| Whether catching that very
first fish or already an avid angler, fisher folks will reel them in at
numerous lakes and streams in the southern Yosemite area. Trout are planted
frequently during spring and summer months. Explore an alpine lake, follow
a meandering stream or rent a boat-there's no limit to the ways to enjoy
fishing here. Here are just a few of the places you can enjoy:
 Bass
Lake is a 3,376-foot elevation reservoir stocked with trout, bass,
salmon, catfish, crappie and bluegill. In May, anglers can try their luck
at the Bass Lake Fishing Derby, with more than 800 tagged trout and $40,000
in cash and prizes. Fishing for kokanee salmon is good during fall and
winter months. Fishing boat rentals are available at all three resorts
located on Bass Lake.
Eastman Lake has a
fishing component similar to that of nearby Hensley Lake. This 1,600-acre
lake is also operated by the Corps of Engineers and offers camping, picnicking
and boat launching facilities. Bald eagles nest near the upper end of the
lake, which is closed to access during nesting season.
Hensley Lake on the
Fresno River near Madera is an easily accessed 1,600-surface acre foothill
reservoir operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bass, blue gill,
red ear sunfish, crappie and catfish are available. The lake is stocked
with catchable-size rainbow trout during winter. You'll find camping sites,
day-use areas for picnicking and boat launching ramps.
Mammoth Pool, at 3,330
feet elevation, is located on the San Joaquin River 40 miles east of North
Fork and is eastern Madera's largest trout lake. Two-pound brown trout
are common, and browns up to 15 pounds live in the reservoir. Catchable-size
rainbow trout are stocked during the summer.
Manzanita Lake, located
two miles north of North Fork on Willow Creek, is stocked throughout the
summer with catchable size rainbow trout and is a nice family picnic and
fishing area.
FLY FISHING:
 Though
the lakes and streams of eastern Madera County are relatively unknown to
many, they have wild trout and offer excellent fly fishing. There are beautiful
streams and high mountain lakes throughout Madera County. These waters
support brook, brown, rainbow and golden trout, California's state fish.
The Merced River from the South Fork upstream to the Foresta bridge, Big
Creek, Willow Creek, Fish Creek, Rock Creek, Chiquito Creek and Granite
Creek are roadside waters that are stocked with rainbow trout during the
summer. Iron Lakes, Bare Island Lake, Grizzly Lake and the Star Lakes are
good choices for anglers seeking the solitude and pristine beauty of High
Sierra Still water fishing. |
Featured
Web Sites:
Bass
Lake Weather & Webcam
Department
of Fish & Game
Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection
Sierra
National Forest
Yosemite
Adventures - High Country Tours
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