Tiger Creek Reservoir Fishing near Buckhorn, California

• Overview

  The Amador County end of California holds Tiger Creek Reservoir. Everything around it is pine and hardwood. Roughly 58 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. 1.7 miles away sits Buckhorn, the nearest town. Pioneer lies 4 miles off, Red Corral another 6.2 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Tiger Creek Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Amador County records list rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Tiger Creek Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 39°F and August at about 70°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That is the shape of the year on Tiger Creek Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Wilson Lake at 2.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Tiger Creek Reservoir.