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Updated Dec. 18, 2024

LAKE McSWAIN — It’s been nearly a month since the last plant from Calaveras Trout Farm, and bank fishing has slowed to the possibility of a few fish per rod early in the mornings with Power Bait, Kastmasters, or nightcrawlers. Most of the remaining rainbows have headed up the river arm, and trolling is the best option for the possibility of limits of holdovers.  The lake held at 94 percent.

NEW MELONES — The gates closed for all launch ramps on December 7, and only the Glory Hole launch ramp will remain open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm to obtain a red tag to start a 30-day quarantine period. The US Bureau of Reclamation is anticipating the opening of a decontamination station operated by the marina within a few weeks. Once the lake is reopened after the 30-day closure, boats must be off the water by 4:00 pm to receive a green tag to relaunch without quarantining or decontamination. Bank fishing is allowed. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, may also be subject to inspection. The lake rose to 1036.23 feet in elevation and 76 percent.

LAKE OROVILLE — Spotted bass remain the top species, and the fish are transitioning from the shallows toward deeper water. In the mornings, the spots are feeding in the shallows before moving deep off the windward side main lake and secondary points with jigs or crankbaits. Catfish have dropped in the water column with the colder temperatures. Bass Union football head jigs, crankbaits, or spoons are all working for good numbers of small spotted bass. There two club tournaments scheduled in December. King salmon and rainbow trout trolling remains been slow overall. The lake has risen 5 feet to 785.32 feet in elevation and 57 percent.

LAKE PARDEE — The lake is closed for the winter, and it will reopen in mid-February with trout plants starting prior to the re-opener. Similar golden mussel procedures to Lake Camanche will be in effect upon reopening. The lake is at 83 percent.

PYRAMID LAKE — It’s quality over quantity now with the water temperatures in the 46- to 48-degree range. Big fish are pushing into the shallows, and black balanced leaches 8 to 9 feet below the indicator to work the bottom are the best fly offerings. Fishing two flies, add a wine midge, and change depths before you change flies. Trollers are scoring with various plugs at depths from 10 to 45 feet. Yakima Mag Lips, Rapalas, M2 Flatfish, or GRatt’s are producing Lahontan cutthroat trout to 20 pounds.

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