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 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lower Alkali Lake
Modoc County, California · about 10,400 acres (16.2 sq mi)
56°F water, windy Friday (30 mph S).
About Lower Alkali Lake
Lower Alkali Lake is a shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years in Modoc County, California, covering about 10,400 acres. Lower Alkali Lake is a shallow, seasonal alkaline lake on the Modoc Plateau that floods in winter and often dries out by summer.
From end to end it runs about 7.2 miles with roughly 22 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 4,510 ft above sea level. Alturas is about 28 miles northwest.
- Size
- About 10,400 acres (16.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 22 miles
- End to end
- About 7.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,510 ft
- Type
- Shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years
- County
- Modoc County
The lake from above
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
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:15 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
Lakes like Lower Alkali Lake 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. With the surface at 56°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- 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
- 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
4 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 6:46 am · sunset 4:42 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lower Alkali Lake
- Alturasabout 28 mi northwest
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Questions about Lower Alkali Lake
What fish are in Lower Alkali Lake?
Lakes like Lower Alkali Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lower Alkali 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 Lower Alkali Lake?
About 10,400 acres, with about 22 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lower Alkali Lake?
Alturas is about 28 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Lower Alkali Lake today?
The surface was about 56°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lower Alkali Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
