Trinity River/Lower Sacramento/Shasta Bass Fly Fishing Report
Dave Neal reports on February 12th, 2025
Trinity River Steelhead and Trout:
I wish I had a great report on steelhead fishing the Trinity River… but between incessant rainy weather and increased dam releases, there have not been many fishable windows so far in February.
On a wet year like this - the fish are definitely winning. And good for them.
I can only imagine how many wild steelhead are ripping up the tributaries this season and finding the right conditions to do their thing. And with all the Trinity River restoration projects, like off-channel flood plain habitat enhancements, (Oregon Gulch, etc) the young fish will have what they need to grow and prosper in the future. We shall see the fruits of the labor in a few seasons to come.
Also in other cool news… the Trinity hatchery received a 35” steelhead that swam up the ladder recently. Give that fish a blue ribbon!
Fishing conditions continue to be tough with high flows from the dam. Releases were increased this week from 1500cfs to 3500cfs. According to the recent snowpack survey, the Trinity Alps are over 120%. The Trinity Lake is nearing full pool at 2,021,627 acre-ft and about 27’ from crest. The BOR has increased release flows down the river to draw down the reservoir in order to conserve capacity for future inflows. Did I mention Carr Powerhouse tunnel is down for maintenance? So, the river itself is the only avenue for water to get to where it needs to get to. We got more winter still…
Lower Sacramento River:
Even less to report here… the river is unfishable and currently closed to recreational boating while she unleashes at 60k cfs. Same story, Lake Shasta is getting full and current capacity needs to be increased for future runoff and storm events.
My last day on the Lower Sac was January 31st and we did have a decent time fishing in the rain. We were just beginning to see the spring caddis emerge and some BWO's...
When the flows drop a bit more (like half) I’ll float it asap when it’s under 30k. It can fish well in spots at 30k if you know where to focus your time. Bring the bright colored round things and maybe some rubberlegs.
Shasta Lake Bass:
The one bright spot right now is that our local reservoirs are fishing well for bass. Not wide open yet for the fly angler - but the fly fishing will only get better in the near future.
This is where you will find me on my days off right now… and I've had a lot of days off lately! There are days/times when I’ve found spotted bass moving into shallower depths along the steep banks and it widens our ability to target them w/ various techniques.
Reach out to me if you wanna do some springtime bassin’. We anticipate Shasta Lake to achieve full pool AGAIN for the 3rd summer in a row! It’s an awesome fishery for spotted bass and the occasional smallmouth.
The lake is very healthy right now with an abundance of baitfish over the last few years leading to some fatter than average bass. A full reservoir provides lots of habitat and the fishery really shines. If you have not tried bass fishing w/ a fly rod or it’s been a few years… THIS SEASON would be a good time to go!
Another appreciable bonus to a full lake is the shade canopy provided by the dense conifer forest on those north slopes and rolling oak groves on the south exposures. Lots of shady pockets and driftwood piles provide epic topwater action later in the season and fantastic lunch spots to rest in between fishing sessions. Our Nor Cal lakes and reservoirs are stunningly beautiful in the spring green-up when at full pool and filled to the forest floor. Come see it close up!
Thanks and happy fishing…
Dave Neal, www.ReelAdventuresGuideService.com
David Neal
Reel Adventures Guide Service
Email: reeladventuresgs@charter.net
Social: @ReelAdventures
Mobile: 760-914-0465
