Clear Lake Reservoir Fishing Guide, Modoc County, California

• Overview

  You will find Clear Lake Reservoir in Modoc County, California. The ground round it is open valley. Surface area runs to some 25.3 sq miles, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. It ranks high for size among our Modoc County listings. Nearest place of any size is Altamont, 38 miles away. Further out sit Alturas (41 miles) and Klamath Falls (41 miles). The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Across Modoc County, recorded fish include Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker, rainbow trout and green sunfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Clear Lake Reservoir the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 66°F and January reads 30°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It holds true on Clear Lake Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The water borders Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Red Lake, 6.1 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm before you fish Clear Lake Reservoir.