Hammerhorn Lake Fishing in Mendocino County, California

• Overview

  Hammerhorn Lake lies in Mendocino County, California. The setting is mixed woodland. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Mendocino County are larger. 17 miles away sits Covelo, the nearest town. After that come Rancho Tehama Reserve at 32 miles and Laytonville at 32 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Hammerhorn Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Species logged across Mendocino County include flathead grey mullet, rainbow trout, cabezon, buffalo sculpin and Pacific staghorn sculpin. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The shape of Hammerhorn Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 61°F and March at 36°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Hammerhorn Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Overnight stays are possible about 140 yards out, where camping is mapped. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Howard Lake sits 4.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Hammerhorn Lake.