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This reservoir is in a classic California foothills location, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s Mother Lode Country. The site abounds with rocky shoreline, points, and coves. Canoes, kayaks, prams, pontoons, and tubes all gain considerable access to excellent fly fishing. Anglers afoot can enjoy some pretty nice action as well, particularly during first and last light. Night fishing for crappie can be extremely productive.

The shoreline winds approximately 60 miles around the lake. Bank angling is best around the south and north shores. Camanche provides you with 7,500 surface acres to explore, so a boat of some kind is helpful. Expect significant boat traffic during the summer months, as Camanche is also a popular water-skiing destination.

Fortunately for the fly fishing community, the better angling takes place during the cooler weather of spring, and the place is busting with game fish at this time! To catch the warmwater species, try crayfish patterns with hints of red, brown, blue, and orange. Anything that slithers or crawls through bassy cover is sure to draw interest. For the stocked trout or kokanee, fish down around 10 to 20 feet, or try to find the 50F to 55F temperature zone.

If topwater is your game, fish in the early morning and evening. When the heat hits the water, most of the game fish go deep. Deep-water tactics with heavy sinking lines and streamers will keep you in the game.

Camanche is about 30 miles east of the Central Valley city of Stockton. Drive east on Highway 88 through Clements. Turn off on Highway 12 to reach the south shore region. Or stay on Highway 88 to Liberty Road (east) for north shore access.

Camanche shoreline. Photo by Brian Sak.

Types of Fish

Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth, largemouth, spotted bass, crappie, and panfish.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Trout: Callibaetis mayflies, tan or yellow caddis, damselfly nymphs, and shad streamers.

Bass: Threadfin shad, bluegill, game fish fry, crayfish, leeches, and frogs.

Panfish: Small jigs, nymphs, and sponge spiders.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 5–7 weight, 8½–10 feet in length.

Reels: Palm or mechanical drag.

Lines: Intermediate, sink tip type-4, modified sink tips of 130 to 200 grains, or shooting heads type-4 or type-6.

Leaders: 1X to 6X, 6–12 feet in length.

Wading: Felt-soled boots, hip boots, or chest waders are okay, but the reservoir is best worked from a boat or inflatable if possible.

Flies to Use

Nymphs: Putnam’s & Bug Eye Damselfly, Black AP #12, Kaufman’s Dragonfly #8, Poxyback Callibaetis #16, Black Ant, Prince #14, Gold Bead Prince #10–16.

Streamers: Sea Habit Bucktail #1/0, Flashtail Clouser #1/0–2, Purple Eelworm #6, Burk’s V-Worm #10, Hot Flash Minnow, Whitlock’s Near Nuff Sculpin, Purple Eelworm, Bullet Head, Whitlock Near Nuff Sculpin #6, Poxybou Crayfish #4–8, Black Woolly Bugger #4, Blanton’s Flash Tail series #6–8.

Topwater & Subsurface: Gurgler #2, Swimming Frog, Loudmouth Shad #6, Gaines Bluegill Popper #12, Sponge Spider #10–12, Bett’s Micro Popper #8–10, Elk Hair Caddis #10–14.

When to Fish

Trout & Kokanee: November through April; prime months are January through April.

Bass: March through November; prime months are April to May and October to November.

Panfish: All year, prime times are spring and fall.

Seasons & Limits

Fish all year and plan on general state regulations and limits. Check at a fly shop or the Camanche store, or consult the California Department of Fish & Game regulation booklet for more exact information.

Accommodations & Services

Camping, public launches, a marina, boat rentals, a store, and supplies are available at the lake.

Rating

I really enjoy this lake and the great boating opportunities. Overall at least a 6.5.