Lake Camanche Fishing Report 2024 [Tips, Fishing Spots, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

Water Clarity

At Lake Camanche, you can expect clarity for days. The water is generally clear to moderately stained, which means you can spot those lurking lunkers with ease. Keep in mind, though, that water clarity can vary based on rainfall and other factors. So, be prepared to adapt your tactics accordingly.

Structures and Cover

When it comes to bass hideouts, Lake Camanche is the real deal. Here are some common types of structure and cover you’ll find in this bass haven:

• Rock on!: Lake Camanche is a rocky paradise with plenty of submerged rockpiles, boulders, and riprap banks to explore. These spots are prime real estate for bass, so make sure to cast your line and feel the bass-thumping action.
• Timber-riffic: This lake is also a wood-lover’s dream. You’ll find submerged trees, stumps, and laydowns that provide excellent ambush points for both largemouth and spotted bass. Be ready

Springtime Fishing Update Fishing On Lake Camanche

Air Temperature: Spring air temperatures at Lake Camanche typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F. The warmer weather starts to activate the bass, making it an excellent time to hit the water.

Wind Speed & Direction: Moderate wind speeds, ranging from 5 to 15 mph, are common during spring. The winds usually blow from the northwest, but keep an eye on weather reports as wind patterns may shift, influencing fishing conditions.

Water Temperature: In spring, the water temperature at Lake Camanche gradually rises, usually hovering between 55 and 65°F. As the water warms up, bass become more active, moving into shallower waters to feed and spawn, presenting prime opportunities for anglers to hook into some impressive catches.

Largemouth Bass

• Spawning Time: Largemouth bass spawn at Lake Camanche typically begins in mid-spring, usually between late March and April, depending on water temperatures.
• Spawning Locations: Prime spawning areas for largemouth bass include shallow bays, coves, and the edges of the lake around rocky cover and sunken bushes. Big and Little Hat Islands are well-known for their near-perfect bass habitat.
• Water Temperature: Bass generally begin spawning when the water temperature reaches 60-65°F.
• Post-spawn Behavior & Locations: After spawning, bass move to deeper waters to recover. During early summer, look for them in depths between 20 and 45 feet. As the water continues to warm up, they will stay in deeper water until the fall. Target deeper channels, drop-offs, and underwater structures to find bass during the post-spawn period.

Trout

• Spawning Time: Rainbow trout in Lake Camanche spawn during late winter and early spring, usually between February and April.
• Spawning Locations: Trout prefer gravel-bottomed streams or areas with clean, well-oxygenated water for spawning. There may be limited spawning opportunities for trout in the lake itself, but nearby tributaries or streams could be suitable spawning locations.
• Post-spawn Behavior & Locations: After spawning, trout return to deeper, cooler waters within the lake. During the spring and early summer, trout can be found cruising just a few feet below the surface. As the water temperature rises, they move to depths around 45 feet or more in search of cooler waters. To locate trout, try trolling along the channels and open deeper waters of the main lake, working your way from the North Shore boat launch to the dam. Bank fishing can also be productive during the cooler months. Keep in mind that trout tend to be more active during overcast or windy conditions, so adjust your fishing strategies accordingly.

Salmon (Kokanee)

• Spawning Time: While Lake Camanche has a limited population of kokanee salmon, spawning typically occurs during the fall, from September to November.
• Spawning Locations: Kokanee salmon prefer cold, clear tributaries or streams with gravel beds for spawning. It’s worth noting that the kokanee population in Lake Camanche may not be substantial enough for a significant spawning event, but nearby Pardee Lake offers better opportunities for kokanee fishing.
• Post-spawn Behavior & Locations: After spawning, kokanee salmon die, and their carcasses provide nutrients for the aquatic ecosystem. However, if you’re looking for salmon fishing opportunities in the area, consider visiting Pardee Lake or other known kokanee fishing

Summer Fishing Update On Lake Camanche

During the summer months of May, June, July, and August, Lake Camanche in California experiences typical Mediterranean-type climate patterns. Here’s what you can expect:

Summer Weather Patterns

• Air Temperature: Summer temperatures at Lake Camanche can range from the high 70s to mid-90s (°F) during the day, with May being the mildest month and July and August often being the hottest. Nighttime temperatures tend to cool down significantly, sometimes dropping to the 50s (°F).
• Wind Speed and Direction: Lake Camanche can experience variable wind conditions during the summer months. The wind typically blows from the west or northwest, with average speeds ranging between 5 and 15 mph. Wind patterns can be more unpredictable during the afternoons, with occasional gusts or calm periods.

