Fishing at Trinity Lake

Trinity Lake fishing comes alive in mid-spring as the water clears. Native rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish are caught all over the lake. Shore fishing can be as good as fishing from boats.

Where to Fish on Trinity Lake

For those fishing from the bank, all of the arms offer some great spots to hook both trout and bass. Concentrate on areas near the mouths of creeks such as Buckeye Creek, Stuart Fork, Mule Creek, and Hobel Creek. Another good spot is at the north end of the lake where the Trinity River enters. Shallow sections of the lake with cover such as rocks, stumps and bushes are excellent spots to fish for bass.

From boats anglers often focus on trolling on the main Trinity Arm. Fishing around the dredger tailings at the upper end of the lake has produced some trophy-size smallmouth bass.

Trophy Fish Caught in Trinity Lake

• Bullhead Catfish - 4 lbs., 8 oz. - California State Record, caught Oct. 1993 by Gary Dittenbir
• Chinook Salmon - 9 lbs., 9 oz. - California State Record, caught Nov. 2011 by Leroy Mohr
• Smallmouth Bass - 9 lbs., 1 oz. - CA state record at the time, caught March 1976 by Tim Brady

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at Trinity Lake?

Trolling: Nightcrawlers behind flashers, Rapala, Needlefish

Bass Fishing: Plastic worms, nightcrawlers, plugs, Gitzits

Bait:   Fishermen's Favorite: crickets , nightcrawlers, PowerBait

Spin Casting: grubs, spinnerbaits

Fly Fishing: Minnow shaped flies, Zack-Attack Damsels, Chromies, Zebra Midges