Powell Reservoir, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Powell Reservoir sits in Lassen County, out in California. What surrounds it is open valley. Surface area is around 45 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Alturas sits 47 miles from the bank. Johnstonville follows at 48 miles, then Susanville at 49 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Powell Reservoir

  The basin holds salt water, and for most of the year it is no place to plan a fishing trip. The basin is ephemeral: it can stand empty for years between fills. Anglers passing through do better on the neighbouring fresh waters listed on this page. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. At Powell Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 64°F, with January the cold end at about 28°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It sets the rhythm of the year at Powell Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. It is recorded as intermittent, which means the basin empties in dry spells. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Willow Lake at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Powell Reservoir carry more weight than any list.