Lake Mendocino

Lake Mendocino

Mendocino, Mendocino County, CA
3mi²
231.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Lake Mendocino is a stunning reservoir nestled in the rolling hills of Mendocino County, California. Covering 1,920 acres, this vast body of water was created by the construction of the Coyote Valley Dam in 1958. The lake and dam serve many important functions, including flood control, water conservation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. One of the most popular recreational activities at Lake Mendocino is fishing. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Catfish, among others. Anglers can fish from the shore or take to the water in boats, kayaks, or canoes. Several boat ramps and fishing piers are available for public use. In addition to fishing, Lake Mendocino offers a wealth of other recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike or bike along the miles of trails that wind through the surrounding hills and valleys, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore. Picnic areas, playgrounds, and barbecue grills are available throughout the park, making it the perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic. The lake is also a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Boats of all sizes are welcome on the lake, and several boat ramps and marinas are available for public use. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports are popular activities on the lake, and visitors can rent boats, jet skis, and other equipment from local vendors. For those looking to spend a night or two at the lake, Lake Mendocino offers several campsites and RV parks. These facilities offer everything from basic tent camping to full RV hookups, and many offer amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. Whether you're looking for a rustic camping experience or all the comforts of home, Lake Mendocino has something to offer. Overall, Lake Mendocino is a beautiful and versatile destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're an angler, hiker, boater, or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax and unwind, this stunning reservoir is well worth a visit.

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Current Conditions

65°F°
Feels like 64°F°
MostlyClear
Today's High
69°F°
Today's Low
45°F°

Water Temperature

69°F
Updated: (May 11)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Lake Mendocino is 69°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind8 mph W (Gust 15 mph)
Pressure
30.04 inHg
Visibility21 mi
Humidity51%
Cloud Cover24%

Forecast: Wednesday, May 14

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
48°F°
10 AM
63°F°
1 PM
69°F°
4 PM
67°F°

Temperature

High
69°F°
Low
45°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

4mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
19mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed10 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise1:00 PM
Sunset3:18 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index6 (High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
4/5

Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

8:54 AM - 11:24 AM

4:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Minor Times (Good)

5:22 AM - 6:52 AM

1:22 PM - 2:52 PM

Outlook for Wednesday at Lake Mendocino

Expect temperatures ranging from 45°F to 69°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 4 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 19 mph. The maximum UV index will be 6 (High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 8:54 AM and 4:45 PM, or try the minor windows near 5:22 AM and 1:22 PM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Lake Mendocino.

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May 12th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
231 ft
Area
3 mi²
Coordinates
39.198, -123.181

Weather Forecast

Wednesday

69°F
45°F

Thursday

72°F
45°F

Friday

71°F
47°F

Saturday

63°F
48°F

Sunday

68°F
44°F

Monday

78°F
45°F

Tuesday

75°F
49°F

Wednesday

82°F
46°F

Thursday

83°F
51°F
Wednesday - 5/14/2025
69°F
45°F
12am
49°F
69°F
30.06 hPa
0 mph
NW
G: 1 mph
2am
47°F
69°F
30.05 hPa
0 mph
NNW
G: 1 mph
4am
45°F
69°F
30.05 hPa
1 mph
NE
G: 1 mph
6am
45°F
69°F
30.06 hPa
2 mph
N
G: 3 mph
8am
53°F
69°F
30.07 hPa
1 mph
NW
G: 4 mph
10am
63°F
69°F
30.09 hPa
3 mph
W
G: 5 mph
12pm
67°F
69°F
30.06 hPa
8 mph
WNW
G: 11 mph
2pm
68°F
69°F
30.05 hPa
10 mph
WNW
G: 19 mph
4pm
67°F
69°F
30.03 hPa
10 mph
WNW
G: 19 mph
6pm
64°F
69°F
30.02 hPa
9 mph
WNW
G: 17 mph
8pm
58°F
69°F
30.02 hPa
5 mph
WNW
G: 10 mph
10pm
52°F
69°F
30.04 hPa
3 mph
WNW
G: 7 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Lake Mendocino

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

44°F

On Jan 5

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

62°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (85°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (48°F).
  • Avg temps often suitable for swimming during July.
  • Rapid warming often occurs: June → July (+14°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-10°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

Wind Direction

316°

Pressure

1018 mb

Cloud Cover

9%

Visibility

16 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mendocino

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