Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Plumas County, California, Lake Davis Wildlife Area encompasses the upland and aquatic habitats surrounding Lake Davis, a reservoir created by the damming of Big Grizzly Creek. The area covers roughly 1,700 acres of public land managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Surrounded by the dense forests of the Sierra Nevada, the Wildlife Area supports a variety of ecosystems including mixed conifer woodlands, montane meadows, and aquatic habitats. Lake Davis is renowned for its trout fishing, particularly rainbow and brown trout that have made the lake a popular destination for anglers. The surrounding uplands provide important habitat for mule deer, black bear, eagles, osprey, and numerous songbird species. Historically, the lake was created in the 1960s to supply water to the nearby town of Portola and for flood control, but it has since become a key recreational and wildlife area. Visitors come to fish, boat, hike, and observe wildlife in a scenic Sierra Nevada setting. Several accessible trails and campgrounds offer opportunities for day use and overnight stays. Hunting and other wildlife management activities occur seasonally under state regulations. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking a combination of phenomenal fishing, birdwatching, and quiet nature escapes at moderate elevation around 5,100 feet. Lake Davis Wildlife Area offers a peaceful gateway into the larger Plumas National Forest region for outdoor adventurers.
