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Fishing Lake Camanche In Central CA

AKA: Camanche Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Lake Camanche, CA

Popular Fish Species Lake Camanche, CA


Lake Camanche Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Lake Camanche. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.


Lake Camanche Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake Camanche can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.


Lake Camanche Popular Fish - Spotted Bass

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Lake Camanche, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish and kokanee salmon at Lake Camanche in California.

Lake Camanche Fishing Video

Spotted bass are the featured prize here at Lake Camanche, aka Camanche Reservoir. This is a 7,700 acre lake, located in the central part of the state in Amador, Calaveras, and San Joaquin County. The lake boasts nice populations of bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish and salmon.

Lake Camanche, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse range of species and outdoor activities. The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, offering anglers a chance to catch a variety of species. One of the primary game fish found in Lake Camanche is the bass, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of battling these hard-fighting fish known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps.

In addition to bass, Lake Camanche is home to other sought-after species such as rainbow trout, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Rainbow trout are regularly stocked, providing a great opportunity for anglers to reel in these vibrant and delicious fish. Catfish, including channel catfish and flathead catfish, also populate the lake, offering a fun challenge for those targeting these bottom-dwelling predators. Crappie and bluegill provide additional angling opportunities, especially for those looking to catch panfish.

Beyond fishing, Lake Camanche offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. The lake's calm waters are perfect for swimming, water skiing, and tubing, providing fun for the whole family. Hiking trails around the lake showcase the scenic beauty of the area, and birdwatching enthusiasts can spot a variety of avian species. With its diverse fishery, boating options, camping facilities, and recreational activities, Lake Camanche is a premier destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable fishing experience in California.

There is a daily fee required to fish the lake, available at either Rec Area. Strewn with islands, and boulders, the lake offers excellent cover for predator fish. This is a structure fishing haven. While most fishing is conducted from boats and kayaks, there is sufficient opportunity for shoreline fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Camanche.

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish White catfish Black crappie White crappie Rainbow trout Brown trout Bluegill Sunfish Redear Sunfish Kokanee salmon

Lake Camanche Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Camanche provides ample boating opportunities, allowing anglers to explore the lake's vast expanse and reach prime fishing spots. The lake has multiple boat ramps available for launching fishing boats, pontoon boats, and other watercraft. Anglers can cruise along the scenic shoreline, drift along fishing hotspots, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake while seeking their desired catch.

Fishing Boat Rentals

South Shore Lake Camanche Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, patio boats and bass boats
209 763-5121

Marinas

South Shore Lake Camanche Marina
Pattison Rd
Wallace, CA 95254
209 763-5121

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

North Shore Lake Camanche Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Camanche Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

South Shore Lake Camanche Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Camanche Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Camanche

Joefish Guide Service - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a California fishing license.

For those looking to extend their fishing adventure, Lake Camanche offers camping facilities nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings. The lake features campgrounds with tent and RV sites, providing a comfortable and convenient base for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Camping near the lake allows for easy access to fishing spots and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the tranquility of the outdoors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Camanche Recreation - South Shore - 209 763-5912

Lake Camanche Campground - 209 763-5121

North Shore Lake Camanche Campground - 209 763-5121

Lake Camanche CA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Camanche
Lake Camanche Recreation
2000 Camanche Road
Ione, CA 95640
209 763-5121

 

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