Fishing near Chico, California
Butte County, population 101,475.
- 11 milesto nearest lake
- 8launches nearby
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Paradise Reservoir: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nearby fishing for Chico
With 101,475 people in 2020, Chico is a Butte County town. The closest CDFW lake is Paradise Park Pond, 11 miles east of town. For a boat, try Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, 7 miles away.
Lakes in reach of Chico
- Paradise Park Pond11 miles east, 0.5 acres
- Paradise Reservoir14 miles northeast, 165 acres
- Lely Aquatic Park Pond19 miles west, 1.5 acres
- Thermalito Forebay19 miles southeast, 563 acres
- Lake Oroville20 miles southeast, 15,378 acres
- Thermalito Afterbay21 miles south, 3,843 acres
Species CDFW flags on lakes near Chico
| Species | Nearby lakes flagged |
|---|---|
| Black bass | 4 |
| Hatchery trout | 4 |
| Catfish | 2 |
| Sunfish and crappie | 2 |
| Kokanee and inland salmon | 1 |
| Wild trout | 1 |
Rivers close to Chico
- Butte Creek, Butte County6 miles
- Sacramento River11 miles
- Deer Creek, Tehama County23 miles
- Big Butte Creek26 miles
Map around Chico
- Bidwell-Sacramento River State ParkSacramento River, 7 miles
- Big Chico Creek BTAFSacramento River, 7 miles
- Scotty's Boat LandingSacramento River, 8 miles
- Pine Creek LandingSacramento River, 8 miles
- Irvine Finch River AccessSacramento River, 10 miles
- Ord Bend ParkSacramento River, 13 miles
- Lake Oroville SRA (Lime Saddle)Lake Oroville, 15 miles
- Lake Oroville Marina (Lime Saddle Marina)Lake Oroville, 15 miles
Straight line distances from the Census point for Chico.
Flow near Chico
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Butte C Nr Chico Ca | 111 cfs, 0.60 ft gage height | Oct 12 5:00 pm |
| Deer C Nr Vina Ca | 96 cfs, 0.94 ft gage height | Oct 12 5:15 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 12, 2026 5:35 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Contacts in Chico
Bait counters close to Chico
- Fishing Foxbait and tackle shop, Chico, 1 mile
- Big 5 Sporting Goods #097sporting goods store, Chico, 2 miles
- Sportsman's Warehouse #232sporting goods store, Chico, 2 miles
- Fish First, 766 Mangrove Avebait and tackle shop, Chico, 2 miles
- DICK'S Sporting Goods #1089sporting goods store, Chico, 2 miles
- Sierra Stream & Mountainbait and tackle shop, Chico, 3 miles
- Chico Fly Fishing Co.fly shop, Chico, 3 miles
- The Tackle Boxbait and tackle shop, Chico, 3 miles
License sellers around Chico
- Walmart Store #2044department store, 3 miles
Hire a guide for Chico
- Fish Kevin Brockfreshwater / river guide, Chico, (800) 995-5543
- Frank Duarte Guide Servicefreshwater / river guide, Chico, (530) 894-1543
Trout plants around Chico
| Lake | Distance | Plant weeks | Last plant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Reservoir | 14 miles | 1 | 2026-02-22 |
| Bucks Lake | 34 miles | 3 | 2026-07-26 |
| Middle Three Lakes | 35 miles | 1 | 2025-09-28 |
| Upper Three Lakes | 35 miles | 1 | 2025-09-28 |
| Collins Lake | 39 miles | 3 | 2026-02-22 |
| Sly Creek Reservoir | 39 miles | 6 | 2026-03-01 |
CDFW Fish Planting Schedule, last 52 weeks.
Keeping fish near Chico
Inland seasons near Chico follow the Valley District.
| Species | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | All year |
| Trout | 5 a day | none | All year |
| Striped bass | 2 a day | 18 in minimum | All year except closures in special regulations |
| Sunfish and crappie | 25 a day | none | All year, except closures under district or special regulations |
| Catfish | no limit | none | All year, except closures under special regulations |
| Kokanee and inland salmon | 5 a day | none | All year |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations.
More near Chico
Where to stay near Chico
- Hamilton City10 miles
- Paradise11 miles
- Orland20 miles
- Corning23 miles
County guides covering Chico
- Butte Countyseat: Oroville
Shore and lake views by Chico
Photo: Bob n Renee, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: sterferg, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Bamboosuperhero, Public domain
What Chico visitors want to know
Which CDFW lake is closest to Chico?
Paradise Park Pond, 11 miles east.
Which launch lies closest to Chico?
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, roughly 7 miles away.
Is there a public pier by Chico?
None within 25 miles.
Where is the nearest tackle to Chico?
Start at Fishing Fox.
Do captains run trips from Chico?
2 guides and charters are based in Chico.
Which county government serves Chico?
The Butte County page covers it.
Where is fishing closed near Chico?
No MPA within 15 miles.
Where is the nearest stream to Chico?
Butte Creek, Butte County, 6 miles out.
What does a visitor license cost in Chico?
Visitors 16 and up can buy one day for $21.09 or two for $32.4.