Rattlesnake Reservoir Fishing Guide, Orange County, California

• Overview

  In California, Rattlesnake Reservoir belongs to Orange County. It lies 397 feet above sea level. Roughly 41 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Roughly 0.8 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. Ground here is low by California standards. The nearest town is Stonegate, 1.6 miles away. Northwood is 1.6 miles and Cypress Village 3 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Rattlesnake Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public wildlife records from this area list goldfish, bluegill, rainbow trout, arroyo chub and speckled dace. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish in this exact water on the day. Read Rattlesnake Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 74°F and December at 55°F. Heat, not cold, shapes the year here. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It holds true on Rattlesnake Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Siphon Reservoir, 1.3 miles out. Rules at Rattlesnake Reservoir are worth checking on the day.