Located in the foothills east of Ukiah, Lake Mendocino is a hot spot for Mendocino County's outdoor enthusiasts, attracting boaters, campers, and anglers alike. While the lake hosts the usual Californian warm water species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, it also harbors a lesser-known population of striped bass, some of which reach trophy sizes.

Mostly, these striped bass favor the deeper, open pockets of the lake, hunting threadfin shad and other small prey. For striped bass anglers, boating is the optimal approach as it’s easier to target their preferred open water hangouts. However, every so often, an angler manages to hook a striper directly from the shore.

Apart from striped bass, Lake Mendocino also serves up very good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. Tip: monitor the water levels. The best action typically comes when the lake's water level remains consistent. Large swings in water depth can make the bass a tad moody and harder to entice.

For those particularly fond of catfish, quantity and quality inhabit Lake Mendocino. Summer evenings, as the light begins to fade, often sets the stage for bite after bite.

Like many bustling California lakes in the summertime, early bird gets the worm... or fish, in this case. Once the Lake Mendocino starts to ripple with water skiers and the sun asserts its dominance, angling can become a bit of a challenge. So, gear up and hit the waters early!