The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Full screen
Goose Lake
Modoc County, California · 94,000 acres (146.9 sq mi)
52°F water, windy Friday (32 mph S).
About Goose Lake
Goose Lake is a shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years in Modoc County, California, covering 94,000 acres. Goose Lake straddles the California-Oregon border and has fully dried up multiple times in recorded history.
From end to end it runs about 26.1 miles with roughly 74 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 4,700 ft above sea level. It reaches about 26 ft at its deepest. Lakeview is about 7.1 miles north.
- Size
- 94,000 acres (146.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 26 ft
- Shoreline
- About 74 miles
- End to end
- About 26.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,700 ft
- Type
- Shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years
- County
- Modoc County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:15 am – 7:00 am bestsunrise
Saturday Fair
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 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
The water is too salty or too shallow for the usual game fish, so this is a lake to visit for the views, the birds and the shore, not for a fishing day.
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 4:42 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Goose Lake
- Lakeviewabout 7.1 mi north
- Alturasabout 16 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Goose Lake
How deep is Goose Lake?
About 26 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Goose Lake?
94,000 acres, with about 74 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Goose Lake?
Lakeview is about 7.1 miles north; Alturas is about 16 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Goose Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Goose Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
