Trinity County Fishing Reports

Trinity is waking up big time. Both largemouth and smallmouth are starting to really chew. The lake’s sitting much higher than recent years... about 100 feet up from previous low marks... and it’s completely reshaped where and how fish are holding. Water temps are still a touch cool, but fish are active and staging, and the pre-spawn push is in full swing.

On the south end near the dam and tucked into coves, largemouth are hitting jigs, deep cranks, and more reaction stuff. Meanwhile, smallmouth are piled up in the upper northern reaches near downed logs and floating debris brought in by the high water. Swimbaits are also getting crushed. Trout-colored patterns are working best for higher-quality fish up to 4 pounds.

No solid kokanee reports yet, but the season’s technically underway. For now, all eyes are on the bass. With the high water and ideal conditions, it’s shaping up to be a monster June on Trinity.

The main stem Eel isn’t ready yet—still running high and off color after spiking to over 56k cfs at Scotia earlier this week, according to Kenny Priest of Fishing the North Coast. Even with dry weather, it’s likely more than a week out from fishing well, and with more rain on the way, that timeline’s probably getting pushed. It’ll take a solid break in storms before it’s worth a look. Please note... only artificial lures with barbless hooks can be used from now through Sept. 30.