Winter steelhead fishing on the Trinity River

🎣 Current Steelhead Conditions

Excellent steelhead bite right now

excellent steelhead action on the Trinity River, with the water slightly stained/green from winter rains — generally good for steelhead fishing.
Half-pounders are plentiful, giving consistent action to both fly and spin anglers.
Larger adult steelhead are present too, though it can take more effort and the right spots to catch them.

📍 Most anglers are focusing on the upper river near Lewiston and downstream where flows and water clarity are more favorable.

🐟 Techniques Producing Fish

Fly Fishing: Nymphs like Duracells, Rubberlegs, and egg patterns are working well, as is swinging streamers when fish are actively moving.
Spin/Conventional: Small spoons, worms, and side-drifting cured roe are productive, especially in tailouts and deeper pools.
Plugs & Spoons: These are getting bites on the upper reaches when flows are good.

📅 Seasonal Notes

Winter Steelhead Season runs roughly November through March, and now is right in the heart of it.
December through early January often sees a mix of steelhead sizes — lots of “half-pounders” plus larger adults moving up river.

💡 Water levels can fluctuate with storms, which can either give a boost of fish movement or push flows to unfishable levels depending on rain intensity.

📊 Fly & Spin Tips (Quick Summary)

Fly Anglers

Use nymph rigs with egg patterns or stonefly imitations.
Swing streamers during mid-winter flows or near deep runs.

Spin/Conventional

Side-drift cured roe in deeper holes and seams.
Small spoons and soft bait in runs with medium current.
Running plugs like Yakima bait mag lips in the 3.0 will get you some big fish

🪶 Regulations & Requirements

Steelhead fishing in the Trinity River requires a valid California sport fishing license and steelhead report card. Always check current CDFW regulations before fishing.