Hog Fest happening – Herb Burton, Gary Seput,Tom Weseloh, &
Ken “Hogman” James heading in…

Joe Neil low profile – full stretch.

For those who followed our April 10 Current here is the answer to a question we are asked frequently this time of year: Grass valley lake is a 40-acre plus wild trout managed fishery (artificial/barbless hook) located just below the crest, west side of Buckhorn summit, off HWY 299 West. The access is not well defined but rather a pullout along the HWY, just above a “private” fenced gate (adjacent to Restoration Billboard). Do Not Park in Front of Gate. A small trail heads down the hill adjacent to pullout, through a fence, and into a brief landing around storage sheds. Do not take road prior to storage buildings. We refer to this as the “road to Hell” as it doesn’t lead anywhere near lake, as many have discovered.

Anglers may approach both upper and lower lake by hiking along the rough network of roadways below storage sheds on the main road blocked by Gate. The lower lake (Dam) is much easier to locate and may be reached by turning right, up a steep grade that drops back down into the lake (about a 45-minute hike). Access to the upper lake requires some research and knowledge of the terrain.

Solitude stoke…

Grass Valley Lake was constructed roughly 20 years ago to help curb sediment loads in the Trinity River and improve salmon/steelhead habitats in Grass Valley Creek, a major spawning tributary in the upper reach Trinity River. There was little regard for the lake as a fishery. However resident and landlocked populations of rainbow trout and steelhead, established in the creek prior to the dam inception, have naturally perpetuated. The lake now supports strong populations of 10-16” hardy specimens with occasional larger fish available. Thanks to Cal Trout it now represents Trinity County’s second special managed fisheries.

Linda Seifert tubed & displaying a typical land-locked.

The surrounding steep terrains limit bank access; therefore, floating devices such as float tubes or lightweight rafts/pontoon boats are a must. Stripping/trolling wooly- buggers, leeches and streamers have proven effective almost anytime. Insect populations include Mayflies (Callibaetis-Baetis), Caddis, Midge, Dragon/Damsels and Terrestrials (Aquatic Wasp-Beetles), providing hatch matching nymphing and surface opportunities. The lake is open year-round but fishes well spring through early summer and again throughout the fall. Angling pressure is generally light to moderate with weekday anglers often scoring pure solitude. Need further information? Trinity Fly Shop is only 15 minutes away. Tread lightly, pack out what you pack in and enjoy!