Trinity insight requested

[Sheepdog8404]

My brother and I are thinking of booking a trip to the Trinity next week before school starts back up. Wondering if anyone can give me some insight if that's a worthwhile time/place to go. I've heard that the Trinity turns off around the end of the year so I'm just trying to avoid an expensive mistake. Maybe we should look into fishing somewhere else?!?! Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

Tight lines,
Gary

[fishracing]

I have use Confluence Outfitters (Dax Massett and Leslie Ajari) and was very happy. The river will rise sunday - tuesday but after that it should be good. Winter steelhead is what it is just looking for a tug. PM me with any questions

[Dragking]

You should go. The river is low, clear and cold right now, but the rain is starting today and should continue all week. There is already a lot of fish in the system and the rain will bring some fresh ones in. I'd aim for Thursday if you have a choice. Anything on Tuesday or after should be good. That said, it's steelhead fishing, so I really have no idea :).

[goby]

I like The Fly Shop for guides, but I usually just walk/wade to my favorite spots since I live less than 10 minutes away. It was really crowded during the past two weeks, but there are still fish in the river.

[TaylerW]

Darrin Deel is a good bet for the Trinity...

[Sheepdog8404]

Thanks for the advice! We are looking to go on the 13th and there appears to be about a solid week of rain during that time. Not sure if that will blow the river out and make fishing tough.

[NCL]

My very best day on the Trinity was in early February so your timing is good. With that said it is steelhead fishing which can be very temperamental, I have caught steelhead every month from September through April and I have been skunked many times in those same months on the Trinity . I have fished with several of The Fly Shop guides and they are all very knowledgeable about the river and will fish the most productive sections. Without reservation I would recommend the following, either of Gregg or Kris Kennedy , Lonnie Boles, Ernie Dennison, Bill Downs , my best day ever on the Trinity was Bill, all of The Fly Shop guides are very good but I have fished with the aforementioned in the past few years. I have fished with a couple others on the Trinity but I am not sure if they still guide the Trinity. I have never fished the Trinity with Confluence but I have fished with them in Oregon and they are a quality crew. Check Dreamflows over the next couple of days and that should give you an idea of how these storms are effecting the flows. With all that said as was previously stated, just go you may hit it just right,

[goby]

Thanks for the advice! We are looking to go on the 13th and there appears to be about a solid week of rain during that time. Not sure if that will blow the river out and make fishing tough.

You'll be fishing in the upper part of the river, so the river should not be blown out. I wouldn't worry about it. Just have a great time.

[booneshaya]

I'd have to give the Fly Shop another vote of confidence. And again, Bill Downs has been the guide who has has consistently put me on the most fish on the river. He's also a good guy and makes your float a lot of fun.

[fallriverfish]

Wow

Thank you so much for the Kudo's guys ! With all the crap my competitor's spew it is nice to see my clients post some positive stuff.

I really enjoy my time on the water and the many friendships I have gained over the years.

Happy New Year and thank you again.

Best Fishes

Bill Downs
530-215-4500

[Sheepdog8404]

Thanks for all the responses! Sounds like the weather and timing isn't anything to worry about. Hopefully we can get into some fish. We didn't land a single steelhead last time but maybe this trip will be the ticket. Thanks again everyone! I'll post a trip report when we get back.

[JPS]

If you are going to fish the Trinity give Herb Burton a call at the Trinity Fly Shop and see if you can get out with Herb or Kit. You will learn more in one day then you thought possible.

[yubaman]

Three other great guides . . . Slim Cancilla, Mike Hibbard and Aaron Grabiel.

[winxp_man]

Three other great guides . . . Slim Cancilla, Mike Hibbard and Aaron Grabiel.

Ran into Aaron on the Trinity a couple years ago. Great guy for sure.

[retirednavy]

I can only give the Flyshop in Redding the very highest ratings.

I am not a fish count guy. Every single time I have fished with the FS guides, they have given me the insights to do my very best on that outing.

On Jan 05-07 the water was up and near blown out. The Flyshop offered me a rain/sleet.snow check. I said no. The guide gave me a wry smile and said,"I like that spirit. Let's go see what happens." Anyway, steelheading is at least as much about adaptation, and the adventure.

It did happen with roll casts, stack mends, and minimal casting. Fish the cast you make. Do not pick it up and do it again. Fish the hand you deal yourself. It worked. Four landed, one wild fish at 12 lbs, the rest hatchery, over two days.

We were one of three boats on the river that day, and the next. Everyone else rain checked.

There are details to steelhead fishing that only a guide can observe in the water and the flyfisherman. This was a day for hoarding the cast, stack mending and being alert. My FS guide was on it. And he kept me on it.

It paid off. You dudes are the REAL deal. I have fished with many of them. All of them have taught me something very valuable for the day. And those things come from years of experience. Call it craftsmanship. In this time, it is worth paying for, and generously.