Like Father (Bob Burke), like Son (Jeff Burke) double down.
“Just like the old days,” is the comment many Trinity River anglers, familiar with the 70-80’s fishing, have referenced 2016 steelheading. Weeks of a stunningly beautiful Trinity fall landscape, screaming with colors and mystic, that generate exciting hype and fishing vibe, unseasonably mild Oct-Nov. weather patterns formulating primo river conditions, water temps pushing 52-53 degrees (ideal for skating’em up), media buzz and flap-jaw deterring number seekers, opening waters and options and the sweet rewards of occasional success and challenging fishing left to those who appreciate the full package and willing to dig’em out. That’s right folks, the 2016 TR fall steelhead season is “just like old days” yet better; it is here and happening now.
Unintended alley-oop release-Andy Laursen behind it all.
Since our last post fishing hasn’t changed much, spotty, with the exception of some rains that shuffled spits and sputters of some unusually large hatchery stocks (a few exceeding 10 lbs.), Big Bar up river through Junction and Douglas City. On the down low, some smaller size steelies, brief bursts of 2-3 lb. native adults, have also been showing and getting attention. Never underestimate size. When the iron hits home, attitudes flair and energies throttle; these smaller chromies give you a run for the money that often exceeds, and puts to shame, some of the large, double-sized, hatchery stock performances. Interesting power-punch size, why and what secondary reared and spit them out or are they main stem jewels. And what do they represent, drought rebounding super stocks for 2017; the beauty, mystic and wonder of steelhead.
Fall steelheading—Tim Leary in the power groove.
To date, there hasn’t been any cold weather or a freeze so water temps and prolonged fog and cloudy patterns have keep fish happy, strung out and on the move. This fall, there is no magic fishing method that shines or appears more effective than another; it’s all good and simply a matter of being at the right place at the right time. Keep in mind, steelhead are sparsely distributed so cover plenty of water. Fish thoroughly yet invest minimal time. Change it up, serve’em a variety of flavors fished in varied water columns and, most importantly, remain confident and feel the stoke for the opportunity. If fish are actively showing yet unreceptive, to nymphing or wet fly swinging, return later and target the upper water columns, even the surface, during peak air and water temperatures and when aquatics are most active. This approach has proved very effective; especially since water temps are mild and this year’s October caddis hatch, throughout the upper river, has been one of the best and longest durations I can remember. And fish are on’em, expressing great interest, accepting both skating and dead drifted patterns!
Ted Gallagher releases his second on a skater.
Effective fly patterns and selections are actually up to the angler and what they feel best compliments technique, waters fished and enforce confidence. The past few weeks a little bit of everything has been scoring however the following have been our go- to selections for traditional skating and wet fly swinging/drifting you might consider.
DRIES – Steelhead Muddlers, Kit- Chuckie- Joe’s- It, Rusty Bomber, Greased Liner, Mr. Beam. (Sizes-4-6-8-10’s)
WETS – Burlaps, Rusty Caddis Pupa, Breadcrust, Copper-tone Golden Stone-Rock Mr. Pimp, Ole-Blue,Fall Hilton-Silver Hilton-Renegade, (Sizes 6-8-10-12’s)
Switch-Spey – Hobo, Rock, Burnt Chicken, Mr. Pimp Kit-Chuckie- Joe’s-It Fall Palm Skater. (Sizes 2-4-6-8)
Jan C. used to visit and fish with her grandpa, pre-dam Trinity R.-reconnecting roots in a steelie way. (1st. on the GRAB)
More wet weather is predicted for the upcoming weeks, snow levels dropping, that will more than likely put the kibosh to what has been happening; the beauty of steelheading, fish and conditions forever changing and success is inevitable often when least expected. Keep an eye on the next round of weather, rainfall amounts and river heights (www.trinityflyshop current river conditions). Within the next few weeks lead winter fish should be turning the corner and available throughout the lower TR system. If weather patterns remain dry and flows drop get on your horse and ride! Stay Tuned-Solid Grabs!!
Trinity Harvest Moon and Fire Sky are an unexpected angling highlight that makes you wish the day doesn’t end.
