Little Grass Valley Reservoir sits on the West Branch of the Feather River in the northern Sierra Nevada and was flooded after the completion of the Little Grass Valley Dam in the early 1960s. The earthen dam was constructed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to capture snowmelt, regulate downstream flows for hydropower generation, and create reliable storage for surrounding communities.
The reservoir’s original purpose also included supplemental irrigation and recreational access, and today it remains managed jointly by PG&E and Plumas National Forest, balancing catch-and-release fisheries with multi-use recreation. This dual management ensures both power generation and quality fishing experiences.
With five miles of shoreline hugging dense cedar and pine forests, the valley still retains the feel of a historic mining town. The abandoned logging roads and gold-rush relics in nearby La Porte and Clipper Mills hint at the area’s past, while the reservoir now provides modern amenities like paved launch ramps, ranger-led interpretive walks, and official trout stocking to keep anglers coming back year after year.
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is located roughly 80 air miles north of Sacramento and about 20 miles north of Quincy, California. From Marysville or Yuba City, take Highway 20 east to the Collins Lake/Little Grass Valley turnoff, then continue northeast on Quincy-La Porte Road (County Road E-21) for about 50 miles.
The final 10 miles climb into the high Sierra, where the road narrows, so keep an eye out for marked turnouts and expect shaded bridge crossings. This paved road is maintained year-round but is subject to snow and ice February through April.
From Chico and Oroville, follow Highway 70 to Stirling City, then take Forest Route 24 toward La Porte before connecting to Quincy-La Porte Road. Drivers coming from Reno should use Highway 395 to Susanville, Highway 36 west to Chester, and then Highway 89 south to Quincy before picking up Highway 70 to Stirling City.
Always check the Plumas National Forest conditions hotline and Caltrans roads page before departing, especially in wet or snowy seasons. Road conditions can change rapidly at high elevation.
Brown trout are the trophy species at Little Grass Valley. Fish in the 5 to 10 pound class show up regularly, and double-digit browns have been landed from the deeper sections of the lake.
They feed aggressively on kokanee and smaller trout, so presentations that mimic baitfish—such as large minnow plugs, spoons, and hoochies—perform well. Browns stage along the main-lake drop-offs from spring through fall and move into the inlet streams for fall spawning.
Fish early in the morning near structure and use electronics to hold on the thermocline in summer. These cautious predators require stealth and precise presentations.
Rainbow trout thrive in the cold, oxygenated water created by the reservoir’s snowmelt inputs. Stocked regularly through spring and early summer, rainbows tend to cruise shallower water in April and May before settling into mid-depth flats and points (20 to 40 feet) later in the season.
Trolled silver spinners, Kastmasters, and soft plastics in clear colors draw strikes from hungry rainbows when water temperatures are between 55 degrees F and 68 degrees F. These aggressive feeders provide consistent action throughout the season.
Kokanee provide some of the most consistent action from late spring through September. These landlocked sockeye stay in schools near the surface in spring and early summer, transitioning to depths of 40 to 80 feet when the reservoir stratifies.
Bright orange or chrome kokanee trolls paired with glow beads, or small hootchies tipped with anchovy, copy the small forage fish that kokanee chase. Focus on the long shoreline stretches near the inlet creeks and main lake points during the July-August kokanee push.
Trolling is the bread-and-butter method for reaching the large ice-age trout at Little Grass Valley. The lake spreads out into three large basins, so start with a depth chart in your fish finder to locate the thermocline and submerged structure.
Use the following general depth guide for optimal results. Spring (April to May) targets 20 to 35 feet, focusing on banks off points and creek mouths.
Early summer (June to July) requires 35 to 60 feet, with downriggers or lead-core lines on the deeper humps. Late summer and fall (August to October) demand 60 to 80 feet as fish move to cooler bottom water, especially at the main-lake drop-offs.
Lure selection should include large minnow plugs like Rapala X-Raps, deep-diving Storm Thundersticks, and spoons such as the Williams Wabler. Add inline flashers ahead of hootchies for kokanee or use a dropper rig with a small minnow fly for rainbows.
Because the lake is relatively clear, add subtle glow or UV paint to glimmer in low light. In windy weather, slow down trolling speed to 1.5 to 2.5 mph to keep lures in the strike zone.
Bank fishing at Little Grass Valley can be phenomenal in spring and early summer, especially along Little Grass Valley Road, which loops around the entire shoreline. Top spots include the western access near the Lakeview Campground, where shallow rocks and submerged stumps concentrate trout when the reservoir is high.
The mouths of Indian Creek and Mine Creek on the eastern shore attract feeding browns and rainbows where cooler, oxygen-rich water flows in. The long northern point near the primary intake structure is ideal for casting spoons and buzzbaits in low light.
Bank anglers should pack long rods (7 to 8 feet) for casting heavier lures, plus waders for accessing the gravel shelves. Nighttime bank sessions are also productive mid-summer when browns cruise the shallows.
With four paved launch ramps, boat traffic concentrates around the Blooms Lake area and near each campground. Anchor off the main-lake humps in calm weather, and set up a three-line trolling spread for brown trout and kokanee.
In spring, run a shallow plug ahead of a downrigger bomb to hold rainbows in the upper 30 feet while a mid-depth spoon trails 10 to 15 feet deeper. When the wind kicks in, hold tight to coves on the leeward side and fish the rocks with jig-and-plastic presentations.
