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Flathead River Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing Ryan Stultz runs Bent Fly Fishing and guides the main stem of the Flathead River in Northwest Montana. What is working right now Winter fishing on the main stem of the Flathead River is unusually good in February 2026. A warm winter and a December atmospheric river pushed water levels over double the 50-year median, and big westslope cutthroat are chewing. Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing is fishing deep with pink patterns like pink and hot red San Juans, pink Perdigons, and scuds. Mayfly nymphs are working too, and streamers or sparkle minnows swung slow and deep move the biggest fish. How is the Flathead River fishing in February?Unusually good for winter. Ryan Stultz is putting clients on lots of big westslope cutthroat on the main stem of the Flathead River. A warm winter and high water levels have the fish active. He ran three boats one Wednesday plus trips Friday and Saturday, which is rare this time of year. Why is the winter fishing so good?A December atmospheric river dumped an insane amount of rain. Even with a warm winter and little snowpack, water levels are over double the 50-year median. Those high, healthy flows have produced amazing, unusual wintertime fishing on the Flathead main stem. What flies are working on the Flathead River?Fish deep with pink. Pink San Juan worms, hot red San Juans, little pink Perdigon jigs, and scuds are the winter game. Mayfly nymph patterns are also producing. For the biggest fish, swing streamers or a sparkle minnow slow and deep, fewer bites but bigger trout. How should I present flies in winter?Get down deep. Ryan is fishing deep water with weighted nymphs and pink patterns. For streamers, swing them real slow and deep. You will not catch as many on streamers, but it is a fun way to move some of the biggest fish in the river. What species are you catching?Native westslope cutthroat trout. Ryan notes they love the sun in wintertime, so a bright day gets them active as the sun hits the water. On cloudy days you can still find plenty of fish, it is all relative and the fishing stays good. What is the Flathead outlook for February?Good. A slight cool down into the 40s is coming, less sun than the warm week that hit 50, but Ryan expects the weather and the fishing to hold for his upcoming trips. Exact water temperature was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Ryan Stultz, Bent Fly Fishing): The water levels have been literally double, or a little over double, our 50-year median, which has been producing some really amazing fishing for wintertime on the main stem of Flathead River. Fishing deep water still, mostly pink stuff. Winter game, pink San Juans, hot red San Juans, little jig pink Perdigons. And some really big fish being caught on streamers. Flathead River February 2026 FAQ Is the Flathead River fishing in winter?Yes, and unusually well in February 2026. Big westslope cutthroat are active on the main stem thanks to high, healthy flows. Why are Flathead water levels so high?A December atmospheric river brought heavy rain, pushing levels to over double the 50-year median despite a low-snowpack winter. What are the best winter flies?Pink San Juans, hot red San Juans, pink Perdigon jigs, and scuds fished deep, plus mayfly nymphs and slow, deep streamers for big fish. What fish are in the Flathead River?Native westslope cutthroat trout, which get most active when winter sun hits the water. How deep should I fish?Fish deep water. Ryan is getting down with weighted pink nymphs and swinging streamers slow and deep. Do I need the guide's secret patterns?No. Standard pink San Juans, Perdigons, scuds, mayfly nymphs, and streamers are all producing right now. Who is the guide?Ryan Stultz of Bent Fly Fishing in Northwest Montana. Shop the Tackle Shop Fly Gear
Learn moreEagle Lake Fishing Report | January 28, 2026
