The Trinity River is loaded with............................

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

................Steelhead and people and drift boats.

After December 1st it might be less crowded?

Joe Shirshac and Andy Guibord just returned. They had some action 'road hunting' in between the giant armada of drift boats and rafts. They got some beauties to about 10 pounds.

[Chum]

For better of for worse, I plan to be among them this weekend (hopefully, the number of steelhead will exceed the number of people and drift boats!).

This will be my first trip to the Trinity in 15 years - the last time I was there was the first time I ever held a fly rod (a comical story involving three guys who knew nothing about fishing, an old VW bus, lots of snow, a dunk in the river and a large bottle of Stoli). I plan to scout out and wade a few places on the upper river. I'm curious to know whether anyone has any recommendations on places to camp.

From what I've been able to tell, there are a good number of places, many of which impose a fee of some sort. Its likely that I will not be rolling into camp until late Friday night - don't know whether that makes a difference. Hayden Flat is one place I've been considering. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

-Chum

[PatrickM]

There's a pretty nice camp ground at the end of Steel Bridge Road. Some nice water right there too. It was still open when I was up there last week.
Good luck.

[Rick J]

Check out the link to river stage bfore you go - things are rising pretty fast - not sure how clear or fishable it will be?

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/trinityStages.html

[Chum]

Wow - it really spiked last night. :shock: But, it does appear to be dropping (for now).

Ok, so now the obvious question from the Trinity rookie - what's too high on the upper part of the river, say near Helena or Del Loma? Also, does the river tend to stay clear when it gets high, or does it really blow out?

[shawn kempkes]

I would call before you go. The river below the north fork could be punched. The north fork could be puking from all of the ash and exposed ground from the fires.

[bigtj]

As long as Limekiln stays below 500 you're fine. Check the turbidity, fishes best below 5 NTU. JThat's the best gauge for the upper river i.e junction city up. I wouldn't plan on anything too far down at this point and anything below the S. Fork would be a waste of time.

Have fun but be prepared for INSANE crowds. I think a lot of the salmon folks are booked for steelhead this year instead due to the regs, that's my guess why things are so nuts up there right now.

Bill - I wish december would be less crowded but that's usually the time it starts getting busy! We'll see this year.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Maybe February?

[Chum]

Thanks for the info, fellas. Not a big fan of the line-up, to be sure. Still, I'm anxious to check it all out. Given that its really my first time there, even if I'm able to check out a few places along the river and get a feel for things, it will be time well spent. You'll never know until you go, right?

-Chum

[bigtj]

Absolutely. And heck if everyone is catching fish and having a good time, who cares? You'll have a blast.

Good luck -

-John

Bill - yes Feb and March can be good too only problem is all the downrunners.

[Chum]

Well, I made it up to the Trinity this past weekend. River levels seemed ideal (water almost clear, slightly off color), fish were clearly moving through the system. If felt like I was fishing well, good drifts, deep enough (I think), tried all kinds of flies - stones (black rubber legs, goldens), pts (bead, no bead, flash, no flash), APs (bead, no bead) copper johns (red, copper), even an egg sucking leach. Didn't dunk. Didn't drain a bottle of Stoli (!!) Fished dawn till dusk both days, but only one obvious take (early in the morning, on for 90 seconds, a nice leap, and then she unbutttoned -- there's nothing cooler than the sound and sight of a big fish coming up out of a small river!!) - no fish landed. Guys coming through on drift boats seemed to be making it happen. A spin fisherman plucked 2 nice hatchery fish from the same run I was fishing Sunday.

Despite the fact that I was blanked for the weekend, it was a great recon trip - beautiful water, great scenery, and though there were a lot of anglers on the river, everyone was respectful and courteous. Still, I'm wondering what I might have been doing wrong. Obviously, you didn't see what I was doing, but any hints/tips out there?

A trout guy jonesing for chrome...

-Chum

[bigtj]

Chum,

It all boils down to A) the drift B) location (i.e. fishing runs holding steelhead or having steelhead run through them) C) depth you're fishing at D) luck/the bite has to be "on".

I think that getting a good, drag free drift is the most important of all those. I can't explain it in writing, the difference is so subtle, but getting a good, drag-free drift is absolutely vital in nymphing. Much more important as what fly you're using. Obviously, it's also critical to be in the right place as well. It just takes a little time you'll get it eventually.

By the way if you can afford it go with a guide some time, or, alternatively, try to get together with folks who "know what they are doing". All it would take is a couple hours and they would be able to figure out what you are doing "wrong" of, perhaps, if it's just luck and for whatever reason you just weren't getting hits.

Stick with it glad to hear you had a great time and got into a fish. My first few trips to the Trinity I didn't even hook up so you are ahead of the game.

[Chum]

Thanks, BigTJ - Folks advised me a guide would be a good idea and I can't say I disagree. Fact of the matter is that by the time I had the weekend cleared, the guides were all booked. Still, I figured its no waste of time to check it out - there's definitely something to be said for putting in the time and just sorting it all out on one's own. If it takes me an extra trip or two, so be it. Can't lose as long as my time as spent on a river!

-Chum

[jbird]

Chum
I really like what bigtj suggested...not just a guide, but ANYONE who catches fish there. I have watched so many guys fish their hearts out without recieving any help. Most of them literaly NEVER figured it out until they broke down and fished with someone good. Dont be shy about aproaching someone who's catching fish. Just ask them if you can watch them for a bit and maybe ask a few questions. Most guys will be flattered that you want to learn from them if you are polite and dont intend to get in their way. You may even make a new friend. Worst case scenario is youll be told to "take a hike"...brush yourself off and ask someone else. You'll be glad you did. Nothing is worse than fishing your heart out fruitlessly, knowing other guys are knockin the snot out of em.

Good Luck

Jay