Fishing Van Loan Reservoir in Lassen County, California

• Overview

  Van Loan Reservoir is set in Lassen County, California. The ground round it is mixed woodland. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Lassen County list. Alturas lies 35 miles from the water. It is 106 miles to Reno, the nearest city. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Van Loan Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Public occurrence data for Lassen County names rainbow trout, tahoe sucker, Sacramento sucker, brown trout and brook trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Van Loan Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 63°F; by January the average is down near 28°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Anyone fishing Van Loan Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Mendiboure Reservoir sits 3.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Van Loan Reservoir.