THE TRINITY WATERSHED -FISHING ALL FOUR SEASONS Joe Mercier Paradise is not a difficult notion to define. It is a state of perfection as viewed from a particular perspective. One person's idea of heaven can be vastly different from another. For some fishermen there seem to be some relatively common criteria for paradise. First and foremost it must have fish. However, an angler's paradise, must have much more or fishermen would be just as happy fishing local fish farms. There is an "Anglers Paradise" where can one fish all year long in a temperate climate and a beautiful and pristine environment, where anglers have easy access to excellent fishing and yet need never feel crowded. The watershed of Northern California's Trinity River is such a place. The vast watershed of the Trinity River drains out of the Shasta, Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests. For those who take the time to learn about the nature of the ecosystem it offers a diverse year-around fishery. It is a place where all kinds of fishermen can pursue up to eleven different species of game fish: Black Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Catfish, Kokanee salmon, Rainbows, Brown and Eastern Brook trout. The superstars of the Trinity system are the Chinook (King) salmon, Coho (Silver) salmon and Steel head. An angler's quarry can determine the season and locations of their visit. HOW TO GET THERE Trinity country is about five hours north of the San Francisco Bay. The fastest way to get here is to go north on Interstate 5 to the city of Redding, in California's central valley. Then west on California State Highway 299. A longer more scenic route from the bay area is along the pacific coast through the Redwood Empire on U.S. Highway 101 to the cities of Eureka/Arcata. From there go east on Highway 299. Highway 299 is the major east/west artery in this part of Northern California and runs right through the middle of the middle of Six Rivers, Trinity, and Shasta National Forests. In 1993 Highway 299 was designated a National Scenic Byway. It runs parallel to the Trinity River for 85 miles. All the major water ways within the Trinity system are paralleled by California State Highways that can be accessed via Highway 299. FOUR SEASONS FISHERY: The traditional opening of the trout season,on the last weekend of April, is an ideal starting point from which to chronicle the seasonality of the Trinity watershed. Each season brings a change in environmental conditions which in turn determine the fisheries. In May, the lakes at the lowest elevations of the Trinity Alps, the headwaters of the watershed, start to unfreeze, and snow melt begins to swell all the tributary streams with spring run off. Trout begin to feed heavily, lining up at the mouths of all the streams entering Trinity Lake. By early summer in the Trinity Alps alpine lake's ice-out has occurred at even the highest elevations. This is the time to be in the Alps because Brown trout and Brook trout begin a non-selective feeding spree that will continue until the waters begin to warm. Some of the largest trout of the year comes out of these waters at this time. Brown trout to 18" and Brook trout to 14" are available. Catchable Rainbow trout are planted by the California Department of Fish and Game in lakes which do not have self-sustaining populations. For best fishing on the Alpine lakes timing is critical. Anglers should stay in touch with local information sources and must be prepared to hike. Just after run off occurs, usually by mid-June, fishing for Brookies, Brown and Rainbow trout really kicks into high gear. Rainbows from the two to three pound range begin their spawning migrations up most of the sizable streams feeding Trinity Lake. These free stone streams have good populations of aquatic and terrestrial insects. Major Mayfly, Stonefly and Caddisfly hatches occur during this period and dry fly fishing can be superb. A significant percentage of the Rainbow trout in these streams are of hatchery origin and are not particularly selective feeders. Often I will put on a size #12-#14 Elk Hair Caddis and just leave it on until the fish have chewed all the Elk Hair off. Leaving me with no more that a bare hook with just a little dubbing left on the shank. Good fishing in mountain streams extends from June through August. Some of the best trout fishing is found on the Upper Trinity River, the Stuart's Fork and East Fork of the Trinity River, Swift Creek, and Coffee Creek. Warming waters, following spring run off, signals the migration of small mouth bass and black bass seeking spawning beds along the rocky shorelines and islands of Trinity Lake. These bass are exceptionally aggressive under