Trinity River
California · Northern California
SteelheadRainbow TroutBrown Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Trinity River
Lewiston Tailwater
Below Lewiston Dam the Trinity River's exceptional tailwater is Northern California's finest year-round trout fishery. Wild rainbow and brown trout averaging 14-18 inches inhabit this cold clear section with excellent insect life. Steelhead and spring Chinook salmon also use this section seasonally.
💧 Ideal flow: 500–2,000 CFS. Below Lewiston Dam is where most anglers focus — consistent cold tailwater releases support year-round fishing.
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Douglas City
The Trinity near Douglas City offers accessible wade fishing with good populations of wild rainbow trout and seasonal steelhead. Public fishing access is available throughout this section along Highway 299. Evening caddis hatches from June through September are reliable and productive.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,500 CFS. The Lewiston area fishes best at moderate stable flows — steelhead stack below the dam September through March.
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Junction City
Near Junction City the Trinity transitions to a larger more powerful river with excellent summer steelhead in the fast broken water. Wild rainbow trout are present year-round between steelhead seasons. The spectacular Klamath Mountains scenery makes this one of California's most beautiful river settings.
💧 Ideal flow: 500–2,000 CFS. The middle Trinity fishes well at moderate flows — stunning Trinity Alps Wilderness backdrop.
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Burnt Ranch Gorge
The Trinity through Burnt Ranch Gorge is a remote and challenging section with excellent wild steelhead and rainbow trout. Class IV and V whitewater dominates much of the gorge limiting fishing to specific pools accessible by hiking. Fish here rarely see flies making them more cooperative.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at stable moderate flows — check TroutBible gauge as Lewiston Dam releases directly control fishing conditions.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Willow Creek Section
Near Willow Creek approaching the Klamath confluence the Trinity is a large river with excellent fall Chinook salmon and winter steelhead. Resident rainbow trout are present year-round. The lower Trinity canyon provides access to some of Northern California's most remote quality fishing.
💧 Ideal flow: 400–1,500 CFS. Fishes best at consistent moderate dam releases — high spring flows can blow out the lower river for weeks.
About Trinity River Fishing
The Trinity River originates in the remote Trinity Alps of Northwest California, carving through pristine wilderness and charming mountain towns before being blocked by Lewiston Dam, which concentrates fish populations in the lower river sections. This dramatic setting makes the Trinity one of the Pacific Northwest's premier steelhead destinations, with legendary runs and world-class brown trout populations that draw anglers year-round to its glacier-fed waters.
Best Time to Fish Trinity River
The Trinity's most productive season runs September through March, when massive steelhead runs push through the lower river below Lewiston Dam in pursuit of spawning grounds. While specific mayfly and caddis hatches occur throughout the year, success on the Trinity is driven more by seasonal steelhead and salmon migrations than traditional hatch timing, making fall and winter the prime windows for trophy opportunities.
Species
Steelhead dominate the Trinity's appeal, with large, aggressive fish staging below the dam before their upstream migration, making them highly susceptible to both swung flies and nymphs. Resident brown trout thrive in the river's cold, clear water year-round and respond well to dry fly presentations during summer months, offering a compelling alternative when steelhead activity slows.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current California fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Trinity River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid California fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Streamflow data is pulled in real time from the USGS National Water Information System. Gauge readings — including CFS and gauge height — refresh every 15–60 minutes, giving you an accurate conditions check before you load up the truck.