Calaveras County Fishing Reports

The warming weather is starting to fire up the kokanee and rainbow trout as they chase big shad schools around the lake. Trollers are working 40–60 feet of water and hitting rainbow limits, with a few kokanee mixed in. Apexes, hoochies, and flutter bugs in orange or pink are all producing.

The bass bite has been picking up as both largemouth and spots push into the backs of coves to stage for the spawn. If you can find water in the high 50s to low 60s, you’ll find aggressive fish. Senkos and dropshots are reportedly getting hit hard.

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.

New Melones Lake is showing clear signs of an early spring, with rising temps and water levels pushing bass into shallow back bays. Fish are holding in 5 to 15 feet, favoring hard structure newly flooded by the reservoir’s climb to nearly 80% capacity. One angler reported a 5-pound largemouth and a 3.5-pound spot nailed in the shallows last week.

The free rig is proving very effective. It works like a Texas rig but lets the bait glide slower after the weight hits bottom—perfect for colder water. Ned rigs, drop shots, and Senkos on light line are also producing.

Trout are active near inlets with flowing water, from the surface down to 20 feet. Bright-colored spoons and small, shallow-diving crankbaits are pulling limits. Four-inch Senkos are getting both trout and bass when cast from shore.

Access remains limited due to mussel quarantine regulations, with few boats out on the water. Be sure to check inspection requirements before your trip, as kayaks and paddleboards may also be subject to inspection.