About Davis Lake

Lake Davis was created in 1967 by the damming of Grizzly Creek near Portola CA.  Portola which is located on Hwy 70, sits near the Sierra Crest about 50 miles northwest of Reno NV.  Lake Davis is a part of the California Water Project and impounds water that is released into the Feather River. The CDFG estimated that the fishery yield to anglers was 40 lbs for every pound that had been stocked.  That’s phenomenal growth by any standards. 

The shallow western shore of the lake offers the best fly fishing.  A road parallels, somewhat inland, the western shoreline with several dirt or gravel roads that let you turn east to the lake shore.  

The west shore consists of a myriad of points and coves with relatively shallow water that attracts feeding fish.  In many places you can drive right up to the water.  Be aware that in the springtime, the roads  to the shoreline can become a quagmire so a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended. 

Even when the roads are dry, the many ruts can make it a difficult drive for vehicles with a low profile.  Most SUVs will make it fine, however.  Small boats and personal watercraft can be easily launched from the west shore, but those with trailered boats are advised to launch at one of the two boat ramps (Mallard Cove or Honker Cove) on the east shore and motor over, to eliminate the possibility of getting stuck in the west shore’s muck. 

In the spring or after ice out (which can be as early as mid February), the fish begin to become active and begin fattening up prior to the spawning season.  During this time they will take almost any nymph that’s stripped slowly just off of the bottom.  As water warms Calibaetis nymphs begin to become active. When summer is near the Damsel Flies and Caddis Flies start hatching.  Davis is famous for it’s Damsel Fly Hatch and the fish key on them.  In the last few years Hexagenia have become a significant hatch on the lake.  Hexagenia begin hatching in early June, where on other lakes in the area they don’t show up until late June or July.