China Lake #1 is a lake in Custer County, Idaho.
China Lake #1 is a lake in Custer County, Idaho and covers about 1.11 acres.
The small size of China Lake #1 makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle.
On a slow shoreline pass near an open-water edge where two features meet, the fish mix is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.
On a warm summer afternoon near a firm-bottom flat with stable weather, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.
On a low-light period near a clean gravel patch where food is present, use wind as a clue; a light push can carry food toward a bank, but hard wind may muddy it, so look for a clean edge near a point or protected pocket.
While using a simple look at cover and depth near a channel bend away from empty shoreline, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.
On a methodical search near a channel bend under flat light, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.
On a steady fall day near the first break after a cold night, record the wind, water color, depth along the active edge, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.