Long Lake near Portola: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Long Lake is listed under Plumas County, California. It sits in mixed woodland country. It measures about 151 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The edge runs 1.8 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Few waters listed in Plumas County are bigger. Nearest town is Portola, 14 miles off. For a city, Reno is 48 miles off. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records held for Plumas County cover rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and brown trout. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. At Long Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 61°F on average, January about 30°F. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Long Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 0.4 miles away. Confirm access to Long Lake locally before you travel.