Fishing at Negro Creek, Nevada County, California

• Overview

  Negro Creek lies in Nevada County, California. The setting is oak and grass on every side. The nearest town is Lake Wildwood, 0.7 miles away. Beyond it, Penn Valley at 3.1 miles and Grass Valley at 8.3 miles. Also worth knowing: Harry L. Englebright Lake at 3 miles, Rough and Ready Reservoir 4.2 miles away, Rex Reservoir at 4.5 miles, Union Reservoir 4.7 miles away and Pine Grove Reservoir at 7.3 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Negro Creek

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Gravel runs and silted pools fish quite differently, so treat them apart. The head and tail of a pool beat the body of it. Nevada County records list brook trout, rainbow trout and tahoe sucker among the fish reported. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Read Negro Creek before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 76°F, the coldest about 45°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Negro Creek. A cold snap sets things back for several days.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. A marina sits within half a mile of the water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Harry L. Englebright Lake at 3 miles is the sensible second choice. For Negro Creek in particular, ask before you travel.