Copco Lake, California, USA

Copco Lake is tucked snugly away into the mountainous country of northern California’s Shasta Cascade region. The region, named after the indigenous Shasta people who left their marks on the land, is a wonderland of wide open spaces and natural beauty, inviting those who are looking for a place to relax, rewind or embark on some truly remarkable adventure. Copco Lake, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of…
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    • All About Copco Lake, CA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - California - Shasta Cascade Region, CA -

    Copco Lake is tucked snugly away into the mountainous country of northern California’s Shasta Cascade region. The region, named after the indigenous Shasta people who left their marks on the land, is a wonderland of wide open spaces and natural beauty, inviting those who are looking for a place to relax, rewind or embark on some truly remarkable adventure.

    Copco Lake, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of gently sloping hills covered by scattered pine, was formed by a dam on the Klamath River in 1917. “Copco” is actually the acronym of the California Oregon Power Company, now merged with PacifiCorp which regulates the dam for energy usage. In the 1960s, the company formed another lake, Copco Lake’s neighbor, Irongate. The two lakes are rich repositories of yellow perch, a unique trait since yellow perch is generally rare in California.

    Fishing is altogether exceptional on the Klamath River, which has been designated a Wild Trout River on the stretch that runs from the nearby Oregon border to Copco Lake. Trout is also abundant in the lake, and in addition to the countless perch, there are thriving populations of bass and catfish.

    The scenic Klamath River rises in Oregon and flows southwest through northern California where it is dammed at Copco Lake. Along with its great fishing opportunities, it is also known for its superb white water rafting experiences. As you rush along the changing currents, indulge in the beauty of the changing landscape, from river caves and high cliffs and mountain slopes to redwoods.

    The hilly landscape around Copco Lake offers great terrain for hiking. As you hike, watch for a variety of wildlife. Black-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, porcupines, beavers, otters, muskrats and turtles are some of the animals that call the area home. Coyotes are not quite as common but can still be sighted and, rarely, one might happen upon a bear or mountain lion. A plenitude of birds offers much opportunity for bird watching. On and around the lake you will find Canadian geese, white pelicans, ducks, owls, quail, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, hawks, wild turkeys and eagles.

    Other activities offered by the Shasta Cascade region include mountain biking, hunting, winter sports, caving and horseback riding. Visit some of the exceptional wineries or breweries in the region; stop to peruse in intriguing museums and discover historic towns. Yreka, just southwest of Copco Lake is a charming and beautiful historic town. The town, prominent during the gold rush era, has been well preserved and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. It is also a gateway to tons of recreational activities and home to breathtaking scenery.

    Copco Lake has a small community of people living around it. Real estate is available with options for lakefront lots or homes with beautiful panoramic views. Rise with the sun to see a vast expanse of sky, miles of nature’s beauty beyond the hills and the sparkle of the water…all just outside your window.

    Things to Do at Copco Lake

    These are some activities in the Copco Lake, CA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Copco Lake?

    Copco Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Catfish
    • Perch
    • Trout
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Copco Lake

    If you’re considering a Copco Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Copco Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Copco Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Copco Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: PacifiCorp

    Surface Area: 1,000 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,607 feet

    Maximum Depth: 75 feet

    Water Volume: 46,867 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1922

    Drainage Area: 4,300 sq. miles

    Copco Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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