LAKE MENDOCINO

Fishing Weather Hydrology
November 2, 2024

Lake Mendocino is a popular fishing area in California, known for its diverse fish species. Anglers can find smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the nearby Mendocino National Forest. Fishing tips include using worms or lures with a slow retrieve for bass, and trolling with spoons or spinners for trout. The best time to visit for fishing is in the spring and fall when temperatures range from 60-80°F.

Featured Fish - Apache Trout

iving in lakes and streams, this fish will eat insects, invertebrates and small minnows. They are typically targeted using very light spinning or fly tackle using nymphs, wet or dry flies, worms or salmon eggs. These fish may also strike small spinner baits or spoons but some areas where these fish can be found have enacted policies where anglers may only use artificial lures so check all regulations before targeting these fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: The body coloration is golden-yellow or olive yellow, with a golden belly, and Parr marks (vertical bars) can be seen on juveniles, but these marks typically disappear in larger individuals. Spots can be seen in an even distribution of pronounced, moderate-sized, rounded or oval black spots on the sides of the body and on top of the head. These spots may sometimes extend below the lateral line and onto the dorsal and caudal fins. The top of the Apache trout’s head and back is typically dark olive to brown and a black stripe appears to go through each eye because of the presence of two small black dots on either side of the pupil. Below the lower jaw, there is a dash of color that will range from yellow to darker gold. The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are tipped with a white to orange color and the adipose fin is usually bordered with a black margin.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Fish Species
  • Image Alt Black Crappie


  • Image Alt Bluegill


  • Image Alt Channel Catfish


WEATHER TODAY

°F

°F

mph

Windspeed

%

Humidity

Hourly Forecast
Next 5 Days

Long Term Forecast
Next 16 Days

Streamflow Levels

185

Cubic Feet Per Second

16

Cubic Feet Per Second

200

Cubic Feet Per Second

49

Cubic Feet Per Second

10

Cubic Feet Per Second

7

Cubic Feet Per Second

118

Cubic Feet Per Second

Point of Interest

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a beautiful park located in the state of California. The park is situated in the heart of the redwoods, and it is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. One of the main points of interest in Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is the lake itself. The lake is surrounded by beautiful redwood trees, and it is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors to the ...