Devils Punchbowl Fishing Guide, Fresno County, California

• Overview

  Out in Fresno County, California, sits Devils Punchbowl. Land around it is mixed forest. It runs to roughly 34 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. On our Fresno County list it sits near the top for size. West Bishop lies 26 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Clovis, 52 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Devils Punchbowl

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Survey and observation records for Fresno County include brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The near bank of Devils Punchbowl is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 52°F, the coldest about 21°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early June. In an average year the thaw lands around early June and the freeze near late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Devils Punchbowl the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Little Shot Lake, 0.2 miles out. Check the position at Devils Punchbowl before loading the car.