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Trinity River

Guide Dax Messett with a huge Trinity River steelhead
Guided Float Trips
$650 for 1-2 anglers including hotel pickup and shuttle
  • Year-round
  • Drift Boat Trips

The Trinity River is one of the most popular steelhead destinations in California. One reason for this status is that the Trinity rarely "blows out" due to high water. High flows from winter storms are absorbed by Trinity Lake, so even during large storms it's common for the uppermost floats to remain fishable. For the majority of the steelhead season, flows remain stable and conducive to wading and drift boat fishing. The Trinity River is also popular with anglers due to its proximity to highways and easy access. Highway 299 runs right along much of the river and side roads provide access to other areas. The river has excellent public access for wade fishing and plenty of put-ins for fishing from rafts and drift boats. The biggest reason that the Trinity River is held in high esteem by fly anglers is the numbers of fish. Every year thousands of steelhead return to the Trinity River. It is not at all uncommon for a single angler to hook multiple adult steelhead in a day of fishing on the Trinity. Most steelhead on the Trinity River are 4-10 pounds.

Fishing for adult steelhead can be very good as early as mid-September and as late as mid-April. The early fall is known for hot acrobatic fish. The fish typically aren't spread out in every hole, but when you find one it's common to find several more in the same spot. Prime-time on the Trinity River is November, December and January. November is the favorite month for anglers that want a great shot at good numbers of fish AND nicer weather. December and January are more likely to be cold and rainy (or even snowy!), but there are typically more fish in the river at this point. February, March and April are interesting months on the Trinity. We sometimes see greater numbers of fresh "winter-run" fish at this time. It's also common to hook some "down-streamers" that have already spawned and are headed back to the ocean. The river also sees hatches of march browns and green drakes that can get brown trout and the occasional adult steelhead to come to the surface.

Trinity River Guide Team

Our Trinity River guide team includes Andrew Harris, Gino Bernero, Brian Kohlman, Kevin Kay, Peter Santley, Luke Geraty, Mike Wright, Colin Coogan, Andreas Fuhrmann and Drew Griffith. Gino Bernero, Andreas Fuhrmann and Drew Griffith exclusively fish Spey Techniques on the Trinity.

Recent Trinity River Fishing Reports

Trinity River Fishing Image
September 6, 2024
Trinity River Report by Mat Squillante

A gorgeous day, on the beautiful Trinity river. Thousands of dragonflies gave an impressive aerial display above water, while the fish more than held their own below the surface. A day of 1/2 pounders can be fast action fun, especially when a few adults and a brown are thrown into the mix. Book any of our Trinity guides for the coming months, when the fishing turns on and the adults takeover the show. 

Trinity River Fishing Image
March 27, 2024
Trinity River Report by Peter Santley

The Trinity River steelhead season is winding down but not out! I just completed a good week on the Trinity and my clients found some good fishing. Late season we see a few down runners in the mix , we also had some nice fresh fish. There was steady action on half pounders and smolts , but also some shots at bigger steelhead and an occasional brown trout. Phillip and Leeann hit the conditios well and had a fun two days. We had a good weather window until the final day. With a storm about to hit my client Dave decided to do a short day. He connected with four nice steelhead and a good brown. We left them biting and were off water by 1:30 pm. I am looking forward to the 24/25 fall and winter season!If you would like to get out with me book early! Fall dates filling fast!Thanks to all that fished with me this season.Peter Santley

Trinity River Fishing Image
March 7, 2024
Trinity River Report by DJ Spivey

While steelhead season may be entering what is considered its fourth quarter on the Trinity River it is not over yet! Bob Mike and I enjoyed the last two days floating it found success fishing multiple techniques! If your looking to try your luck at some beautiful steelhead before summer the time is now!

Trinity River Hatch Chart

Mayflies
Green Drakes
March Browns
Callibaetis
PMD
Baetis
Isonychia
Caddisflies
Glossosoma
Rhyacophila
Hydropsyche
October Caddis
Stoneflies
Golden Stones
Giant Stoneflies
Little Yellow Stones
Terrestrials
Grasshoppers
Other
Salmon Eggs
Steelhead Eggs
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
 
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
 
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
 
                                               
                                               
                                               
 
                                               
 
                                               
                                               

Lodging Recommendations

Weaverville and Lewiston are the closest options for anglers fishing the Trinity River. Please visit our Weaverville/Lewiston Info Page for ideas on lodging, logistics, and other activities in the area. Many of our guests also base their Trinity River trip out of Redding.

Trinity River Photo Gallery

A happy angler with a nice wild Trinity River steelhead
A large Trinity River steelhead
A colorful Trinity River steelhead
Wade fishing the Trinity River
A large steelhead from the Trinity River
Fishing some slower water on the Trinity River
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