Dec 8 - The Fly Shop Report
TRINITY RIVER
UPDATED: DECEMBER 8, 2022
Report: We are expecting a storm this weekend which should drop some snow and rain in the Trinity River watershed. Expect flows to come up and the river to get a little dirty especially below the tributaries. If you go, make sure you plan your trip and bring chains! The fishing has been very good, in some sections of the river you can have a great day. Most fishing are coming to the early season nymphs, Black Rubberlegs and a Red Copper John, or a Psycho Prince in your favorite color. For the swingers out there, bring your Skagits and sink tips. Good patterns when the flows come up and the water gets a little dirty, black and blue are great colors. The Burnt Chicken, Hartwick's Hoser, or your favorite intruder will get the job done. December is prime time for numbers and the bigger fish will be showing up. Keep your app open to check the forecast, bring chains, give yourself plenty of time and drive carefully. Give Bryan or Chris a call if you would like to get a trip scheduled during the best time to go!
Trinity River Flows:
Trinity River Releases from Lewiston
Trinity River Flow at Pigeon Point
Shuttle Services:
• Bill & Caryl Dickens (Gold Coast Shuttle) at 530-623-1905
Access To the Trinity River
The Trinity has many publicly accessible areas with good wading opportunities during the steelhead season. Stop by the shop and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.
Steelhead Fishing Can be Frustrating
These anadromous rainbow trout are known as the 'Fish of a Thousand Casts.' For good reason! The learning curve can be quite steep learning when and where to go, and what type of water to target. Our Professional Guide Staff has decades of experience guiding the Trinity River for steelhead. A day spent with one of our guides will get you up to speed much more quickly.
Recommended Equipment & Setups
Early Summer Run Steelhead on the Trinity River will take swung flies readily. Spey rods are becoming an increasingly popular method to swing flies. The Fly Shop's Signature Spey Rods are an economical way to get into a great Spey rig. Add a Ross Cimmaron II Fly Reel and a Scandi shooting head, a leader, tippet and fly and you'll be in business.
Hot Flies:
Dry Flies:
• Harrop's Last Chance Cripple - #18
Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• Pat's RubberlegsBrown and Black, #4-8
• Mercer's Poxyback GB Hares Ears - #8-14
• TB Solitude Stone - #8
• Lance's X-May - #16, Brown
• Mercer's Gold Bead Biot Epoxy Golden Stone - #8-10
Eggs:
• Clown Egg - #4-10
• M.C. Redd Reapers
• Micro Spawn Eggs - Pink & Salmon Egg
• Boles Bazookas - #8
Streamers & Leeches:
• Beadhead Crystal Buggers - Any
• CH Kiwi Muddlers
• Freshwater Clouser - Any