Lake Pardee is located one hour south of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This man-made reservoir is home to both warm-water and cold-water fish, with opportunities to fish from boat or the shore.

Rainbow Trout are the most prolific species in Pardee Lake. Fishing is usually best from late fall through early spring, coinciding with the stocking period. During these colder months, the rainbows frequent shallower waters and then migrate to deeper areas once summer arrives. Trolling is the ideal method for targeting these rainbows year-round, but shore casters can also find success.

Brown trout are also present in Pardee Lake, though they are less plentiful. However, they can grow quite large. Most of the larger browns are nocturnal predators, so fishing in low light (or no light) can be most productive. Since brown trout aren’t typically stocked, practicing catch and release is recommended.

During the summer months, fishing slows for trout, but the largemouth and smallmouth bass bites pick up. The largemouth can be quite finicky in Pardee’s clear water, and hours of bite-less casts are common. But the reward for diligence and patience is a chance at a double digit trophy.

The California state smallmouth bass record was caught here in 2007, so needless to say Pardee can produce giant smallmouth.

Pardee also holds a solid kokanee salmon fishery, with yearly fingerling stockings in early spring. The kokanee grow to keeper sizes (10-12 inches) with a few growing much larger. Just like rainbow trout, trolling is the optimal fishing method. Just remember, the warmer the water, the deeper the fish.

Catfish and panfish are also in Lake Pardee, with some channel cats pushing 20 pounds.

Trails around the lake offer access to most of the shoreline. Boats can be launched (and rented) at the marina. Multiple campsites are available for overnight stays.