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North Coast: , by Drew Griffith: A few flies for low water: 3 stars

It's always a nice adjustment after spending the summer in Alaska to return home to Northern California and to the numerous steelhead rivers that make this such an exciting place to live as an angler. For me, nothing compares to swinging one of my favorite runs close to home in hopes of getting that big handshake, and the river I find myself on more often than not during the fall is the Trinity. I cut my teeth learning the hard lessons of steelhead fishing on this river, and I always feel a certain nostalgia when I walk into a spot or step into a run that has become like an old friend. 

This fall has seen a return of exceptionally low water for all of our rivers and the Trinity is looking a lot like I remember it from a few years ago during the drought years. With that in mind, I tied up a few bugs for swinging the Trinity when it's low and clear. Hope you enjoy! 

Looking ahead it does look like some rain will finally make landfall during Thanksgiving week. Hopefully it'll be the first of a few storms, but any measurable rainfall should be enough to get fish on the move at this point. I've heard a few good reports from guys fishing Kings in tidewater. Both on the Smith and Eel Rivers. It's definitely been a departure from our past two fall seasons for King fishing here on the coast with the absence of rain. Fingers crossed we luck out with a wet December and get a good shot at swinging up a few before the new year. 

Either way, it's almost time for winter steelhead! Stay tuned.  

The perfect specimen that makes it all seem worth it.
The perfect specimen that makes it all seem worth it.
A simple soft hackle tied on a sz8 Alec Jackson.
A simple soft hackle tied on a sz8 Alec Jackson.
Flash body and copper wing with fall colors mixed in on this mini intruder. Tied on a 35mm Partridge
Flash body and copper wing with fall colors mixed in on this mini intruder. Tied on a 35mm Partridge
Rear assembly
Rear assembly
A variation of the timeless Royal Coachman.This old school pattern still makes them cross their eyes
A variation of the timeless Royal Coachman.This old school pattern still makes them cross their eyes
Next 10 open days for Drew Griffith: Oct 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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