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If you’re afraid to lose some flies, don’t go to this lake. If not, you’ll work some of the best fish habitat in the foothills of northern California! The trout and bass you’ll catch are worth a few missing flies.

Don Pedro, one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Sierra foothills gold country, is well stocked with trout, salmon, and bass. The Department of Fish & Game keeps virtually tens of thousands of fingerlings roaming this lake. The impoundment is huge, so plan on covering lots of water to maximize your fishing adventures. Be aware of boating patterns as you explore. As with most venues, the farther you travel from the parking lots and launch ramps, the less pressure the game fish receive.

The arms, coves, and inlets of Don Pedro are numerous, and all present you with fish cover to explore. Game fish have little problem finding and feasting on the healthy food chain in these areas. There are also plenty of places for them to retreat to when danger lurks.

Fly rodders should look for rocky habitat, timber, docks, and points for the most concentrated populations of game fish. The southern coves are teeming with bass. I recommend the Willow Creek and Big Creek areas. Dark-colored patterns are classics around these areas. The Woods Creek arm and the Moccasin Bay area are top choices for trout anglers, with the Flemming Meadows region being a solid second choice for trout.

Most folks drive to Don Pedro via Highway 120. Pass through the towns of Manteca and Oakdale, heading east. Exit onto J59, La Grange Road and go to Bonds Flat Road to reach the southern part of the reservoir. To access the north shore, just stay on 120 through Chinese Camp and continue to Moccasin Point.

Large trout and kokanee have given this reservoir a fine reputation. Photo by John Sherman.

Types of Fish

Rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, and some king salmon.

Known Hatches & Baitfish