Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)

Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)

Trinity Center, Trinity County, CA
26mi²
721.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

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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Current Conditions

78°F°
Feels like 80°F°
Clear
Today's High
78°F°
Today's Low
44°F°

Water Temperature

62°F
Updated: (Apr 30)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is 62°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind6 mph NNE (Gust 10 mph)
Pressure
29.89 inHg
Visibility49 mi
Humidity16%
Cloud Cover5%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
46°F°
10 AM
64°F°
1 PM
75°F°
4 PM
78°F°

Temperature

High
78°F°
Low
44°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

3mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
8mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed5 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise1:09 PM
Sunset3:08 AM
Moon PhasewaxingCrescent
Max UV Index9 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

11:45 PM - 2:15 AM

7:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Minor Times (Good)

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).

Lake Map Views

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May 1st 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
721 ft
Area
26 mi²
Coordinates
40.842, -122.822

Weather Forecast

Thursday

78°F
44°F

Friday

73°F
50°F

Saturday

58°F
43°F

Sunday

65°F
39°F

Monday

73°F
40°F

Tuesday

77°F
47°F

Wednesday

77°F
51°F

Thursday

76°F
50°F

Friday

80°F
51°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
78°F
44°F
12am
54°F
62°F
29.94 hPa
2 mph
W
G: 3 mph
2am
50°F
62°F
29.94 hPa
3 mph
WSW
G: 4 mph
4am
45°F
62°F
29.92 hPa
4 mph
WSW
G: 6 mph
6am
45°F
62°F
29.92 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 5 mph
8am
53°F
62°F
29.92 hPa
2 mph
WSW
G: 4 mph
10am
64°F
62°F
29.92 hPa
1 mph
S
G: 8 mph
12pm
72°F
62°F
29.92 hPa
3 mph
E
G: 5 mph
2pm
77°F
62°F
29.88 hPa
3 mph
N
G: 4 mph
4pm
78°F
62°F
29.86 hPa
3 mph
N
G: 4 mph
6pm
77°F
62°F
29.85 hPa
3 mph
NE
G: 4 mph
8pm
69°F
62°F
29.86 hPa
1 mph
WSW
G: 6 mph
10pm
61°F
62°F
29.88 hPa
3 mph
WNW
G: 7 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)

Current Temp

Sign in to view

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)

Get accurate, up-to-date information about conditions at Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake).