Steelhead live in vastly different, evolving worlds. The Pacific represents some of the largest rearing waters on the planet and temporarily host steelhead populations before returning and transitioning to freshwater rivers.

Trinity Fly Shop is well prepared for this fall-winter and is fat, head to tail with quality goods and merchandise (Locally fashioned effective Flies-Rods-Reels-Lines-Leaders-Terminal items-Waders/Boots/Raingear- NEW line of Soft Wears-Complete line of Fly Tying Hooks/ Materials- Books-Gifts-Guide Service and much more) for your steelhead fly fishing needs. We are here to answer your questions and help you and your friends get pumped and hooked up. NEED HELP/ADVICE or PLACE AN ORDER? Or simply like to Fuel the Stoke Call (530) 623-6757 trinflyguy@shasta.com ALWAYS YOUR LOCAL SOURCE!!!

Nature’s selection process inspires a percentage of smaller, generally 1-2 yr. salt, half-pounders to return early; often providing high quality multiple tight line opportunities; small giants with an attitude.

A steelhead’s life and journey is relentlessly challenged and, as a juvenile, is mysteriously complex, born in fresh waters, migrates to salt as a 3-8” out-migrant, matures and, straight out of the starting gate, driven by tenacious determination to return, spawn and perpetuate natal freshwaters.

The greater majority of TR returning adult steelhead are 2, occasional 3 yr. salt adults. Beauty and innocence are deceptive; a gleaming slab injects an electrifying thrill of a lifetime while challenging the highest quality equipment and the most accomplished angler; mentally and physically.

Fully mature pre- spawn, a steelhead’s body chemistry transitions stunningly colorful appearances.

Ravaged by sexual maturity, feeding, maturing in the salt while eluding predators, the first sniff and taste of freshwater is the beginning or, for many, the end of a new journey filled with unimaginable freshwater challenges.

Elusive, here today-gone tomorrow, ghost-like regiments cautiously enter lower systems while acclimating in their new fresh water environments.

Through the eyes of a steelhead, sadly, they are unable to view, the top shelf, seasonal beauty of home waters. Or can they?

A luring attraction in its own, steelhead migrate through some of the most inviting and inspiring landscapes throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Migrating and navigating the complexity of varied water compositions and velocities is a daunting task; anyone who thinks otherwise— try it yourself!

Strength, power, endurance and remarkably keen senses the Pacific steelhead maintains one of the most respected reputations and ranks at the top on most every anglers list of accomplishments.

They’re coming, big, small, mega numbers or trickling few; makes no difference they’re beyond predictable, accept whatever is delivered and enjoy.

Plan for anything and everything, prepare expect the unexpected and engage full throttle; the 2019 steelhead season is upon us. Solid Grabs!

TR at a healthy 1,000cfs. and grandson Mason Sayre in the sweet spot exercising his 3wt. River Glass.

Summertime Stoke- Temps hitting the century mark, immersed in chilly 52 degree waters and feel’n it swinging Muddlers!

Hard to believe it’s already August and peak of summer. The past week temps hovered around the century mark and, without a doubt, fly fishing and wet wading favorite Trinity waters has been the best heat relief option, as long as you maintain depths below the buoys. Despite the heat, last winter-spring’s 148% snowpack, above average rainfall and prolonged runoff refueled the watershed and transitioned into ideal summer water qualities. Currently local conditions are ripe, TR flowing 450 cfs., colder than norm water temps offsetting mid-day hot temps, summer fish pushing through, resident fish eager and in their happy mode and minimal angling pressure. Looking to beat the heat and tighten up-Get On it!

Water temps are much colder this year, thanks to 148% snowpack, making wet wading a refreshing reprieve from the heat; Seth Russell jazzed and in a cool comfort zone with TR summer steel.

Salmon On the Run-Reduced TR flows and warming water temps in the lower TR has inspired a surge of late spring-summer salmon and steelhead to move into the upper river, North Fork to Lewiston. Crack of dawn salmon anglers, targeting major holding pools with fresh cut baits, plugs and hardware, are scoring on bright kings in the 8-12 lb. range. Current limit is one (1) chinook) per angler. Most hard working anglers are getting their fish. JC weir was recently installed and counts, to date, are encouraging. Speaking of JC—Heads up Anglers (Mon-thru Friday) TR, Sky Ranch (upper JC) downriver, water turbidity levels vary daily. Why? TRRP (Trinity River Restoration Program or as the greater majority of Trinity locals refer TRRP: Trinity Ruin a River Program) is reconstructing the TR, according to “their latest cutting edge science and computer modeling.” Why or when construction will be completed or turbidity levels improve, call the Ivory Tower (530) 623-1800.  Personal advice, anglers plan drift trips accordingly and take advantage of early mornings, before construction work begins and ahead of turbid waters. Filling a major void for salmon-steelhead conventional anglers, Douglas City Store (530) 623-6376 is a great go-to for fishing licenses, terminal salmon-steelhead gear, variety of baits and necessity items. Liam and Krista run a smooth operation and also provide accurate and reliable up to date fishing conditions and reports. Check’em out!

