Fishing & Foothill Lakes

15–40 minutes from Grass Valley RV Resort

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Outdoors & Water · Quick Facts

Closest lake: Scotts Flat Lake — about 20 minutes
Fish species: Rainbow & brown trout, smallmouth & largemouth bass, kokanee
Licenses: California fishing license required (16+); sold at local shops
Rentals: Kayaks, SUPs & fishing boats at Scotts Flat and Rollins marinas
Season: Year-round fishing; best April–June and September–October

The Sierra foothills around Grass Valley are stitched with reservoirs that turn a lazy resort morning into a fishing trip, a paddle, or a beach day — all within about forty minutes of your site. Three lakes anchor the lineup: Scotts Flat, Rollins, and Englebright, each with its own personality and its own fans among our returning guests.

Scotts Flat Lake, twenty minutes away above Nevada City, is the local favorite — 850 acres of pine-ringed water stocked with rainbow trout, plus bass, kokanee, and a sandy day-use beach that's ideal for families. The marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats by the hour.

Rollins Lake, east of Colfax off Highway 174, spreads through four arms of drowned river canyon — good news for anglers, because there's always a quiet cove somewhere. Englebright, farther west on the Yuba, is a boat-in specialty lake famous for its houseboat coves and steep, scenic canyon walls.

Where to Fish & Paddle

For trout, work Scotts Flat's dam-side depths in the cool months and troll for kokanee mid-lake in summer; shore anglers do well near the campground points right after spring stockings. Rollins fishes best for bass — smallmouth around rocky points, largemouth back in the arms — and the Bear River inlet holds trout when the water runs cool. Englebright's 24 miles of shoreline are boat-access; rent or launch and you'll have entire coves to yourself midweek.

Paddlers should aim for early morning, when all three lakes go glassy. The upper Bear River arm at Rollins and the narrows of Englebright's canyon are the standout flatwater tours, with herons, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle for company.

Logistics from the Resort

Grab your California fishing license and current conditions from the sporting-goods shops in Grass Valley before heading up — they'll tell you honestly what's biting and on what. Day-use fees at the lakes are modest, and every launch is an easy drive with a boat or kayaks in tow.

The classic guest itinerary: fish or paddle the morning at Scotts Flat, picnic at the beach, then loop back through Nevada City for coffee and a stroll — you're back at the resort in time for a swim in the heated pool before dinner.

From Our Front Desk

Insider Tips

Buy your fishing license and get real-time intel at the tackle shops in Grass Valley — local knowledge beats any app.
Mornings are everything: glassy water for paddling, active fish, and free parking spots at the beaches.
Scotts Flat's day-use beach is the best family lake day near the resort; bring shade for July afternoons.
Midweek at Englebright feels like a private lake — rent a boat and explore the canyon coves.

Good to Know

Fishing & Lakes FAQs

Which lake is closest to Grass Valley RV Resort?

Scotts Flat Lake is about 20 minutes away above Nevada City, with a marina, boat and kayak rentals, a sandy swim beach, and stocked rainbow trout. Rollins Lake is about 25 minutes and Englebright about 40.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes — anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license, available at sporting-goods stores in Grass Valley or online through CDFW. Shops can also point you to what's biting.

Can I rent a boat or kayak nearby?

Yes. The marinas at Scotts Flat Lake and Rollins Lake rent kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats by the hour or day in season; Englebright's marina rents boats for exploring its canyon coves.