McCumber Lake

Current Report   April 9, 2007 - Monday

You should be able to cast a damsel nymph or small leech around and catch something this time of year. May and June should be excellent this year.

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Lake Information

This small PG&E lake is 36 mile east on Hwy 44 out of Redding. There is a small sign on the right that says 'Camp McCumber' and the turn off is to the left. It is 1.7 mile into the lake where the small campground is at the dam end which is on the south end of the lake. There is a dirt road around the west side to the unimproved boat launch. The North Fork of Battle Creek flows into the north end of the lake making a deep channel that winds down the east side of the lake. In mid-summer the channel and open water at the dam is about all that is fishable. This small shallow weedy lake is 127 acres when full and 19 feet deep but on draught years it can get down to 25 acres and only 7 feet deep at the dam. McCumber has great callibaetis mayfly and damsel fly emergences plus is has a lot of big dragon flies. Depending on the snow pack and weather this can be a good place in May through July and then again in the Fall if it is not too low. This lake is perfect for float tubes, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks and small prams. No motors are allowed. If you like casting to working trout, this is a beautiful small lake you need to fish.

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Tackle

Have a 9' #4/5 weight rod with a floating line and a clear slow sinking line. Use 12' leaders to 5x or 6x for small flies on the surface. Under water use a '6 -7.5' 4x leader for stripping small to medium wet flies.

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McCumber Lake Map

• Google Map (click on 'satellite' at upper right)

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• The Fly Shop in Redding

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Guides

• Kiene's McCumber Lake Guide recommendations.