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain with more than 30 years of trout fishing experience. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Cal Kellogg caught epic Eagle Lake rainbows in late January 2026 on simple, small presentations. His winners were an orange Trix Minnow, a Trigger Bugger tipped with a bit of nightcrawler, and a Mini Willow Dodger with half a threaded crawler on a slow-death hook. He trolls hybrid leadcore at 1.5 to 2.2 mph, with 1.8 his target speed. What is catching Eagle Lake trout right now?Small, simple presentations. Cal Kellogg used an orange Trix Minnow, a Trigger Bugger tipped with a tiny piece of nightcrawler, and a Mini Willow Dodger teamed with half a threaded crawler on a slow-death hook to land big, hard-fighting rainbows. What trolling speed works at Eagle Lake?Moderate to slow. Cal trolls 1.5 to about 2.2 mph, with 1.8 mph as his target speed, on hybrid leadcore rigs. He keeps a sharp eye on the sonar and stays on the fish, adjusting to conditions rather than committing to one speed. What color fly is working at Eagle Lake?Cal switched off a slow orange fly to an olive Trigger Bugger and immediately started catching fish. Tipping it with a small piece of nightcrawler produced even more, turning a mediocre fly bite into a very good one. How does Cal simplify his Eagle Lake setup?Basic rigs and small baits. He runs hybrid leadcore, fluorocarbon line, tackle in perfect shape, and scent, then reads the conditions and lets the fish tell him what they want. He stresses you do not need forward-facing sonar or side planers to catch a lot of trout. What is Cal's key advice from this Eagle Lake trip?Keep it simple and pay attention to detail. Big baits do not always catch big fish, and small compact presentations can fool them too. Build a few confident presentations for slow, medium, and high speed, then adapt to changing conditions to put more trout in the boat. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): I have been using my Trout Trix Minnow in the orange color up here. I have been using a Trigger Bugger fly tipped with a little tiny piece of nightcrawler, and a mini Willow Dodger teamed with half a threaded nightcrawler on a slow-death hook. I am trolling at a very moderate to slow speed, 1.5 to about 2.2, 1.8 is my target speed. Eagle Lake January 2026 FAQ What lures work for Eagle Lake trout in January 2026?An orange Trix Minnow, a Trigger Bugger tipped with nightcrawler, and a Mini Willow Dodger with a threaded crawler. What trolling speed does Cal use at Eagle Lake?1.5 to 2.2 mph, with 1.8 mph as his target speed. What fly color is best at Eagle Lake right now?An olive Trigger Bugger outproduced orange, especially tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. Do I need forward-facing sonar to catch Eagle Lake trout?No. Cal says you can catch plenty of trout with simple rigs and standard sonar. What line does Cal recommend at Eagle Lake?Fluorocarbon line, with tackle kept in perfect shape and scent applied. How big are the Eagle Lake rainbows?Cal caught some huge, hard-fighting rainbows, though exact weights were not specified in this report. What is Cal's top tip for trout fishing?Keep things simple, pay attention to detail, and let the fish tell you what they want. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5-Pack Trigger Bugger Trolling Fly Mini Willow Dodger Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreCollins Lake Fishing Report | January 7, 2026
Report by Capt. Cal Kellogg Cal Kellogg is a Catch America pro-staff captain with more than 30 years of trout fishing experience across Northern California. Shop Cal Kellogg's tackle. What is working right now Trolling is the best bet at Collins Lake in January 2026. The lake is full and spilling, clearer than it has been, at 52 degrees. Cal Kellogg's number one bait is a plain white Trix Minnow rigged on an action disc, run 0 to 10 feet deep at about 1.5 to 1.8 mph. He is also scoring on a gold 6 inch Catch America dodger paired with a threaded crawler. What is working at Collins Lake right now?Trolling beats bait right now. Cal Kellogg's top producer is a plain white standard-size Trix Minnow rigged on an action disc. He is also catching on a gold 6 inch Catch America dodger with a threaded nightcrawler and a couple of garlic Power Eggs. How deep and how fast should I troll at Collins Lake?Shallow. Cal got both hookups at about 10 feet, working the 0 to 10 foot zone. He trolls his slowest, about 1.8 mph, and even tossed a 5-gallon bucket off the bow to slow to 1.5 to 1.6 mph, roughly fast kokanee speed, which worked well. What color trout bait works best at Collins Lake in winter?White. Cal says white is a great color during the cold water months because trout are feeding on baitfish and a little white minnow swimming along seals the deal. The plain white Trix Minnow has been his number one offering. What scents is Cal using at Collins Lake?On the dodger-and-crawler setup he slathers Trigger Scent or Max Gross's WD80 scent, which has a strong sweet anise base. For bait fishing he mixes PowerBait with Power Powder, though bait has not been the best approach. What are the water conditions at Collins Lake?The lake is absolutely full and spilling after heavy foothill rain, which cleared the water to about 30 inches of visibility, far better than a week earlier. Water temperature is 52 degrees since the storms have not been very cold. