Fishing at Pine Grove Reservoir, Nevada County, California

• Overview

  California holds Pine Grove Reservoir, in Nevada County. Country round the bank runs to pine and hardwood. Small at around 10 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. For a base, Nevada City sits 7.1 miles out. Lake Wildwood is 7.1 miles and Grass Valley 7.8 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Pine Grove Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Survey and observation records for Nevada County include brook trout, rainbow trout, tahoe sucker, brown trout and bluegill. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Pine Grove Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 74°F, the coldest about 44°F. No part of the year shuts this water. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It sets the rhythm of the year at Pine Grove Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Morris Reservoir at 2.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Pine Grove Reservoir carry more weight than any list.