Fall boat trips benefit from topwater chuggers during low-light hours, while winter anglers (when the surface freezes over a few times) should consider ice blades or small spoons fished directly under float tubes. Adjust strategies to match seasonal conditions.
Little Grass Valley offers four developed campgrounds, all managed by Plumas National Forest and bookable through Recreation.gov. Each provides different advantages depending on your fishing and camping style.
Lakeview Campground located on the west shore provides several lakeside loops with shaded sites, picnic tables, bear-proof lockers, and flush toilets. Sites sit close to the paved launch ramp, making it easy to carry gear between boat and camp.
Indian Creek Campground found on the east shore serves anglers who prefer quick access to the creek mouth and deeper water of the central basin. March through October, rangers staff the site and offer fire rings, drinking water, and a camp host.
Little Grass Valley Campground sits on the south shore near the dam and features larger pull-through sites for RVs, amphitheater parking for group gatherings, and a short trail to the shoreline. This campground accommodates larger rigs and groups.
North Shore Campground offers a smaller loop north of the main basin that caters to paddlers and backpackers and includes vault toilets, tent-only sites, and easy access to the creekside picnic area. This quieter option suits anglers seeking solitude.
Book early for holiday weekends. All campgrounds share quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the forest service enforces no-wake zones beside the inlets to protect spawning trout.
Each campground has a paved ramp, and there are three public launch sites spaced around the lake to distribute traffic. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower on the reservoir; gas-powered vessels must use gasoline stored in approved containers, and portable fuel is recommended as there are no on-site fuel docks.
Overnight anchoring is permitted in designated areas but check for temporary closures or weed lines. Boaters must carry a California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing license, follow the special Big Fish Plan when targeting trophy trout, and respect the lake’s catch limits.
Consult the Plumas National Forest ranger station for any current advisories or no-motoring zones, particularly near the creek mouths where nesting waterfowl may be present. Regulations protect both fish populations and wildlife.
Spring (March to May) provides the best conditions for rainbows and early kokanee near creek mouths. Shore anglers find success with spinners and nightcrawlers, while boats troll 20 to 40 feet deep.
Summer (June to August) pushes browns and kokanee deeper. Troll 40 to 70 feet with downriggers, and watch for surface schools of kokanee near the main-lake points.
Fall (September to October) brings browns into shallows for spawning; slick water mornings reward topwater plugs and spoons. Cooler evenings bring kokanee and rainbows back up from the depths.
Winter (November to February) limits access after heavy snow, but hard-water anglers can still fish near the launch ramps when ice conditions allow. Use slow, vertical jigs near the dam wall where water stays cold.
The gateway community of La Porte, just south of the reservoir, hosts the La Porte Store and General Market, which stocks live bait, ice, propane, and firewood for last-minute trips. Quincy, 30 minutes away, has several hardware and sporting goods stores offering rods, reels, tackle, and packaged sockeyes.
The Plumas County Chamber of Commerce keeps an updated list of licensed guides operating out of Quincy, Graeagle, and Portola; many specialize in kokanee trolling or trophy trout outings and provide boats, electronics, and flying-spot charters. Professional guides significantly improve success rates for visiting anglers.
For non-tackle services, the La Porte Inn offers cabins, deli sandwiches, and a lounge for after-fishing meals, while the nearby Challenge and Oroville areas provide full-service marinas, grocery stores, and medical facilities in case of emergencies. Plan ahead for multi-day trips.
Beyond fishing, Little Grass Valley Reservoir serves as a gateway to wildlife viewing. Mule deer graze along the upland meadows in early morning, while osprey and bald eagles patrol the ridgelines.
Keep your eyes peeled for black bears around campgrounds; secure food in the bear-proof lockers. Additional activities include paddling the calm bays, mountain biking the logging roads that radiate from the lake, day hikes on the Little Grass Valley Trail, and gold panning in nearby creeks.
Winter visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski in the snowy meadows surrounding the reservoir. The area provides year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
At 5,040 feet elevation, the reservoir stays cool year-round. Spring brings runoff and lingering snowpack, so carry rain gear and extra layers.
Summers are warm (65 to 85 degrees F) but can shift quickly with afternoon thunderstorms, so anglers should pack rain jackets and sun protection. Fall cools fast, with morning temps often dipping into the 30s; keep a warm hat and gloves ready for dawn patrols.
Winter storms can dump snow above 2 feet, closing access temporarily, so always check the forest service website for road and campground status. High elevation weather changes rapidly and requires preparation.
From Sacramento/Marysville take Highway 20 east to the Collins Lake exit, then follow Quincy-La Porte Road (E-21) north for 50 miles. This paved road climbs steeply after La Porte; watch for blind curves and occasional rockslides.
From Chico/Oroville drive Highway 70 north to Stirling City, connect to Forest Route 24/La Porte Road, and link to E-21 near Spanish Ranch. This rural route crosses several one-lane bridges, so be prepared to yield and check for washing in spring rains.
From Tahoe/Reno use Highway 395 north to Susanville, then Highway 36 west to Chester and Highway 89 south to Quincy. Take Highway 70 to Stirling City and continue on La Porte Road to the reservoir entrance.
During shoulder seasons, carry chains or traction devices; plowing crews usually clear the road to the lake mid-morning, but the last few miles can remain snow-packed until mid-May. Cell coverage is spotty, so download maps ahead of time and bring a printed copy of the route.
Plumas National Forest, Challenge, CA 95925, (916) 258-6000 (call for current water levels, fire closures, and permitting).
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