A true mountain stream, the Trinity River begins its journey in the Trinity Alps and winds its way through the Klamath and Coastal Mountains before flowing into the Klamath River. It is home to two dams and the Lewiston Fish Hatchery, the destination of many anadromous fish.

As July approaches, juvenile steelhead in the 14-18 inch range start to make their way to the Trinity River. Adults soon follow with anglers catching fish weighing between 5-8 pounds throughout November... although 10+ pounders are caught every year. The fall run is comprised mostly of hatchery fish, while the winter run has a greater proportion of wild fish. The winter run, which occurs from December to February, is characterized by fewer fish, but they are often larger.

Chinook salmon make their way to the Trinity River in May and remain through August. These fish can be found in deeper pools and concentrate below the dam as the season progresses. Trinity chinook typically weigh between 10-20 pounds, with some reaching over 30 pounds.

Both brown trout and smallmouth bass inhabit the section above Trinity Lake, migrating from the lake to the river to spawn. The brown trout can get big, weighing in at 10+ pounds. Smallmouth average 2 pounds, but some 5+ pounders are caught yearly. Rainbow trout are also stocked yearly in this same stretch of river.

The Trinity River is easily accessible to the public as it runs through National Forest land, with CA State Route 3 paralleling the upper section and Route 299 paralleling the lower section. Regulations must be observed when fishing near the dam, as there is a fly fishing-only section that is closed for part of the year.