Trinity River - Above Clair Engle Lake - Whiskeytown Lake, CA

The upper Trinity River, above Clair Engle Lake (Trinity Lake), is a rugged, high-country fishery that offers excellent trout fishing in a remote and scenic setting. Flowing through forested canyons and meadows, this stretch of the Trinity River is primarily a wild trout fishery, known for its natural beauty, cold water, and light angling pressure.

Rainbow and brown trout are the primary species found here. These fish are mostly wild and naturally reproducing, providing an exciting challenge for fly and spin anglers. The river features classic freestone characteristics: pocket water, riffles, pools, and undercut banks, all ideal habitat for trout.

Fly fishing is the preferred method, with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers all producing results depending on the season. During spring and early summer, hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies bring trout to the surface. Terrestrials are effective in summer, while subsurface nymphs work well in cooler months or higher flows.

Spin fishing is also productive, especially with small inline spinners or natural baits like worms. However, anglers should check regulations, as some stretches may have barbless hook or artificial lure restrictions.

Access to this upper stretch is limited, which helps preserve its wild character. Anglers often hike or use 4x4 roads to reach productive waters. Popular access points include tributaries and trails off Highway 3 and the Trinity Alps Wilderness area.

Spring through early fall is the best time to fish this section, as snowmelt can swell the river in early spring and low flows may reduce holding water in late fall. Water clarity is usually excellent, which favors stealthy approaches and light presentations.

Camping is available in the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and the area is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. The solitude and wilderness feel of the upper Trinity River make it ideal for anglers who value quality over quantity and appreciate the challenge of wild trout fishing.

Due to its isolation and relatively pristine condition, this section is less crowded than the lower Trinity River, which is known more for steelhead. The upper Trinity offers a traditional mountain stream fishing experience in one of California’s most beautiful and unspoiled trout fisheries.