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Cow Head Lake

Modoc County, California · about 2,700 acres (4.2 sq mi)

Caution

32°F water, windy Friday (30 mph S).

Water32°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today30 mphS
Best bite6:15 amto 7:00 am

About Cow Head Lake

Cow Head Lake spreads over about 2,700 acres in Modoc County, California.

From end to end it runs about 3 miles with roughly 9.8 miles of shoreline. Lakeview lies about 23 miles to the northwest.

Size
About 2,700 acres (4.2 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 9.8 miles
End to end
About 3 miles
County
Modoc County

The lake from above

1 mile N
Outline of the lake.

Best fishing times

Friday Fair

  • 6:15 am – 7:00 am bestsunrise
  • 4:00 pm – 4:45 pmsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph

Saturday Good

  • 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 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: trout and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 32°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Fair
    Trout

    Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.

  • Fair
    Yellow perch

    Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

32°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

No clear view of the ice yet

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 48° / 39° 30 mph S Light Rain · 91% rain
Saturday 44° / 32° 15 mph SW Partly Sunny · 43% rain
Sunday 43° / 32° 15 mph S Chance Light Rain · 94% rain

Sunrise 6:47 am · sunset 4:40 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Cow Head Lake

  • Lakeviewabout 23 mi northwest

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Questions about Cow Head Lake

What fish are in Cow Head Lake?

Lakes like Cow Head Lake usually hold trout and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How big is Cow Head Lake?

About 2,700 acres, with about 9.8 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Cow Head Lake?

Lakeview is about 23 miles northwest.

What is the water temperature at Cow Head Lake today?

The surface was about 32°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Cow Head Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

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