California
Trinity River fishing guide
The Trinity River in California supports eight fish species including Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Seatrout (Freshwater), Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, White Sturgeon, and Smallmouth Bass. Anglers can access the river by boat at two launches or fish from extensive public bank access, with established access points at Eagle Creek and Steiner Flat Primitive Campground.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Trinity River is running around 21 cfs. The nearest streamgage reports flow but not water temperature, so no temp is shown. Conditions are fair for fishing right now.
- State
- California
- Public access
- Yes
- Access points
- 2
- Species recorded
- 4
These conditions are read from our data about once a day and may not reflect the current moment. For real-time conditions, open Guidepole Fish.
Public access & launches
Extensive public bank access along the Trinity River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- Steiner Flat Primitive CampgroundBoat launch
- Eagle Creek (CA)Boat launch
Regulations
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Apr. 1 through Sep. 15. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used.
- Bag
- 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Jan. 1 through Jun. 30.
- Bag
- 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Trout Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures may be used.
- Bag
- 2 trout
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Jan. 1 through Jun. 30.
- Bag
- 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Sep. 15 through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
- Bag
- 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Jan. 1 through Jun. 30.
- Bag
- 10 Brown Trout 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Jan. 1 through Aug. 31.
- Bag
- 10 Brown Trout 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Nov. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
- Bag
- 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- Jan. 1 through Mar. 31.
- Bag
- 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
- Alphabetical List of Hatchery Trout, Hatchery Steelhead, and Salmon Waters with Special Fishing Regulations
- Season
- See Klamath River subsection (b)(50).
As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.
What’s in it
Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.
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Trinity River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Trinity River?
Yes — the Trinity River in California has public access (extensive public bank access). Open the guide to see the public access, launches, and current regulations.
Do you need a license to fish the Trinity River?
Yes — California requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
What fish are in the Trinity River?
Species recorded in the Trinity River include Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Seatrout (Freshwater). The full list is on this page.
Where can you access the Trinity River?
Access points include Steiner Flat Primitive Campground, Eagle Creek (CA). See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Trinity River on your phone
The full access map, live conditions, and an agent you can just ask — on your iPhone.
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