Mapes Reservoir near Alturas: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Modoc County, California, sits Mapes Reservoir. The ground around here is farm and woodlot. It measures about 26 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. For a base, Alturas sits 14 miles out. After that come Lakeview at 46 miles and Altamont at 65 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Mapes Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for Modoc County include Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker, rainbow trout and green sunfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Mapes Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 66°F in August and bottoms out near 29°F in January. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. The season on Mapes Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Antelope Reservoir at 1.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Mapes Reservoir carry more weight than any list.