Welcome!
Dorris Reservoir provides a
number of recreational activities including, fishing, birdwatching and
boating.
In an effort to resolve conflicts
between recreational users and wildlife - particularly brooding ducks
and geese - and to ensure that permitted activities are compatible with
the purpose of the Refuge, we ask visitors to the Reservoir for their
cooperation in obeying the following:
Reservoir Access
The Reservoir is closed to
all public use during waterfowl hunting season, from October 1st through
January 31st, to provide an additional sanctuary for wildlife.
Walk-in access is allowed beginning
on February 1st.
Shoreline areas, islands, and
peninsulas with nesting waterfowl are signed and closed to public access
during waterfowl nesting season, March 1 through May 31.
Licensed motorized vehicles
are permitted on designated roads between April 1 and September 30. To
protect wildlife habitat and plant and animal life, and to reduce soil
erosion, off-road vehicle travel is not allowed.
Fishing is permitted at the
Reservoir during the regular California State season with all State fishing
regulations applicable.
Boating is open April 1 through
September 30. There are two boat launches and two other vehicle access
points to the Reservoir. No-wake zones in coves are designated with buoys
to protect goose broods and other wildlife.
Bicycles and mountain bikes
are allowed April 1 through September 30 on roads designated for motor
vehicles. No bike trails are available.
Horseback riding is allowed
April 1 through September 30 on roads and the designated trail across
the dam. This trail, between the north and south gates, provides safe
passage for riders and their horses off of Parker Creek Road.
Swimming is available in areas
open to public access June 1 through September 30.
Water-skiing is allowed from
June 1 through September 30 in areas designated for water-skiing. Personal
watercraft (jet skis, wave runners, sea-doos etc.) are prohibited.
General Guidelines
Please park in designated parking
areas and walk to the water's edge.
Most of the lakeshore is privately
owned. Please respect the private landowner's rights and obtain permission
to use their property.
For the benefit of wildlife
and other Refuge users, pets must be leashed at all times.
Please respect others by maintaining
the pack-in, pack-out policy for your trash. Littering is prohibited.
Come and Visit
You can reach the Reservoir
by taking Highway 395 south into Alturas. Turn east at the County Museum
onto County Road 56. Continue about 6 miles until you reach the Reservoir.
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