Detert Reservoir near Middletown: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Lake County, California, this is Detert Reservoir. The sea is 38 miles distant. It runs to roughly 170 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The full circuit measures close to 2.9 miles on foot. 4.8 miles away sits Middletown, the nearest town. Hidden Valley Lake lies 5.6 miles off, Calistoga another 11 miles. The boundary is near enough that local access rules are worth double-checking.

• Where to Fish on Detert Reservoir

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Lake County cover Sacramento sucker, bluegill, rainbow trout and common carp. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Detert Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 44°F in December up to 72°F in July. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Anyone fishing Detert Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try McCreary Lake, 2.4 miles away. Check the position on Detert Reservoir before loading the car.