Trinity River · Lewiston to Junction City · Fall Steelhead
Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows Meet Fall Rain
Compiled from the regional sources listed below (gauges, CDFW, weather and shop reports) and reviewed by Travis.
Current conditions in brief
As of October 22, 2026: Flows: Lewiston releases are about 315 CFS, and that winter base flow of about 300 CFS is scheduled to hold through the winter. Water: 49–50°F at Lewiston. Working: Eggs behind salmon; Nymphs; Swinging and skating. Best bet: Fish are sitting below the redds eating loose eggs.
Updated · Always-current Trinity River report
The Trinity has settled into its winter flows, and this week brings a round of rain. Salmon are spawning in big numbers, and the latest shop report (10/20) says quite a few fish are around Junction City. Rain like this is what usually brings more fresh fish up the river, so I'll be watching the next week closely.
Current Conditions
- Flows: Lewiston releases are about 315 CFS, and that winter base flow of about 300 CFS is scheduled to hold through the winter. Douglas City reads about 340 CFS and Junction City about 360, both up a little from the rain.
- Water temp: 49–50°F at Lewiston.
- What it means: Low, clear water, so lengthen your leader and wade quietly. If the tributaries color up after the rain, fish the clearer water above them.
What's Working
- Eggs behind salmon: Fish are sitting below the redds eating loose eggs. Run an egg with a small natural nymph trailing it.
- Nymphs: Rubber-leg stones, copper-bodied attractors and olive hot spots in the deeper runs.
- Swinging and skating: Fish have been aggressive, so this is a good time to cover water with a swung fly or a skater.
Timing & Weather
Showers Thursday, then fog Friday morning and sunny, dry days through Monday. Highs will be in the upper 60s to mid 70s, with lows around 40. Mornings are cold, so start a little later and fish into the evening.
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 is closed until next season.
- Adult Chinook retention is closed below the Denny Road Bridge at Hawkins Bar for 2026. Call CDFW's hotline at (800) 564-6479 to check the upper river's quota. Always check current CDFW regs before you go.
Please keep your boots off the redds. Every wild fish matters.
Ready to book? Call or text me at (530) 722-8331.
Trinity questions this week
Is the Trinity fishing well right now?
As of October 22, 2026: The Trinity has settled into its winter flows, and this week brings a round of rain. Salmon are spawning in big numbers, and the latest shop report (10/20) says quite a few fish are around Junction City. Rain like this is what usually brings more fresh fish up the river, so I'll be watching the…
What flies are working on the Trinity River right now?
As of October 22, 2026: Eggs behind salmon: Fish are sitting below the redds eating loose eggs. Run an egg with a small natural nymph trailing it. Nymphs: Rubber-leg stones, copper-bodied attractors and olive hot spots in the deeper runs. Swinging and skating: Fish have been aggressive, so this is a good time to cover water with a swung fly or a skater.
What are the Trinity River flows right now?
As of October 22, 2026: Lewiston releases are about 315 CFS, and that winter base flow of about 300 CFS is scheduled to hold through the winter. Douglas City reads about 340 CFS and Junction City about 360, both up a little from the rain. Water temperature: 49–50°F at Lewiston. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.
Ready to book a trip?
Call or text Travis at (530) 722-8331 for a quick, same-day response, or book through The Fly Shop at 1-800-669-3474.
Sources
Gauge readings are provisional. Dates show when each source was published or read.
- USGS 11525500 Lewiston (10/22)
- USGS 11525655 Douglas City (10/22)
- USGS 11526250 Junction City (10/22)
- TRRP flow schedule (9/24)
- The Fly Shop (10/20)
- California Fly Fishing Reports (10/10)
- CDFW Lower Trinity quota notice (10/15)
- CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (updated 7/10/26), §7.40 (Klamath-Trinity)
- NWS forecast, Lewiston (10/22)
More reports from October 22, 2026
- Lower Sac Fishing Report – Salmon Pile In, Eggs Still Rule
- Upper Sac Fishing Report – October Caddis Building
- McCloud River Report – Spawning Browns, October Caddis
- Pit River Fishing Report – Steady Flows, Few New Reports
- Hat Creek Fishing Report – BWOs, Midges and Frosty Mornings
- Fall River Fishing Report – Midday Hatches, Cold Mornings