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Cal Kellogg): My number one bait has been a simple white, standard-size Trout Trix minnow. I am rigging that with the action disc. I got both my hookups yesterday at 10 feet, so I have been getting them from about 0 to 10 feet deep. White is a great color during the cold water months. Fish are feeding on baitfish, little white minnow swimming along, end of story. Collins Lake January 2026 FAQ What is the best bait at Collins Lake in January 2026?A plain white standard-size Trix Minnow rigged on an action disc has been Cal Kellogg's number one producer. How deep are the trout at Collins Lake?Shallow, from 0 to about 10 feet. Cal got both of his hookups at roughly 10 feet. What trolling speed works at Collins Lake?About 1.8 mph, and slowing to 1.5 to 1.6 mph with a bucket drag worked well, roughly fast kokanee speed. Is bait or trolling better at Collins Lake right now?Trolling. Bait on PowerBait mixed with Power Powder and Trigger Scent produced, but trolling was clearly the best approach. What is the water temperature at Collins Lake?About 52 degrees, since the storms have not dropped it below 50. Is Collins Lake clear right now?Yes. The lake is full and spilling, which cleared visibility to about 30 inches, far better than a week earlier. What dodger is Cal Kellogg running at Collins Lake?A gold 6 inch Catch America dodger paired with a threaded crawler and scent. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 5-Pack Trolling Dodger 6 inch Trigger Scent by Cal Kellogg Power Powder by Cal Kellogg WD80 UV Gel by Max Gross Shop Cal Kellogg's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreAmerican River Fishing Report | January 2, 2026
Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and guides steelhead on Northern California rivers. What is working right now There are a lot of really nice steelhead in the American River to start 2026, including fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. The catch is high, muddy water, running about 8,000 cfs and looking like coffee with cream. A nightcrawler under a jet diver is the ticket, since American River fish love crawlers, especially when the water is off-color. What is biting on the American River right now?Steelhead, and there are a lot of really nice ones in the river. Jerry Lampkin saw fish in the 8 to 10 pound range hooked by nearby boats, plus many smaller hatchery fish that stuck around after release. Fly anglers were picking up five or six small ones on nymphs under floats. What are the American River conditions?High and muddy. The river is running about 8,000 cfs, more than a drift boat wants, and it looks like coffee with cream from turbidity coming down. Jerry is not sure where all the mud is coming from, since Nimbus does not usually push that much color into the system. What bait works on the American River now?A nightcrawler under a jet diver. Jerry normally pulls Hot Shots but always trails a nightcrawler, because American River fish really love crawlers, especially with the water as muddy as it is right now. That crawler produced one of the spawner steelhead this trip. These are not Catch America products. How is Folsom Lake looking?Filling fast. Jerry measured about 22,000 cfs coming in and only 8,000 cfs going out, so the lake is rising quickly. He is hoping the debris fields are not too bad and plans to get out there once the rain stops. Specific Folsom catch details were not specified in this report. What is the outlook for the American River?A lot of nice big fish are in the river, so once flows drop and clear from the current 8,000 cfs, conditions should improve for drift-boat anglers. Jerry is doing reel and gear maintenance while waiting out the rain. Exact water temperatures were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): There's a lot of really, really nice steelhead in the river. The river's running about 8,000 cubic feet a second right now, and the river looks really dark, like coffee with cream in it. We caught him on a nightcrawler under a jet diver. The American River fish really, really love nightcrawlers, especially with the water