General
What is Five Dot Ranch Hunting & Fishing?
Five Dot Ranch Hunting & Fishing is a program of Five Dot Land & Cattle Co., a family ranching operation in Northeastern California dating back to 1852, formally established in Lassen County in 1959 and now run by the seventh generation of the same family. Hunting and fishing opportunities span multiple working ranch properties rather than a single fixed location – see The Ranch.
How do I book a hunt or fishing trip?
Send an email to [email protected], or submit a reservation inquiry online to get the process started – note that submitting an inquiry does not itself confirm a reservation.
Do I need an Access License?
It depends on the activity. Every angler, and every waterfowl hunter accessing Five Dot property through an outside guide or group, must submit a completed Access License before arriving – see the Waterfowl Access License or Fishing Access License. Big-game hunters don’t complete an online Access License – releases are coordinated directly as part of the trip-planning process for each hunt.
Is lodging available on the property?
No – Five Dot’s properties don’t offer on-site lodging. Most guests stay nearby in Susanville, CA. See Accommodations for a few options close to Round Valley Reservoir.
Is Five Dot Ranch a single property?
No. Five Dot’s ranching, hunting, and fishing operations span multiple working properties across Northeastern California. Fishing takes place at one fixed location, Round Valley Reservoir, while hunting locations vary by species, season, and confirmed reservation.
How can I contact Five Dot Ranch?
Email [email protected], submit a reservation inquiry online, or write to our mailing address (for payments, etc.): Five Dot Ranch, P.O. Box 50, Standish, CA 96128. For payment questions specifically – not reservations – call the ranch office at (530) 254-6987. All other correspondence should go through email or the online inquiry form.
Fishing
Where is Round Valley Reservoir?
Round Valley Reservoir is a 400-acre private stillwater fishery in a secluded upper-elevation basin roughly 17 miles north of Susanville, California, on Five Dot Ranch property.
What kind of fish will I catch?
The reservoir is stocked with trophy-class Triploid Rainbow Trout, commonly caught in the 2 to 5 pound range with some larger fish – one of California’s largest private stillwater trout fisheries.
What are the fishing rules?
Fishing is catch-and-release only, using barbless artificial flies and lures – no live bait. See Fishing Rules for the full list.
Do I need a fishing license?
A California fishing license is generally required in addition to the ranch’s Access License. Contact us if you have questions about current requirements.
What are the rates?
The individual day rate is $120 per person, per day, April 1 through November 15. Group rates are available – see Rates & Memberships for current pricing, or contact us for groups of 5 or more.
What does an annual membership include?
Memberships are held by groups of 9-14 anglers and include 30 fishing days per year – 5 days each in April, May, June, September, October, and November. Members don’t need to fish every allotted day. Membership is $1,000 per year, with enrollment limited to keep the water from feeling crowded. See Annual Fishing Membership for more.
Are boats available?
A limited number of aluminum boats are available on the water, powered by your own electric trolling motor – gasoline-powered motors aren’t allowed on the reservoir. You’re also welcome to bring your own float tube, personal pontoon boat, or small jon boat; trailered boats aren’t recommended, given the reservoir’s remote, secluded access.
Where should I stay?
There’s no on-site lodging – most anglers stay nearby in Susanville, CA. See Accommodations for a few nearby options.
Hunting
What hunting opportunities are currently available?
Five Dot’s hunting program offers annual Private Lands Management (PLM) tags for Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope across Five Dot properties in Lassen County. Mule Deer season runs late September through the end of November; Pronghorn Antelope season runs early August into September in the Lassen Unit. Upland bird hunting (pheasant and chukar) is no longer offered. Contact our hunting program managers, Brian Dougherty or Logan Swickard, at [email protected], for current and future opportunities.
What is the PLM program?
The Private Lands Management (PLM) program is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife program that works with private landowners on habitat improvements – such as water sources and native vegetation – in exchange for tags. PLM properties often offer expanded season dates and/or bag limits as a result. See Deer & Antelope Hunts for Five Dot’s own PLM program info.
Do I need a hunting license?
Yes. All hunters must possess a valid California hunting license, follow all state laws and regulations and follow any any Five Dot access requirements and Rules of Conduct for their hunt.
Do I need an Access License?
Big-game hunters (Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope) don’t complete an online Access License – releases are coordinated directly as part of the trip-planning process for each hunt. Waterfowl hunters accessing Five Dot property through an outside guide or group must submit a completed Waterfowl Access License before arriving.
Where exactly will I be hunting?
Hunting locations vary by species, season, and reservation across Five Dot’s properties. Exact meeting points and access instructions are provided directly to confirmed guests – please don’t attempt to access Five Dot properties without prior authorization. Contact us for additional information.
Can I bring a dog?
Policies vary by hunt type and property – contact us when booking to confirm what’s allowed for your specific hunt.
What are the rates?
Rates for Mule Deer and Pronghorn Antelope PLM tags are available by contacting us directly. See Rates & Memberships.
Where should I stay?
There’s no on-site lodging – most hunters stay nearby in Susanville, CA. See Accommodations for a few nearby options.