Fishing at Wilson Reservoir, Modoc County, California

• Overview

  Wilson Reservoir is a Modoc County water, in California. Elevation runs to 4,331 feet. Small at around 14 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by Modoc County standards. Alturas is the closest place, 18 miles off. Further out sit Burney (55 miles) and Lakeview (60 miles). No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Wilson Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Open biodiversity records for Modoc County list Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Wilson Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 30°F. Some winters cap it and some do not. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan any trip to Wilson Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. 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. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. White Reservoir sits 5.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat Wilson Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.