The Trinity River is still Early for Steelhead, and Salmon are on the way

Trinity River - Douglas City, CA


by The Fly Shop
9-7-2011
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Current River Conditions:
Still early for steelhead in the upper river around Junction City, but that could tomorrow and will change by November. The recent pulse of water did bring in more Salmon in the lower river near Willow Creek. Good numbers from all the reports we get. We can only assume steelhead are in the mix. For the dedicated steelhead angler, it would be wise to pay a visit to the Trinity between now and the end of September. The crowds should be lite and the fishing has real potential based on what we are hearing. And it's all good. Fish are on the way.

Today, releases out of Lewiston Dam are 450 cfs, affording reasonable wade appropriate conditions, however, good judgement is required for a safe experience. The salmon fishing is tapering off. A few old springers are hanging out. The fall run will arrive soon enough!

Click here for up to date Trinity River flow

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
Bring light fly rods, like the 2wt. or 4wt. Leaders for dry flies should extend 10' to 5x. Monofilament. Anglers will find stripping, swinging, suspending flies will produce lots of action in the river near the town of Lewiston. Anglers can park at the Old Bridge and walk down stream, finding rifle after run after pool to cast flies into and find fighting fins. Heavier rods should be used for throwing sinking lines, like a 6 or 7wt.

River Fact:
Sad to say, but Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia's father drowned in the Trinity River. While on vacation with his family near Arcata in Northern California in 1947, his father went fly-fishing in the Trinity River. Upon entering he slipped on a rock, plummeting into the deep rapids of the river. By the time he was pulled from the water, he had already drowned.

Flies:

Dries:
• Elk Hair Caddis #18
• Parachute March Brown
• Cutter's E/C Caddis Green
• CDC Flying Ant Black #16
• Red Humpy #12-18
• Mercer's Missing Link #14-18
• Parachute Adams #12-18
• Stimulator Yellow #8-16

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• GB Half Flashback P.T. #16-18
• Poxyback Golden Stone #8-12
• GB Poxy Back Hares Ear #12-16
• GB Poxy Back PMD #16-18
• Pellet Fly
• GB Black A.P. #10-16
• TB Solitude Stone #8-12
• Copper John #14-18
• Copper Zebra John #14-18
• Pat's Rubber Leg Brown #6-8

Streamers/Leeches:
• Beaded Crystal Bugger Silver
• Clouser Olive/White
• Zack's Zugger Grey/White

Eggs:
• Boles Bazookas
• Micro Spawn Eggs
• Clown Egg #4-10