Is Lake Davis Open for Fishing?

Fishing at Lake Davis, located in California’s scenic Plumas County, has been a popular recreational activity for locals and tourists alike for decades. It is well known for its trophy trout fishing, which has attracted anglers from around the world. In recent years, however, Lake Davis has been closed to fishing due to concerns about the introduction of invasive species into the lake.

The primary concern centers around a species of fish called northern pike, which is native to North America but not found in California. Northern pike are highly predatory and have a voracious appetite that could threaten the lake’s native fish population. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) took steps to protect the lake’s native species by closing it to fishing in 2005.

Since then, DFW has been working with local communities and organizations to develop a plan to reintroduce fishing at Lake Davis while still protecting the lake’s native species. This plan includes stocking only sterile grass carp into the lake, as well as monitoring water quality and fish populations on an ongoing basis. In addition, they have worked with angling clubs to create special regulations that limit angler access and Target size so as not to disturb the lake’s natural balance further.

These efforts appear to be paying off; in 2018 DFW reopened Lake Davis for limited trout fishing after an eleven-year closure. Anglers are now able to catch and keep large brown trout and rainbow trout up to 18 inches long from April through October each year. The catch-and-release season runs from November through March during which time all trout must be immediately released back into the lake alive.

It appears that Lake Davis is finally open for fishing again! Anglers must adhere to all regulations set forth by DFW in order to ensure that this valuable resource remains protected and viable for future generations of anglers. With proper stewardship and careful management of resources, there is no doubt that Lake Davis will remain a prime destination for recreational fishing in California for years to come.

In conclusion, Lake Davis is open again for fishing under strict regulations set forth by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). With careful management of resources, anglers can look forward to catching trophy-sized trout from April through October each year while also helping protect this valuable resource for future generations of anglers.

Photo of author

Michael Allen