Lake Pillsbury, which is set in the Mendocino National Forest, was created in the 1920s as a result of the construction of the Scott Dam on the Eel River. Covering 2,000 acres and boasting 65 miles of shoreline, this lake offers a diverse fishery.

One major attraction is the trout fishery, consistently stocked by the CDFW. Additionally, Pillsbury is also home to big Florida-strain largemouth bass... with some reported as weighing over 10 pounds. Spring emerges as the prime season for bass fishing at Pillsbury. Look to explore the lake beyond its main body... Horseshoe Gulch, and the Rice Fork.

Lake Pillsbury also has a high concentration of squawfish which can grow quite large. The smaller squawfish serve as food for the bass, but the larger fish negatively impact the lake's game fish populations by eating eggs and fry. The CDFW is considering various eradication programs.

Visitors to Lake Pillsbury also enjoy camping, swimming, and boating... and summer weekends can get busy. There are multiple boat ramps and campgrounds available, as well as grocery stores and nearby gas stations.