Renner Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Renner Lake lies in Modoc County, California. Beyond the shoreline you have open valley. At some 572 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Some 4.2 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. On our Modoc County list it sits near the top for size. Some 20 miles away sits Lakeview, the nearest settlement. Alturas is 36 miles and Altamont 59 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Renner Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name Sacramento sucker, modoc sucker, rainbow trout, green sunfish and brook trout. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. On Renner Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 63°F, the coldest about 28°F. Fishing continues through most of the calendar, with quiet spells rather than closures. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Anyone fishing Renner Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Black Reservoir at 5.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Renner Lake carry more weight than any list.