Trinity River

The Trinity River is classified as a Wild & Scenic River.  It is a major tributary of California's Klamath River begins in the rugged Trinity Alps and makes its way through wilderness before meeting up with the mighty Klamath at Weitchpec. The Trinity is noted for its salmon and steelhead fishery resources, as well as its attraction to rafters, kayakers and canoeists. The North and South Forks of the Trinity and the New River are included in the Wild and Scenic designation. The Trinity River offers a wide variety of opportunities for fun, family and fishing.

The natural beauty of the Trinity River has been one of the most popular sights for visitors to the north coast. Scenic Highway 299 makes easy access to many points of interest. Rafts, canoes and kayaks frequent the rapids in the springtime, and tubers enjoy summertime flows.

The Trinity is legendary for its salmon and steelhead fishing by drift boat or walk-in riverside spots, as well as for trophy brown trout. Chinook salmon are the most sought-after gamefish in the Trinity River system. Spring-run salmon begin to enter the river in May and provide trophy fishing through November. Although brown trout are not native, they were heavily stocked until the late 1970s. Today, a self-sustaining population remains in the upper river, providing fly and bait fishing.

Species Present: In the Trinity River above Trinity Lake, there are Rainbow and Brown Trout. In the Trinity River below Lewiston Dam, there will be Steelhead (summer and winter runs), Chinook (spring and fall runs), Coho Salmon and Brown Trout.

Seasons: On the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, please see the "Fishing Regulations" "Body of Water" table and "6. Trinity River and tributaries" for detailed rules.

Access: There are three parts to this river. The Trinity River above Trinity Lake is easily accessed from Highway 3. The fly fishing section is well-roaded in and above the town of Lewiston. The lower Trinity River is paralleled by Highway 299.