Lassen National Forest

Trout, Chinook salmon, and smallmouth bass are the most sought after game fish in Lassen National Forest. Only in Plumas National Forest to the south and in the streams along the coast will you find larger trout than those of Lake Almanor.

Trinity Lake is known throughout the west for its Trinity Lake trout. You can also try your luck at the North Battle Lake Reservoir, managed by PG&E and closed during winter. For stream fishing, Hat Creek, a clear spring fed mountain stream, is another popular area. The creek is accessible by road for almost its entire length. You might prefer to walk the four-mile-long "fisherman's access trail" between Cave and Bridge campgrounds. Hamilton Branch and the North Fork of the Feather River above Lake Almanor are well-considered fishing streams.

In addition to these more popular areas, the Forest holds hundreds of more "out-of-the-way" lakes and streams where you can spend a quiet day or two in the art of angling. The best thing to do is call the ranger district office to find out what streams are open and, if you're lucky, get some leads to good fishing spots.

Information on seasons, licenses, and fishing restrictions is available from the California Department of Fish and Game.