusiasts. Wonder if on line sporting good sources deliver to campgrounds or drop ship wilderness areas?

Does any of the above sound familiar? Well, if so, you know Trinity well. High water and spring conditions dictate this diverse and exciting lineup. All are quality fisheries, much more than simple options, and await those willing to step out of the box and explore exciting new opportunities. Keep in mind, Trinity Fly Shop (530-623-6757. www.trinityflyshop.com ) is your local source. We not only have the goods to help you score, our knowledgeable staff is always available to answer your questions, provide helpful advice and ensure your Trinity experiences are fun and memorable. Enjoy The Spring and See Ya On The Water!