Indian Tom Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Tom Lake |
|
|---|---|
Indian Tom Lake from the North shore.
|
|
 Indian Tom Lake
Location in California
Indian Tom Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Butte Valley, Eastern Siskiyou County, California |
| Coordinates | 41°59′27″N 121°52′45″W / 41.9907°N 121.87917°W |
| Lake type | Endorheic Lake |
| Primary inflows | Hot creek |
| Primary outflows | evaporation, seepage to aquifer |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 500 acres (200 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 4088 feet (1246 meters), |
| Settlements | Dorris and Macdoel |
Indian Tom Lake is a natural, shallow lake in eastern Siskiyou County, California. It covers about 500 acres (2 square kilometers). This lake is what's left of a much bigger lake that once filled the whole valley. It gets its water from several small creeks during different seasons. Long ago, the Modoc people lived around this lake. Today, Indian Tom Lake is a public hunting area in California. People can hunt for ducks and geese there.
Where is Indian Tom Lake?
Indian Tom Lake is located within the Butte Valley Wildlife Area. This area is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Another lake, Meiss Lake, is also part of this wildlife area.
The lake is very close to California's border with Oregon. It is also near the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. You can find it where Highway 161 meets Dorris-Brownell Road. The lake is right in the middle of the Pacific Flyway. This is a major route that many birds use when they migrate.
How Does the Lake Get Water?
Indian Tom Lake does not have any rivers flowing out of it. This means its water is not used for things like watering crops. The lake is quite shallow and has a lot of salt, which makes it alkaline. Alkaline water has a high pH level.
Because of its unique water, the lake is home to tiny creatures called brine shrimp. These shrimp can live in very salty water.
Fishing at Indian Tom Lake
Indian Tom Lake is a popular spot for fishing. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife adds fish to the lake for people to catch. They often stock the lake with Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Sometimes, Eagle Lake trout from California's Eagle Lake are also put into Indian Tom Lake. Eagle Lake trout can handle water that is very alkaline. This makes them a good fit for Indian Tom Lake's salty conditions.
The best time to fish at Indian Tom Lake is usually in the spring. During this time, the water is clear, and the fish are active. As summer arrives, the lake's shallow water gets warmer. This can cause many weeds to grow, making it harder to fish successfully.
