Swan Lake Fishing near Covelo, California

• Overview

  In California, Swan Lake belongs to Mendocino County. Elevation runs to 4,295 feet. About 2 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Mendocino County list. Covelo lies 16 miles from the water. Chico is the closest city, 71 miles away. Round about: 8.1 miles away is Buck Mountain Lake, Hammerhorn Lake at 8.4 miles, 11 miles away is Elk Lake, Howard Lake at 11 miles and 13 miles away is Lowrey Lake. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Swan Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Mendocino County include flathead grey mullet, rainbow trout and cabezon. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. On Swan Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 37°F in December and 62°F in August. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Swan Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. For a change of water, Buck Mountain Lake is 8.1 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Swan Lake.