Fly Fishing has always maintained a unique appeal and mystic—next shift, Camron Hartman, clearly demonstrates he is pumped and up for the challenge.

Summer Steel True To Their Reputation-Fly fishers targeting riffles, steamy glides and oxygenated pocket waters, are scoring occasional adult summer steelhead on a variety of fly patterns (Muddlers, Skaters and traditional wet fly patterns such as Hiltons, Burlaps, Pimps, Golden Stones and Breadcrust).TR summer steelhead are a rare gem and rank high on any steelheader’s list of accomplishments. How many can actually say they have caught a true adult California summer steelhead? Despite their relatively small populations and size (3-6 lbs.), when compared to traditional fall-winter steelhead stocks, summer steelhead tend to race through the system, arriving sexually pre-mature summering over 4-6 months prior to spawning late fall- winter. Explosive, slam dunk grabs, jaw-dropping surface takes, high coiled eye-level aerial displays and reel burning runs, summer runs are everything a steelheader wishes to encounter. Recently good friend and avid steelheader, Peter Sakai popped in and indicated he stumbled into good fortune, landing an 8 lb. chinook and 6 lb. steelhead, both on Muddlers and his 4 wt. switch rod before noon. Sweet brace and session! Obviously no need to wait for Nov-Dec..

Eye-Eye—Chad Sayre and TR steelhead that crushed a streamer.

Summer steelhead are scattered throughout the upper reach with greater majority of fish making their move overnight. Take advantage of the early and late cool air and water temps, low lighting conditions. Keep the odds in your favor; move through favorite waters swiftly and thoroughly, covering as much water as possible. Attitude trumps size, treat summer runs with as much respect as their larger fall-winter cousins. So beef tippits (2-3X) whenever possible. Too many stop by the shop, wide-eyed and holding both cheeks; elaborating 4-5X tippits just doesn’t cut it.

Guide Darren Victorine and Nicole Nell reveal Lewiston Lake’s icy tailwaters fire all summer and great option to heat up to cool down.

Trout About- Highlighting another cool wading option, clockwork (5 to 8:30 pm) jumbo #12-14, PMD hatches are lighting up the TR “Fly Only” waters with some exciting mid-summer dry fly opportunities. While the greater majority of activity is smaller half-pounders or residuals, some nice steelhead, up to 5 lbs., are also keying on the emerging duns and challenging the tender touch and tippits. Never a gemmy, these fish are close but far away. In other words, success is awarded to those who take the time to closely observe feeding behavior and rhythm, match the hatch and execute a downstream (spring-creek) drag-free, fly preceding tippit and leader presentation. While the excitement of actively rising fish tends to get the best of most all of us, stay calm be patient, one cast at the right time with the proper drift, is far more effective than thirty hacks. And, more often than not, those who cast the least, score the most; not only quantity but also quality.

Known for its rich and fertile habitats, cornucopia of aquatics, scuds, lampreys, unidentified whatever, Lewiston’s native residents are often a hefty handful.

Quality fishing on Lewiston Lake continues right through the summer as both dragon and damsel fly hatches dominate activity throughout the mid-lower lake. That time of year nymphs become most active, in and around weed beds, thickets and other woody structures, as flows are reduced and the lake water temps warm. While adult dragon and damsels can been seen early afternoons, hovering above the lakes surface, rarely are they consumed. No doubt the abundant large nymphs attract the attention of hungry trout. Fish are also attracted to dragon and damsels erratic quick movements through the water. Both have a hollow cavity through their abdomen and thorax, inhaling water through their mouth and blowing it out their rear, creating an erratic jet propelled movement through the water; would make a cool Steven King movie. That is why sleek profile bodied flies dressed with soft- hackle palmers and marabou tails such as buggers, pimps, blue’s, pineapples are ideal imitations and deadly, when fished in the mid-columns with intermediate sinking lines (clear-camos) and retrieved in a variety of tantalizing speeds and fashions. Stripping leech patterns (mimicking lampreys) and small baitfish (imitating Kokanee fry) is also effective in channel waters, tapering points and flats. There are many ways to approach Louie successfully in the summer months. Float tubing, pontoon and kayaks are very popular, effective and great way to stay cool. Small skiffs and prams are by far most popular for versatility, standing while casting, and maneuverability. When boating during the hot summer months I prefer going barefoot. The icy cold waters of Louie radiate through the bottom of the boat and provide cool comfort, sometimes popsicle toes, that helps offset the heat. However you approach this trout infested favorite, you can be sure Louie’s icy waters will help you forget about the heat; especially when tightening up. Stay Cool and See Ya in the Water!!!

Exciting, a resurgence of glass rods is attracting an increasing number of anglers; especially the next shift. Nobody reinvented the wheel; glass has been around for eons—Mariah Victorine appreciating the slow load tempo and smooth fluid action of an Echo 6wt. Bad Ass Glass.

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!

Mike Callan

Sandy Noyes

Steve Hopkins

Jeff Rhodes

Andy Laursen