Trinity Lake
Trinity County Salmon, Trout, Bass, Catfish, Bullhead
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Trinity Lake Bite Meter

2 weeks ago
Bass
Excellent
Kokanee Salmon
Fair

Trinity Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

Set amidst the rugged landscape of the Trinity Alps, Trinity Lake unfurls over 17,000 acres, presenting a captivating blend of shimmering waters, dense evergreens, and majestic, glacier-capped peaks. Just a stone's throw north of Redding, California, this expansive reservoir provides more than just scenic beauty. Trinity Lake is an smallmouth angler's paradise. Its deep, cool waters harbor an impressive number of smallmouths, averaging anywhere between 3-5 pounds. Largemouth bass are equally abundant during the summer months and are often found...

Set amidst the rugged landscape of the Trinity Alps, Trinity Lake unfurls over 17,000 acres, presenting a captivating blend of shimmering waters, dense evergreens, and majestic, glacier-capped peaks. Just a stone's throw north of Redding, California, this expansive reservoir provides more than just scenic beauty.

Trinity Lake is an smallmouth angler's paradise. Its deep, cool waters harbor an impressive number of smallmouths, averaging anywhere between 3-5 pounds. Largemouth bass are equally abundant during the summer months and are often found in the lake's rocky flats alongside their smallmouth counterparts, especially during the warm seasons.

As the temperatures drop, the lake's trout activity spikes. Dominated by rainbows due to the yearly stockings by CDFW, Trinity also houses a lesser known brown trout population. The lake also boasts a healthy population of kokanee salmon.

However, anglers should note that Trinity Lake's breathtaking vistas draw more than just anglers. The summer months see an influx of pleasure boaters, houseboats, and water sports enthusiasts. For a serene fishing experience, the lake's early morning hours are the most promising. It's also advisable to touch base with park rangers about the reservoir's fluctuating water levels, as some boat ramps may become unusable during drier times.

Species:
King Salmon, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bullhead
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 1 week ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Chinook Salmon: 20 lb 15 oz - 2013
  • Smallmouth Bass: 9 lb 1 oz - 1976
  • Bullhead Catfish: 4 lb 8 oz - 1993
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 416 ft
Surface Area: 17,280 acres
Surface Elevation: 2,370 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Excellent Bass bite
Bass, Kokanee Salmon
63°F Clear

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...

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.

4 anglers found this report useful
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Trout, Bass

Trinity Lake has been hit-or-miss lately. The CDFW hasn’t stocked trout here yet this winter, and cooler water temperatures have slowed bass activity. Still, patient anglers putting in the time are landing quality fish. Bass action has been best on primary and secondary points, worked very slowly with drop-shot worms, grubs, or slow-rolled...

Trinity Lake has been hit-or-miss lately. The CDFW hasn’t stocked trout here yet this winter, and cooler water temperatures have slowed bass activity. Still, patient anglers putting in the time are landing quality fish. Bass action has been best on primary and secondary points, worked very slowly with drop-shot worms, grubs, or slow-rolled swimbaits. Most fish are well worth the wait, in the 3-6 pound range.

For trout, a few holdovers are being nailed near the surface by anglers casting spoons. Trout stockings should be coming at any time.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Fingerlings
King Salmon CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

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Bass fishing has picked up, but don’t expect the numbers anglers are seeing at Shasta. Most of the activity is post-spawn… tons of fry in the shallows. But a few fish are...

Trinity Lake Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Trinity Lake Map

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