Lake Natoma Fishing Report

Natoma has quietly been putting out some excellent fishing over the last week. Water temps are now in the low 60s, and bass are moving into the shallows for prespawn. Anglers report the southern end being best, with slightly warmer temps. Senkos, drop-shots, and T-rigged worms are all getting fish in the 10–15 foot range. Most fish have been 1-2 pounds.

There haven’t been any reported rainbow stocks this year, but a few anglers are still tapping into good trout action (and the occasional salmon). The north end under Rainbow Bridge has been producing some nice fish, with a few reported up to 8 pounds. The pattern has been mixed… some reporting nightcrawlers, while others are throwing spoons and small crankbaits.

Natoma has always been a tricky fishery, but anglers this summer are finding some quality bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, with the occasional spot. Roboworms either on a drop shot, jig head, or t-rigged have been getting bit most consistently. There's not a huge reaction lure bite to report. The northern end near Rainbow Bridge is producing more smallmouth and spotted bass, while the south end has more largemouth.

A few anglers are reporting big catfish, also from the northern end of the lake, on prawns and chicken liver. Pikeminnow, Sac suckers, and carp are being caught at random as well. Usually, it's best to remove these fish to improve the health of the American River system.