Trinity River Fishing Opportunities 

Available Species:  The Trinity is truly a year round fishery with opportunities for Steelhead, Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and German Brown Trout. 

Always Check Current CA DFG Regulations Prior To Fishing Any Waters In California!!!

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations 

Salmon:  Two distinct runs of  Chinook (King) Salmon will navigate up the Trinity from the ocean for their annual spawning run beginning with the Spring Salmon which lasts from May through July.  There is a brief lull in Salmon action in August and then the Fall Salmon arrive in September and October.  The Fall run Salmon are typically larger, sometimes reaching 20+ lbs.  There are many opportunities to fish from the bank, and a trip down the river in a drift boat is an experience you will never forget.

Steelhead/ Rainbow Trout:  Of all the trout species available to the California freshwater angler, the native Steelhead/ Rainbow Trout is the undisputed king.  Indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, these two fish are actually one in the same.  The difference is that the Rainbow Trout spends it's entire life in freshwater while the Steelhead spawns in the river of it's birth and then travels out to the Pacific Ocean to spend its adult life.  They can grow quite large.  Steelhead in the 15+lb class are caught on the Trinity every year.  Steelhead and Rainbow Trout have actually been known to spawn together which helps maintain sound genetics.  The Trinity is special due to the long period of time that Steelhead can be found in migration.  The Summer run will begin in June and last through August.  This is immediately followed by the Fall run which goes from September through November.  The Winter run overlaps a bit and lasts from November clear through March.  Some years the Winter run will creep into April.  Winter Steelheading is what the hardcore anglers get excited for as this is when the big fish arrive in the river system.  The techniques used to target this species can vary as much as the weather.  Fly fishing for Steelhead on the Trinity is immensely popular, as are baitcasting and spinning gear options.  Bank access is exceptional and there are many wonderful places to wade the river in search of these fierce fighting brutes.  Hiring a guide to float the river in a drift boat is a great way to increase your odds of landing a Steelhead.

German Brown Trout:  The Brown Trout is a non-native species that was originally introduced to the waters of California in the late 1800's.  As the particular strain of Brown Trout in California originated from stock found in the rivers of Germany, they are known locally as "German Brown Trout".  Like the Rainbow Trout, these elusive but highly predatory members of the food chain are found in the Trinity and it's tributaries year round.  Often a surprise catch by those seeking Salmon or Steelhead, they are sometimes targeted specifically.  The best time of the year for German Browns is the Spring and Fall.  A recent young guest was surprised by the nice Brown pictured at the top of the page this Fall.           

Other Nearby Fishing Options

Don't want to fish the river?  Want to try out some other amazing waters holding a variety of fish species, many of which are not available in the river?  Want bigger bag limits?  Check out these other local options.

Trinity Lake:  Located immediately above Lewiston Lake, Trinity Lake provides some of the most consistent and diverse fishing opportunities in all of Northern California.  Trinity Lake holds two current CA state records (for landlocked Chinook Salmon and Brown Bullhead Catfish) and held the CA state record for Smallmouth Bass for 30 years.  While the Smallmouth record has been broken, you can bet your favorite Bass rod(s) that there is another 9 pounder lurking somewhere in this 17,000 acre impoundment.  It is no surprise that multiple Bass fishing tournaments are held at Trinity each year.  If you time it right, in the Spring, you can have 20+ fish days here targeting the gobs of Smallmouth Bass.  There are Largemouth Bass in Trinity Lake, as well.  They can go to 10+ lbs.  I've seen it.  Not into bass fishing?  No problem.  The trout action here can be sensational, as well.  Trolling for trout is extremely effective here.  Catching 5-10 Rainbow Trout over 15" is not unusual.  Baitfishing from shore can be very effective around Stuart Fork and where other feeder streams enter the lake.  There is a naturally reproducing population of Brown Trout in Trinity Lake.  They can get pretty darn big, too.  A well kept secret about Trinity Lake are its populations of both Kokanee and Chinook Salmon.  The Kokanee naturally reproduce in the feeder streams keeping a steady repopulation headed back into the lake each year.  The limit for Kokanee Salmon in Trinity Lake is double what it is in most lakes, so this is a great place to try to fill a high limit for the freezer.  The best part about the large population of Kokanee in Trinity Lake is that they serve as food for the landlocked population of Chinook Salmon that reside here.  These fish can go quite large.  How large, you ask?  The state record landlocked Chinook Salmon was pulled out of Trinity Lake in deep water right near the dam.  The fish weighed over 20 lbs.  Bullhead Catfish, Panfish, and Crappie are also available in this magnificent reservoir.  For diversity of species and trophy potential, Trinity Lake is truly one of a kind.       

Lewiston Lake:   This often overlooked gem is located just below Trinity Lake and only about 30 minutes from the cabins.  Lewiston lake looks more like a river, mostly because this is actually a dammed portion of the Trinity.  The Trinity river's unimpeded flow to the ocean ends at Lewiston Dam.  This small lake is the afterbay of Trinity Lake.  There are large trout roaming these often gin clear waters.  Lewiston is stocked, and there is always a large population of holdovers from previous years.  There is a 10 mph boat speed limit in effect at all times which keeps this lake nice and calm.  Many employ fly fishing techniques here and are quite successful.  Trout to 5 lbs are not uncommon at all.  This lake does not receive a great deal of fishing pressure, so anyone can be quite successful here.  For bait fishermen, the three most popular baits are powerbait, half a nightcrawler, and the "Lewiston Cocktail".  The aforementioned "cocktail" is an egg hook rigged with two red salmon eggs and one white power egg.  These are all best fished off the bottom with an egg sinker and enough leader to get the bait up above the weeds.  This lake stays cold year round and may be the best opportunity to score some trout for the grill. 

Whiskeytown Reservoir:  West of Redding on HWY 299 and just a half hour from the cabins, the cat is officially out of the bag when it comes to Whiskeytown.  This is one of the premier lakes in all of California to consistently catch limits of Kokanee Salmon.  For the past few years it has been consistently producing limit after limit from late Spring though early Fall.  These Salmon are widely considered some of the best eating that can be had.  You need a boat to effectively fish for Salmon here.  If you don't have one, there are many guides who work this reservoir almost exclusively in the Summer.  Whiskeytown is also chock full of Rainbow Trout, with a few Brook Trout caught occasionally.  This is a great place to take kids out to catch their first fish as the lake is also full of sunfish, crappie, and bass.  Bank fishing can be effective here, just not for the Kokanee.  

          Tip: The water in this reservoir is remarkably clear.  Using light fluorocarbon leaders will dramatically increase hookups on all species.