Herb at the oars-1982

For the love of a river and passion for steelheading, the end of October marked my 30th year of guiding on the Trinity River. It’s hard to believe—half of my life flew by at the blink of an eye. Yes, it’s true; time really does fly by when you’re having fun. Reflecting back upon three decades of guiding I can honestly say, with no regrets, it has been an exciting and rewarding lifestyle and profession; although I must admit it hasn’t always been a cake walk.

Pat hooked on steel-1982

In the Beginning – Pat done it, she was largely responsible for us setting up shop and becoming the first legally registered guiding operation in Lewiston. The very first time she visited Trinity County, she asked me, “Why did you leave this beautiful place?” A question I was surprised to hear from a home grown Oregonian. Captivated with the Trinity Alps and Trinity River, in 1982 we said good-bye to Vancouver, WA. and returned with a hand full of brochures and sketchy game plan. We settled outside Lewiston (our current location), advertised in Salmon-Trout- Steelheader mag, explored the river solo, pulled off a few guide trips, our daughter, Kellie, adjusted to the mountain community and school and Pat worked a part time job. Life was good, until November 9, when the Trinity River blew out that winter-spring-early summer of the following year. The entire Trinity watershed was drastically impacted by one of the worst winters in a decade and was not fishable or safely navigable until late July of 1983. We struggled with the harsh elements, cabin fever and questioned our future and relationship. After serious thoughts of abandoning ship, we managed to survive by building/wrapping custom rods, writing articles, pinching pennies and growing fond of grilled cheese and bean with bacon soup, living down by the river.

Trinity Fly Shop Grand Opening

Working for a Living – So you want to be a fishing guide? Right from the get- go I was confronted with the unforeseen necessary talents that I learned are vital to a successful guiding career. It was a rude awakening yet simple, deal with adversity or sink. My surfing background helped my waterman ship, navigational knowledge while my boating skills were all trial and error, with a hell of a lot of error, especially with skinny 150 cfs. flows. In the heat of my guiding career I averaged roughly 800-1100 miles annually navigating/floating the river.( To date I have logged over 27,550 miles guiding the Trinity River or rowed across the U.S. 8.5 times). Even with all the river miles and years of guided fishing trips logged, my field experiences have been a lifelong learning curve that has sadly revealed vast uncertainties reflecting little predictability; more questions than answers and desiring more. Oddly, I’m back where I first started and have come to the conclusion I’m more confused than ever and still don’t know s _ _ t about the Trinity River and its fisheries. Strange it only took 30 yrs. to figure this out.

Glenn,Kit, Herb, former Secretary Interior Bruce Babbit-2000 T.R. Flow Decision

Highlights – Fishing, political or knee-slappers? The challenge and ability to keep our heads above water and survive a 30 yr. unchartered business adventure in the wilds of Trinity County has been a major highlight and rewarding lifestyle. I guess our timing was right. However, our ultimate achievement is Pat and I am truly blessed to have had the good fortune to raise two wonderful children (Kellie-Chris who are currently healthy, self-supporting, married and enjoying their lives); We are also very fortunate to share nineteen years’ experience with a co-worker, close family member, best friend and one of the most talented guides anyone could ever have the good fortune to know or fish with, Kit Kreick. Kit walked into our shop at the age of 15, asked the right questions, revealed strong desire, tied flies that simply flew off the vise and expressed deep interest and appreciation for our resources; truly a natural and extraordinary individual that has highlighted our operations since day one. It doesn’t get any better.

Friends Of The Trinity Board: Herb, Gary Seput, Byron Leydecker, Tom Weseloh

In a Nut Shell – Well, maybe it does get better. Most people that have invested a 30 yr. job commitment are retired. I’m one of those beyond retirement and guess I really don’t know any better. With the exception of a permanently bruised sternum and dealing with aging aches and pains, including a bit of self-inflected 70’s brain abuse, I am surprisingly in good health and feel I’m not ready to be put out to pasture just yet; although some of you may disagree. My spirits are full on and I’m happy and satisfied where I am. Retirement, 401K, it’s looking at my calendar with an easy smile and solid stoke to fish with you again. And I sincerely thank all of you for the years of friendship, loyal support and sharing with me the love of a river and passion for steelheading. It really doesn’t get any better!!!