Guided fly fishing
Trinity River fly fishing guide
I guide the Trinity River for steelhead from fall through winter, from Lewiston down past Junction City, about an hour west of Redding. It's my most popular trip. We swing, skate or nymph flies depending on conditions. Barbless hooks only, and you need a Steelhead Report Card. Call or text (530) 722-8331.
Latest Trinity River fishing report → · Redding fly fishing by month →
The Trinity is my most popular destination. In my experience, it offers some of the most consistent and productive steelhead fly fishing in California.
From fall into winter, steelhead spread through the river from Lewiston down past Junction City. Depending on conditions, we swing and skate flies or nymph the water behind spawning salmon.
- Season
- Fall through winter
- Where
- Lewiston to Junction City
- Fish
- Steelhead (fall and winter runs)
- How we fish
- Wading and swinging or nymphing; two-handed rods welcome
- Trips
- Full or half day; lunch and drinks provided; gear on request
- Book
- Call/text (530) 722-8331
When to fish the Trinity River
- Sept to Oct
- Early-run fish spread through the river and the fall weather is at its best.
- Nov to Jan
- Peak numbers of fish in most years, behind spawning salmon. Colder days.
- Feb to Mar
- Winter-run fish and far fewer anglers.
- May to Jun
- High spring releases from Lewiston Dam usually make the river hard to fish.
Season and regulations
Barbless hooks are required on all anadromous Klamath-Trinity water, and only adipose-clipped hatchery steelhead may be kept. Carry your Steelhead Report Card (2026 CDFW regulations, §7.40). Always check current CDFW regulations before you go.
Regulation notes reflect the 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations as of . Regulations change; check CDFW before every trip.
Questions about the Trinity River
When is the best time to fish the Trinity River for steelhead?
Travis guides the Trinity River for steelhead from fall through winter. It is his most popular destination and, in his experience, some of the most consistent and productive steelhead fly fishing in California.
How far is the Trinity River from Redding?
Lewiston, at the top of the steelhead water, is roughly an hour's drive west of Redding on Highway 299.
Do I need a two-handed rod for Trinity River steelhead?
No. Single-handed rods work fine for nymphing and swinging. Two-handed rods are welcome if you like to spey cast.
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…
Latest report ·
Trinity River Fishing Report – Winter Flows Meet Fall Rain
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.
Earlier Trinity River reports
Book a Trinity River 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.
Other rivers: Lower Sacramento River · Upper Sacramento River · McCloud River · Pit River · Hat Creek · Fall River