Thompson Lake Fishing in Plumas County, California

• Overview

  Thompson Lake sits in Plumas County, out in California. Height above sea level is 5,446 feet. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. For a base, Quincy sits 14 miles out. After that come East Quincy at 17 miles and Berry Creek at 19 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Thompson Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Plumas County include rainbow trout, brook trout, Sacramento sucker and brown trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Thompson Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 63°F and January about 33°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Thompson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Grizzly Lake, 1.7 miles away. Check the position on Thompson Lake before loading the car.