California · Fishing
Fishing in Westwood, California
Westwood sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills of Lassen County, and the fishing options within reach lean heavily toward still water.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 4 spots
Westwood sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills of Lassen County, and the fishing options within reach lean heavily toward still water. The main draw is Butte Lake, a volcanic crater lake inside Lassen Volcanic National Park that holds trout and draws anglers willing to make the drive on unpaved road from the Westwood side. The Butte Lake Stock Corral area gives you a secondary access point along the same corridor, useful if the main launch area is crowded on summer weekends. Almanor is the other significant option — Lake Almanor is one of the larger reservoirs in Northern California and supports a broader mix of species including brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass, with surf fishing along its shoreline a legitimate approach when boat access isn't in the cards. The fishing here is seasonal in a real way: Butte Lake sits above 6,000 feet and the access road typically closes with snow, while Almanor fishes year-round but peaks in late spring and early fall. If you're planning a trip out of Westwood, these four spots cover lake and shoreline fishing across two very different water types, and knowing which one fits your setup matters before you load the truck.
Frequently asked questions
When is Butte Lake accessible for fishing?
The unpaved road to Butte Lake inside Lassen Volcanic National Park is typically open from late May or June through October, depending on snowpack. Check current road conditions with Lassen Volcanic National Park before you go, since the closure date varies year to year and the road can be rough even when technically open.
Do I need a National Park pass to fish Butte Lake?
Yes, Butte Lake is inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, so you'll need a valid park entrance pass in addition to a California fishing license. The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry if you visit multiple parks. Fishing regulations inside the park can differ from standard California DFW rules, so check the current park fishing regulations before you go.
What is surf fishing at Lake Almanor, and is it worth it without a boat?
Surf fishing at Almanor means casting from the shoreline rather than trolling from a boat, and it's a practical option at this reservoir. The lake has extensive accessible shoreline, and trout and bass can be taken from the bank, particularly in early morning and evening when fish move shallower. It's not a replacement for a boat during peak summer when fish go deep, but in spring and fall it produces well.
What is the Butte Lake Stock Corral area, and how does it differ from the main Butte Lake access?
The Stock Corral is a separate access point along the Butte Lake corridor rather than the primary lake launch area. It's useful as an overflow option or if you're approaching the lake on horseback or with stock animals. For standard fishing access, the main Butte Lake area is the primary destination, but the Stock Corral puts you in the same general zone.
What skill level do these fishing spots suit?
Almanor's shoreline is beginner-friendly with easy bank access and a forgiving fishery. Butte Lake requires more planning — the remote location, park regulations, and seasonal access make it better suited to anglers who are comfortable navigating national park rules and fishing smaller, higher-elevation water. Neither spot requires technical skills, but Butte Lake rewards preparation.
