Pretty Tree Reservoir near Alturas: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Pretty Tree Reservoir sits in Modoc County, out in California. The ground round it is mixed woodland. Around 115 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Alturas lies 8.6 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Chico, 147 miles away. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end. Our records class it as a reservoir.

• Where to Fish on Pretty Tree Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Reported across Modoc County: Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker, rainbow trout and green sunfish. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Anyone new to Pretty Tree Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 66°F and January near 29°F. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Pretty Tree Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Wood Flat Reservoir is 1.4 miles distant. Confirm access to Pretty Tree Reservoir locally before you travel.