Fishing Lake Pillsbury In Northern CA

AKA: Pillsbury Reservoir

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

Popular Fish Species Lake Pillsbury, CA

Lake Pillsbury Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Pillsbury is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 3 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Pillsbury. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Lake Pillsbury Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake Pillsbury can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Thoughtful fish management,and annual fish stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has helped to maintain a solid fishery. Trout are regularly caught here by anglers while fishing from the bank. 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.

Lake Pillsbury Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, steelhead, bluegill and green sunfish at Lake Pillsbury in California.

Bass, trout and bluegill all bite well at Lake Pillsbury, a 2,300 acre reservoir in the northwest part of the state, 20 miles east of Redwood Valley. Fishing from the bank is popular with many areas to do so along thirty plus miles of shoreline. Boating access options include Lake Pillsbury Resort, mid lake on the west side of the lake, Fuller Grove Campground in the northwest corner of the lake, and a few primitive spots depending on lake levels and weather. Rental boats are available at the lodge.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Pillsbury

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Pillsbury Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Fuller Grove Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off 18 N 74 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.