Steelhead Excursions
Experience the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing.
Steelhead Excursions
Excursions usually start at 8 am, and after running the shuttle, we will fish for 7-10 hours. Food, drink, and gear are provided. Be sure to check the weather and dress in layers, as fishing in the rain and cold is almost standard. Fishing in this area typically involves traditional boat bobber-style fishing.
Steelheading is the ultimate test of an angler's resolve and skill. With limited opportunities to attract a steelhead near your fly, we recommended planning a multi-day trip, as fishing hard is the name of the game.
I am also happy to offer spey-focused trips for anglers looking to try something new. A day of steelheading is sure to be memorable regardless of success.
*Steelhead Excursions typically take place on the Trinity River. However, special requests can be made for other Humboldt rivers.
Trinity River
The Trinity is reminiscent of a time when things weren't so complicated. Hidden by the Trinity Alps and dotted with black bears, the Trinity begins its journey in Weaverville, California, and ends in confluence with the Klamath River in Weitchpec.
The Upper River, from Lewiston Dam to the North Fork, resembles a classic high-elevation trout tailwater but is more than meets the eye. This section offers more targets per mile of wild anadromous fish than just about anywhere else in California. Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, and the occasional Brown Trout are packed into this biodiversity-rich area.
The Middle River section begins where the North Fork enters. This section is not conducive to boat fishing, so guided trips aren't common, but it is easily accessible to walking and wading anglers. This section contains some of the best skating water on the river and is the most remote and generally tight canyon quarters.
After the first Trinity canyon, the South Fork pours in, marking the beginning of the Lower River. This section is more extensive and resembles a traditional Steelhead river with large gravel banks, long runs, and deep holes. This area is known for producing the biggest fish in the river and receives most of the salmon run. So if swinging for big fish is your passion, the Lower Trinity is the place to be.
After running through the Hoopa Tribe Valley, the river is forced through the second canyon and spills into the Klamath River, where it will continue its journey to the ocean.
With its rich character and rugged features, the Trinity River marks the beginning and end of a 200+ mile journey that different anadromous species make yearly. And, as far as steelhead fishing goes, it offers the most hookups per day.