About Trinity River, TX

The Trinity River is a 423-mile long river that flows from the confluence of the Elm and West forks to the coast, thus making it the longest river with an entire watershed within Texas. The river rises in three principal branches which are the East Fork, the Elm Fork, and the West Fork. 

The East Fork of the river rises in central Grayson County. It then flows south seventy-eight miles through central Collin, western Rockwall, eastern Dallas, and western Kaufman counties. It then flows to the southwestern part of Kaufman County until it joins the West Fork. 

The Elm Fork of the river rises in eastern Montague County. Then, it flows eight-five miles southeast through Cooke and Denton counties. Finally, it reaches a confluence with the West Fork. It then forms the Trinity River proper, which is a mile west of downtown Dallas.

The West Fork of the river rises in southern Archer County and flows 180 miles southeast through Jack, Wise, Tarrant, and Dallas counties. It then goes to the county line between Ellis and Kaufman counties. It then joins the East Fork. 

Trinity River has a fourth headstream which is shorter and smaller compared to the principal branches. This is its headstream, also known as Clear Fork. It rises in northwestern Parker County and flows southeast - then, it traverses forty-five miles to join the West Fork.

All About Fishing in Trinity River, TX

The Trinity River is home to some of the most breathtaking and spectacular scenery in all of Texas. The 10,000 acres surrounding the Trinity River showcases a diverse ecosystem along the river corridor. It has ecological regions such as natural and seasonal wetlands, emerging Blackland Prairie grasslands, Cross Timbers forestland, and marsh-like habitats that serve as a home for wildlife and birds. From beavers to hawks, to alligators, the river has been a place for them to breed and migrate to.

As diverse as its land and air inhabitants, Trinity River is also a home to different species of fish like American gizzard shad, Atlantic needlefish, black crappie, white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, Blue Catfish, flathead grey mullet, and steelhead. Another species of fish present in Trinity River is the alligator gar. These “river monsters” grow up to seven feet and weigh around 200 pounds making it an angler’s most sought-after catch.  

Aside from the scenic view of the Fort Worth Trinity River, it is also another fishing location regularly stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife. This part of the river is home to a small number of wild trout and a good number of artificially stocked rainbow trout and brown trout.

The East Fork Trinity River is a great place if you want to have a secluded paddle trip. It is also an area known for catching catfish due to the murky and muddy water in this area. The most popular catches in this fork are the blue catfish and channel catfish. Meanwhile, if you are longing to Hook a number of adult steelhead, the Clear Fork Trinity River is the perfect spot for you. Lastly, if you are looking for an alligator gar, you might want to go up the upper Trinity River. 

While fish species might be abundant in the Trinity River, the Texas Department of State Health Services has issued consumption advisories. Anglers are advised not to eat any fish caught from Benbrook Reservoir and Lake Worth dam to the US 287 bridge. Likewise, it is also advised not to consume blue catfish, channel catfish from Lake Worth in Tarrant County.

Fishing Seasonality

One reason why anglers visit Texas is the year-round fishing. However, if you are seeking to lay your bait on a particular species of fish, here are the best months to visit Trinity River.

Though trout is not a natural inhabitant of the River, trout stocking at the Trinity is common. This provides great fishing opportunities for anglers. Trout fishing at Trinity begins in early January.

Alligator gar fishing in Trinity River has a daily bag limit of one as long as the size won’t go over 48 inches. Except from mid-August to September 30 where anglers can enter a drawing that allows them to harvest 1 alligator gar which is over 48 inches long.  A hot time for catching these huge gars is high summer and low waters.

Fishing Seasonality

One reason why anglers visit Texas is the year-round fishing. However, if you are seeking to lay your bait on a particular species of fish, here are the best months to visit Trinity River.

Though trout is not a natural inhabitant of the River, trout stocking at the Trinity is common. This provides great fishing opportunities for anglers. Trout fishing at Trinity begins in early January.

Alligator gar fishing in Trinity River has a daily bag limit of one as long as the size won’t go over 48 inches. Except from mid-August to September 30 where anglers can enter a drawing that allows them to harvest 1 alligator gar which is over 48 inches long.  A hot time for catching these huge gars is high summer and low waters.

All About Fishing in Trinity River, TX

The Trinity River is home to some of the most breathtaking and spectacular scenery in all of Texas. The 10,000 acres surrounding the Trinity River showcases a diverse ecosystem along the river corridor. It has ecological regions such as natural and seasonal wetlands, emerging Blackland Prairie grasslands, Cross Timbers forestland, and marsh-like habitats that serve as a home for wildlife and birds. From beavers to hawks, to alligators, the river has been a place for them to breed and migrate to.

As diverse as its land and air inhabitants, Trinity River is also a home to different species of fish like American gizzard shad, Atlantic needlefish, black crappie, white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, Blue Catfish, flathead grey mullet, and steelhead. Another species of fish present in Trinity River is the alligator gar. These “river monsters” grow up to seven feet and weigh around 200 pounds making it an angler’s most sought-after catch.  

Aside from the scenic view of the Fort Worth Trinity River, it is also another fishing location regularly stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife. This part of the river is home to a small number of wild trout and a good number of artificially stocked rainbow trout and brown trout.

The East Fork Trinity River is a great place if you want to have a secluded paddle trip. It is also an area known for catching catfish due to the murky and muddy water in this area. The most popular catches in this fork are the blue catfish and channel catfish. Meanwhile, if you are longing to Hook a number of adult steelhead, the Clear Fork Trinity River is the perfect spot for you. Lastly, if you are looking for an alligator gar, you might want to go up the upper Trinity River. 

While fish species might be abundant in the Trinity River, the Texas Department of State Health Services has issued consumption advisories. Anglers are advised not to eat any fish caught from Benbrook Reservoir and Lake Worth dam to the US 287 bridge. Likewise, it is also advised not to consume blue catfish, channel catfish from Lake Worth in Tarrant County.