South Mountain Reservoir Fishing Guide, Modoc County, California

• Overview

  South Mountain Reservoir falls in Modoc County, part of California. This is rolling hill ground. It runs to roughly 186 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. With about 2.3 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Alturas sits 23 miles from the bank. Lakeview lies 31 miles off, Altamont another 62 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on South Mountain Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Reported across Modoc County: Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker and rainbow trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Treat South Mountain Reservoir as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 65°F; the cold one sits at 29°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Time your trip to South Mountain Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Telephone Flat Reservoir, 2.6 miles out. For South Mountain Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.