What Intake II is and where to find it

Intake II Reservoir is a small impoundment on the Pit River in Modoc County, in the far northeastern corner of California. It sits about 15 miles south of the town of Alturas, accessible by a short drive from Highway 299. The reservoir covers roughly 900 surface acres when full, though water levels fluctuate seasonally and year to year depending on irrigation demand and snowmelt from the surrounding high desert plateau.

The landscape around Intake II is typical of the Modoc Plateau — sagebrush, juniper, and scattered ponderosa pine at elevations between 4,000 and 4,500 feet. The nearest services are in Alturas, which has gas, groceries, and a few motels. Cell service is spotty. The drive from Redding takes about three hours; from the Bay Area, plan on five to six hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Intake II holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with rainbow trout and brown trout, making it a mixed warm-water and cold-water fishery.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer heat pushes bass deep, and winter ice can make access difficult.
  • A California fishing license is required, and the reservoir is open year-round, but water levels drop significantly by late summer.
  • The main boat launch is at the south end near the dam; a smaller unimproved launch exists at the north end, and bank access is available but limited.
  • Regulations change annually, so check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go.

Fish species and seasonal patterns

Intake II supports both warm-water and cold-water species. Largemouth bass are the primary draw for many anglers; they inhabit the shallower, weedier sections of the reservoir, particularly around the northern arms where the Pit River enters. Smallmouth bass are also present and often hold on rocky points and drop-offs. Rainbow trout and brown trout were stocked historically and still exist in the deeper, cooler sections, though they are less abundant than bass.

Spring (April through May) is typically the strongest season. Bass move into shallower water to spawn, and they feed aggressively before and after. Fall (September through October) is the second-best window, when cooling water temperatures trigger another feeding period. Summer heat pushes bass deep and makes them sluggish; early morning and late evening are your only reliable windows. Winter can be productive if the reservoir does not freeze over, but ice formation is common in December and January, and access becomes difficult.

Access points and boat launching

The primary public boat launch is at Intake II Dam Recreation Area, located at the south end of the reservoir. This is a developed site with a paved launch ramp, parking for vehicles and trailers, and basic facilities. The launch fee is typically a few dollars per day, though this can change. From Alturas, take Highway 299 east, then follow signs south toward the dam.

A second, unimproved launch exists at the north end of the reservoir near where the Pit River enters. This is rougher and better suited to smaller boats or kayaks. Bank access is limited; most of the shoreline is private or difficult to reach on foot. A few pullouts exist along the access road, but they offer limited fishing opportunity. If you do not have a boat, the dam area and immediate surroundings are your best bet for shore fishing.

Regulations and licensing

You must have a valid California fishing license to fish Intake II. Licenses are sold online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at some local retailers in Alturas. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting briefly.

Bass regulations, trout regulations, and daily catch limits change annually. As of recent years, bass typically have a 12-inch minimum size limit with a daily bag limit of five fish, but this varies. Trout regulations are separate and often more restrictive. Before you fish, check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations online or call their regional office. Regulations posted at the boat launch are usually current, but do not rely on them alone if they look old.

Tackle and techniques that work

For bass, medium-power spinning rods with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line are standard. Soft plastics — 4- to 6-inch worms, crawdads, and shad imitations — work well in spring and fall. Crankbaits that mimic baitfish are effective when bass are feeding in shallower water. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can produce in low-light conditions. If you are targeting trout, lighter tackle (5- to 8-pound line) and smaller lures or spinners are more effective.

Structure matters. Focus on rocky points, submerged logs, and the deeper edges where shallow flats drop off. The northern arms of the reservoir, where the Pit River flows in, often hold more fish because of current and cooler water. Early morning and late evening are more productive than midday, especially in summer.

When water levels drop and what to expect

Intake II is managed for irrigation, so water levels decline significantly from June through September. By late August, the reservoir may be 20 to 30 percent below full pool. This concentrates fish into deeper sections, which can actually improve fishing if you know where to look, but it also shrinks the usable area and can make some launch ramps difficult to use. Check current water levels before you go; the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation publishes daily updates online.

Winter snowfall in the Modoc Plateau can be heavy, and ice formation is common. If you are planning a winter trip, call ahead to confirm the reservoir is not frozen over and that the access road is passable. Spring runoff (April and May) can raise water levels quickly and make the water turbid, which can slow fishing temporarily.

Nearby alternatives if Intake II is not ideal

If Intake II is too low, too cold, or too crowded, several other waters are within an hour's drive. Lake Britton, about 20 miles south, is larger and more developed, with better facilities and more consistent water levels. Medicine Lake, about 30 miles northeast, is a high-elevation alpine lake with cutthroat and rainbow trout. The Pit River itself offers fly-fishing and spin-fishing for trout and smallmouth bass in sections both upstream and downstream of Intake II.

Each of these waters has different seasonal patterns and species composition. Lake Britton tends to hold larger bass and is more forgiving during low-water periods. Medicine Lake is colder and higher, so it fishes best in summer when Intake II is too warm. The Pit River offers a different experience entirely — moving water, smaller fish, and more technical casting — but it can be productive when the reservoir is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Intake II?

No, but a boat gives you much better access. Bank fishing is possible near the dam and at a few pullouts along the access road, but you will be limited to shallow water and edges. Most productive fishing requires reaching deeper structure and the northern arms, which are difficult or impossible to reach on foot.

What is the best time of year to fish Intake II?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Bass are active and feeding, water temperatures are moderate, and access is usually good. Summer can be slow because heat pushes fish deep. Winter is possible but weather and ice can make access unreliable.

How far is Intake II from major towns?

Alturas is the nearest town, about 15 miles north. Redding is roughly 90 miles south. The Bay Area is 300+ miles away. Plan on a full day of driving if you are coming from the coast. Alturas has basic services, but do not expect restaurants or lodging beyond a few small motels.

Can I fish Intake II in winter?

Yes, but conditions are unpredictable. Ice formation is common from December through February, and the access road can be snow-packed or impassable. Call ahead to confirm the reservoir is open and accessible. If it is ice-free, winter fishing can be good because fish are concentrated in deeper water.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Bass typically range from 10 to 16 inches, with occasional larger fish. Trout, if you find them, are usually 10 to 14 inches. Intake II is not known for trophy fish, but it offers steady action for anglers willing to work the structure and time their visit to the right season.