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
Upper Alkali Lake
Modoc County, California · about 34,000 acres (53.2 sq mi)
53°F water, windy Friday (25 mph S).
About Upper Alkali Lake
Upper Alkali Lake is a shallow lake that can shrink or dry out in dry years in Modoc County, California, covering about 34,000 acres. Upper 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 13.3 miles with roughly 34 miles of shoreline. At about 4,450 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Alturas lies about 22 miles to the southwest.
- Size
- About 34,000 acres (53.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 34 miles
- End to end
- About 13.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,450 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 Upper 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. 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
- 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 6:47 am · sunset 4:41 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Upper Alkali Lake
- Alturasabout 22 mi southwest
- Lakeviewabout 26 mi north
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Questions about Upper Alkali Lake
What fish are in Upper Alkali Lake?
Lakes like Upper 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 Upper 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 Upper Alkali Lake?
About 34,000 acres, with about 34 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Upper Alkali Lake?
Alturas is about 22 miles southwest; Lakeview is about 26 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Upper Alkali Lake today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Upper Alkali Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
