Lost Lake in Siskiyou County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Siskiyou County, California, you have Lost Lake. This is rolling hill country. Surface area runs to about 8 acres — small enough to read in one session. Happy Camp sits 28 miles from here and is the nearest stop. The nearest city of size is Chico, 137 miles away. Near neighbours include: Clear Lake about 0.9 miles, Lily Lake 1.1 miles, Chimney Rock Lake about 1.8 miles, Pine Lake 2 miles and Steinacher Lake about 2.1 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lost Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Siskiyou County include rainbow trout, brook trout and Chinook salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Treat Lost Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 60°F; by December the average is down near 35°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. On Lost Lake that shapes the whole year. Wind on the bank for a day or two lifts the fishing there.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Clear Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat access at Lost Lake as something to verify.