as muddy as it was right now. American River January 2, 2026 FAQ Are there steelhead in the American River now?Yes, a lot of really nice ones, including fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. What are the American River flows?About 8,000 cfs, high and muddy, looking like coffee with cream. What bait works for American River steelhead?A nightcrawler under a jet diver, which the fish love in off-color water. Is Folsom Lake filling up?Yes, about 22,000 cfs in and only 8,000 cfs out, so it is rising quickly. How are fly anglers doing on the American?Picking up five or six small hatchery fish on nymphs fished under a float. What is the American River water temperature?Specific water temperatures were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout & Steelhead Gear Shop Trout & Steelhead Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | January 2026
Report by Roger George Roger George of Roger George Guide Service writes the Central Valley Fishing Report and covers San Luis Reservoir for Catch America. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir is setting up for a strong stretch in January 2026 as a milder winter keeps water near 60 degrees. The full moon is fading and low pressure is easing, so Roger George expects a flip to a week of stable conditions the stripers should respond to. The lake is still rising, and incoming pump water is adding a helpful murk that makes fish more reactive to lures. How is the striped bass bite at San Luis Reservoir right now?It has been fairly slow in the limited windows anglers could get out, hurt by storms, wind, and a full moon last week. But Roger George expects a complete flip this week, with the full moon going away and low pressure easing into stable conditions the stripers should respond to. Why is Roger optimistic about San Luis Reservoir?A mild winter has kept water temperature around 60 degrees instead of plummeting, which keeps baitfish and stripers active in the coves and main lake. He calls it a really good temperature and thinks it could be one of the better springs in a long time. How does the murky water affect the San Luis bite?It helps. Pump inflow from the aqueduct and runoff from the Portuguese area are adding murk. Fish cannot see a lure from 15 feet away, so they get more reactive and the bite can actually improve in the stained water. What conditions matter most at San Luis Reservoir now?Stability. Roger watches for stable weather, and this week looks like a full week of stable conditions around 60 degrees, which is amazing for January. Water is still rising, another positive when the other factors line up. What is Roger's advice for San Luis Reservoir?Put the next two weeks on your go-fishing list if the forecast stays stable as predicted. His closing words are to never give up, keep cranking, and throw your big fish back. Specific lures and depths were not detailed in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Roger George): With the water temperature being about 60 degrees, we should be in good shape. Normally you see the water temperature really plummeting right now, but it is staying up there. This next week we have a whole week of stable conditions around 60 degrees. That is amazing for January, and I think the fish will respond. San Luis Reservoir January 2026 FAQ How is San Luis Reservoir fishing in January 2026?Slow in recent windows, but Roger George expects a flip to stable, productive conditions this week. What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir?About 60 degrees, unusually warm for January in a mild winter. Does murky water help the San Luis bite?Yes. Incoming pump water adds murk that makes stripers more reactive to lures. Is San Luis Reservoir rising or dropping?Still rising, which Roger views as a positive when other factors line up. What conditions does Roger watch at San Luis Reservoir?Stability, and this week looks like a full week of stable weather near 60 degrees. What lures work at San Luis Reservoir in January?Specific lures were not detailed in this report. What is Roger's outlook for the spring?He thinks it could be one of the better springs in a long time. Shop the Tackle Shop All Striped Bass Gear Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreRufus Woods Reservoir Fishing Report | January 2026
