The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Black Butte Lake
Glenn County, California · about 2,560 acres (4 sq mi)
66°F water, windy Friday (24 mph S).
About Black Butte Lake
Black Butte Lake spreads over about 2,560 acres in Glenn County, California.
It stretches about 3.8 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 17.2 miles. Its surface is about 450 ft above sea level. Orland lies about 8.5 miles to the east. Chico, the nearest city, is about 27 miles east.
- Size
- About 2,560 acres (4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 17.2 miles
- End to end
- About 3.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 450 ft
- County
- Glenn County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:15 am – 7:00 amsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 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. With the surface at 66°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 6:52 am · sunset 4:54 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Black Butte Lake
- Orlandabout 8.5 mi east
- Corningabout 11 mi northeast
- Rancho Tehama Reserveabout 14 mi north
- Hamilton Cityabout 18 mi east
- Chiconearest city, about 27 mi east
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Questions about Black Butte Lake
What fish are in Black Butte Lake?
Lakes like Black Butte Lake 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 Black Butte Lake?
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 Black Butte Lake?
About 2,560 acres, with about 17.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Black Butte Lake?
Orland is about 8.5 miles east; Corning is about 11 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Black Butte Lake today?
The surface was about 66°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Black Butte Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
