10/18/26 - 10/24/26 | Central Sierra Fishing Report
Central Sierra Fishing Report
Shaver Lake • Huntington Lake • Bass Lake • Wishon Reservoir • Courtright Reservoir • Pine Flat Lake • Kings River
Fishing is offering some excellent opportunities across the Central Sierra, with strong trout action at several mountain lakes. With favorable weather and roads still open to the high country reservoirs, this is a great time to plan a fishing trip. Here’s the latest report on where the fish are biting and what techniques are producing.
Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake is fishing exceptionally well, particularly around Stevenson Bay. For years, Dick has emphasized that this time of year can produce excellent trout fishing in the bay as kokanee spawn and trout feed on their eggs.
Super Dave Loftin and fishing partners Dave Weaver and Gene Winsett, all of Visalia, launched at Sierra Marina and caught three trout while trolling toward Stevenson Bay. Once inside the bay, the action picked up considerably.
While it was raining, the group used Dick’s Mountain pink Hoochies tipped with pink Gulp! maggots behind a Doc Barb Mountain Dodger. After the rain stopped, they switched to Super Dave’s Mountain Dodgers in silver. They targeted the upper 30 feet of the water column and caught their limits, releasing many additional fish.
The trio returned Friday and still managed two limits despite losing one of their fishing poles overboard.
Huntington Lake
Huntington Lake continues to produce a variety of fish. Guide Joon Nguyen and his wife, Christine, reported catching rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee during their recent trip.
Fishing in the middle of the lake between 15 and 40 feet deep, they caught 10 rainbows, four browns, and approximately 18 kokanee. About half of the kokanee were small, while the larger fish reached around 13 inches. The brown trout were looking good, and the rainbows were aggressive.
Boat ramp warning: Water levels are down significantly. Joon was able to launch his large charter boat, but the trailer wheels dropped at the bottom of the ramp, which extends only about three feet into the water. Smaller boats should have fewer problems, but anglers should use caution when launching.
Bass Lake
According to Bass Lake guide Captain Mike Beighey of Mike’s Bass Lake Fishing, trout fishing had been slow. However, a recent Department of Fish and Wildlife stocking should help improve the bite.
Mike also reminds anglers that some very large trout are still swimming in Bass Lake. Water levels remain low, but the boat ramp is still usable.
Wishon Reservoir
Wishon Reservoir continues to deliver excellent trout fishing, with anglers reporting plenty of fish and successful trips across multiple areas of the lake.
Trout are being caught approximately 15 to 30 feet deep. The eastern side of the reservoir has been popular, with spinners and nightcrawlers fished behind flashers or dodgers producing good results. However, fish are being caught throughout the reservoir.
Shore anglers are also reporting easy limits from several locations. Areas near the boat ramp have been particularly productive and offer convenient access. PowerBait remains a top choice for shore fishing.
Wishon currently has a good amount of water, making it a great option for anglers looking to take advantage of the mountain lakes.
Courtright Reservoir
Courtright Reservoir continues to produce excellent fishing, with reports of easy limits from both boat anglers and shore fishermen.
Water levels are significantly lower due to dam work, and launching can be challenging. The ramp was reported usable with some effort during the latest report, so check conditions before making the trip.
With productive fishing and favorable weather, Courtright and Wishon are both worth considering while the roads remain open.
Pine Flat Lake and Kings River
Pine Flat Lake remains extremely low at approximately 18% of capacity. The lake has been described as almost stream like, and little trolling activity has taken place. The main positive report from Pine Flat is that the catfish bite has been good.
Below Pine Flat Dam, the Kings River continues to produce fish at several locations. Regular Department of Fish and Wildlife stockings are helping maintain fishing opportunities along the river.
Department of Fish and Wildlife Stocking Update
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked both Shaver Lake and Bass Lake during the week of this report. Another stocking was anticipated for the Kings River below the dam before the 31st.
The Friant Hatchery staff have been especially busy, with many personnel traveling to Whiskeytown Reservoir to collect kokanee eggs. Those eggs are brought back to Friant and raised for future stockings at Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, and Bass Lake in the spring.
Catch of the Week
Congratulations to Rich Jones of Fresno, who landed an impressive 48 pound striped bass at San Luis Reservoir while fishing with his father, Steve Jones.
The pair were fishing with striper guide Roger George of Roger George Fishing Services. Steve is also the holder of the Shaver Lake trout record.
Best Bets
Shaver Lake: Excellent trout action around Stevenson Bay, especially on pink Hoochies and Mountain Dodgers in the upper 30 feet of the water column.
Huntington Lake: Rainbows, browns, and kokanee in the 15 to 40 foot range.
Wishon Reservoir: Consistent trout action for boat and shore anglers.
Courtright Reservoir: Excellent reports of limits, but check the low water boat ramp conditions before launching.
Take advantage of the current fishing opportunities at Wishon and Courtright while weather conditions are favorable and access roads remain open. Always check water levels and boat ramp conditions before heading out.
Fishing conditions and water levels can change quickly. This report reflects conditions during the week it was originally provided.