Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

The Trinity River, the principal tributary of the Klamath River, stretches 165 miles through the Klamath Mountains and coastal ranges, creating an ideal habitat for Fly Fishing. This river, covering a watershed of nearly 3,000 square miles in Trinity and Humboldt Counties, is renowned for its prolific runs of Chinook Salmon and Steelhead, offering a rewarding Fly Fishing experience that has been integral to the livelihood of native people for millennia.

The Trinity River is also home to the Trinity River Hatchery, known for providing a healthy annual hatchery Steelhead return. Anglers fortunate enough to land a hatchery fish during their Fly Fishing adventure will savor the fine table fare, a reward that complements what many regard as “the fly fishing experience of a lifetime”.

Offering fall, winter, spring, and summer runs, this river is a perfect spot for Fly Fishing almost all year round. So, gear up for the most memorable Fly Fishing experience on the Trinity River, where every cast brings you closer to nature’s bounty. The Trinity River’s cold, clear waters and varied conditions create a perfect environment for winter steelhead to thrive. Anglers can expect to find fish ranging from 5 to 15 pounds, with some individuals reaching even larger sizes.

Successful steelhead fishing on the Trinity River requires a combination of technique, timing, and adaptability. Here are some effective approaches:

- Fly Fishing: Fly fishing is a popular and effective method for targeting winter steelhead. Techniques such as swinging flies with spey rods or using indicator nymphing can be particularly productive. Common patterns include egg imitations, nymphs, and streamers. A well-presented fly can entice even the most cautious steelhead to bite.

- Drift Fishing: Drift fishing, or bottom bouncing, involves casting bait or lures and allowing them to drift naturally with the current. This method is often used with a float or bobber to help detect subtle bites. Popular bait choices include roe (fish eggs), beads, and various artificial lures. Drift fishing can be highly effective in the Trinity’s diverse water types.

- Plunking: This technique involves casting a weight and bait combination to hold it in place on the riverbed. Plunking is particularly useful in slower water or deep pools where steelhead are likely to be resting. Bait choices often include roe, shrimp, or sand shrimp.

- Tackle and Gear: Winter steelhead fishing requires specific tackle to handle the robust nature of these fish. For fly fishing, a 7 to 9 weight rod with a matching reel and sinking lines are commonly used. When using conventional gear, a medium to heavy action rod paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel, and 8 to 12-pound test line, will suffice. Leaders should be strong enough to handle the fight, typically ranging from 8 to 12 pounds. Conventional tackle will be fishing with plugs

Fishing for steelhead on the Trinity River is a rewarding pursuit that offers both challenge and exhilaration. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse fishing techniques, and abundant steelhead, the Trinity River stands out as a top destination for steelhead enthusiasts. By understanding the river’s conditions, employing effective fishing techniques, and respecting conservation practices, anglers can enjoy a memorable and successful steelhead fishing adventure in Northern California.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Tackle

You will need your own tackle.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$650.00
2 People	$650.00
3 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00
4 People (Second Boat)	$1,300.00

Pay $200 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Start Location & Lodging Options

Douglas City, California

Areas Fished

Trinity River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Steelhead in the Trinity River

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Willie
Boat Length: 18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Willie
Boat Length: 18'

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Tackle

You will need your own tackle.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Fly Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing

Everything Else to Know

You will be responsible for your own gear. Once you book your trip, we'll connect you directly with Alex to discuss details.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.