Fish In The Trinity River
The Trinity River is renowned for its salmon and steelhead fishing. Steelhead’s summer and winter runs and Chinook salmon’s spring and fall runs make for excellent year-round fishing. While the Chinook is the most sought-after game fishing on the river, another desirable species is the Coho salmon.
The Trinity River hosts some of the best Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the West Coast of the United States. We welcome fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. We encourage novice anglers to enlist the help of a local guide service, as it’s a great way to spend the day and learn the art of fishing and hear a tall tale or two from an experienced teacher. Whether or not you hire a guide, you will need to be sure that you have purchased a fishing license and gear. Please make sure you are outfitted to accommodate the weather and you observe all necessary safety precautions.
Fishing Guides
- Trinity Guide Co.: 530-338-5734 (https://www.thetrinityguide.com)
- “D” Fishing Guide: 530-629-3554
- Five Rivers Guide Service: 916-806-3119 (https://www.fiveriversguideservice.com/the-rivers/trinity-river)
- North Coast Outfitters: 530-739-3519
- Old Bridge Rafting and Guide Service: 530-778-0509 (https://www.oldbridgerafting.net)
- Sweet Trinity Guide Service: 530-623-4695 (http://sweet-trinity.com)
- Trinity Fly Shop: 530-623-6757 (https://www.trinityflyshop.com)
- Trinity Lake: The “Maine” Guide: 530-623-4352
- Trinity River Adventures: 530-623-4179 (http://www.trinityriveradventures.com)
- Jeff Goodwin Guide Service: 530-510-2925 (https://www.jeffgoodwinfishing.com/trinity-lake-fishing)
Rafting and Kayaking
Rafting and kayaking the Trinity River can be an all-season experience, although certainly colder during certain times of the year. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, the Trinity River can present an excellent experience for every family member.
Expert Excursions
The Burnt Ranch Gorge run, which begins at Cedar Flat and ends at the Hawkins Bar River Access, is extreme class five whitewater and should only be run by experts experienced in heavy, technical rapids. There are a few licensed outfitters who offer trips through the Burnt Ranch Gorge.
Recreation Excursions
The upper reaches of the Trinity River from the Lewiston Dam to the mouth of the North Fork at Helena is a moderate stretch of river preferred by those more interested in relaxing, family-oriented excursions than the excitement of whitewater. Most enjoy it by canoe, paddle-board, and inner tube. From the North Fork to Big Bar, the downriver section is the classic “Pigeon Point Run,” commonly known for its most accessible whitewater adventures with Class II – Class IV rapids.
Rafting Companies
- Trinity River Rafting (https://trinityriverrafting.com): Located in Big Flat, offering a variety of trips at varying difficulties as well as Inflatable Kayaking classes.
- Bigfoot Rafting (https://www.bigfootrafting.com):
- Six Rivers Rafting (https://www.sixriversrafting.com): Located in both Willow Creek and Junction City, offering a variety of trips at varying difficulties throughout the upper and lower Trinity River.
- Old Bridge Rafting (https://www.oldbridgerafting.net): A family-oriented company located in Lewston, guiding class I and II trips.
- Redwoods and Rivers Rafting: (https://redwoods-rivers.com): Located in Big Bar, offering guided day and multiple day trips on a range of whitewater difficulties. Also offer kayaking lessons, trainings, and guided fishing.
- Trinity River Adventure Inn (https://www.trinityriveradventureinn.com/kayaking_rafting_sups): Located in Lewiston, offering family and dog friendly guided trips and rentals.
Additional Information
A map of the USFS Trinity River pamphlet shows whitewater opportunities from Junction City to Burnt Ranch and the Guide to Rafting and Kayaking on the Trinity River through the California Whitewater website. For more information, including a list of guides and rafting companies offering trips on the Trinity River, Contact the Weaverville Ranger District office at 530-623-2121 or the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce 530-623-6101.
