The inspiring natural river-like beauty of
this mid-size reservoir, located near the
Oregon border on the Klamath River, provides
excellent opportunities for all skill levels
of paddlers. Iron Gate Reservoir is located
in Siskiyou County in the upper top section
of California. The reservoir is downstream
of Copco and is faster to reach from
Interstate 5.
The reservoir offers an abundance of
outdoor recreational opportunities in a
beautiful area, though it rarely gets
crowded due to its out of the way location.
Improved launching facilities are available,
and all boating is permitted but limited to
a 10mph speed restriction in most areas.
There is a slight current to contend with
when you paddle northeast toward Copco Lake,
which is located approximately 7-miles
east of Iron Gate Reservoir. Iron Gate
doesn’t receive a high volume of boat
traffic or campers.
For the kayak angler Iron Gate Reservoir is
best known for its an abundance of yellow
perch, trout, largemouth bass and catfish,
but it also hosts a healthy population of
native rainbow trout. Other species found in
the lake include bluegill and crappie.
Trolling from your kayak at the upper end of
the lake can usually land you a good size
rainbow trout in the 1 to 6 pound range.
Perch can usually be found in any location
throughout the year, but the spring and fall
is the ideal time of year to fish
or
them. Perch is typically in the 5 to 7 inch
range, and it isn’t uncommon to catch 20 or
more because there are so many of them.The
reservoir is visited mainly by local
fishermen and boaters.
Map of Irongate Reservoir
|