Report by Capt. Austin Moser Austin Moser is a Washington State trout specialist and a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Austin Moser's tackle. What is working right now The Rufus Woods Reservoir winter triploid trout fishery is in full swing, giving up big, deep-colored fish including a 13 pound triploid. Capt. Austin Moser is catching them on Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, plus pitching the heavier jigs. Cold water and proven gear are producing the trophy trout Rufus Woods is known for. What is biting at Rufus Woods Reservoir right now?Big triploid rainbow trout, and the winter fishery is in full swing. Capt. Austin Moser had a phenomenal day catching a bunch of big fish, the largest a 13 pound triploid. The fish are healthy with deep, rich color in the fillet. What lures are working at Rufus Woods Reservoir?Austin caught them on Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, as well as just pitching the slightly heavier jigs. This float-and-jig approach is the proven winter program on Rufus Woods. How do you fish for Rufus Woods triploids?Run a float setup with Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, and also pitch the heavier jigs directly to fish. It is a cold-water fishery, so proven gear and patience produce these big triploids. Exact depths were not specified in this report. How big are the Rufus Woods trout?They run big. Austin caught a bunch of large fish on this day, and the standout was a 13 pound triploid trout. These fish fillet out with a deep, rich color inside and are exactly what Rufus Woods is known for. What is the outlook for Rufus Woods Reservoir?The winter fishery is in full swing and producing well in the cold water. Austin is having a great time boating big triploids. Water temperature, trolling speed, and specific depths were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Austin Moser): We're out here on Rufus Woods in Washington State and we had a phenomenal day catching these big trout. This one's 13 lbs. We are in full swing right now on this winter fishery. We caught them today on the Hawken Aerofloats and Aerojigs as well as just pitching the jigs, the little bit heavier ones. Rufus Woods Reservoir January 2026 FAQ What is the biggest fish caught at Rufus Woods?A 13 pound triploid trout was the standout on this trip. What lures work for Rufus Woods triploids?Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, plus pitching the heavier jigs. Is the Rufus Woods winter fishery good right now?Yes, it is in full swing and producing lots of big trout in the cold water. What kind of trout are in Rufus Woods?Big triploid rainbow trout, known for their size and deep, rich fillet color. What depth are the fish holding?An exact depth was not specified in this report. Who guides Rufus Woods for Catch America?Capt. Austin Moser, a Washington State trout specialist. Shop the Tackle Hawken Aero-Floats Hawken Aerojig Hackle Jig Shop Austin Moser's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreSan Francisco Bay Fishing Report | December 9, 2025
Report by Elias Masri Catch America host Elias Masri fished San Francisco Bay out of Alameda with Adam Irino of Die Hard Fishing. What is working right now California halibut are catchable in San Francisco Bay in December 2025, though the peak is summer. Out of Alameda, the crew trolled frozen herring on a three-way swivel rig with an 8 ounce weight at 1.5 to 2 mph, fishing the slack tide. A bend in the herring gives it a spinning roll. The day produced a keeper halibut of 23.5 inches plus a couple of shaker shorts. What is biting in San Francisco Bay right now?California halibut, with a chance at striped bass and the odd shark or ray. Fishing out of Alameda in December is tough because it is past peak season, but the crew boated a keeper 23.5 inch halibut plus a couple of undersized shakers. You can catch halibut year-round with patience. When is the best time to fish for halibut in San Francisco Bay?Around the slack tide, at the tops and bottoms of the tides. Adam Irino targets that window for the best chance. Peak season is the summer months, but halibut are caught year-round through November, December, and January, just in fewer numbers. How do you rig frozen herring for Bay halibut?Use a double-hook rig with a sliding snell. Hook the front hook through the nose of the herring and the back hook an inch or two ahead of the tail. Tighten the sliding snell to put a bend in the bait so it spins when dropped. Tie it to a three-way swivel with a weight on one arm. How do you present the herring in San Francisco Bay?Drop to the bottom and keep it just off, ticking occasionally. The crew trolled 1.5 to 2 mph with an 8 ounce weight and Catch