Fishing at Little Panoche Reservoir, Fresno County, California

• Overview

  You will find Little Panoche Reservoir in Fresno County, California. The bank gives way to dry rangeland. Surface area is around 37 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Few waters listed in Fresno County are bigger. Nearest town is South Dos Palos, 15 miles off. Salinas is the closest city, 48 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Little Panoche Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Fresno County include brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, green sunfish and Sacramento sucker. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Little Panoche Reservoir to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 47°F in January up to 78°F in July. Cold never closes this one. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Little Panoche Reservoir that shapes the whole year. Autumn cools the shallows first, so work deeper as it goes on.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Los Banos Reservoir at 16 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Little Panoche Reservoir before loading the car.