The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Sage Reservoir
Modoc County, California · about 4,260 acres (6.7 sq mi)
50°F water, windy Friday (31 mph S).
About Big Sage Reservoir
In Modoc County, California, Big Sage Reservoir covers about 4,260 acres.
From end to end it runs about 3.7 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 21 miles. The water sits about 4,870 ft above sea level. Alturas lies about 7.6 miles to the southeast.
- Size
- About 4,260 acres (6.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 21 miles
- End to end
- About 3.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,870 ft
- County
- Modoc County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 6:15 am – 7:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual California mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 50°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:49 am · sunset 4:43 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Sage Reservoir
- Alturasabout 7.6 mi southeast
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Questions about Big Sage Reservoir
What fish are in Big Sage Reservoir?
Lakes like Big Sage Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Sage Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Sage Reservoir?
About 4,260 acres, with about 21 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Sage Reservoir?
Alturas is about 7.6 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Big Sage Reservoir today?
The surface was about 50°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Sage Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