America scent on the bait. The Bay bottom near Alameda is free of rocks, so snags are not a concern. What were the conditions in San Francisco Bay?Excellent weather with light wind and bright skies, launching out of Alameda with views of San Francisco. Fishing was tough because it was late in the halibut season, but the tides cooperated on a plan to fish down to low tide and back up. Watch the full report From the report (Elias Masri): We are going to start trolling a frozen herring, and we give it a little bend so it rolls as we are moving through the water. Generally speaking you want to try and fish around the slack tide. I am trolling with an 8 ounce weight, and we have some Catch America scent on it, going about 1.5 to 2 miles an hour. The peak season for California halibut out here would definitely be the summer months, but you can catch them year-round. San Francisco Bay December 2025 FAQ Can you catch halibut in San Francisco Bay in December?Yes, but it is past peak season, so fish are fewer and tougher. The crew still boated a 23.5 inch keeper. What is the best tide for Bay halibut?The slack tide, at the tops and bottoms of the tides. What bait works for San Francisco Bay halibut?Frozen herring rigged to spin, fished on a three-way swivel with an 8 ounce weight. What trolling speed works for Bay halibut?About 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. When is peak halibut season in San Francisco Bay?The summer months, though halibut are caught year-round. Where did this San Francisco Bay trip launch?Out of Alameda, with a view of the San Francisco skyline. How big was the halibut caught?A keeper of 23.5 inches, along with a couple of undersized shakers. Shop the Tackle Shop All Striped Bass Gear Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreLake Berryessa Fishing Report | December 4, 2025
Report by Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) Nate Kelsch runs Big Nate's Guide Service on Lake Berryessa and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Cal Kellogg joined him for this soft plastic test. Shop Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)'s tackle. What is working right now The soft plastic bite is popping at Lake Berryessa in December 2025. Capt. Nate Kelsch and Cal Kellogg trolled Trout Trix Minnows, the new Trix Minnow XL, and Trix Worms, with a couple of Trigger Spoons out too. About 17 to 20 hookups on big Eagle Lake strain rainbows through a foggy morning. What is biting at Lake Berryessa right now?Big rainbow trout, including chunky Eagle Lake strain fish, are piling up on soft plastics. Capt. Nate Kelsch reported 17 to 20 hookups and steady action, with several large fish landed. Nate came out skeptical of the plastics and left smacking them all morning.What lures are working at Lake Berryessa in December?Trolled soft plastics are the story: Trout Trix Minnows in regular and shad or minnow colors, a chartreuse minnow, the new Trix Minnow XL, and a pink Trix Worm. A couple of Trigger Spoons were also in the spread.What depth were the fish holding at Lake Berryessa?Nate ran the soft plastics on downriggers to reach the trout. A specific depth was not specified in this report. The morning started slow behind a solid wall of fog before the plastic bite turned on and the fish stacked up.How is Nate presenting the soft plastics?Slow-troll the soft plastic minnows and worms behind the boat on downriggers. Nate notes the hook loops around the fish's lower jaw so they do not get away. He ran new prototypes alongside older Trix Minnows and worms and caught fish on all of them.What is the outlook for Lake Berryessa?Nate says the soft plastic game has changed things at Berryessa, with big fish and steady action. Cal Kellogg notes soft plastics work worldwide because they look and feel real. The bite was popping loose the day of this report, with the lake producing well.Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate)): We just put in some Trout Trix Minnow, just a regular size one, and then we put in one of our new ones, slightly larger, different colorations. We also have a couple of Trigger Spoons out. We got about 17 to 20 hookups already. Not just a couple fish. We got big fish. The soft plastic bite is popping loose here at Berryessa.Lake Berryessa December 4, 2025 FAQWhat are the best baits for Lake Berryessa trout in December?Trolled soft plastics: Trout Trix Minnows, the Trix Minnow XL, and Trix Worms, plus a couple of Trigger Spoons.What colors worked at Lake Berryessa?A shad or minnow pattern, a chartreuse minnow, and a pink worm all produced fish in this report.How many fish did they catch at Lake Berryessa?Roughly 17 to 20 hookups on the day, including several big Eagle Lake strain rainbows.What depth were the trout at Lake Berryessa?A specific depth was not specified in this report. The soft plastics were run on downriggers.Do soft plastics catch trout while trolling?Yes. Nate started skeptical and ended up smacking big trout on Trout Trix minnows and worms. Cal Kellogg notes soft plastics look and feel real, so fish grab and hold on.Who guides Lake Berryessa for Catch America?Capt. Nate Kelsch (Big Nate) of Big Nate's Guide Service, out with Cal Kellogg for this trip. Shop the Tackle Trix Minnows 3 inch - Trout Soft Bait - 5 Pack Trix Minnow XL 4 inch - Trout Soft Bait - 5 Pack Trix Worms 3 inch - Trout Soft Bait - 5 Pack Trigger Spoon 2.25 inch - Trout & Landlocked Salmon Shop Big Nate's Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreTrinity River Fishing Report | December 2025
Report by Matt Heron Matt Heron of Matt Heron Fly Fishing is regional director for Cast Hope and reports for Catch America from Northern California rivers. What is working right now The Trinity River is one of California's best steelhead rivers, and Matt Heron fished it in low, clear, cold mid-December conditions for the Cast Hope tournament. Average adults run 21 to 28 inches, and Matt landed a 28.5 inch buck swinging flies with a two-handed spey rod. Indicator nymphing with a bobber and two flies is the most effective method. Winter fish are aggressive and moving. How is steelhead fishing on the Trinity River right now?Good, in low, clear, cold mid-December conditions. The Trinity is considered one of California's best steelhead rivers, usually a numbers game more than a size game. Average adults run 21 to 28 inches, with some fish over 30. Matt Heron landed a chrome 28.5 inch buck. What is the most effective way to fish the Trinity River?Indicator fishing. A bobber with a couple of nymphs below it is by far the most effective method, and most tournament teams used it. It fishes much like a typical trout nymphing trip and puts good numbers on the boat. How do you swing flies for Trinity steelhead?Cast down and across, mend, and swing on a tight line to the dangle, then pull off about three feet of line and repeat, stepping down the run. Start short so you do not line fish. Swinging targets aggressive fish that chase, so it catches fewer but delivers electric grabs. What gear works for swinging Trinity steelhead?A two-handed spey rod covers the wide, 70 to 80 foot river efficiently. Guide Brian Clemens set up sinking heads, from a pickpocket or Skagit with T8 up to T14, to dredge, plus lighter Scandi and mid-belly lines with fluorocarbon leaders for shallower transitional water. What are half-pounders on the Trinity River?Young steelhead of about 14 to 18 inches that have touched brackish but not full saltwater. They show a slightly black hue to their tails and backs, fight like steelhead, and can fill a slow day. Some 16 to 18 inch fish that never touched salt still look just like trout. Watch the full report From the report (Matt Heron): The average adult fish here is going to be somewhere from 21 to 28 inches. By far the most effective way to fish the Trinity River with a fly rod is with your typical indicator fishing bobber setup with a couple nymphs below it. I am swinging flies with a two-handed spey rod. That big buck I landed a little while ago was the highlight of the week for me. Trinity River December 2025 FAQ How big are Trinity River steelhead?Average adults run 21 to 28 inches, with some fish over 30 inches caught each year. What is the most effective Trinity River steelhead method?Indicator nymphing with a bobber and a couple of flies below it. What are the conditions on the Trinity River in December?Low, clear, and cold, in between the fall and winter runs of fish. What rod is used to swing flies on the Trinity?A two-handed spey rod to cover the wide 70 to 80 foot river. What are Trinity River half-pounders?Young 14 to 18 inch steelhead that touched brackish water and show a slightly black hue. How big was the steelhead Matt landed?A chrome 28.5 inch buck, the highlight of the tournament for him. What line setups dredge for winter steelhead?Sinking heads like a pickpocket or Skagit with T8 up to T14 for deep, slow water. Shop the Tackle Shop Steelhead Flies Shop Trout & Steelhead Gear
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