Fresno County Fishing Reports

Pine Flat is on the upswing... literally. The lake’s been rising fast, and with water temps now in the low to mid 60s, bass are pushing shallow and getting active. You’ll find most of the action tight to the bank down to about 15 feet. Slower stuff is doing the work right now... jigs, Senkos, and Neko rigs are drawing the most bites. If you’re hunting size, try rolling a swimbait through the shallows—there’ve been a few reports of big ones coming that way. There’s still a mix of fish hanging deeper on bluff walls, and that’s where jerkbaits or a well-placed drop shot can shine. Things aren’t wide open just yet, but it’s close.

Crappie are showing up too, schooling around brush piles and hitting mini jigs and tiny swimmers. Trout action has slowed, although a few trollers are still out there catching a few holdovers.

Kings River below pine flat dam has been pretty slow. Last stocking has been a month past. Still getting some small sluggish bites on dry flies. Not as big of a hatch going on for mayflies this March. Still remaining hopeful as April comes with the salmonfly and caddisfly hatches.

Fishing earlier in the mornings seems to pose the best opportunities to catch bigger trout. Lots of risers in the morning and a bit more aggressive. Put your line out there and give it a try.

Shaver Lake is producing kokanee and rainbows for those willing to tough out the cold. The best action has been around Stevenson Bay, Boy Scout Cove, and Black Rock, where fish are somewhat scattered but active.

Downriggers set between 15-25 feet with 80-100 foot setbacks have been most effective. A top-line 200 feet back with a dodger has also picked up fish. Small spinners, trolling flies, and micro hoochies have all been producing, especially in bright colors like orange, green, and watermelon. Dodgers and rudders are helping with attraction and line control. Water temperatures are holding around 41.5°F, and trolling speeds of 1.3-1.6 mph are working best.