Palen Reservoir Fishing near Portola, California

• Overview

  In California, Palen Reservoir belongs to Sierra County. It sits in rolling hill. At 11 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Portola is the closest place, 14 miles off. Further out sit Cold Springs (18 miles) and Verdi (19 miles). Round about: Little Last Chance Lake within 8.5 miles, Coburn Lake near enough 10 miles, Lake of The Woods within 11 miles, Webber Lake near enough 13 miles and Deadman Lake within 13 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Palen Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Species logged across Sierra County include rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Palen Reservoir fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 64°F, the coldest about 29°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan around that when you fish Palen Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Little Last Chance Lake sits 8.5 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Palen Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.