Yolo County has declared that Indian Valley Reservoir is now open to fishermen and boaters. The county had originally closed the lake for all of 2023.
Down through the years I have been to the reservoir hundreds of times, dating back to when the lake was first formed, and I’m always amazed at the beauty of this place. It’s truly one of the jewels of Lake County. This year the lake is full and the water color is beautiful. What is strange is that many of Lake County’s residents have yet to discover this fishery. That’s a shame because it is one of the best fishing lakes in Northern California.
Indian Valley Reservoir was created in 1974 as a water source for Yolo County. Trees were left standing to provide ideal habitat for the fish. Largemouth bass were taken from Clear Lake and stocked into the lake as breeder stock. Eagle Lake-strain trout also were stocked in the lake. Within five years huge bass and trout were being caught and Indian Valley Reservoir was well on its way to becoming an excellent sports fishery.
Although the lake was never designed for recreation, that all changed when bass, crappie, catfish, trout and kokanee were planted into the lake.
Unlike other foothill lakes that are wall to wall with fishermen on weekends, this lake draws very little fishing pressure and on most days you will see fewer than four or five boats. Despite being nearly 50 years old, the lake still hasn’t proven popular with fishermen (although many local fishermen treasure this lake and usually keep their success to themselves).
The 12-mile dirt road into the lake also deters fishermen. Most local fishermen don’t want the road improved. As one local angler said, “If they improve the road, then everyone will come here and we won’t have the lake to ourselves.”
Actually, with the exception of being dusty during the summer months, the road is maintained very well and is fine for trucks with travel trailers and RVs.
Another reason the lake receives little fishing attention is because it’s nearly impossible to get a fishing report. The local fishermen who frequent the lake are close-mouthed. However, this is one lake where you really don’t need a fishing report. As long as the weather cooperates the fish are biting.
In past years Indian Valley Lake was stocked with trout only once a year. They grew up to 5 pounds although the average weight is well over a pound. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) hasn’t stocked the lake with trout in several years.
Juvenile kokanee also were stocked in the lake and at one time it had some of the largest kokanee in the state, many of these tasty salmon exceeding 18 inches. For years the outstanding kokanee fishing was the main attraction at the lake.
The bass fishing is excellent all year for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. In fact, the smallmouth bass fishing has been improving and it’s not unusual to catch five to 10 smallmouth a day. The lake also has a good population of crappie and catfish. In fact, some of the best crappie fishing is right at the boat ramp.
There are several flooded old roadbeds in the north end of the lake over which the bass suspend. A plastic worm or spinnerbait worked above these gravel areas will usually draw an arm-jolting strike. Other fishermen prefer to shake a plastic worm off the rocky points or tight to the base of the flooded trees.
Another big attraction is the wildlife around the lake. There are a number of osprey nests and even a bald eagles and golden eagles. Deer are often seen feeding along the shoreline. Best of all, there isn’t a single house on the entire shoreline.
This is a lake strictly for the recreational fishermen. There is a 10 mph hour speed limit on the entire lake, but no restrictions on boat or motor size. The lake has two boat ramps (one at the dam and another at the north end of the lake). The ramp at the north end can accommodate boats up to 18 feet but the road into the area is narrow and twisting. It’s more for cartop or small, trailered boats than large bass boats. Launching costs $6.
The ramp at the dam can handle all types of boats and trailers and there is a launching fee. A campground at the dam can accommodate travel trailers or RVs..
Boats can be launched at the ramp located at the dam. The fee for day use and launching is $6 per day.
The lake can be reached off Highway 20 on Walker Ridge Road. To reach the north end, take Bartlett Springs Road out of Nice.
