Best fished from a float tube, this nine-acre, low elevation lake has good weather and great fishing almost every day of the year!
This terrific fishing property lies at 3,200 ft in the foothills below the western slope of Mt Lassen National Park. It is a comfortable 50 minute drive from either Red Bluff or Redding, and is easily accessible by paved roads except for the last 200 hundred yards or so. This gravel portion leading to the front gate, and the mile long driveway leading to the lake, is passable to any 2 wheel drive vehicle. There is a cabin perched above the lake for our clients to use. This is the perfect get-a-way for any kind of group; providing fishing for the anglers, comfortable cabin and loads of hiking opportunities for the non-angler, plus site seeing at the nearby National and State Parks.
While the 2012 Ponderosa fire devastated the area, the scrub oaks and manzanita are making a comeback and the drive into the lake has views of Mt. Lassen making this is one of our more uniquely beautiful locations. Rock Creek itself runs right through the middle of the lake and provides a short spawning section for the lakes many browns and rainbows. The lake was built in the 30’s as a water source for a historic lumber mill, but now it is used only for the pleasure of our clients. It is quite deep where the creek channel runs, but a good part of it is around 12 ft deep and has wonderful weed beds, which are incredible insect factories. Over half the lake’s shore is covered in willows that harbor all sorts of insects, including terrestrials, plus any number of trout fry. You will always find many Rock Creek Lake rainbows and browns nosing in and around the willows looking for an easy meal. Each year we get reports of trout brought to net that measure in the 30 inch range. We also hear about those anglers that were towed around the lake for a while and then turned loose by a monster they never even got to see.
Hatches of one kind or another seem to occur every day of the season on Rock Creek Lake, and as a result one can use dry flies much of the time on this lake. See the section on seasons to get a detailed description of fishing Rock Creek Lake. Shore line fishing is only possible along one side of the lake, so you will need a float tube or pontoon craft to really fish the lake properly. Prams or any kind of boat is prohibited at Rock Creek Lake.
Headed out on your next adventure with us? The Fly ShopⓇ has you covered. As a thank you to our guide service, private waters and school guests, enjoy 15% off all retail purchases for a year! — the perfect chance to gear up before your trip.
Whether it’s flies, leaders, apparel or a new rod and reel outfit, we’ve got everything you need to make your journey more comfortable, more successful, and more fun. (some exclusions apply)
