Trinity River flows increase to help salmon migrate and curb disease
Fri, August 28, 2026 at 5:31 PM
UpdatedFri, August 28, 2026 at 5:36 PM
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The Trinity River flowing through Lewiston, Calif., on Friday, Aug 28, 2026. (KRCR)
REDDING, Calif. —Cold-water releases from Lewiston Dam into the Trinity River have nearly tripled to help salmon returning from the ocean to the Trinity and Klamath rivers
The Bureau of Reclamation began increasing the release from 450 cubic feet per second to 1,200 cfs this morning. The decision was made in conjunction with the Yurok and Hoopa Valley tribes, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The increased flows are intended to encourage salmon to keep moving upstream to spawn and to reduce the risk of disease. When river water is warmer, salmon gather in small pools of colder, deeper water
“If there’s a lot of them in one area, then that disease can be transferred from one salmon to the other more quickly,” said Kiana Abel, a public affairs specialist representing the Bureau of Reclamation
Increasing flows add colder water that can prompt salmon to leave those holding pools, spread out, reduce disease risk and continue migrating
The Trinity River flowing through Lewiston, Calif., on Friday, Aug 28, 2026. (KRCR)
The water release will also affect river conditions for people. Anyone heading out on the river should expect cooler water and a stronger current. It’s recommended to be prepared with personal flotation devices, check river gages, and check-in with locals before going out on the water
The increased flows are expected to last until September 21
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