El Capitan Reservoir Fishing Report

Water levels continue to drop at El Capitan, with water temps hovering in the low 80s. The boat ramp is now closed, so access is limited to shore or kayak/float-tube anglers. But the bass bite has been really fun for those getting on the water, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Bone-colored Spook or Chappo style topwater baits are crushing fish in the backs of coves and off points as they chase bait during these low-light periods. Fish are still being caught midday around deeper rock structure on drop-shots and T-rigged worms.

The low water levels have been a concern for quite some time... and initiatives are in place to build a new 200 ft launch ramp for better year-round access. A new paved road into the lake has also been approved.

With water temps jumping into the upper 60s, El Capitan is starting to finally show off some elite spring bass action. The early prespawn bite was hit or miss, but that spawn aggression is kicking in now, with plenty of size to go with it. Surprisingly, small soft plastics have been best for the higher quality fish. 4.5 inch roboworm (pink) drop shots, grubs, and smaller Senkos are all getting fish in the 2-4 pound range. Small spinnerbaits and crankbaits are also picking up bigger fish on the reaction bite. Bigger baits are oddly either being ignore, or hooking smaller fish. Best move is to stay small on lure size until the fish quality drops off, then upsize.

El Captitan is just about to break into prespawn mode. Surface temps are in the low 60s, clarity isn’t great, but anglers are starting to spot and catch fish moving shallow. Creature-style plastics and slower-sinking baits like Senkos and Ikas are finding some active fish in the 1-3 pound range, although the all-out prespawn aggression isn't there yet. The reaction bite has been quiet. Look for the bite to really take off here shortly, as another week of warm weather is forecasted.