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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 2 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

West Valley Reservoir

Modoc County, California · about 730 acres (1.1 sq mi)

Caution

53°F water, windy Friday (33 mph S).

Water53°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today13 mphS
Best bite3:15 pmto 5:15 pm

About West Valley Reservoir

In Modoc County, California, West Valley Reservoir covers about 730 acres.

From end to end it runs about 2.5 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 6 miles. The water sits about 4,740 ft above sea level. Alturas lies about 19 miles to the north.

Size
About 730 acres (1.1 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 6 miles
End to end
About 2.5 miles
Elevation
About 4,740 ft
County
Modoc County

The lake from above

1 0.5 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Saturday Good

  • 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
  • 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph

Sunday Fair

  • 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 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

For a lake of this size in California, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 53°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.

  • Fair
    Largemouth bass

    Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.

  • Fair
    Crappie

    Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

  • Fair
    Catfish

    Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.

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

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3

2 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

53°F

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

Saturday 44° / 30° 13 mph S Mostly Cloudy · 3% rain
Sunday 44° / 33° 18 mph S Chance Light Rain · 91% rain

Sunrise 6:47 am · sunset 4:43 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near West Valley Reservoir

  • Alturasabout 19 mi north

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Questions about West Valley Reservoir

What fish are in West Valley Reservoir?

Lakes like West Valley 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 West Valley 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 West Valley Reservoir?

About 730 acres, with about 6 miles of shoreline.

What town is near West Valley Reservoir?

Alturas is about 19 miles north.

What is the water temperature at West Valley Reservoir today?

The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

West Valley Reservoir on your phone

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

Get it on Google Play

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