Lake Pillsbury
Lake County Trout, Bass, Catfish, Sunfish, Pikeminnow
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Lake Pillsbury Fishing Overview

Water Description

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...

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.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Pikeminnow
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 2 months ago - View Schedule
Boating / Access:
Most boating allowed.
Geography:
Surface Area: 2,000 acres
Surface Elevation: 1,818 ft
Trip Report
75°F Partly Cloudy with Moderate Breeze
70°F Stained

Water level very low, and warm, which caused an alage bloom of epic proportions. Lake has blue/green sludge around almost entire shoreline, making it unsafe to swim for people and pets. Also most fish are not edible due to toxins in water. Don’t bother taking a boat, because it’s too low to launch anywhere. Maybe in the future things will get...

Water level very low, and warm, which caused an alage bloom of epic proportions. Lake has blue/green sludge around almost entire shoreline, making it unsafe to swim for people and pets. Also most fish are not edible due to toxins in water. Don’t bother taking a boat, because it’s too low to launch anywhere. Maybe in the future things will get better? For now I would look elsewhere for clean waters and fresh fish.

1 angler found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

It's typical late July at Clear Lake. Water temps are pushing 80 during the day, and the algae bloom is in full effect, especially on the south end. Most lakes would see the...

Water temps at Black Butte have climbed into the 80s, water levels are dropping, and the lake is in full summer mode. With the heat, mornings and late evenings are your best...

Lake Pillsbury Weather

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