Skip to main content

Trinity Lake

Boat Ramps
11
Access Points
12
Species
10

Trinity Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Northern California, is one of the state's premier fishing destinations. This expansive reservoir, formed by Trinity Dam on the Trinity River, spans over 16,500 acres with 145 miles of shoreline, creating diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. Trinity Lake holds a distinguished reputation in California's fishing community, having produced the state record smallmouth bass and brown bullhead. Designated as a trophy Black Bass lake by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Trinity Lake offers exceptional year-round fishing in a picturesque mountain setting with clear, deep waters and numerous coves, points, and structure that create ideal habitats for a variety of game fish.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Trinity Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 3

  • TroutWeek of Jul 26, 2026
  • TroutWeek of Feb 8, 2026
  • TroutWeek of Dec 14, 2025

Source

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page, opens in new tab

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Trinity Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Trinity Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

California licenses and regulations

California Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more, opens in new tab

California Fishing License Online

In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.

Learn more, opens in new tab

California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more, opens in new tab

California Stream Access Laws

The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.

Learn more, opens in new tab

Take Trinity Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Trinity Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Trinity Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Trinity Lake and check the forecast before you go.

Trinity Lake Dam and Powerplant

Loading flow chart…
Latest
10 yr average

Explore California waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.