Camanche Reservoir Fishing Report

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.

Boats are still off-limits at Lake Camanche, and there’s no clear timeline for when they’ll be allowed back. For now, shore fishing is the only option. PowerBait remains the top choice, but the key is using a long leader (5 feet) to keep your bait above the thick moss and grass on the bottom. Many anglers struggling to get bites are likely using leaders that are too short. Casting far isn’t necessary either, as most fish are hanging 20-30 feet from shore. Chartreuse or Rainbow PowerBait has been getting the most action. The South Shore is producing better since North Shore plants have stopped, though fish can still be found on both sides.

With another stock last week, Camanche has plenty of trout ready to be caught. The challenge is getting to them. All boat launches remain closed as officials work to stay ahead of the golden mussel problem affecting nearby lakes. If you’re fishing from shore, the Trout Pond is your best bet, though it’s typically crowded. The South Marina has also been producing fish, with anglers reporting that the trout are shallow, so there’s no need to cast far. Otherwise, you may need to experiment with targeting different areas around the lake.