Bucks Lake Fishing Report 2026: Bucks, Davis & Frenchman Guide

Bucks Lake California: Trout Fishing Guide for 3 Lakes

These three decent-sized lakes offer outstanding trout fishing just outside the Portola-Quincy area. Frenchman and Davis sit to the east on the way to Reno. Bucks Lake lies to the west, heading toward Oroville.

Bucks Lake CA

Bucks holds a good stock of rainbows, some big browns, and the occasional brookie. Lead core line and downriggers are the most consistent ways to reach them. Run blades with crawlers, or jointed Rebels, on these deep-water rigs.

Start around Haskin’s Cove and the mouth of Mill Creek — both areas should hold fish. In summer, troll a Needlefish on lead core for kokanee.

Lake Frenchman

Frenchman is loaded with 10 to 12 inch planter-sized rainbows. Blades trailing a few redworms produce limits on a regular basis. You can also fan-cast small gold spoons like the Phoebe or Kastmaster. Gold-bladed Panther Martin and Mepps spinners work just as well.

Bait anglers rack up fish here too. Fish Zeke’s floating baits on a sliding egg sinker with a light 2 pound test leader. In winter, try ice fishing off the dam. Cheese, salmon eggs, and redworms all get bit.

Lake Davis

Davis has quietly built a reputation as a “sleeper” trophy fishery. It holds substantial numbers of 2 to 4 pound rainbows, plus a smaller group of browns reaching double-digit weights.

Davis fishes best in early spring. By mid-summer, heavy weed growth makes trout fishing tough, though not impossible. At the height of the season, top-line trolling is the key method.

Pull lake trolls — especially prismlite finishes like the Les Davis Bolo series — around Camp #5, Lightning Tree, and the island. Half a nightcrawler is the best all-around trailer. A Needlefish also produces on lead core behind a set of blades, fished clean or laced with a chunk of crawler.

Rapalas and Rebels take Davis trout on the troll in both floating and sinking models. Fly fishers prefer to drift or slow-troll Wooly Worms or Wooly Buggers. Brown, black, and olive bodies have always been the most effective.

Seasonal Patterns and Peak Fishing Windows

Spring and early summer are prime time on all three lakes. Bucks, Davis, and Frenchman warm fast, and trout and kokanee feed actively.

Bucks Lake sits at higher elevation and often stays cold until late May. Once the surface hits the mid-50s, kokanee and browns chase plankton near the top. Troll early in the morning, before the afternoon thermocline sets in.

Lake Davis opens strong in May and peaks through September for trophy trout. Morning and evening temperature breaks are the best windows. Frenchman stays cooler and gives consistent trout action through June, until summer algae blooms slow things down. Fall brings a second rush once cooler air stabilizes the water column.

Check lake-specific stocking reports and local weather before heading out. Weather swings weekly up here, so build some flexibility into your plans.

Camping, Lodging, and Nearby Amenities

You can pair any of these lakes with a comfortable stay. Bucks Lake Resort offers cabins and tent sites a short walk from the water, plus a general store for last-minute gear.

Lake Davis Campground near Portola is popular with RVs and tents. It has potable water, picnic tables, and bait shops close by — book early for July weekends. Frenchman Lake Resort provides camping, cabin rentals, and a marina. Nearby Quincy has motels, restaurants, and grocery stores for supplies.

Want a more remote trip? Look at dispersed camping in Lassen National Forest near Bucks or Frenchman, and pack out all your trash. Bring a cooler for fresh trout and plan dinner around a sunset shoreline.

Access Routes, Boat Ramps, and Directions

All three lakes are reachable by vehicle, but some roads are narrow and winding. Bucks Lake is reached via Highway 70, then Bucks Lake Road. The main boat ramp sits near the resort, with a secondary launch by the marina.

Lake Davis is accessed from Highway 70 at Portola. Follow Davis Creek Road to the public boat ramps at Diamond Point and East Side. Frenchman Lake lies off Highway 89 near Quincy. The main ramp is at Frenchman Lake Resort, with a secondary ramp slightly downstream — arrive early in high season to beat ramp congestion.

Most ramps have plenty of parking for trucks and trailers. In spring, double-check road conditions for snow patches on the upper-elevation drives.

Trophy Trout Tactics for Lake Davis and Bucks Lake

Trophy trout at Davis and Bucks reward a methodical approach. Troll spoons like the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile or Thomas Buoyant with light dipsy divers in 20–35 feet of water. Target mid-water temperature breaks where trout stack up.

At Bucks, drag crawlers or soft plastics near submerged structure early in the morning. Browns and rainbows cruise deeper at midday, so switch to deeper-running spinners like the Mepps Black Fury around 40 feet.

At Lake Davis, downsize to a 4–6 lb fluorocarbon leader for spooky trout. Pair it with flashers loaded with PowerBait or cured salmon eggs for slow-rolling presentations. Night fishing can produce big trout too — try a larger fly or beadhead nymph under an indicator near creek inflows.

Rotate lures after a few casts. Trophy trout often key on fast-reactive offerings before they settle.

Tackle, Lures, and Presentation Tips

Light to medium-action rods with sensitive tips let you feel the subtle strikes common on these lakes. For Bucks and Davis, run 6–8 lb braid with a 4–6 lb fluorocarbon leader. That setup keeps sensitivity while still controlling deep-diving spoons.

At Frenchman, use inline spinners like Mepps or Rooster Tails in rainbow patterns for shallow trolling. Marabou jigs and soft plastics work great when vertical jigging near drop-offs.

Suspended trout favor slow, steady retrieves. Let a spoon pause for 2–3 seconds, then reel slowly — trout often hit on the pause. A depth finder is invaluable: mark fish arches, then return later with the same setup. Don’t overlook live bait either. A nightcrawler or salmon egg on a slip bobber can trigger trout lingering near inflows.

Regulations, Permits, and Catch Limits

Before you cast, make sure you have a California sport fishing license with the trout stamp. You can buy one online or at sporting shops near the lakes.

All three lakes fall under California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations. The standard trout daily limit is five fish, except where special rules set lower limits — always check the posted signs at ramp entrances.

Lake Davis often has special salmon or trout retention seasons. Review the current regulation guide for closure dates or gear restrictions, such as no-bait areas. Report any tagged fish per CDFW instructions, and confirm the rules before every trip.

Information:

Plumas County Chamber of Commerce, Box 1018, Quincy, CA. 95971, (916)283-2045.

Related California Lake Guides

Planning a multi-lake trip or exploring more Sierra Nevada fishing? Check out these resources:

• California Fishing Guide 2026 - Complete guide to 60+ California lakes, rivers, and fishing spots with species info, seasons, and local tips.
• Little Grass Valley Reservoir - Trophy browns nearby in the Plumas National Forest.
• Lake Almanor - Premier trophy trout destination with German browns over 10 lbs.
• Northern Sierra Fishing Guide - Overview of high-elevation Sierra trout waters.