Hawley Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In California, Hawley Lake falls inside Plumas County. Country round the bank runs to open valley. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Portola, is 16 miles distant. Reno is the closest city, 49 miles away. Near neighbours include: Snake Lake just 1.1 miles, 1.4 miles out stands Little Deer Lake, Mud Lake just 1.5 miles, 1.7 miles out stands Round Lake and Silver Lake just 1.7 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Hawley Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Survey and observation records for Plumas County include rainbow trout, brook trout and Sacramento sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The near bank of Hawley Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 61°F and January at 30°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan around that when you fish Hawley Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Snake Lake at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Hawley Lake carry more weight than any list.