Blue Lakes California Fishing, Boating, Camping

Anglers, boaters and campers cannot say enough good things about California's Blue Lakes (Lake County). Well known for its double lakes and prime fishing stream, Blue Lakes offers many opportunities for those seeking peaceful camping sites and good spots partake in boating. In fact, the list of recreation opportunities is seemingly endless, making Blue Lakes ideal for families.

Lakes are something California is renowned for, inviting visitors to enjoy such activities as camping, boating and fishing. In fact, Blue Lakes, located in Lake County, offers a broad array of things to do and see, including total relaxation and recreation. Blue Lakes is actually two lakes connected in the middle by a tiny stream, filled to the brim with many types of fish, perfect for anglers.

Blue Lakes are best experienced from spring through to the end of the summer. The best fishing times are ideally in the spring.

The lakes are actually two, connected in the center by a stream. The lower lake is refilled with two types of trout each year, but like the upper lake, it also has a fair supply of cutthroats and brookies. However, being much deeper and thus a better angling spot, the upper lake has larger numbers of fish.

Blue Lakes are carefully managed and maintained, providing ideal campgrounds and sites, with easy to drive backcountry roads and trails that circle along the embankments. Some trails go straight down to the water.

Other exciting activities make both the upper and lower lakes very popular with families, especially during the summer. Swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and rowing are amongst the favorites. However, boating speeds are limited and anyone with a power boat has to be cautious to avoid fines.

Campgrounds are located at varied spots around the lakes, but other lodgings such as cottage rentals, RV sites and motels are also available. Amenities and services in and around the lakes include tackle and bait stores, boat rentals, picnic grounds, trails for hiking, boat launches and beaches, and even one restaurant.

There are a total of 5 campgrounds, all operating on no reservation policies. They include the Lower Blue (17 spots), the Dam (110 spots), Middle Creek (5 spots), the expansion dam site (15 spots) and the Upper Blue (32 spots). The Lower Blue has extensive access and facilities for disabled people. However, none of these campgrounds have phone access, though washroom and fresh running water are available.

Anglers tend to prefer the Upper Blue Lake. Bait is commonly used, but the fish apparently prefer any morsels taken right from the lake's banks. The largest catch annually runs around the 3lb. range. Both lakes are naturally made and the dams have been providing hydroelectric power to local townships for over 67 years.

Both lakes open for the camping travelers from July to October. However, due to heavy snows and the lakes' consistent freezing, safety has led to the closure of the sites during the winter. However, this does not deter fishermen who revert to nightcrawlers and lures that flash in the darkness and can attract some fish. Generally trolling is the only way to catch the limited supplies.

Blue Lakes is sometimes used for a base location for fishermen choosing to visit other nearby lakes and rivers. Any fishing vacation to the lakes usually includes day visits to Lost, Tamarack, Rice and Twin Lakes, as well as the Carson and Mokelumne rivers.