The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Butt Valley Reservoir
Plumas County, California · about 1,500 acres (2.3 sq mi)
53°F water, windy Friday (17 mph SSW).
About Butt Valley Reservoir
Butt Valley Reservoir spreads over about 1,500 acres in Plumas County, California.
From end to end it runs about 3.7 miles with roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 4,140 ft above sea level. Chester lies about 9.8 miles to the north. The closest city is Chico, about 45 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,500 acres (2.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.9 miles
- End to end
- About 3.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,140 ft
- County
- Plumas 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 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 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
Lakes like Butt Valley Reservoir in California usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 53°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.
- 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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 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 6:48 am · sunset 4:49 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Butt Valley Reservoir
- Chesterabout 9.8 mi north
- Greenvilleabout 10 mi east
- Westwoodabout 13 mi northeast
- Quincyabout 16 mi southeast
- Chiconearest city, about 45 mi southwest
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Questions about Butt Valley Reservoir
What fish are in Butt Valley Reservoir?
Lakes like Butt Valley Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Butt Valley 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 Butt Valley Reservoir?
About 1,500 acres, with about 10.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Butt Valley Reservoir?
Chester is about 9.8 miles north; Greenville is about 10 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Butt Valley Reservoir today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Butt Valley Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
