Fishing Bucks Lake In Northern CA

AKA: Upper & Lower Bucks Lake

Popular Fish Species
Bucks Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Bucks Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species Bucks Lake, CA

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Although fishing for mackinaw and kokanee salmon is popular here, fishing for rainbow trout here gets more attention from weekend anglers. Worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors all can catch trout in Bucks Lake. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Continual stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Brook Trout Fishing

Brook trout thrive in cool, clear, well-oxygenated water. Clean inflows of water are prime areas to fish. Fishing for brook trout in Bucks Lake is popular due to the abundance and size of these tasty brookies. Brookies are most actively feeding at dawn, and again at dusk. Brook trout feed on plankton, worms, leeches, insects, mollusks, and small baitfish. They spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Bucks Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Bucks Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at Bucks Lake in California.

Terrific trout and kokanee fishing draws anglers from near and far to Bucks Lake, a 1,800 acre lake in the north central part of California, 50 miles west of Chico. Big lake trout (Mackinaw over 16 pounds), plentiful rainbow, brook and brown trout, and kokanee salmon thrive in the cool, clear water of this fertile fishery.

Aside from rainbow trout, Bucks Lake is also home to brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Brown trout, known for their elusive nature. Kokanee salmon, a landlocked variation of sockeye salmon, are prized for their fighting ability and delicious taste. Smallmouth bass are sought after by anglers looking for some bass fishing action.

The lake has seventeen miles of shoreline, much of which is private property, but there is still plenty of room at numerous places around the lake for fishing from the bank. Boating access is via boat launch ramps at Sandy Point Day Use Area, Bucks Lake Marina, Lower Bucks Campground, Bucks Lakeshore Resort and Haskins Valley Family Campground.

Primary fish species residing in Bucks Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bucks Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Bucks Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoons
530 283-4243

Marinas

Bucks Lake Marina
16469 Bucks Lake Rd
Quincy, CA 95971
530 283-4243

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bucks Lakeshore Resort Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Bucks Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.

Sandy Point Day Use Area and Boat Launch
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Highway 33, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp paved parking.