Lake Kaweah
Tulare County, CA Bass, Trout, Catfish, Crappie
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Fishing at Lake Kaweah

Lake Kaweah, where the prospects for big bass are as good as the views. With nearly 2,000 acres of crystal clear water and 22 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of lake and fish to make Kaweah a worthwhile designation for anglers. However, this wasn't always the case. In the past, the lake underwent a treatment to eliminate white bass. Since then, Lake Kaweah has undergone a remarkable...

Lake Kaweah, where the prospects for big bass are as good as the views. With nearly 2,000 acres of crystal clear water and 22 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of lake and fish to make Kaweah a worthwhile designation for anglers.

However, this wasn't always the case. In the past, the lake underwent a treatment to eliminate white bass. Since then, Lake Kaweah has undergone a remarkable transformation. Florida bass and spotted bass were added, and efforts were made to enhance the habitat. These measures paved the way for an optimal environment that nurtures sizable fish, evidenced by the lake record for largemouth bass weighing in at 17.5 pounds. Besides bass, the lake is also home to healthy populations of crappie and catfish. Moreover, during the late winter, rainbow trout are added to the lake, ensuring consistent fishing during the cooler months.

Anglers should exercise caution, especially during late summer and fall, as the receding water levels expose submerged rocks and structures, posing a potential hazard for boaters. Additionally, in years with less rainfall, water levels might vary due to irrigation demands from neighboring orchards. It's advisable to keep an eye on lake conditions before planning your fishing trip.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie
Fish Stocking:
Trout stocked 3 months ago - View Schedule
Boating / Access:
Boat ramps and rentals available.
Geography:
Surface Area: 1,945 acres
Surface Elevation: 650 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

Fluctuating water levels have thrown off an otherwise solid start to the season, but Kaweah is rebounding lately. The spotted bass bite seems to have unlocked, and it has been reported that almost any finesse soft-plastic will get the job done. Most fish are holding near steep drop-offs in 10-15...

Fluctuating water levels have thrown off an otherwise solid start to the season, but Kaweah is rebounding lately. The spotted bass bite seems to have unlocked, and it has been reported that almost any finesse soft-plastic will get the job done. Most fish are holding near steep drop-offs in 10-15 feet of water. Senkos have also been hot for largemouth bass, and small grubs are getting crappie to bite near deeper submerged brush piles.

Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie

Bass bite is improving with the warming weather and climbing water levels. Most fish are moving shallow and becoming much more active. The reaction bite is still slow, but small finesse tactics are producing... Senkos, small jigs, drop-shots w/ 4in worms. Crappie are beginning to school near deeper...

Bass bite is improving with the warming weather and climbing water levels. Most fish are moving shallow and becoming much more active. The reaction bite is still slow, but small finesse tactics are producing... Senkos, small jigs, drop-shots w/ 4in worms. Crappie are beginning to school near deeper water structure. Minijigs and live worms are getting bit. The last trout stocking was at the end of March, not a lot of action to report.

Bass, Crappie

Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Bass are moving out of the shallows and either holding near rocky points, or chasing shad. Senkos and drop-shotting remain the best approach when targeting these points. Try...

The CDFW stocks in the Upper Kern have been consistent, but the warmer weather continues to melt snow in the mountains, keeping the flow levels high. This hasn't been a...

Lake Kaweah Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Kaweah Map

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