Trinidad, CA Fishing: Off-the-Beaten-Path Fishing Destination in NorCal

Trinidad is one of the smallest and oldest incorporated cities in Northern California, just off the Pacific Ocean. It sits elevated at 174 feet above its harbor. The quaint little area has some of the cleanest air in the region, thanks to the old-growth redwoods that surround it on its location along the Redwood stretch of Highway 101.

On Highway 101, Trinidad feels like a secluded and undiscovered spot. It is filled with ten public beaches on a stunning coastline and surrounded by ancient redwoods. The site itself serves as a gateway to the California Coastal National Monument on its entire coastline. This national monument, the most-viewed one in California, was started by President Bill Clinton to protect the rock outcroppings (islets and reefs included) on the state’s coast. 

Because of its enviable location, Trinidad has a wonderful coastal ecosystem. With its oceanic climate, coastal moisture thanks to the Pacific Ocean, and generally mild temperature all year round, it attracts a variety of wildlife with particular environmental needs. They include blue heron, northern spotted owl, flying squirrel, marbled murrelet, and red vole. Trinidad is also a great spot to watch out for whales and other marine species such as sea otters and harbor seals.

With all of these wildlife creatures drawn to Trinidad's coast, Trinidad is a beautiful fishing destination. Fishing has always been a significant industry in the region. Anglers will appreciate the town's relative calmness, breathtaking scenery, and diverse fish species.

Trinidad Fishing

Trinidad may be a relatively small destination, but it offers a wide array of different sportfishing opportunities for its size. 

You don’t need to head too far out into the open water to enjoy filling your bucket in Trinidad. Right by the iconic hiking trail is the Trinidad Pier on Trinidad Harbor. The pier sits in Trinidad Harbor, and it is sheltered from the most severe storms by the bordering Trinidad Head, which shapes the harbor's western border.

The three most typical fish you can target on the rocky side of the 540-foot pier are rock greenling, kelp greenling, and lingcod. Cabezon and different rockfish species such as black rockfish, grass rockfish, blue rockfish, and copper rockfish can also be found around the pier. The sandy bottom part of the pier attracts a wide array of fish, including starry flounder, sand sole, calico surfperch, redtail surfperch, silver surfperch, walleye surfperch, Pacific tomcod, and white croaker. Perch and rockfish can be found if you fish the pilings beneath the pier, especially during the warmer months. Head towards the end, where the water tends to be deeper, to increase your chances of catching larger lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon.

The Trinidad Harbor itself is home to recreational fishing charters and has a public boat ramp. Here you can hop on a boat with a local expert who’ll take you offshore fishing for chinook salmon, black rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon.

For surf fishing north of Trinidad Harbor, head to Trinidad State Beach and College Cove. The fishery at Trinidad State Beach usually happens on the northern edge of the harbor parking lot. To survey the fishing conditions at College Cove, you can look out from atop the bluff on the main hiking trail. The north part of the trail should lead you to a rocky shoreline where you can fish for some rockfish, surfperch, lingcod, and greenling. 

Anglers can head to the Humboldt Lagoons State Park for brackish and freshwater fishing near Trinidad. These landlocked waters are situated between Trinidad and Orick. Big Lagoon and Stone Lagoon are great spots to fish for trout, preferably on a kayak. Freshwater Lagoon, the northernmost one, is protected from onshore winds all year round and is the best spot to angle for some largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish.

Anglers eager to fly fish in Northern California’s legendary rivers can access them easily from Trinidad. One of them is the Eel River, which flows through Humboldt Redwood State Park. This river is known for its epic steelhead fishery, but it’s also a productive spot for chinook and coho salmon. 

Another world-famous nearby river for its steelhead and salmon fishing is the Trinity River, a major tributary of the Klamath River. Aside from steelhead and chinook salmon, the river is home to trophy brown trout. The upper region of the river, marked by Lewiston Dam all the way down to the Old Lewiston Bridge, is a spot exclusive to fly fishing.

For an off-the-beaten-path river fishing experience on the north, drive to the Mattole River. Anglers heading to the Eel River or Klamath River often miss out on it as it is not as accessible as these two rivers. It’s a free-flowing river home to a wild population of steelhead.

Top 10 Fish Species in Trinidad, CA

The top 10 fish species to target in Trinidad are lingcod, cabezon, black rockfish, halibut, kelp greenish, chinook salmon, steelhead, brown trout, calico surfperch, and coho salmon.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Northern California is open from May until November. Fish such as salmon, steelhead, and rockfish tend to be active through most of this duration, though the fishing regulations may differ for each species depending on the month or season. The peak season for steelhead starts in September and lasts until January. Brown trout and striped bass tend to join steelhead around the same time. Big lingcod can be targeted in the shallow waters around September until December when they spawn. 

Immerse in the Local Charms of Trinidad, CA

Quaint and pristine, Trinidad is a quintessential seaside destination in Northern California with lots to offer. It’s a wonderland not just for anglers but for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Trinidad Harbor is home to three fantastic fishing charters specializing in different types,  including good old deep-sea fishing and light tackle fishing for rock cod.

2. Surround Yourself with Redwoods

Drive down Trinidad on Highway 101 to see groves upon groves of ancient redwoods on either side of the road. If you want to continue your love affair with these towering trees, then continue north and head to Redwoods National and State Park, where you can hike over 200 mystical miles of trails.

3. Join the Trinidad Fish Festival

Trinidad celebrates two festivities every third Sunday of June — Father’s Day and the Trinidad Fish Festival. The fish festival itself has been around for more than 60 years. It started as an eat-all-you-can seafood fest but is now a lively all-day festivity involving live music, family-friendly activities, a flea market, and of course, freshly caught seafood fare.