The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Trinity Lake
Trinity County, California · 17,300 acres (27 sq mi)
55°F water, windy Friday (28 mph SSW).
About Trinity Lake
Trinity Lake is a reservoir in Trinity County, California, covering 17,300 acres. It was made by Trinity Dam on the Trinity River. Trinity Lake was originally named Clair Engle Lake after a U.S. senator before being renamed in 1995.
It stretches about 16.9 miles end to end with roughly 100 miles of shoreline. At about 2,340 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 416 ft at its deepest. Lewiston is about 6.8 miles southwest. The closest city is Redding, about 23 miles away.
- Size
- 17,300 acres (27 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 416 ft
- Shoreline
- About 100 miles
- End to end
- About 16.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,340 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Trinity Dam, Trinity River
- County
- Trinity County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:15 am – 7:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 21 mph
Saturday Good
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Trinity Lake
Trinity Lake holds kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and catfish. With the surface at 55°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodKokanee salmon
Good trolling. Work deeper as the day warms.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:56 am · sunset 4:53 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Trinity Lake
- Lewistonabout 6.8 mi southwest
- Weavervilleabout 8.7 mi southwest
- Shastaabout 18 mi southeast
- Central Valley (historical)about 20 mi southeast
- Reddingnearest city, about 23 mi southeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Trinity Lake
What fish are in Trinity Lake?
Trinity Lake holds kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Trinity Lake?
About 416 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Trinity Lake?
17,300 acres, with about 100 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Trinity Lake?
Lewiston is about 6.8 miles southwest; Weaverville is about 8.7 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Trinity Lake today?
The surface was about 55°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Trinity Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
