Lake McClure
Mariposa County Salmon, Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie
116 Share
What's Biting - 2 months ago
Trout
Excellent
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 2 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
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.

2 anglers found this report useful
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Good Bass bite
Trout, Bass
56°F Mixed

Lake McClure has been fishing well, with the most consistent action coming from the main lake rather than the arms. Bass have been grouped on rock piles, points, ledges, and defined drop-offs, showing a strong preference for areas with moderate stain around 3–4 feet of visibility. Ultra-clear water has been noticeably tougher, both up the arms and...

Lake McClure has been fishing well, with the most consistent action coming from the main lake rather than the arms. Bass have been grouped on rock piles, points, ledges, and defined drop-offs, showing a strong preference for areas with moderate stain around 3–4 feet of visibility. Ultra-clear water has been noticeably tougher, both up the arms and in clearer main-lake sections. Bass schools are still there feeding on bait, but scatter quickly once one or two fish are caught from the school.

Trout anglers are finding success trolling blade-and-crawler combos within the top 15 feet, especially during the first-light window.

6 anglers found this report useful
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1120 lbs
TroutCDFW
1000 lbs
TroutLocal
1120 lbs
TroutLocal

Nearby Reports

Caught and released 60 before 11am. All were caught along Clark’s Fork by my son and I. Also tried the main river going up to Kennedy Meadows along highway 108. Main river is...

The salmon bite is on at Don Pedro. Guides are out there daily pulling quality Kokanee and Kings all around the lake. Pink hoochies with gold dodgers seem to be the money...

Lake McClure Weather

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116 Share

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