Located in Northern California, New Bullards Bar Reservoir borders the Tahoe National Forest. This 4,700-acre reservoir, situated on the north fork of the Yuba River, was established in 1970 and is renowned for its world-record spotted bass.

Spotted bass were introduced into the lake and since then they’ve become the dominant species. They typically out-forage their largemouth and smallmouth counterparts, leading to trophy sizes and aggressive strikes. The big fish tend to reside in cooler, deeper waters and are most effectively targeted with slow-rolling swimbaits that mimic their preferred prey: kokanee salmon. For anglers more interested in quantity rather quality, the shallows around structure can yield plent of action. Neighboring coves and shallow points are also productive areas to look for spot schools.

Kokanee salmon fishing in Bullards can be exceptional when the conditions are right. The population remains strong due to annual stockings. Most kokanee are around 12 inches long, though many can grow to a substantial 2-3 pounds. Trolling in the early spring is ideal for targeting these fish at depths of 30-40 feet. However, the summer's heat typically forces schools to much deeper waters.

Rainbow and brown trout are also present in Bullards Bar. While their numbers might not be vast, their larger sizes can make them worth the effort for some. The CDFW plants both trout species throughout the colder season, and this is the time to fish shallow. As the weather warms, the trout move deeper and inhabit similar depths as the kokanee. Many anglers prefer fishing the nearby Yuba River over Bullards Bar for more but smaller trout. For those with patience who are committed to the lake though, trophies await.

Bullards Bar also hosts decent warm water fishing for bluegill, crappie and catfish.

Summer can be a busy time to fish this lake, as it’s a pretty well-known outdoor recreation area. Anglers should anticipate competition not only from fellow fishermen but also boaters, jet skiers, and water sports enthusiasts. Keep in mind, winter presents a unique opportunity. As the summer crowds diminish, there's a higher chance to land a sizeable spotted bass or catch some trout or kokanee.

The banks of the reservoir are steep and don’t provide much fishable shoreline access. The reservoir does however offer two different boat launches.