these circumstances and a well place streamer can attract record size fish. The California State record small mouth weighing over 9 lbs. was caught from Trinity Lake. Trinity Lake can be fished from shore, however it is a huge reservoir, nearly 30 miles long and with hundreds of miles of shore line. To cover Trinity Lake thoroughly power boats are necessary. Lengthening daylight and warm May weather stimulate prolific Calibaetis Mayfly hatches on Lewiston Lake which is actually the fore bay of Trinity Lake. Lewiston Lakes is about 5 miles long and quite narrow making it perfect for anglers with float tubes, canoes and small skiffs. It is shallow lake with cold clear water, and it sustains a huge trout population. In recent years Lewiston lake has developed the well-deserved reputation of being one of California's premiere trout fishing lakes. Rainbows and Browns to 5 lbs. on a size #16 dry flies are not uncommon. On the main stem of the Trinity River during May, June and July most anglers are catching pre-migrant salmon and Steel head juveniles. These trout are abundant and range in size from 6 - 14 inches. But it is the migration of spring run of Chinook salmon moving into the system that attracts the most attention. Anglers must be prepared for some fishless hours with the spring run of Kings, or "Springers," as they are called on the Trinity River. These fish are fresh from the ocean, healthy, strong and wily. The key to successful angling for these creatures is to fish the migratory obstructions and deep holes found throughout the river with deep drifted offerings. The most significant in obstructions making these fish available to the sportsmen are waterfalls, large rapids, fish counting weirs operated by the Dept. of Fish and Game, and of course the dam where the hatchery is found in Lewiston. "Springer" fishing can be good into August. Midsummer brings yet another opportunity for exciting angling. The tail water fishery below the Lewiston Dam on the Trinity River, is famous as a brown trout fishery. In the "Fly Only" water of the Trinity River, which extends from the Lewiston hatchery 1.5 miles downstream to the Old Lewiston Bridge, predatory brown trout in the 10 lb. class are hooked each year. Last year a true monster of 14 lbs. made the mistake of intercepting an Olive Leach swung under a cut bank. As fall colors begin to show along the hillsides the main stem of the Trinity River comes into its finest season. It is Northern California's preeminent Salmon and Steelhead fishery. This world class angling opportunity attracts fishermen from all over in the pursuit of North America's most prized game fish, the Steelhead trout. By the thousands, fall run Chinook (King) salmon, make their way up the river in September seeking their natal waters for spawning. Immediately following the Chinook runs come the Coho (silver) salmon. Although most often fished for with conventional fishing techniques using bait and lures, fly fishers using 8-9 wt. rods and sinking or sink-tip lines with streamers or tiny salmon egg patterns have a good chance at hooking these heavy weights. Last year our record fly caught King salmon was 23 lbs. Steelhead follow close on the heels of the fall salmon. The sea-run rainbows are readily taken by all techniques, but truly this is the season of the fly fisher. Trinity Steelhead range in size from "Half-pounders," up to 3 lbs., to adults, of 4 lbs. to 14 lbs. The average Steel head is about 6 lbs. The Steelies have migrated into the river system to spawn and do not need to feed. However, experience has shown that they will take advantage of any readily available food sources. Knowing this, many fly fishers rely on the "egg hatch," free floating salmon eggs released by spawning salmon. Patterns like "Egg Omelet," "Babine special" and the ubiquitous "Glow bug" has deceived many Trinity River Steelhead. Wet flies, nymphs, streamers, and skating or riffle-hitched flies can bring spectacular takes by Steel head. The longer the Steelhead has been in the river the more trout like their behavior becomes. Near the end of the run many steelies will begin to focus and feed on hatching aquatic insects like Stone fly, Caddis and even diminutive Mayfly. Under these conditions' Steel head are regularly taken on the dry flies. Hooking a Steel head can be easier than landing them. They are the true acrobats of the salmonid species. October and November are the peaks of the fall run of Steelhead on Trinity River. Thanksgiving day sees the highest number of Fly fishers seeking Trinity steelies. The winter run begins in December and weather permitting good fishing can extend into March. Unpredictable winter weather can present