Trinity River and Lower Sacramento River Fly Fishing Report
Lower Sacramento-
Good news for Lower Sac fans… the water clarity in the river improved last week enough that we fished the river for the first time in several months. Water flows are currently 10k and clarity is about 18” – finally turning more a shade of green from the pervasive brown water that persisted all winter long.
Weather earlier this week was awesome with highs in the 70’s and plenty of sunshine or high thin cloud cover and no wind. Perfect spring conditions! We had a few excellent days on the river and it was surprising to see very few boats out.
Currently, we are getting hit with more rain showers and high winds that will continue until this Saturday. I’m not certain this rain will dirty up the river much; we’ll have to see how the week plays out.
One thing I’ve noticed is that there are not many bugs out… hatches have been sparse, a few mayflies in the late morning and some caddis here and there. However, I talked to one friend who was doing an evening float and saw a few adult salmonflies (already) bombing around and bunch of very small BWO’s hatching, with quite a few trout noses rising to them. This was reassuring news considering the water conditions. I’m anxious to see what materializes later this month when the warm weather returns to the valley.
If you are a fan of this amazing river, or have never fished it and want to float the Lower Sac I have a few dates still open in April; 10-13, 15-17, 20, 30. For other dates please view my on-line calendar on my website.
Trinity River-
She done! Flows have increased out of Lewiston Lake Dam into the river at a rate of 1500cfs with no scheduled changes. Trinity Lake is within 15 feet of its crest as of 4/6/17. With more rain in the forecast and a fat snowpack in the surrounding mountains - water managers increased outflow on Wednesday, a few weeks earlier than the scheduled seasonal increase mid to late April. This gave anglers only a few days to fish the Fly Only Water after it opened, on April 1st. (Fly Only water will be open until Sept 15th)
So as we say good-bye to 2016/17 steelhead season we should raise a toast to the wild steelhead & salmon of this river system. Cheers to much success perpetuating the next generation. Let’s wish our finned friends well and hope that the “Atmospheric River Winter of 2016” set them up for great success while providing the critical elements and best conditions for survival and continuation the species!
David Neal
Reel Adventures
(760)914-0465
www.reeladventuresguideservice.com
Leave a comment