Fishing Lake Mendocino In Northern CA
AKA: Mendocino Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Mendocino, CA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Mendocino offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Recently, the fishing for bass has continued to impress. Some big bass roam Lake Mendocino, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Mendocino on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
This year a healthy population of channel catfish populate the waters of Lake Mendocino, and can be found all around the lake. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout Lake Mendocino, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and striped bass at Lake Mendocino in California.
Lake Mendocino Fishing Video
Loaded with a nice variety of warm-water fish species, Lake Mendocino is a 1,920 acre reservoir, located in the northwestern part of the state, at Calpella. Striped bass are the big draw here as they are caught in good size and numbers. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are also favored species. Catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfish also swim in these waters.
Lake Mendocino, situated in Mendocino County, California, is a picturesque destination known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it a favorite spot for anglers. One of the most sought-after catches in Lake Mendocino is the bass, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. These fish are known for their thrilling fights and can be found hiding among the lake's submerged structures and rocky areas. Other species that can be found in the lake include catfish, trout, sunfish, and crappie, offering anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences.
Beyond fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, and kayaking are also favorite activities during the warmer months, providing a refreshing way to cool off and have fun on the lake's clear waters.
About ten miles of shoreline wrap this fertile fishery. Anglers choosing to fish from the bank can find plenty of places to wet a line. Boating access is available at the North Ramp by Kyen Campground off Highway 20, and at the South Ramp off Lake Mendocino Drive. Both are excellent launch ramps with plenty of parking and rest rooms. Fishing is not permitted at the boat ramps.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Mendocino
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Mendocino Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Mendocino, allowing visitors to explore the expansive waters and access prime fishing locations. The lake permits various types of watercraft, including motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Boaters can take advantage of the boat ramps and marina facilities available for easy access to the lake. Whether it's cruising along the calm waters, fishing from a boat, or engaging in water sports, Lake Mendocino provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Mendocino North Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Marina Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lake Mendocino South Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the north end of the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Mendocino
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a California fishing license.
Camping options at Lake Mendocino cater to both tent and RV campers, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area. The lake features several campgrounds and camping areas with facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and showers. Whether you prefer a secluded spot by the water's edge or a site nestled in the surrounding forest, there are camping options to suit various preferences. Camping at Lake Mendocino allows visitors to relax, enjoy the serene ambiance, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bushay Recreation Area Campground - 707 467-4200
Ukiah Mobile Home & RV Park - 707 485-1766
Bushay Camp Ground Little Bear Campsite - 707 467-4200
Miti Campground (boat access) - 707 467-4200
Lake Mendocino CA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Mendocino
Kyen Campground
95470, 1275 Marina Dr
Ukiah, CA 95482
707 467-4200
Fishing lakes in each state.
060724
Lake Mendocino in Northern California.
CALIFORNIA
Fishing for stripers and largemouth bass in northwest CA.
