Lake of The Woods Fishing in Sierra County, California

• Overview

  Lake of The Woods is one of the Sierra County waters in California. Country round the bank runs to rolling hill. Surface area runs to about 14 acres — small enough to read in one session. Truckee lies 16 miles from the water. Verdi follows at 21 miles, then Portola at 22 miles. Nearby, in order: Webber Lake 1.7 miles off, Coburn Lake some 5 miles off, White Rock Lake 5.9 miles off and Independence Lake some 6.2 miles off. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lake of The Woods

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Sierra County cover rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. At Lake of The Woods light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 62°F, while January sits near 29°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Plan any trip to Lake of The Woods around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. There is a campsite 150 yards from the water. The water borders Henness Pass, so expect the reserve rules to apply. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. If the gate is shut, Webber Lake at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Lake of The Woods locally before you travel.