Black Butte Lake, located in the Sacramento Valley, is surrounded by stunning volcanic buttes. And is named after an extinct volcano in the area... Black Butte. It spans an impressive 2,725 acres and boasts a lengthy shoreline of over 30 miles.

Black Butte is known for its warm water fisheries, particularly crappie. During the warmer months, huge schools of black crappie prowl the lake's shallows. However, pinpointing their exact location can be a tad tricky. Boats and fishfinders are generally recommended to locate schools, although blindly casting towards brushy structure can also yield success.

Largemouth bass fishing is also noteworthy, though poor water clarity throughout the late spring and early summer (due to heavy wind activity) can pose a challenge. To navigate these tough conditions, use pronounced baits like crankbaits, propel-baits, or spinnerbaits, particularly around more tranquil coves and backwaters.

The lake also inhabits spotted bass, catfish, and sunfish... and depending on the time of year, fishing for each of these can be excellent.

While boating is permitted at Black Butte, boaters should exercise caution. As the lake's water level recedes, shallow patches and submerged structures become potential hazards.