some of the most challenging fishing of the year. Weather events are common and can have a pronounced effect on water conditions. Sometimes this results in high, and often discolored water, or, very low, clear and cold temperatures (36-40 degrees). It is best to consult a local informant before planning a Steel head trip in the Pacific Northwest during the winter season. FISHING TACKLE AND TECHNIQUE Successful fishing techniques vary as much as the individual fisherman and the waters they fish. A few general suggestions are in order. The size tackle one brings on a fishing trip to the Trinity should be determined by the size and type of offering and the size of the fish one expects to catch. Fly fishers will find their lightest equipment, 2 - 4 weight rods, ideal for trout fishing. Reels should be loaded with floating lines and leaders about the length of the rod. When fishing for Steel head, fly rods in 6-7 weight rods are perfect. Floating lines with long leaders or sink-tip lines with short leaders will do the trick. If the quarry is salmon then 8 and 9 weight rods with sink-tip or full sinking style lines are appropriate. During the summer heat, wading wet is a pleasure. Spring, fall and winter fishing sometimes means cool air and water temperatures, so felt-bottomed boots and neoprene waders are recommended for fly fishers fishing in the stream. FISHING REGULATIONS As the largest tributary of the mighty Klamath River, the Trinity River system can have complicated fishing regulations. It is that strongly recommended that visitors wishing to fish the Trinity pick up a copy of California's Fish and Game Regulation booklet. Fishing regulations must constantly evolve to meet the needs of the Fishery. Anglers need to have in their possession a valid California fishing license. Special "punch cards" are required for salmon and Steel head. Necessary licenses and the regulation booklets are available at most all sporting goods stores in California or from the California State Department of Fish and Game itself. Regulation booklets are free. Trout season begins on the last weekend in April and ends on November 15. The main stem of the Trinity River remains open until March 15 when it closes for 6 weeks to allow the escapement for young salmon and Steel head. Trinity and Lewiston lakes are open all year. SERVICES AND INFORMATION Although there are few services in an area that is 92% public lands, with preplanning, the services available are sufficient for the needs of most visitors. Lewiston on the Trinity River just below Trinity and Lewiston dams offers a full-service fly shop while Weaverville and Junction City have excellent full service sporting good stores. Accommodations are scarce amidst the National Forests, so staying on the waterways requires planning. Reservations for lodging during peak fishing seasons are strongly recommended. Campgrounds, both public and private, are available throughout the area. Restaurants and markets can be found in most of the rural communities in Trinity country. There are some very fine sources of information on the Trinity area available. For Steel head fishing, Jim Freeman's venerable tome "California Steel head" is still in print. It provides excellent general information on the region and Steel head fishing techniques. For detailed location and fishing access on Trinity River, StreamTime Maps offers "Trinity River Fishing Access Map." These information resources are available in most bookstores, sporting goods stores and Fly Shops throughout California. Location and descriptions of high mountain lakes and streams can be found in Luther Linkhardt's definitive "Trinity Alps Hiking Guide" published by Sierra Club Press. Information in the form of maps and booklets are available from the U.S. Forest Service, Weaverville Ranger District (530) 623 2121, and Big Bar Ranger District (530) 623 6106. Also the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce, (530)623 6101, will gladly send you free maps and information on available services upon request. Visitors to the Trinity area will find that local businesses are the best source of up to date, detailed information. Asking questions is how local information sources are developed. These business' desire that your stay in their locality be successful and will bend over backward to be of assistance. With a little preparation and home work, and with a little local assistance, any angler has an excellent opportunity to test their skill and find success on the Trinity watershed at any time of the year.
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Canyon Fly Fishing
Joe Mercier
P.O.Box 2820
Weaverville,CA. 96093-2820
 E-Mail trinity_fly@shasta.com