Fly Fishing Specialties Forum

Fuller Lake is a small PG&E and NID reservior in Nevada County.  It is about an hour's drive east from the shop in Citrus Heights.  Fuller is the perfect size for float tubers.  If one wants to fish a lap around the lake, it can be done effectively in about an hour to an hour and a half's time.  It has gin clear waters which makes it perfect for sight fishing.  It is enforced by standard Sierra District regulations, so taking a planted trout for the frying pan is fair game.

Fuller has lots of trout.  It is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout, but there are holdover rainbows, too.  The average rainbows that are caught are 12".  However, there is a population of wild Brown Trout.  I have caught browns as large as 24", but the norm is around 14".

The usual fare of stillwater flies applies to Fuller.  It's always good to have buggers, leeches, soft hackles, and Sheep Creek Specials for stripping flies.  Generic nymphs, like Pheasant Tails or Prince Nymphs, work great if you wish to hang flies under indicators.  Also make sure to pack your flying ants, Callibaetis, and damselflies.

To get to Fuller from Sacramento County, drive eastbound on I-80 towards Truckee.  Take the CA-20 exit going to Grass Valley.  Turn right on Bowman Lakes Road.  Fuller is the first lake on the right.  It cannot be missed.  For best fishing, park at the second entrance which is the boat ramp access.  The feeder creek comes in on that side.

To operate the lake, PG&E charges $5.00 per carload of people.  The small fee is worth it to have a great fishery.  Due to its altitude, Fuller is open when snow is not on the road.  Generally May to November is the season for Fuller.