Lake McClure
Mariposa County Salmon, Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie

Lake McClure Bite Meter

1 week ago
Bass
Good
Crappie
Good
Trout
Inconsistent

Lake McClure Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lake McClure is renowned for its thriving population of spotted bass, with some reaching close to 9 pounds. Spots (and largemouth) are especially prevalent in the two major coves on the southeastern end of the lake, where Cotton Creek and Temperance Creek flow in. These areas provide more stable water levels even when other parts of the lake experience drawdowns. In addition to bass, Lake McClure features a growing Kokanee salmon population (with yearly fingerling stockings), and a very good rainbow trout fishery, supported by CDFW stockings in...

Lake McClure is renowned for its thriving population of spotted bass, with some reaching close to 9 pounds. Spots (and largemouth) are especially prevalent in the two major coves on the southeastern end of the lake, where Cotton Creek and Temperance Creek flow in. These areas provide more stable water levels even when other parts of the lake experience drawdowns.

In addition to bass, Lake McClure features a growing Kokanee salmon population (with yearly fingerling stockings), and a very good rainbow trout fishery, supported by CDFW stockings in the cooler months. Much of the best trout action occurs in the upper Merced River arm, providing a mix of wild trout and recently stocked rainbows. Trollers also get plenty of action pulling hoochies and spoons.

McClure also supports crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Boat rentals, campgrounds, and other amenities are available at key access points like McClure Point and Barrett Cove.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 4 months ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Spotted Bass: 9 lb 5 oz - 1993
  • Largemouth Bass: 10 lb - 2009
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 200 ft
Surface Area: 7,001.6 acres
Surface Elevation: 867 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Crappie
74°F Clear

At McClure, folks are finding quality bass action deep. Fish are keyed in on rock structure from 20 to 50 feet, but the best quality is coming from deeper ledges in the 40 to 50-foot range. Jigs and Neko rigs are doing most of the damage, with fish tight to slate rock and hitting on slow presentations. Sonar and LiveScope have been extremely...

At McClure, folks are finding quality bass action deep. Fish are keyed in on rock structure from 20 to 50 feet, but the best quality is coming from deeper ledges in the 40 to 50-foot range. Jigs and Neko rigs are doing most of the damage, with fish tight to slate rock and hitting on slow presentations. Sonar and LiveScope have been extremely helpful. Shallower areas in 20 to 25 feet, especially saddles and narrow coves, are holding numbers... but they are typically smaller than the deeper fish. Shaky heads and drop-shots are working well in these mid-depth areas. The topwater bite was very good a couple of weeks ago, although it’s cooled off some. Still, overcast mornings are seeing a window of very good surface action.

There’s still some trout in 45 to 60 feet of water, although it’s inconsistent. Blade crawler combos, spoons, and spinners are getting a few here and there. The crappie bite has been very good lately on small cranks and jigs.

4 anglers found this report useful
Hot Spotted Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Salmon
53°F Clear

Lake McClure has been one of the hottest bass spots in the area, turning out both numbers and quality as spotted bass move up from winter depths. Most fish are stacked up around 20 feet, where small jigs, shakey heads, wacky-rigged Senkos, and drop-shot worms are working well. They’re relating to points and rocky banks, though some have been caught...

Lake McClure has been one of the hottest bass spots in the area, turning out both numbers and quality as spotted bass move up from winter depths. Most fish are stacked up around 20 feet, where small jigs, shakey heads, wacky-rigged Senkos, and drop-shot worms are working well. They’re relating to points and rocky banks, though some have been caught very shallow on underspins. Expect bass to push even shallower as the weather warms and water temps rise.

A 1,000-pound trout plant a couple of weeks ago kicked off a solid bite for shoreline bait casters. Meanwhile, trollers running lead core line 40 to 50 feet deep have been picking off some nice holdover trout and kings.

6 anglers found this report useful

Latest Stockings

1000 pounds
Trout Local
Trout CDFW
Fingerlings
King Salmon CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

The kokanee bite at Melones is still firing, with quick limits coming primarily from the main lake. Similar to our last report, 40 to 70 feet is where they're at, but when...

Caught and released 20 from Clark’s fork to Kennedy meadows from 7am until noon.

Lake McClure Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake McClure Map

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