About Trinity Lake
Recreation at Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is managed by the U. S. Forest Service under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, Redding, California. The reservoir is part of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area. A snowmelt reservoir at the 2,387-foot elevation, Trinity Lake was created by Trinity Dam which crosses the Trinity River. The lake is part of the Shasta/Trinity River Divisions, Central Valley Project. Recreating public are accommodated with approximately 26 square miles (16,500 acres) of surface water area and 145 miles of shoreline. Cold and warm water fishing opportunities include kokanee salmon, three trout species include German brown, rainbow, and eastern brook and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Some of the best bass fishing west of the Mississippi exist, some 4 to 5 pound bass (1-pound average) have been taken, plus the largest smallmouth bass caught in California. Best summer method is deep trolling. In the winter, shoreline fishing with bait is the best method.
How to Get There
Located 18 miles north-east of Weaverville in Trinity County, the lake can be accessed via State Highway 299W and California Highway 3.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Trinity Lake
Heading to Trinity Lake? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Trinity Lake?
No central reservation system listed for Trinity Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/32) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Trinity Lake?
Located 18 miles north-east of Weaverville in Trinity County, the lake can be accessed via State Highway 299W and California Highway 3.
How do I contact Trinity Lake?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-623-2121.
References & Official Resources
