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California · Fishing
Davis Creek sits in the high desert of Modoc County, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — no notable river runs here.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Davis Creek sits in the high desert of Modoc County, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — no notable river runs here. The six waters in and around town cover a range of access styles: Rimrock Valley Reservoir, Halls Meadows Reservoir, Deer Hill Reservoir, and Cave Lake all offer lake fishing, while Lily Lake and Green Springs both have boating sites that let you get off the bank and work the water more thoroughly. This is remote country, which means lighter pressure than you'd find at more accessible Sierra lakes, but it also means you need to come prepared. Cell service is unreliable, services in Davis Creek are minimal, and conditions at elevation can shift fast. The fishing here suits anglers who are comfortable being self-sufficient for a day or a weekend. If you're driving up from Alturas or further south, it's worth calling the local CDFW office ahead of time to confirm current access and any seasonal closures, since roads to some of these reservoirs can be gated or washed out depending on the year.
All six listed waters are lake or reservoir fishing spots. Rimrock Valley Reservoir, Halls Meadows Reservoir, Deer Hill Reservoir, and Cave Lake are lake fishing sites, while Lily Lake and Green Springs have designated boating areas where you can fish from a boat or kayak in addition to the bank.
Not necessarily, but having one helps at Lily Lake and Green Springs, which have boating sites set up for on-water access. The other reservoirs can be fished from shore, though a small kayak or float tube will let you reach water that bank anglers can't cover.
Green Springs Boating Site
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Rimrock Valley Reservoir
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Deer Hill Reservoir
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Lily Lake Boating Site
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Cave Lake Boating Site
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Halls Meadows Reservoir
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Pretty Tree Reservoir
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Renner Reservoir
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Logan Slough Boating Site
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Big Sage Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Indian Spring Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Twin Lakes
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window, once snow has cleared from access roads and water temperatures have come up. Early morning and late afternoon tend to produce better than midday, especially in summer when the sun is high and fish push deeper.
Davis Creek is a very small community with limited services. Plan to bring all your gear, food, water, and fuel before you arrive. Alturas, roughly 30 miles south, is your best bet for a full resupply before heading out to these waters.
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the CDFW website before your trip, which is the safest approach given the lack of nearby license vendors in Davis Creek.
