Hitch in the Heart of Lake County
Forbes Creek is one of the few hitch spawning tributaries that runs directly through an incorporated city. The creek enters Clear Lake at Lakeport — the Lake County seat — making it one of the most publicly accessible spawning streams in the watershed. Forbes was confirmed active in the 2025 Lake County WPD survey, contributing to a lake-wide hitch count of 1,567 — among the strongest tributary seasons on record. The 2026 survey window is currently open; this site was field-documented in March 2026.
At 4.7 miles, Forbes is a modest-length stream. Its urban and peri-urban passage means it crosses roads and developed land before reaching the lake, introducing potential barriers and water quality pressures not present in more rural systems. Historic flow cutoff timing — like the May 28, 2024 dry-down — can compress the juvenile rearing window in drought-influenced years.
✓ 2025 Spawning Confirmed
Forbes confirmed active in the 2025 WPD survey. Lake-wide hitch count: 1,567 — among the leading tributary seasons since baseline monitoring began in 2017.
📍 Location
4.7-mile stream entering Clear Lake at Lakeport on the west shore. Passes through and near the Lake County seat before reaching the lake.
⚠ Flow Cutoff Risk
Historic dry-downs (May 28 in 2024) compress the juvenile rearing window. In drought years, early cutoff can strand fish before they reach the lake.
👁 Most Accessible Survey Site
Forbes Creek is one of the easiest hitch spawning tributaries for the public to observe safely, given its location near Lakeport's public areas.
Forbes Creek in Every Season
Field photography from the project's March 2026 site visit and Lake County WPD staff — creek mouth, road crossings, survey points, and seasonal conditions. Additional 2026 spawn-season photography to be added as the survey progresses.
