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 79°F°
MostlyClear
Today's High
79°F°
Today's Low
48°F°

Water Temperature

55°F
Updated: (Apr 29)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is 55°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind5 mph NNE (Gust 11 mph)
Pressure
29.89 inHg
Visibility47 mi
Humidity16%
Cloud Cover19%

Forecast: Thursday, May 1

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
49°F°
10 AM
68°F°
1 PM
76°F°
4 PM
79°F°

Temperature

High
79°F°
Low
48°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

3mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
10mph
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 48°F to 79°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 3 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 10 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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April 30th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
721 ft
Area
26 mi²
Coordinates
40.842, -122.822

Weather Forecast

Thursday

79°F
48°F

Friday

73°F
50°F

Saturday

57°F
43°F

Sunday

66°F
38°F

Monday

73°F
42°F

Tuesday

79°F
49°F

Wednesday

74°F
52°F

Thursday

75°F
49°F

Friday

83°F
51°F
Thursday - 5/1/2025
79°F
48°F
12am
53°F
55°F
29.94 hPa
2 mph
WNW
G: 3 mph
2am
50°F
55°F
29.94 hPa
3 mph
W
G: 4 mph
4am
49°F
55°F
29.93 hPa
3 mph
S
G: 4 mph
6am
48°F
55°F
29.92 hPa
3 mph
SSE
G: 5 mph
8am
55°F
55°F
29.92 hPa
2 mph
S
G: 6 mph
10am
68°F
55°F
29.92 hPa
4 mph
E
G: 9 mph
12pm
74°F
55°F
29.91 hPa
4 mph
ESE
G: 9 mph
2pm
78°F
55°F
29.88 hPa
4 mph
SE
G: 8 mph
4pm
79°F
55°F
29.84 hPa
4 mph
SE
G: 9 mph
6pm
77°F
55°F
29.82 hPa
5 mph
SE
G: 9 mph
8pm
68°F
55°F
29.84 hPa
2 mph
SSW
G: 7 mph
10pm
60°F
55°F
29.89 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 (+13°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-13°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm036912

Wind Direction

285°

Pressure

1014 mb

Cloud Cover

4%

Visibility

29 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

ThuFriSatSunMonTueWedThuFri0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake)

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