Trinity River Adventures - Northern California Fly Fishing

Fishing Report December 11, 2024

(530) 515-3876

361 Ponderosa Pines Rd., Lewiston, California 96052

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Has the fishing been good?

Most of the time, yes, the fishing is good.

The fishing conditions along the Trinity River are usually good, except when heavy rains occur. Heavy rains can put the fishing into the "poor" category for a day to a couple of months. Fishing can be great all year round, but it depends on the presence of Steelhead and King Salmon, which are the majority of fish we chase after. Steelhead and King Salmon are returning from the Pacific Ocean. Known as "Anadromous Fish", catching these fish depends on the ability to get the flies in front of the fish "when they are present".

The Steelhead and Salmon can move quickly through the river, either to the hatchery or into branch tributaries, which can make catching these fish a game of intercepting them on their journey upstream from the Pacific Ocean. Fishing conditions are mostly predictable. That being said, just because the fishing is good today doesn't mean it will be good tomorrow. Slow fishing today does not affect the chances and quality of catching tomorrow. I could write a report every day or week, and I would be writing the same details. I promise you I am in touch with what is happening, where the fish are today and with that I can get us into the best water tomorrow.

You will have a great time!! The Trinity is a beautiful river!

So: Fishing has been good, with a few fair days here and there. For some, it's tough. A few miles upstream it has been good. I'm sure good fishing will be found downstream. Tomorrow I predict more of the same!

How do we determine if the fish are present or in any given riffle, run, glide or pool? We send the flies to them using our fly rods and some persistence.

Winter: December through March: We fish for Steelhead all winter. There isn't a bad day, week or month to book. The density of fish tapper by early February, but excellent fishing ensues. Fewer people, untouched water lead to some of the best reports of the season. The late winter steelhead can be the biggest and baddest!

Spring: April through June: Water conditions can be high. There are resident brown trout and 1/2 pound steelhead or trout along the river that keep us busy. Don't expect any adult steelhead, but don't be surprised if we find one or two.

Summer: July through September: River flows start to come down. In July we start to see the spearhead of the Fall run of King Salmon arrive. By mid August, the fishing for King Salmon is in season and we target them through the summer along with some spectacular steelhead fishing.

Fall: October through November Our most popular time of year for steelhead. Water conditions are low and clear. Fall colors populate the senery. Weather can be cool and crisp. If you prefer to avoid the harsher winter weather, but still aim to get tight to the famous Steelhead of the Trinity River, this is the season to come.

SteelHead Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures

We guide the Trinity River from the fly water at the base of Lewiston Dam to the Hoopa reservation 90 miles downriver. The Trinity is one of the most pristine river wildernesses on the west coast, world famous for its large steelhead runs. (People can't believe they are actually in California). Along this 90 mile stretch of water we have two dozen access points where we can get in and out, depending on fish concentrations and fishing technique. If we are Spey fishing we are more likely to be down river where it opens up and we can let the longer rods fly.

Bring your camera and spend a day drift fishing on the Trinity River, you will come home with some great photos, and memories of a lifetime

Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures
Trinity River Adventures

©  by Trinity River Adventures California
Fly Fishing on the Trinity River & Sacramento River
Steelhead Fishing ~ Salmon Fishing ~ Trout Fishing ~ Drift Fishing

Scott Stratton DBA Trinity River Adventures is a permittee of the Shasta-Trinity
and Six Rivers National Forest, and is an equal opportunity employer