US Forest Service

Mendocino National Forest

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Lake Red Bluff

[Photograph]: A lucky fisherman at Lake Red Bluff. Anglers/Campers Note: Lake Red Bluff is the scene of drag boat races during the Memorial Day weekend, and again in mid summer each year. If you are planning to camp and fish then, call the Forest or a district office first since the race dominates the Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area during those times.

Fish Species Present:

Sacramento River - Rainbow trout, steelhead, salmon, sturgeon, and shad.
Ben's Pond (about 3 acres) - Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Fishing Seasons:

Consult the state fishing regulations for specific regulations. No fishing is allowed in the River near the dam. Salmon and trout fishing is usually best August through October. Shad can be caught below the diversion dam in May and June. Trout and a variety of nongame fish inhabit this stretch of the river year-round. The warm water fish in the small pond are also fishable year-round.

Boating:

There are two boat launches at the Red Bluff site, one upstream of the dam and the other downstream of the dam. The Sacramento River, from the Delta to the city of Redding, is accessible from Lake Red Bluff.

Fish Viewing Plaza:

[Photograph]: An angler in a boat holding up a large fish. From May 15 through September 15, you can see migrating fish passing through the fish ladder and find out the various species migrating and numbers on a daily basis at the fish viewing plaza operated by US Fish and Wildlife Service. Thousands of salmon and steelhead can be seen here every year. The fish are examined and released by biologists each morning. Peak viewing opportunities are between about 8 and 10 a.m. from late July to September 15. After September 15, the gates are in the up position allowing fish free passage upstream and downstream.

Below the Dam: Try the river bank above the boat launch at the Sycamore Grove day-use area. Early evening is the best time to see salmon roll and splash in August and mid-September. Ospreys, herons, kingfishers, and otters may be seen watching for a fish dinner as well.

Ben's Pond:

Visit the pond near the group camp. It's a short hike down the Nature Trail to the point where the trail turns away from the river and riparian forest. The pond is home to a varied community of largemouth bass,bluegill and frogs which can be seen if you walk quietly along the banks.

Discovery Center:

Stop by the Sacramento River Discovery Center to see the huge Chinook salmon on exhibit! The center also boasts a number of displays about the Sacramento River Basin and handouts for the kids about boating, fish, and many other topics!

Map:

This map is designed to print well to a color inkjet printer.

[Map]: Printable Map of Lake Red Bluff area.

Directions:

Lake Red Bluff is 5 minutes from I-5 on the east side of the interstate and the Sacramento River. Take the Lassen Park exit to the first stoplight, make a right on Sale Lane, go 1½ mile south and you will see gate and sign, "Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area."

Radio:

[Photograph]: Diversion Dam at Lake Red Bluff. While at, or near the Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area, tune to 530 on your AM radio dial for information and important updates.

Camping:

Sycamore Campground offers 30 beautiful sites that are convenient, clean and new. Campsites can accommodate RV's/trailers up to 40', as well as tents with a fee of $10 per night. Sites available are on first come first serve basis. Our deluxe comfort station has showers and flush toilets and are designed and operated for overnight customers.
Advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling (530) 527-1196, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

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