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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Merle Collins Reservoir
Yuba County, California · about 830 acres (1.3 sq mi)
66°F water, windy Friday (17 mph SSW).
About Merle Collins Reservoir
Merle Collins Reservoir is a lake in Yuba County, California, covering about 830 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.6 miles with roughly 8.1 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,130 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Loma Rica, is about 5.2 miles west. The closest city is Yuba City, about 20 miles away.
- Size
- About 830 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.1 miles
- End to end
- About 2.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,130 ft
- County
- Yuba County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 4:00 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 Merle Collins 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. 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.
- 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
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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 6:47 am · sunset 4:51 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Merle Collins Reservoir
- Loma Ricaabout 5.2 mi west
- Challenge-Brownsvilleabout 7.6 mi north
- Lake Wildwoodabout 8.4 mi southeast
- Penn Valleyabout 11 mi southeast
- Yuba Citynearest city, about 20 mi southwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Merle Collins Reservoir
What fish are in Merle Collins Reservoir?
Lakes like Merle Collins 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 Merle Collins 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 Merle Collins Reservoir?
About 830 acres, with about 8.1 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Merle Collins Reservoir?
Loma Rica is about 5.2 miles west; Challenge-Brownsville is about 7.6 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Merle Collins Reservoir today?
The surface was about 66°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Merle Collins Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
