Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Trinity River - Below Limekiln Gulch - California

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Winter Stonefly, Midges Noon-2pm 12-20 Black Stone, Zebra Midge
February Winter Stonefly, Midges Noon-2pm 12-20 Black Stone, Zebra Midge
March Midges, BWO Noon-4pm 16-22 Zebra Midge, Olive Adams
April Midges, BWO, Caddis 10am-4pm 16-22 Zebra Midge, Elk Hair Caddis
May Caddis, Stonefly 8am-5pm 6-14 Golden Stone, Elk Hair Caddis
June Golden Stone, Green Drakes, Caddis Early morning and late afternoon 6-12 Golden Stone, Elk Hair Caddis
July Golden Stone, PMD, Caddis Early morning and late afternoon 6-16 Golden Stone, PMD Parachute
August PMD, Caddis Early morning and late afternoon 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, PMD Parachute
September BWO, Caddis Early morning and late afternoon 14-20 Olive Adams, Elk Hair Caddis
October BWO, Midges 10am-4pm 16-22 Olive Adams, Zebra Midge
November Midges, BWO Noon-2pm 16-22 Zebra Midge, Black Stone
December Midges, Winter Stonefly Noon-2pm 12-20 Zebra Midge, Black Stone

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Trinity River, especially the section below Limekiln Gulch, offers some of the best fly fishing spots suitable for anglers of all experience levels. Here are some top-notch locations:

  • Del Loma Bridge: Known for its unbeatable access, it offers ample spots to catch steelheads and salmon.
  • Junction City Park: Highly recommended for bank fishing. Trout are often plentiful here.
  • Douglas City River Access: A popular spot with high catch rates for steelhead. It also has a boat ramp.
  • Lewiston Bridge: Remarkable for fly fishing, especially for summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon.
  • Hell Hole: Despite its daunting name, it’s a favored spot because of its deep pools filled with Winter-run steelhead.
  • Pigeon Point: This place gives easy access to the river with a great chance of snagging winter steelhead and salmon.

All these spots situate anglers right in the heart of nature, adding to the overall fishing experience.

Best Access Points

The Trinity River below Limekiln Gulch offers several accessible points for fly fishing, all promising engaging and satisfactory fishing experiences:

  • Helena: Located 6 miles south of Junction City, this is a major access point. The site has a boat ramp near the old mining town.
  • Poogies Bend: It’s halfway between Junction City and Helena. There’s a campground with river access.
  • Steel Bridge: This access point is near Douglas City. A boat ramp and a campground are available.
  • Junction City Park: Offers access to a couple of popular drift sections as well as walk-in fishing spots.
  • Big Flat: Between Helena and Coffee Creek. Features a free public boat ramp.

All of these points offer diverse fly fishing experiences. Some are more suitable for beginners, others challenge even experienced anglers.

Local Fish

  • Steelhead Trout: The Trinity River is one of the most popular Steelhead fisheries in California. These fish can be quite large and aggressive, providing an exciting challenge for fly fishers.
  • Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these fish are usually the biggest in the river. They move into the Trinity River from the Pacific Ocean in late summer and early fall.
  • Coho Salmon: These salmon are smaller than Chinook but are still considered a great catch. They are known for their fight and acrobatics when hooked.
  • Trinity River Wild Rainbows: Rainbow Trout are a common year-round catch on Trinity River, known for their beautiful coloration.
  • Brown Trout: Brown Trout are not native to the Trinity River but have thrived since being introduced. They are known for being challenging to catch because of their wariness and cunning.
  • Westslope Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Trinity River, these fish are known for their beauty and aggressive feeding habits.
  • Mountain Whitefish: While not the most exciting catch, they are often abundant in the Trinity River. Their abundance makes them a good species for beginning fly fishers to target.
  • Pacific Lamprey: These are often an unexpected catch on the Trinity River. While not typically targeted by fly fishers, their unique appearance and large size make them a memorable catch.

About The River

The Trinity River below Limekiln Gulch holds an intriguing history filled with exciting tales of exploration, industry, and transformation. Originating in the rugged Shasta-Trinity National Forest, it derives its name from a Spanish explorer who named the river “La Santisima Trinidad,” honoring the Holy Trinity. The Trinity River was an essential resource for various Native American tribes who thrived upon these fertile lands before Europeans arrived. Gold miners flooded in during the Gold Rush, establishing settlements and forever changing the environment. Interesting points include:
  • The 1955 Flood, where the tumultuous river broke its banks causing widespread damage.
  • The completion of the Trinity Dam in 1961, which transformed the river into a regulated water source and affected the local ecosystem.
  • The ongoing Conservation Efforts aimed at reviving the river’s pristine beauty and health.
Despite various challenges, the Trinity River remains a symbol of resilience and a cherished natural resource much-loved by locals and tourists alike.
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