Amador County Fishing Reports

While Camanche anglers are still frustrated with limited water access, shore fishing has been excellent lately, especially with multiple 2,000+ pound stocks of rainbows and lightnings in back-to-back weeks this March. Folks are finding quality fish in the 4-7 pound range hitting shallow near the edges of tules or by casting out deep and working a slow retrieve.

A mix of jigs and small soft plastics (Senkos, Flex Bugs) are getting the most attention. Light line (2-4 pound) has been the move for drawing more bites, but there’s a bigger risk of losing fish, especially near cover.

No reports of bass action yet, but with water temps in the mid to high 50s, the prespawn bite should unlock anytime.

Lake Amador is kicking out some quality trout, with several heavyweights showing up this past week. A few massive Amagolds, well over 10 pounds, were landed on crappie jigs and minnow plugs. Bank anglers are finding good action near the dam and spillway with PowerBait and small jigs, while trollers working the Jackson Creek arm are picking up quality fish on Speedy Shiners. The lake received another hefty plant of cutbows last week, so there’s plenty of trout to target. Water levels are creeping up, but recent rain has left the clarity somewhat stained, especially near the dam where debris is stacking up. Water temps are holding around 52 degrees.

Lake Pardee is set to open on Valentine’s Day weekend, but like other East Bay MUD-managed waters, boats won’t be allowed due to golden mussel regulations. That means it’s strictly bank fishing for now. Typically, the lake gets a heavy trout plant ahead of the opener, however, there’s no official word yet on when or whether they'll be stocking. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation, but if they do stock, the first few days should offer some solid action.