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Fishing

Fishing on all rivers, streams and lakes in the Six Rivers National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A current valid California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age. Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife for fishing seasons, limits, and licenses.

The white sections on the Forest Visitor's Map that are within Forest boundaries represent private land holdings at the time of publication. Through its land exchange program, the Forest Service continually works with landowners to negotiate exchanges of their holdings for federally owned lands of equal value. However, many of these holdings are still scattered throughout the Mendocino, and their owners often post their lands against hunting, fishing, or trespass.

Search for Fishing Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 30 results

Big Bar River Access

Fishing
Located approximately 8 miles downstream from Orleans, Big Bar offers a gravel dirt road to an excellent boat launch for drift and jet boats. There is an information kiosk, ample parking, and…

Big Rock Day Use Area & River Access

Site Open
Fishing Water Activities Picnicking
Located approximately 1/4 mile on Highway 96 from the Highway 299 intersection in the town of Willow Creek, Big Rock offers day use for those who want to spend the day on the Trinity River. It is…

Blue Lake

Fishing
Blue Lake lies in a beautiful mountain setting in the Orleans Ranger District. Surrounded mature trees and ferns, the lake is approximately 2.5 acres. Blue Lake is connected to Fish Lake via a 3.7…

Dillon Creek Campground

Site Open
Fishing Water Activities Hiking
This campground has several single-family campsites, all equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A host may be on-site. Roads…

Dillon Creek River Access

Fishing
This access is located approximately 24 miles upstream from Orleans, directly across the highway from Dillon Creek Campground. The access consists of a short foot trail down to the confluence of…

Dolan's Bar River Access

Fishing Water Activities
Located approximately 1.5 miles upriver from Orleans, this site offers river access for motorized and non-motorized boaters and anglers. From highway 96, river access is less than a mile away: down…

Dry Lake

Site Open
Fishing Water Activities
Dry Lake, encompassing 3.25 acres, lies in a quiet setting of willow, alder, oaks, firs, and myrtles (bay). The lake is currently stocked with rainbow trout. Maximum depth is nine feet. Dry lake is…

Eel River

Fishing
The Eel River makes its 100-mile long stretch through some of the most pristine redwood groves in the state. The mouth of the mighty river opens up 15 miles south of Eureka after weaving its path…

Fish Lake

Site Open
Fishing
Fish Lake is located in the southwestern portion of the Orleans Ranger District. As one of the most popular recreational areas on the District, Fish Lake offers camping, fishing and hiking on over 5…

Fish Lake Campground

Site Open
Fishing Hiking Water Activities
Most sites are suitable for both tent and RV camping. Vault toilets, drinking water, tables and combination fire ring grills are provided. There are no electric/water/sewer hookups nor showers at…

Last updated February 12, 2026