Pardee Lake Fishing Report

Pardee received another 1,000-pound trout stock Mar 27, continuing the every-two-weeks stocking schedule they've kept since early February. Powerbait and floating nightcrawlers soaked near the recreation area have been pulling limits of these stockers. Other anglers have been throwing Kastmaster and Thomas Buoyant spoons at points and deeper structure around the lake, hooking into smallmouth, bigger rainbows, and surprisingly a few quality brown trout. Water conditions are excellent with temps now in the low-mid 60s. Look for the largemouth bite to pick up here as well shortly.

Pardee is primarily focused on bass, catfish, and bluegill right now. Trout action has been nearly nonexistent and will stay that way until the water cools and stockings pick up again. Bass are running 1–2 pounds, with most of the action coming on finesse baits. Dropshots and small swimbaits are producing the most consistent action. Catfish are also hitting well on mackerel and chicken livers.

Reports mention quite a few small kokanee are beginning to push into the river arm to spawn... a positive sign for next year.

Due to continued golden mussel regulations, Pardee is still primarily a bank fishing lake unless you rent one of their onsite boats.

Lake Pardee is set to open on Valentine’s Day weekend, but like other East Bay MUD-managed waters, boats won’t be allowed due to golden mussel regulations. That means it’s strictly bank fishing for now. Typically, the lake gets a heavy trout plant ahead of the opener, however, there’s no official word yet on when or whether they'll be stocking. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation, but if they do stock, the first few days should offer some solid action.