Lake Amador Fishing Report

Surface temps are holding at 62 degrees, and Amador got a pair of trout plants from the onsite hatchery... 500 pounds on Oct 17, followed by another 800 on the 22nd, all featuring unique strains of rainbows and cutbows. Most fish are settling into deeper water around 15 feet, though there have been some surface jumps around the lake. The bite hasn’t really turned on yet, but should improve as the fish adjust. Spoons, spinners, and PowerBait are the main plays right now.

Catfish have been a better bet, with garlic prawns and chicken livers producing well. A few double-digit channels came in last week, along with plenty of 2–3 pounders. Bass reports are thin, but there’s been a flicker of topwater life early on poppers.

Summer heat has fully locked in Amador’s warmwater pattern, and trout are all but out of the picture until fall. Any survivors from the spring plants have either slipped deep or tucked into the upper creek channels chasing cooler water, but they’re ghosts right now. The focus is squarely on bass and cats.

Largemouth are holding offshore now, especially on the deeper rockpiles. Most tournament bags have been on the small side lately, averaging about 2 pounds a fish. But this lake is known to produce double-digit fish... folks just aren't finding them. Drop-shot rigs, deep cranks, and jigs worked near submerged structure are hooking those smaller fish. Early mornings and low-light periods give the best window to move some water and test reaction baits.

Catfish are a main draw right now, especially for shore anglers running night sessions. With the water warm and low angler pressure after dark, it’s a prime time to post up and soak bait. Nightcrawlers, cut mackerel, and chicken livers are all working. A catfish stocking is expected here soon as well.

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.