Camanche Reservoir, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Amador County entry here is Camanche Reservoir, in California. The country here is pine and hardwood. At roughly 9.9 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The outline measures near 41 miles, so a boat opens up water the bank never reaches. It is the biggest water on our Amador County list. Start from Dogtown, 6.6 miles down the road. Valley Springs lies 7.8 miles off, Rancho Calaveras another 8.8 miles.

• Where to Fish on Camanche Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Species logged across Amador County include rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, Sacramento sucker and smallmouth bass. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Treat Camanche Reservoir as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 78°F and January about 46°F. There is no frozen season to plan round. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan any trip to Camanche Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Pardee Reservoir, 7.1 miles away. Confirm access to Camanche Reservoir locally before you travel.