Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Trinity River - Burnt Ranch - 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 Midges Midday 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 6-12 Black and Tan
February Midges Midday 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Afternoon 6-12 Black and Tan
March Midges Midday 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Morning 6-12 Black and Tan
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
April Winter Stoneflies Morning 6-12 Black and Tan
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
May Winter Stoneflies Morning 6-12 Black and Tan
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Mayflies Afternoon 12-18 Adams
June PMDs Morning 14-16 Yellow Sally
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Stoneflies Afternoon 6-10 Golden Stone
July Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
August Terrestrials Midday 8-12 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Stoneflies Afternoon 6-10 Golden Stone
September Terrestrials Midday 8-12 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
October Terrestrials Midday 8-12 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
October Caddis Evening 8-12 Elk Hair Caddis, October Caddis Pupa
November Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
Midges Midday 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
December Baetis Afternoon 18-22 Blue Wing Olive
Midges Midday 18-22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge

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 in Burnt Ranch provides some of the best spots for fly fishing, housing a variety of fish such as rainbow trout, brown trout, steelhead, and chinook salmon. Here is a list of top spots to check out while you’re there:
  • Pigeon Point: It is considered a fishing hub. It has deep pools and swift runs that fly fishers love.
  • Lewiston Lake: Although not exactly the river, this lake is connected to it and it’s loaded with trout that grow 1-2 inches a month.
  • Hawkins Bar: Ideal for catching steelheads. It’s less crowded which can lead to a peaceful and successful day of fishing.
  • Cedar Flat: An excellent spot for Rainbow trout, mainly accessible only by boat or trail.
  • Del Loma: Known for its high number of salmon, making it an exciting place for angling enthusiasts.
Remember to stay updated on local fishing regulations before heading out.

Best Access Points

Trinity River in Burnt Ranch, California, boasts excellent spots for fly fishing. Following are the best access points for unforgettable angling adventure:

  • Pigeon Point: Easily accessible with a well-maintained parking lot. The section downstream of the access point is particularly productive.
  • Cedar Flat: Famed for excellent fall Salmon and Steelhead fishing opportunities, it’s best visited in late summer or early autumn.
  • Lewiston Dam: Tailwater fishery providing superb year-round fishing. Additionally, it is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the year.
  • Del Loma: This area offers great fly fishing spots, especially for those looking for Steelhead runs.
  • Steel Bridge: Popular recreational area with convenient access to numerous fishing points along the river.
  • Indian Creek: Just below Douglas City, this area hosts a great deal of Steelhead and has camping amenities too.

Local Fish

  • Chinook Salmon: These are the largest and most desired fish in Trinity River due to their size. They usually appear during late summer and fall.
  • Coho Salmon: Coho salmon, also known as Silver salmon, are smaller than Chinook but still a main target for most anglers.
  • Steelhead Trout: Winter steelhead run from late December to March while summer steelhead run from July to early October.
  • Brown Trout: This fish is not native but is now abundant and provides good fishing in the Trinity River.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are often targeted by fly-fishermen due to their distinctive red slash under their lower jaws.
  • Rainbow Trout: Another popular target, Rainbow Trout are abundant and active throughout the year.
  • Shad: Shad appear in large numbers during the summer, making them a popular target.
  • White Sturgeon: These behemoths are sporadically caught in the Trinity, making for an exciting surprise catch for fly fishermen.

About The River

The Trinity River, particularly the Burnt Ranch area, boasts an engaging history filled with both natural wonder and human development. The river itself, over 710 miles long, has served as a critical life-source for the region’s earliest inhabitants, the Native American Wintu tribes.
  • Founded during the Gold Rush era, Burnt Ranch obtained its name when a settlers’ construction was destroyed by a fire.
  • Despite early setbacks, Burnt Ranch blossomed into a thriving mining community. Nowadays, it has become a haven for recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, and wildlife spotting.
Today, the river continues to shape the local ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. As we admire its rollicking rapids and tranquil pools, we also remember the river’s integral role in both human and natural history. Each ripple and eddy tells a tale of survival, rejuvenation, and ceaseless flow.
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