Lake Mendocino Fishing in Mendocino County, California

• Overview

  Lake Mendocino stands in Mendocino County, California. It stands 751 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 2.6 sq miles, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The shoreline runs about 11 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Of the waters listed here in Mendocino County, this is the largest. The nearest place of any size is Redwood Valley, 3.8 miles away. Then Ukiah, 4.9 miles, and Talmage, 5.7 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake Mendocino

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged across Mendocino County include flathead grey mullet, rainbow trout and cabezon. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Work Lake Mendocino in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 46°F to 72°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to Lake Mendocino by conditions rather than dates. Warm spells bring fish up, cold snaps push them down.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Recorded parking is 0.9 miles off, far enough to travel light. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Blue Lakes, 8.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Lake Mendocino.