California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท North Coast Region
Trinity Lake below the Trinity Alps has smallmouth, rainbows and browns, and feeds the Trinity River.
Looking for the latest Trinity Lake fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Trinity Lake.
Water level
Wind forecast
Trinity Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Smallmouth slow down as water cools. Trout move shallow.
Streamers near points and arms.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Trinity Lake and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Trinity Lake, bring: Clouser Minnow #2-4, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Crayfish #6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Trinity Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps and campgrounds off State Route 3. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,370 ft |
| Nearest town | Weaverville, California |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Smallmouth, rainbows, browns and kokanee |
| Regulations | Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | Shasta-Trinity National Forest campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Remote. Long drive. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Smallmouth.
Summer
Deep fish.
Fall
Trout shallow.
How to get there
From Weaverville, take State Route 3 north to Trinity Lake.