Tightline Connection - Redding, California

The Trinity River

The Trinity River that flows 110 miles from the dam below the Lewiston Lake until it joins the Klamath River at Weitchpec is one of Californias best fishing rivers. Both the lower trinity, and the upper trinity, have excellent rainbow trout, some Cohos and large brown trout. The lower trinity also has a good run of half pounder steelhead in the summer.

The middle Trinity River from Lewiston Lake to Del Loma has great runs of steel head, Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, some Cohos and large brown trout. The river runs along highway 299 and other roads between Lewiston dam supplements the wild Chinook, Coho salmon, and steelhead in this river.

The Lewiston dam moderates the flow into this section of the trinity so it is the first part to clear. Most say fishing is best two days after a heavy rain in the area. As with other rivers, fishing is best between the high water and low, clear water. The mile and a half from the Lewiston Dam to the Old Lewiston bridge are catch and release fly fishing with barbless hooks only. This area is good fishing for rainbow trout, juvenile steelhead and some brown trout.

The lower trinity from Del Loma to Weitchpec has good shore access and frequent drift boat launches. It runs through Willow Creek, then continues along through the Hoopa Indian Reservation to Weitchpec. It is a popular white water rafting river but has several falls and rapids for above the skill level of most anglers.

Del Loma to below Grays Falls has a few short sections with relatively calm water suitable for anglers, but it is mostly left to shore anglers and thrill rafters. Deep gorges with only intermittent launch and take out points below willow creek have good fishing for the experienced boater. The three-mile drift at Del Loma is the only part of this river that is fishing from a boat. Anglers can park in a turnout of the highway, hike to the river, find a suitable pool and fish, which is a great for shore anglers.

For more information, please visit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_River_(California)