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Exploring the beautiful nature of California
California Nature: Clair Engle Lake (Trinity Lake)
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Trinity Lake, previously called Clair Engle Lake, is a lake on the Trinity River formed by the Trinity Dam and located in Trinity County, California, The dam was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The lake has a capacity of 2,447,650 acre-feet, making it one of the largest reservoirs in California. The lake's surface is at an elevation of 2370 feet. Trinity Lake captures and stores water for the Central Valley Project, which provides the Central Valley with water for irrigation and produces hydroelectric power. This lake is known for its many small arms, glassy inlets, and great water skiing conditions.
After the death in office of California United States Senator
Clair Engle in 1964, the lake was renamed in his honor; however,
this name never received wide currency, particularly with local
residents, and the name eventually was officially reverted to
the widely-used original one. Asking a local resident for
directions to "Clair Engle Lake" may result in a prank, in which
the unsuspecting individual is sent to the local sewage
treatment facility. |
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The lake is serviced by three marinas, Trinity Alps Marina
located on the southern end in view of the Dam; Cedar Stock
marina on the Stuart Fork arm on the west end of the lake; and
Trinity Center marina at the northern end of the main arm of the
lake. Most of the marinas rent houseboats to vacationers year
round. Most Marinas on the lake are now owned and operated by
Forever Resorts, with the only exception being the Trinity Alps
Marina.
You can catch several kinds
of fish in Clair lake, Bass (large and small mouth), Catfish,
Trout (Rainbow, Brown, Kokanee and mixes), are all found in
trinity lake. The lake is fed by many streams, and they have
some good little spots to fish, but the terrain is often rough
to position yourself for working those areas.
Trinity boasts unparalleled water sports opportunity, from
world-class trout and bass fishing, to miles of smooth blue
water perfect for boating, skiing and boarding.
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The popularity of springtime fishing on Trinity is well-known
by northern California locals, particularly bass fishermen.
Rainbow trout can be found throughout the year and as summer
warms the waters, large schools of rainbows have been known to
frequent the lake's major tributaries; Stuarts Fork on Swift
Creek and at the Main Stem and East Fork on the Trinity River.
The Trinity Lake area boasts excellent hiking opportunities with a wide variety
of wildlife and geography throughout the region. Horseback riding and river
rafting are also popular activities with visitors to the Shasta Trinity National
Forest.
Experience the serenity of the lake hidden away in one of the
many tree-laden coves. Plus boaters enjoy a much less crowded
Trinity Lake compared to Shasta Lake. Whether you go back in
time to the Gold Rush era to experience the excitement of
panning for a nugget or two or cast a line for trout or kokanee
salmon in the cool waters of Trinity Lake, recreational
enthusiasts will satisfy their love of the outdoors with the
many things to do in the Shasta Trinity National Forest. |
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Located 20 miles west of Lake Shasta, this lesser-known lake is a hidden treasure of quiet beauty. Secluded coves and beaches are ready to be explored. Be the first to
water ski on the early morning glass or cast your line for a little trout fishing. Whatever your passion, Trinity Lake is a great place to enjoy the water.
The lake's irregular shoreline creates a myriad of tree-lined inlets, perfect for houseboat stops. And don't think you can only head to Trinity Lake in the summer months. The pleasant temperatures also make it a great place to visit to enjoy the spring flower blossoms or the brilliant fall colors.
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is home to a variety of
wildlife including squirrels, foxes, eagles, and deer as well as
mountain lions, black bear, and rattlesnakes. Although danger to
humans is minimal, pay attention to posted information and
instructions regarding potential dangers.
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The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is also home to a variety of
vegetation including the unfriendly Poison Oak. Contact with
Poison Oak may cause an itchy, red rash that can be aggravated
by heat and water. Please, pay attention to posted information
on how to identify and avoid contact with Poison Oak.
Trinity Lake Resorts and Marinas offers an escape from the rest
of the world where the surroundings are second to none. Snow
capped peaks frame this pristine mountain lake in the majestic
Trinity Alps. Eagles soar above the treetops swooping down to
catch fish right out of the lake, surrounded by Shasta-Trinity
National Forest. Come and discover for yourself one of the
finest family destinations in the country.
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