Trinity River Fishing Report – Nov 5, 2026

The Trinity is in classic low-water steelhead shape. Lewiston has barely moved all week, and the latest shop report (11/4) says the salmon spawn is thinning out while adult steelhead keep building. With the river low and cold, the steelhead are stacking into the traditional runs, which helps if you know where they are and fish them carefully.

Current Conditions

Flows: Lewiston steady at about 310–315 CFS, right at the winter base flow. Douglas City reads about 340 CFS and Junction City about 375.
Water temp: About 49°F at Lewiston.
What it means: Low, clear water and spooky fish. Lengthen your leader, approach from below, and make your first drift through a run count.

What's Working

Nymphs: Olive hot spots, perdigons, copper-bead attractors and rubber-leg stones. A golden stone is worth a try in the faster water.
Eggs: Still useful near the remaining redds, though there are fewer salmon spawning than last week.
Swinging: Low water makes the grab harder to come by. Fish the tailouts first thing in the morning, then swing the deeper, faster runs through the day with a copper or black-and-chartreuse fly.

Timing & Weather

Sunny and mild, with highs in the mid 60s to low 70s and lows in the low 40s through Monday. No rain means no fresh push of fish, so expect the river to stay low and technical. Let the sun get on the water before you get serious.

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 November 5, 2026: The Trinity is in classic low-water steelhead shape. Lewiston has barely moved all week, and the latest shop report (11/4) says the salmon spawn is thinning out while adult steelhead keep building. With the river low and cold, the steelhead are stacking into the traditional runs, which helps if you…

What flies are working on the Trinity River right now?

As of November 5, 2026: Nymphs: Olive hot spots, perdigons, copper-bead attractors and rubber-leg stones. A golden stone is worth a try in the faster water. Eggs: Still useful near the remaining redds, though there are fewer salmon spawning than last week. Swinging: Low water makes the grab harder to come by. Fish the tailouts first thing in the morning, then swing the deeper, faster runs through the day with a copper or black-and-chartreuse fly.

What are the Trinity River flows right now?

As of November 5, 2026: Lewiston steady at about 310–315 CFS, right at the winter base flow. Douglas City reads about 340 CFS and Junction City about 375. Water temperature: About 49°F at Lewiston. Gauge readings are provisional; see the sources listed in the report.

Trinity River Fishing Report – Low, Clear, More Steelhead

Current conditions in brief