Fish Report: Winter Rainbows

Details

Place: West Fork Trinity River, California

From: 01/24/2016

To: 01/24/2016

Type of Water: Freshwater

Species: Rainbow trout

We have finally been getting a decent amount of rain and snow this winter, over the past five years California has seen almost every watershed turn bone dry. Topographic maps show blue lines where nothing is left but dust and rocks. Fish retreat to the depths of the lakes and wait it out. Year after year, I have hiked my way around every tributary and runoff point pouring fresh water into these reservoirs, ponds, creeks and lakes. Waterfalls come to life, plants grow, insects hatch and the world is beautiful. I have always made it a point to go out after rain and snow to check my holes and sure enough, like clockwork, these trout run up the waters and make their way into pools to spawn every winter and spring. It took me many years to figure this out. The Cycle. I have lived near this location for nearly 6 years and I am glad to call it home. These fish may not be giants, but being less than a few miles away, the fishing just can't be beat in these conditions.