Long Lake near Magalia: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Plumas County, California, you have Long Lake. The surface lies 5,984 feet up. About 16 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Magalia is the closest town at 17 miles. It is 31 miles to Chico, the nearest city. What else is close: Campbell Lake a shade over 0.4 miles, Saddle Lake within 0.7 miles, Grassy Lake a shade over 0.8 miles, Morris Lake within 1 mile and Mud Lake a shade over 1.4 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Long 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. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. 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. On Long Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 64°F, with January the cold end at about 35°F. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Plan any trip to Long Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. 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. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Campbell Lake, 0.4 miles away. Check the position on Long Lake before loading the car.