Trinity River
Fishing the Trinity
One of my favorite local rivers – I spend many days on the Trinity River in pursuit of the amazing steelhead and Chinook salmon that return home each season.
The Trinity is an incredibly productive steelhead fishery hosting one of the most consistent and dependable runs of fish along the entire west coast. The river is open to fishing all year around and is more often than not “in shape” throughout much of the steelheading season. The river rarely blows out for long after heavy rains - and if it does blowout it drops and clears very quickly.
The river has a solid return of both hatchery and wild steelhead that average around 3-6 pounds with occasional 10 pounders (30-32” fish) landed every year. Our steelhead season can begin as early as July (summer run) and go all the way till mid April when flows increase from Trinity Dam. Many consider prime-time to be mid September through March.
In addition to steelhead, the Trinity is also home to several different runs of salmon of both hatchery and wild origin. There are springers and a fall-run Chinook salmon - primetime for springers are July/August and fall-run is September/October. The run of Coho (silver salmon) are now a protected species, so no legal season to target these fish. They usually arrive in the upper river in late Sept - Dec. *Note: CA has a closed salmon season currently
The Trinity River runs approximately 120-miles in length and it’s the largest tributary to the Klamath River. It joins the Klamath system in Weitchepec which enters the Pacific Ocean about 16 miles south of Crescent City, CA.
This river offers something for every angler; depending on the time of year, water conditions, and type of water you choose to fish – the river invites virtually all fishing techniques! Anglers committed to swinging traditional steelhead flies (including dry flies) with Spey and switch rods, or single-handers will find ample opportunities and water variety that suit these classic methods. Contact me for info on swing trips…
Indicator nymphing techniques are very effective on this river especially during the colder months from late October through February. Drift boat fishing is a very popular option for many people who want to fish from the comfort and stability of a boat.
For more information on fishing the Trinity River please email me or call. I recommend visitors stay close in the towns of Weaverville, Douglas City or Lewiston in order to be on the water early or out late.
**Please Note: When booking a winter steelhead fishing trip (Dec-Feb) weather conditions can occasionally alter our primary river destination… Plan B, Plan C, options sometimes need to be utilized. Changes in fisheries are Not Terms for cancelling a winter steelhead fishing trip. We will fish the best suitable local fishery/river for the conditions and this at the sole discretion of the guide.
