Lake fishing

Black Butte Lake Vacation Rentals

Black Butte Lake

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Black Butte Lake
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Why Rent On Black Butte Lake

Created in 1963 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Black Butte Lake sits just west of Orland and is framed by the gentle hills of Tehama and Glenn counties. Stretching over 4,400 acres, this reservoir was designed for flood control but has grown into a peaceful haven for outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Anglers regularly catch largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The Buckhorn Recreation Area and Orland Buttes Campground offer RV and tent sites with lake views. With no motor size restrictions, it’s a favorite for powerboaters and paddlers alike. The scenic drive is dotted with oak trees and wildflowers in spring, and the wide shoreline provides excellent space for picnicking and lakeside stargazing.

Best time to go
Visit Black Butte Lake from late spring to early fall, when sun-drenched days invite you to kayak across shimmering waters, fish amidst tranquil shores, and relish the sweet, fragrant air. This serene escape teems with vibrant wildflowers, while the mid-week quiet ensures intimacy with nature, unmarred by crowds.
Water Quality
Black Butte Lake's water exhibits a deep blue hue, with clarity ranging from murky to silty, often reducing visibility to less than 1 foot.
Surface area (mi)
11.18
Max depth (ft)
94
Elevation (ft)
511.81
Shoreline length (mi)
40.02

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Windsurfing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Black Butte Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Black Butte Lake, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so you swim at your own risk. The lake is popular for swimming, especially during warmer months.

  • Black Butte Lake is a popular destination because of its various outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. The lake is also known for its excellent warm water fishery, especially for crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.

  • In Black Butte Lake, California, you can only spearfish for specific types of fish, including carp, tilapia, goldfish, striped bass, Sacramento (Western) Sucker, Sacramento blackfish, hardhead, Sacramento pikeminnow, and lamprey. Spearfishing is allowed from May 1 through September 15 in this area. Other fish species are not permitted for spearfishing here.

  • There are no dog-friendly beaches on Black Butte Lake. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but there is a dog walk area at the campground. Dogs must be on a leash in permitted areas.

  • The nearest town to Black Butte Lake in California is Orland, which is about 8 miles east. Other nearby towns include Red Bluff, approximately 30 miles to the north, and smaller communities like Newville and Flournoy in the surrounding area.