Lake McClure
Mariposa County Salmon, Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie
119 Share
What's Biting - 22 hours ago
Kokanee Salmon
Good
Trout
Good
Bass
Good

Lake McClure Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lake McClure is renowned for its thriving population of spotted bass, with some reaching close to 9 pounds. Spots (and largemouth) are especially prevalent in the two major coves on the southeastern end of the lake, where Cotton Creek and Temperance Creek flow in. These areas provide more stable water levels even when other parts of the lake experience drawdowns. In addition to bass, Lake McClure features a growing Kokanee salmon population (with yearly fingerling stockings), and a very good rainbow trout fishery, supported by CDFW stockings in...

Lake McClure is renowned for its thriving population of spotted bass, with some reaching close to 9 pounds. Spots (and largemouth) are especially prevalent in the two major coves on the southeastern end of the lake, where Cotton Creek and Temperance Creek flow in. These areas provide more stable water levels even when other parts of the lake experience drawdowns.

In addition to bass, Lake McClure features a growing Kokanee salmon population (with yearly fingerling stockings), and a very good rainbow trout fishery, supported by CDFW stockings in the cooler months. Much of the best trout action occurs in the upper Merced River arm, providing a mix of wild trout and recently stocked rainbows. Trollers also get plenty of action pulling hoochies and spoons.

McClure also supports crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Boat rentals, campgrounds, and other amenities are available at key access points like McClure Point and Barrett Cove.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 3 months ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Spotted Bass: 9 lb 5 oz - 1993
  • Largemouth Bass: 10 lb - 2009
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 200 ft
Surface Area: 7,001.6 acres
Surface Elevation: 867 ft
Good Kokanee Salmon bite
Trout, Bass, Kokanee Salmon
78°F Slightly Stained

The McClure salmon bite really picked up early last month, but with the summer season here, increased water temps and boat traffic have negatively impacted the bite. Limits up to 17 inches were being pulled out early in the day in the 40-60 foot range... but now the Kokanee are pushing deeper, upwards of 80 feet, and limits haven't been much...

The McClure salmon bite really picked up early last month, but with the summer season here, increased water temps and boat traffic have negatively impacted the bite. Limits up to 17 inches were being pulled out early in the day in the 40-60 foot range... but now the Kokanee are pushing deeper, upwards of 80 feet, and limits haven't been much tougher to come by. Still, fish are being caught... purple Apex spoons are working well. Reports mention close to 1500 pounds of rainbows were dropped in June 20th.

With the recent water drop, bass are moving offshore as well, pushing near submerged structure, points, and transition zones in 20-30 feet of water. Deep-diving crankbaits, jigs, and dropshots are getting most of the action.

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Excellent Trout bite
Trout, Bass
62°F Slightly Stained

The trout action at McClure has been very good over the last month or so. Three 1,000+ pound stocks have gone in since late February, and holdovers are getting more aggressive higher in the water column. Trollers are running spoons around the upper part of the lake, hooking into some nice 3 to 4 pound fish along with the occasional salmon. Shore...

The trout action at McClure has been very good over the last month or so. Three 1,000+ pound stocks have gone in since late February, and holdovers are getting more aggressive higher in the water column. Trollers are running spoons around the upper part of the lake, hooking into some nice 3 to 4 pound fish along with the occasional salmon. Shore casters are working the shoreline early in the morning on the outer edges of McClure Point, either throwing spoons or soaking Powerbait, hooking mostly stockers.

The bass bite is picking up as water temps push into the low 60s. Spotted bass are moving shallow near steep rocky shorelines and points. Largemouth are pushing shallow on the south end of the lake, easing into the back of warm coves to begin their spawning patterns. Soft plastics and small jigs have been best.

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1120 lbs
TroutCDFW
1000 lbs
TroutLocal
1120 lbs
TroutLocal

Nearby Reports

Main river still a bit high along 108 to Kennedy Meadows. Fished along it and Clark’s Fork. Another great day. River was clear with light rain off and on. All catch and...

Only caught one 8" Brown trout on salmon eggs. Neighter of my two friends, who joined me, caught any fish.

Lake McClure Weather

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119 Share

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