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May 29th, 2024
Fishing at Don Pedro Reservoir, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, offers anglers a rich experience with a diverse array of fish species and scenic beauty. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your fishing trip:
Rainbow Trout: Commonly stocked and found in cooler, deeper waters.
Kokanee Salmon: Prefers deep water, especially during the warmer months.
Largemouth Bass: Found around structures, weed beds, and in coves.
Smallmouth Bass: Prefers rocky areas and deeper water.
Spotted Bass: Frequently found in deeper parts of the lake.
King Salmon: Present in deeper waters, especially during spring and fall.
Catfish: Typically located near the bottom in coves and deeper areas.
Crappie: Found around submerged structures and brush piles.
Bluegill: Common near docks, weed beds, and shallow areas.
Fleming Meadows: Excellent for bass and trout with access to deep water.
Blue Oaks Area: Known for bass and catfish.
Woods Creek Inlet: A prime spot for trout and bass.
Moccasin Creek: Great for trout, particularly where the creek enters the lake.
Middle Bay: Popular for kokanee and king salmon.
Big Creek Inlet: Good for crappie and bluegill.
Trout and Kokanee Salmon: Trolling with lures such as spoons, spinners, or hoochies. Downriggers are useful for reaching deeper waters where these fish often reside.
Bass Fishing: Use crankbaits, jigs, or plastic worms near structures and drop-offs. Topwater lures can be effective during early morning or late evening.
Catfish: Night fishing with stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait on the bottom.
Crappie: Small jigs or minnows around brush piles and submerged trees.
Bluegill: Worms or small insects near docks and weed beds.
Spring: Bass and trout are active near spawning grounds. Shallow water techniques are effective.
Summer: Fish deeper for trout and bass due to warmer water temperatures. Kokanee and king salmon are deeper during this time.
Fall: Bass and crappie move back to shallower waters. It’s a good time for topwater baits and trolling for salmon.
Winter: Focus on deeper waters for trout and salmon, using slower presentations.
Ensure you have a valid California fishing license.
Familiarize yourself with size and bag limits for each species to comply with state regulations.
Check for any specific local regulations or restrictions that may apply to Don Pedro Reservoir.
Weather and Water Conditions: Check weather conditions before heading out as they can affect fish behavior. Water levels can fluctuate, so be aware of current conditions.
Gear: Bring appropriate gear for the species you are targeting. A fish finder can be very helpful for locating schools of fish in this large reservoir.
Safety: Ensure your boat is well-equipped and that you have all necessary safety gear. Always wear a life jacket and be cautious of changing weather conditions.
Don Pedro Lake Official Website: Provides updates on water levels, fish stocking schedules, and local regulations.
Local Bait and Tackle Shops: Great for getting the latest fishing reports and tips on what’s working well on the lake.
Fishing at Don Pedro Reservoir offers a rewarding experience with the potential for catching a variety of fish species in a beautiful and serene environment. Happy fishing!
Best: May - Jun
3 months ago
$150
Best: May - Jun
4 months ago
$100