Dorris Reservoir
- Status
- Closed Oct 1-Jan 31
- Boating season
- April 1-Sept 30
- Launches
- Two
- Not allowed
- Jet skis, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing
- Boat launch
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Wildlife & birding
About this lake
Status: Dorris Reservoir is closed to all public use from October 1 through January 31, during waterfowl hunting season, to give wildlife extra sanctuary. Walk-in access starts February 1, and boating opens April 1.
Dorris Reservoir is about 1,000 acres when full, on the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge near Alturas.
On the water
Boating is open April 1 through September 30, from two boat launches. No-wake zones in coves are marked with buoys to protect goose broods. Personal watercraft, waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing are prohibited. Swimming is allowed in open areas April through September. Fishing follows the state season, with walk-in access only February 1 to March 31; anglers catch largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and rainbow trout.
Nesting closures
Shoreline areas, islands and peninsulas with nesting waterfowl are signed and closed March 1 through May 31. Most of the lakeshore is private, so park in designated areas and walk to the water. Pets must be leashed; pack out your trash.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Dorris Reservoir is on the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge near Alturas, off County Road 56.
Mussel sticker
Registered boats used in fresh water need a current California Mussel Fee Sticker. Arrive clean, drained and dry.
- Size
- About 1,000 acres full
- Refuge office
- (530) 233-4143
What's here
Launch
Two boat launches
Fishing
Bass, catfish, sunfish, rainbow trout
Swimming
Swimming April to September
Wildlife
National wildlife refuge
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Reservoir closed to all public use October 1 through January 31; boating open April 1 through September 30; no-wake zones in buoyed coves; personal watercraft, waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing prohibitedfws.gov ↗
- Nesting areas signed and closed March 1 through May 31; pets leashed; pack in, pack outfws.gov ↗
- Fishing February to September 30; walk-in only February 1 to March 31fws.gov ↗
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration stickerdbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
Reviews
N/A
0 reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what to expect.