Summit Lake Fishing near Chester, California

• Overview

  California holds Summit Lake, in Plumas County. Elevation runs to 6,693 feet. At 13 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. For supplies, Chester is 16 miles out. For a city, Chico is 57 miles off. Others worth noting: Echo Lake some 1.6 miles off, 2 miles out stands Deer Lake, Cliff Lake some 2.1 miles off, 2.2 miles out stands Little Bear Lake and Hat Lake some 2.5 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Summit Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Public occurrence data for Plumas County names rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and brown trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Summit Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 58°F; by January the average is down near 28°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Summit Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Summit Lake North Day Use Parking offers parking about 170 yards from the water. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Echo Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. For Summit Lake in particular, ask before you travel.