What is Adipose?
That small fin found only on trout species located between the dorsal fin and the tail on the top side of the fish. It serves little purpose for the fish, but for fisherman it distinguishes between a wild fish and those raised to a juvenile in a hatchery. There is a definitive difference in the spunk, fight and determination of a fish with its adipose fin intact.
About your guide
It took one landed bluegill at a young age and I was constantly hounding my father about every pothole with water and whether it held fish or not. Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, I was surrounded by numerous trout streams which fed my ever growing desire for fishing.
My obsession with steelhead came during my college years where I spent 5 years at Humboldt State University in Northern California. I juggled collegiate soccer, my studies, and my desire to catch the elusive anadromous fish, and in the end graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. The Trinity River was only a short drive away and became the home for my fishing obsession.
I have spent the last eight seasons guiding the rivers around Missoula, Montana and spend a good portion of my summer working on the heavily permitted Smith River for Montana Fly Fishing Connection. This fall will mark my fourth season guiding the Trinity River. I look forward to every day I have on the water and my obsession and devotion to my profession will be evident with each day you spend in my boat.
About the Trinity River
The largest tributary of the Klamath River, the Trinity is located 40 miles west of Redding, California and is roughly 250 miles north of the bay area. Its' head waters are in the rugged peaks of the Trinity Alps; however the upper river is dammed making the lower Trinity a tailwater steelhead stream. This is the key to keeping the winter flows a little more manageable and often allows ample fishing opportunities during even the heaviest of winter rains.
The fall runs of Steelhead and Salmon can start in the lower Klamath as early as mid August and fresh will trickle through the system all winter. Good numbers of fish start to show up in the Trinity by early to mid September. An average day of fishing can see 6 to 8 hookups a day and the average fish in the trinity is between 6 to 8 pounds.
Tackle and Gear
Waders and rain gear are a necessity for any day on the Trinity. In October the temperature may be in the eighties but the weather is ever changing and often unpredictable from day to day. Checking the forecast prior to your trip and planning accordingly is the best option.
As for rod and lines, a 7 or 8 weight singled handed rod is generally ample enough backbone for any and all steelhead on the trinity. I prefer to fish a 9 1/2 to 10 foot rod to allow for more precision mending when nymphing and better control of the fly when swinging. A weight forward floating line is preferred but a light sink tip around a 150 grain can also work in the right situations. For any more questions about fine tuning your setup and specific fly selection, call or e-mail me with your questions and I will answer them as promptly as I can.
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208-866-3423
kirkgammill@hotmail.com |
