
Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)
Trinity Lake, also known as Clair Engle Lake, is a magnificent artificial lake located in Trinity County, California. The lake was formed by the Trinity Dam, which was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in the 1960s. The lake covers an area of 16,531 acres and has a maximum depth of 416 feet, making it one of the largest and deepest reservoirs in California. The lake is surrounded by scenic forests and mountains, and offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities. The primary attraction of Trinity Lake is water sports. The lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. Anglers can find a variety of fish species in the lake, including rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and bass. The lake is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and black bears, providing visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Trinity Lake also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for family outings and weekend getaways. The campgrounds offer a range of facilities, including restrooms, showers, and fire pits, providing visitors with a comfortable place to stay while enjoying the great outdoors. There are also several hiking trails in the surrounding area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Trinity County. For those looking for more adventure, Trinity Lake offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. The rugged cliffs surrounding the lake provide climbers with challenging routes and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The lake also has several boat-in campsites, which can only be accessed by boat, providing visitors with a unique and secluded camping experience. Trinity Lake is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the region. The Trinity Dam and associated power plants generate a significant amount of electricity, providing power to local communities and businesses. In conclusion, Trinity Lake is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities. Whether you're looking for water sports, fishing, camping, hiking, or rock climbing, Trinity Lake has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and range of activities, Trinity Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Trinity County or Northern California.
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Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)
Trinity Lake, also known as Clair Engle Lake, is a magnificent artificial lake located in Trinity County, California. The lake was formed by the Trinity Dam, which was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in the 1960s. The lake covers an area of 16,531 acres and has a maximum depth of 416 feet, making it one of the largest and deepest reservoirs in California. The lake is surrounded by scenic forests and mountains, and offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities. The primary attraction of Trinity Lake is water sports. The lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. Anglers can find a variety of fish species in the lake, including rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and bass. The lake is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and black bears, providing visitors with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and photography. Trinity Lake also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for family outings and weekend getaways. The campgrounds offer a range of facilities, including restrooms, showers, and fire pits, providing visitors with a comfortable place to stay while enjoying the great outdoors. There are also several hiking trails in the surrounding area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Trinity County. For those looking for more adventure, Trinity Lake offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. The rugged cliffs surrounding the lake provide climbers with challenging routes and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The lake also has several boat-in campsites, which can only be accessed by boat, providing visitors with a unique and secluded camping experience. Trinity Lake is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the region. The Trinity Dam and associated power plants generate a significant amount of electricity, providing power to local communities and businesses. In conclusion, Trinity Lake is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities. Whether you're looking for water sports, fishing, camping, hiking, or rock climbing, Trinity Lake has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and range of activities, Trinity Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Trinity County or Northern California.
Read more detailsCurrent Conditions
Water Temperature
Current water temperature for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is 62°F.
Current Snapshot
Forecast: Thursday, May 1
Clear
Hourly Insights
Temperature
Precipitation
Wind
Sun, Moon & UV
Solunar Fishing Forecast
Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)
11:45 PM - 2:15 AM
7:00 AM - 7:00 AM
3:34 PM - 5:04 PM
7:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Outlook for Thursday at Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)
Expect temperatures ranging from 44°F to 78°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 3 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 8 mph. The maximum UV index will be 9 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 11:45 PM and 7:00 AM, or try the minor windows near 3:34 PM and 7:00 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake).
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Lake Information
Common Fish Species
Nearby Lakes
Water Temperature History
Trends for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)
Current Temp
Latest recorded surface temperature.
Lowest in Period
42°F
On Dec 1
Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.
Average in Period
56°F
Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.
Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months
Surface temperature over the selected period.
Key Observations (Last 12 Months)
- Warmest avg: July (79°F).
- Coolest avg: January (43°F).
- Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+11°F).
- Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-13°F).
Weather Forecast
Wind speed and pressure trends
Hourly Wind Forecast
Wind Direction
273°
Pressure
1014 mb
Cloud Cover
4%
Visibility
30 miles
Daily Pressure Forecast


Frequently Asked Questions About Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)
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