French Reservoir Fishing near Alturas, California

• Overview

  French Reservoir lies in Modoc County, California. It lies 4,652 feet above sea level. At about 28 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. For a base, Alturas sits 8 miles out. Reno is the closest city, 133 miles away. Near neighbours: 1.2 miles away is Payne Reservoir, Dannhauser Reservoir just 1.7 miles, 2.7 miles away is Little Juniper Reservoir, Pine Creek Reservoir just 3.9 miles and 5.7 miles away is Teal Pond. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on French Reservoir

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Modoc County include Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker, rainbow trout and green sunfish. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of French Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 67°F and December near 31°F on the long-run figures. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Plan around that when you fish French Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Payne Reservoir, 1.2 miles away. For French Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.