Bowman Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Out in Nevada County, California, sits Bowman Lake. The water sits 5,522 feet up. This is sizeable water at about 820 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. Few waters listed in Nevada County are bigger. Nearest town is Nevada City, 23 miles off. Truckee lies 26 miles off, Portola another 27 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Bowman Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Survey and observation records for Nevada County include brook trout, rainbow trout and tahoe sucker. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The near bank of Bowman Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 32°F in January to roughly 63°F in August. In milder years the surface never sets. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan around that when you fish Bowman Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, McMurray Lake at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing on Bowman Lake should be assumed from this page alone.