Trinity River Fishing Report – Oct 18, 2026

The Trinity switched to its winter flow schedule this past week, and it's shaping up to be a great fall. Salmon are spawning, steelhead are spread from top to bottom, and the shops and guides I talk to agree that some bright fall fish are showing up.

Current Conditions

Flows: Releases from Lewiston dropped from about 450 to about 305 CFS on 10/15–16. Douglas City reads about 314 CFS and Junction City about 350.
Water temp: About 49–50°F at Lewiston.
What it means: Lower, clearer water makes fish easier to find but quicker to spook. Lengthen your leader and wade quietly. It also means easier crossings and more water you can reach on foot.

What's Working

Eggs behind salmon. A good share of the fish are sitting downstream of active redds and picking off loose eggs. My go-to is an egg trailed by a small natural nymph, like a Bird's Nest or a pheasant-tail style bug.
Stonefly nymphs (black rubber legs and epoxy stones) on warmer afternoons.
Swinging and skating. Fish have been grabby on the swing. A two-hander helps you cover water.

Timing & Weather

Mornings will be in the high 30s to mid 40s, with highs in the mid 60s to about 70. There's a chance of light rain Tuesday night through Thursday, with less than a tenth of an inch forecast. Expect fog Thursday morning. A cloudy day can keep steelhead active and on the move longer.

Regulations to Know Right Now

Barbless hooks are required on all anadromous Klamath-Trinity water, and only adipose-clipped hatchery steelhead may be kept. Carry your Steelhead Report Card.
The fly-only stretch from below the dam to the Old Lewiston Bridge closes after September 15.
Adult Chinook retention closed below Hawkins Bar at 11:59 p.m. on 10/16. Jacks (23" or less) can still be kept there. Call CDFW's hotline at (800) 564-6479 to check the upper river's quota status. Always check current CDFW regs before you go.

Please keep your boots off the redds. Hatchery steelhead returns have been light so far this fall, so every wild fish matters.

Trinity questions this week

Is the Trinity fishing well right now?

As of October 18, 2026: The Trinity switched to its winter flow schedule this past week, and it's shaping up to be a great fall. Salmon are spawning, steelhead are spread from top to bottom, and the shops and guides I talk to agree that some bright fall fish are showing up.

What flies are working on the Trinity River right now?

As of October 18, 2026: Eggs behind salmon.: A good share of the fish are sitting downstream of active redds and picking off loose eggs. My go-to is an egg trailed by a small natural nymph, like a Bird's Nest or a pheasant-tail style bug. Stonefly nymphs: (black rubber legs and epoxy stones) on warmer afternoons. Swinging and skating.: Fish have been grabby on the swing. A two-hander helps you cover water.

What are the Trinity River flows right now?

As of October 18, 2026: Releases from Lewiston dropped from about 450 to about 305 CFS on 10/15–16. Douglas City reads about 314 CFS and Junction City about 350. Water temperature: About 49–50°F at Lewiston. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows, Bright Fish and an Egg Bite

Current conditions in brief