Puddingstone Reservoir offers fishing primarily for largemouth bass and rainbow trout, although catfish and crappie fishing can also be good at different times of the season.

The CDFW stocks trout annually during the colder months. Both shore and boat anglers can find action: shore casters bait-dunking from areas with steep dropoffs, while boaters troll deeper water near the dam and up the east shore.

Trophy largemouth bass roam Puddingstone, feeding on stocked rainbow trout and panfish. Double-digit giants aren't uncommon, although due to high fishing pressure, they are highly selective. Use bigger baits imitating trout and bluegill in areas with the most diverse structure.

Puddingstone Reservoir is open to most boating options, which often isn't ideal for anglers. On summer weekends, this tranquil lake can transform into a hubbub of water recreation by late morning. Off-season and early mornings are the best time to cast peacefully on Puddingstone.