Fishing at Smith Reservoir, Lassen County, California

• Overview

  Smith Reservoir lies in Lassen County, in California. The setting is mixed woodland on every side. The nearest town is Alturas, 25 miles away. Reno is the closest city, 116 miles away. Near neighbours: Nelson Corral Reservoir roughly 3.5 miles, Mud Lake at 6.3 miles, West Valley Reservoir roughly 7 miles, Holbrook Reservoir at 7.7 miles and Flournoy Reservoir roughly 8.9 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Smith Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Reported across Lassen County: rainbow trout, tahoe sucker and Sacramento sucker. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. The shape of Smith Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 29°F to 63°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Smith Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Records show it does not hold water year-round. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Nelson Corral Reservoir, 3.5 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Smith Reservoir for certain.