Expert tips enhance pursuing the fish of a thousand casts and is a time honored tradition enjoyed by fly fishing anglers both new and old. Our fly fishing guide team has spent countless seasons guiding for steelhead on the Trinity River and beyond providing endless expert tips. Collectively, we bring over 80 years of experience to the water. With our extensive background, both as anglers and, more importantly, as guides coaching others into their first, biggest, or even final steelhead, we’ve been privileged to observe what makes for an exceptional experience on the water.
Gain lasting value from your next guided fly fishing trip on The Trinity River by understanding these expert tips that are guaranteed to enhance your overall experience.
- Expert Tip: Set Attainable Goals for Your Fishing Day
Focus on process-oriented goals rather than outcome-oriented ones. Aim to learn a new skill, such as roll-casting your indicator toward the tree line without hooking the tree, or perfecting a mend without external coaching.
Example: Instead of saying, “I want to catch five fish” or “a 10-pound fish,” reframe it as, “I want to react to grabs without judgment.” When the indicator twitches, set the hook without overthinking—no “Was it a rock? The bottom? A fish?” If it’s a fish, the rod will tell you. If not, move smoothly to the next cast or drift.
- Expert Tip: Be Present, Not Perfect
Steelhead fishing often involves persistence, with the chance of a fish being referred to as “one in a thousand casts.” It’s easy for your mind to drift, but staying present is key.
Focusing on outcomes—like “What if I don’t catch a fish?”—pulls you out of the moment and reduces focus. Stay present with each cast, and when the indicator dips, lift the rod promptly to maximize your chances.
For deeper insight into mindfulness and performance, listen to The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey or Brian Cain’s Mental Performance Daily Podcast. Apply the lessons to steelhead fishing.
- Expert Tip: Observe Your Surroundings
Take in everything nature has to offer. Fishing is about more than just catching—it’s about connecting with the outdoors and creating meaningful experiences.
Enhance your experience by learning about the surrounding flora and fauna. Use apps like PictureThis or Merlin Bird ID to identify plants and birds, and maybe even teach your guide something new!
- Expert Tip: Roll Casting: It’s a “Chop,” Not a Flop
When roll casting with an indicator setup (leader, weights, and flies), remember you’re only casting the fly line. Keep your hands close to your body and use more shoulder than elbow or wrist.
Key Steps:
- Focus on your flies as they rise in the water column while forming a D-loop.
- Ensure the anchor point (where the fly line touches the water) is within a rod’s length.
- Execute the forward stroke with a decisive “chop,” not a floppy motion.
Advanced Tip: When casting toward a tree-lined bank, let your weight and flies sink slightly before making the forward cast. This helps avoid snagging branches and allows your setup to drift naturally under the trees.
- Expert Tip: Mending: Why and When
Mending adjusts the fly line for a drag-free drift, improving presentation and creating a straighter line between the rod tip and indicator for quicker hooksets.
Why Mend?
Opinions vary, but the goal is generally a straighter connection from rod tip to indicator. A straighter line reduces slack, ensuring faster reactions when a fish bites.
When to Mend:
Rather than mending immediately after every cast, observe how the water affects the line. Count to three, then decide if a mend is necessary. For example, if a loop forms to the left of the indicator, mend to the right. Aim for a relatively straight line—perfect alignment isn’t necessary, but constant interaction with your rod, line, and the water is key.
Gear Recommendations
- Rod & Line: A 9-foot, 6-weight fly rod with a floating line is ideal for steelhead on the Trinity River.
- Leader & Tippet: A tapered 9-foot leader with 3X to 5X tippet, depending on your flies.
Fly Box Essentials:
- Attractor Patterns: Psycho Princes (orange/purple), Perdigons, Copper Johns (red, copper, black)
- Stoneflies: Epoxy Back Golden Stone (#8–12), Dark Stonefly (Black/Brown Rubber Legs #8)
- Salmon Eggs: Peachy King, Orange Pearl
Access the Trinity River:
Check out this BLM public access map.
Guided Experiences
As river flows rise with early winter rains, the Trinity River welcomes a strong run of steelhead, setting the stage for an unforgettable fishing season from Lewiston’s Old Bridge to Pigeon Point. For seasoned guides like Steve Crosetti, Popeye Franco, and Joe Vasquez, the Trinity offers anglers an ideal opportunity to challenge the elusive steelhead. Expert Tip: A guided experience is the best way to accelerate your skills and knowledge.
