Fishing at Scotts Flat Reservoir, Nevada County, California

• Overview

  Scotts Flat Reservoir belongs to Nevada County, California. Everything around it is open plain. The water covers around 671 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs about 4.6 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Few waters listed in Nevada County are bigger. Head to Nevada City, 5.5 miles away, for anything you forgot. Beyond it, Grass Valley at 8.6 miles and Alta Sierra at 12 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Scotts Flat Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Species logged across Nevada County include brook trout, rainbow trout and tahoe sucker. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Fish Scotts Flat Reservoir to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 71°F in August and bottoms out near 42°F in January. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Plan any trip to Scotts Flat Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Public data records a boat ramp half a mile out. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. The water borders Scotts Flat Lake, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Deer Creek Reservoir sits 1.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Scotts Flat Reservoir for certain.