Fishing Lake Don Pedro In Central CA
AKA: Don Pedro Lake, Don Pedro Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Don Pedro, CA
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 Don Pedro Lake, 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.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Don Pedro Lake. 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.
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout at Don Pedro Lake 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 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife 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.
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, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, green sunfish, chinook salmon, coho salmon and kokanee salmon at Lake Don Pedro in California.
Lake Don Pedro Fishing Video
Long revered as a great lake for largemouth and spotted bass, Don Pedro Lake, aka Don Pedro Reservoir, is also home to a host of other fish species. This is a 13,000 acre lake, located in central part of the state with a marina, public boat launches, camping, picnic areas, and boat rentals.
Lake Don Pedro, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is renowned for its diverse fish species, making it a haven for anglers of all skill levels. One of the prized catches at Lake Don Pedro is the king salmon, also known as Chinook salmon. These powerful and acrobatic fish provide an exhilarating challenge for anglers, and their presence in the lake makes it a hotspot for salmon fishing.
In addition to salmon, Lake Don Pedro is home to a variety of other fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. The lake's ample size and depth offer abundant habitat for these species, providing ample opportunities for anglers to catch their preferred fish. Trout fishing is particularly popular, with rainbow trout being regularly stocked in the lake to maintain a healthy population.
Aside from fishing, Lake Don Pedro offers a host of other recreational activities for visitors. Boating, water skiing, and jet skiing are popular water sports enjoyed on the lake, providing thrills and excitement for water enthusiasts. The lake's surrounding hills and forests offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching, adding to the overall outdoor experience.
With its diverse fish species, ample boating opportunities, camping facilities, and recreational activities, Lake Don Pedro stands as a top-notch destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in California. Whether you're angling for salmon, trout, or bass, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful camping trip surrounded by nature, Lake Don Pedro has something to offer for everyone.
Popular fish species include bass, trout, salmon, catfish and sunfish. With close to 160 miles of shoreline there is plenty of bank to fish, whether you fish from shore or from a boat. Bass, catfish and salmon weighing over a dozen pounds have come from this lake - with the lake record largemouth over 18 pounds.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Don Pedro.
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Don Pedro Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a common activity at Lake Don Pedro, allowing anglers to explore the vast expanse of water and access prime fishing spots. The lake features multiple boat ramps for launching fishing boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft. Anglers can cruise along the lake's scenic shoreline, search for fish, and find their ideal fishing locations.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lake Don Pedro Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoons
209 852-2369
Moccasin Point Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
209 989-2206
Marinas
Lake Don Pedro Marina
11500 Bonds Flat Rd
La Grange, CA 95329
209 852-2369
Moccasin Point Marina
11405 Jacksonville Rd
Jamestown, CA 95327
209 989-2206
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Fleming Meadows Boat Launch
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Bonds Flat Road, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Lake Don Pedro Boat Launch
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Bonds Flat Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Moccasin Point Boat Launch
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Golden Chain Highway 120, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Don Pedro
Gold Country Sport Fishing - trout, salmon
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 seeking an extended fishing adventure, Lake Don Pedro offers camping facilities that cater to both tent and RV camping. The lake has several campgrounds equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Camping near the lake allows anglers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and maximize their time on the water.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Fleming Meadows Campground - 209 852-2396
Moccasin Campground - 209 852-2396
Lake Don Pedro CA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Don Pedro
Lake Don Pedro Marina
11500 Bonds Flat Rd
La Grange, CA 95329
209 852-2369
Fishing lakes in each state.
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Lake Don Pedro in Central California.
CALIFORNIA
Above average largemouth bass and spotted bass fishing in central CA.