Water Temperature & Fishing Presentations

• Average Water Temperature: The average water temperature at Lake Camanche during the summer months can range from the low 70s to mid-80s (°F). As the water temperature increases, fishing presentations for bass and trout will need to be adjusted to target deeper waters.
• Bass: As bass move to deeper waters in response to increasing water temperatures, presentations like deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, drop-shot rigs, or jigging techniques will be more effective. Focus on submerged structures, ledges, and drop-offs to locate bass.
• Trout: Trout will also seek cooler waters in deeper parts of the lake during summer. Trolling with spoons

Here are some tips on catching trout and Kokanee on the lake during the summer

• Summer months can be challenging as the fish tend to go deeper in the cooler waters, so consider using downriggers to get your bait deeper.
• Trolling is a popular method for catching trout and Kokanee on the lake. Use a combination of flashers and lures to attract the fish.
• Vary your speed and depth until you find what works best for the day.
• When fishing for Kokanee, use smaller lures and bait.

Here are some common baits for catching trout and Kokanee on Lake Camanche:

• Nightcrawlers
• PowerBait (in garlic, chartreuse, and rainbow colors)
• Kastmasters
• Rooster Tails
• Needlefish
• Wedding Rings
• Apex Lures
• Dodgers

Here are five specific locations where you can catch trout and Kokanee on Lake Camanche:

• The Narrows
• Hat Island
• The Dam Area
• The South Shore Pond
• The North Shore Day Use Area

Summertime Bass fishing tips

Lake Camanche is a great spot for bass fishing during the summer months. Here are some tips on the best techniques to use:

• Bass are more active in the early morning and late evening when the water is cooler. Fishing during these times can be more productive.
• Fish around structures such as docks, submerged trees, and weed beds.
• Topwater lures can be effective in the morning and evening when the fish are feeding near the surface.
• During the day, switch to deeper water and use deeper diving lures or jigs.

Here are three common reaction style baits for catching bass on Lake Camanche:

• Crankbaits (such as Strike King KVD Square Bill)
• Spinnerbaits (such as Booyah Pond Magic)
• Chatterbaits (such as Z-Man ChatterBait)

Here are three common finesse style baits for catching bass on Lake Camanche:

• Drop Shot Worms (such as Roboworm)
• Senkos (such as Gary Yamamoto Senko)
• Ned Rigs (such as Z-Man Finesse TRD)

Here are five specific locations where you can catch bass on Lake Camanche during the summer:

• The Narrows
• Little Hat Island
• The South Shore Day Use Area
• The North Shore Day Use Area
• The dam area

Other fish you can catch

In addition to trout, Kokanee, and bass, Lake Camanche is home to a variety of other game fish. Here are some tips on how to catch them:

• Catfish: Use cut bait or stink bait and fish around submerged structures, especially at night.
• Crappie: Fish around submerged trees and brush with small jigs or live minnows.
• Bluegill/Sunfish: Use small hooks and bait with worms, small pieces of nightcrawler, or small jigs tipped with a bit of bait.
• Carp: Use corn, bread, or boilies on the bottom of the lake or suspended under a bobber.
• Channel and Blue Catfish: Use chicken livers, live bait, or stink bait, and fish around structures, especially in deeper water.
• Rainbow Trout: Besides summer, they are stocked annually during the winter months. Anglers use powerbait, nightcrawlers, or lures like Kastmasters or spinners.

It’s important to check the regulations on Lake Camanche before you go fishing, as bag limits and other restrictions can vary by species and season. Additionally, local bait and tackle shops can provide up-to-date information on what baits and techniques are currently working best.