Catfish Lake Fishing in Humboldt County, California

• Overview

  Catfish Lake is a Humboldt County water, California side. It lies 535 feet above sea level. Small at around 4 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Ground here is low by California standards. The nearest place of any size is Humboldt Hill, 3.2 miles away. It is 140 miles to Chico, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Catfish Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name green sturgeon, flathead grey mullet and rainbow trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Catfish Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 59°F and December near 48°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. It holds true on Catfish Lake more years than not. Warm rain lifts activity; cold rain flattens it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Long Pond at 1.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat access at Catfish Lake as something to verify.