10/4/26 - 10/10/26 | Central Sierra Fishing Report
Central Sierra Fishing Report
Shaver Lake • Huntington Lake • Wishon Reservoir • Courtright Reservoir • Bass Lake • Pine Flat Lake • Kings River
Fishing across the Central Sierra continues to produce mixed results, with recent trout plants providing productive opportunities at Shaver and Huntington Lakes. Wishon Reservoir remains a standout destination for trout anglers, while low water levels at several lakes are creating challenges for boaters.
Shaver Lake
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's recent stocking of 5,000 pounds of trout provided excellent fishing during the first week following the plant. Although the bite slowed the following week, anglers are still finding success throughout the lake.
Steve Blair of Hanford and Lloyd Holland of Auberry returned to Shaver Lake this past week after an impressive outing shortly after the trout plant, when they caught and released 55 trout. During their most recent trip, the pair recorded 15 hookups and landed approximately two limits of trout, releasing every fish.
Super Dave Loftin of Visalia, a dedicated catch and release angler, also enjoyed a productive day at Shaver. Starting near Sierra Marina, Loftin quickly located active trout and landed 10 fish before 8:00 a.m.
Fishing with one downrigger rod and one side rod, Loftin used Dick's Huntington Troutbusters tipped with Berkley White Grubs behind Dick's Mountain Flashers on his side rod, with a setback of approximately 100 feet. His downrigger setup featured the same Troutbusters paired with a Super Dave Mountain Dodger, trolled at depths of 25 to 35 feet.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., Loftin moved toward the Point to target kokanee. Switching to orange Dick's Mountain Tubes tipped with Gulp! Corn, he fished depths ranging from 25 to 60 feet. By 11:00 a.m., he had landed his limit of second year kokanee.
Loftin reported his most productive area was the triangle between the Point, Edison Ramp, and the Island.
He also noted that Shaver Lake's water level remains very low and advised trollers to be cautious of the uneven lake bottom when using downriggers. The Sierra Marina launch ramp was still usable at the time of the report, although the Edison Ramp may now be out of the water.
Anglers planning to launch should check the Sierra Marina webcam for the most current water levels and ramp conditions.
Huntington Lake
Huntington Lake continues to provide productive trout fishing following a 5,000 pound trout plant by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife approximately three weeks ago.
The recent stocking has received relatively little fishing pressure, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to find active fish.
Trollers have reported consistent success catching limits of trout at depths of 25 to 35 feet, while second year kokanee have been found between 30 and 65 feet.
Trolling setups similar to those producing fish at Shaver Lake have been effective at Huntington.
Wishon Reservoir and Courtright Reservoir
Guide Joon Nguyen of Reel Time Guide Services continues to put his clients on impressive numbers of trout at Wishon Reservoir.
On Saturday, Nguyen guided the Chester family from Clovis to an outstanding day of fishing. The three anglers caught a total of 55 trout, keeping three limits and releasing the remainder.
Nguyen reported finding the most productive fishing along the east wall in deeper water, targeting trout at depths of 20 to 35 feet. He also located several quality holdover trout measuring up to 15.5 inches, with the larger fish holding slightly deeper.
Wishon Reservoir remains mostly full, providing favorable water levels and productive trout fishing.
Courtright Reservoir, however, has been significantly drawn down, with Nguyen describing the reservoir as "basically drained."
Despite the low water levels, shore anglers continue to report good catches near the boat ramp and toward the back of the reservoir. Productive bait choices have included lime green, orange, and rainbow PowerBait, along with nightcrawlers.
Bass Lake
Fishing at Bass Lake remains slow as water levels continue to decline.
Guide Mike Beighey of Mike's Bass Lake Fishing Tours reported that the lake is low, and the boat ramp may become unusable in the coming week.
For anglers planning to troll, Beighey recommends concentrating efforts in front of The Pines Resort at depths of 25 to 30 feet, although he cautions that the overall bite has been very slow.
Beighey plans to resume full charter operations in April, with reservations opening in December. Christmas gift cards will also be available for anglers interested in booking future fishing trips.
Guide Joon Nguyen of Reel Time Guide Services also reported slow fishing conditions at Bass Lake. During a recent trip, Nguyen and his clients managed to land just one limit of trout.
Nguyen believes the lake would benefit from another trout plant, although additional stocking is not expected until spring.
Pine Flat Lake and Kings River
Pine Flat Lake remains extremely low, with some portions of the reservoir taking on a narrow, streamlike appearance.
Boat launching is reportedly still possible at Deer Creek and Lake View, while other launch locations remain unusable due to low water levels.
Fishing reports have been limited, with the only recent report indicating an unsuccessful outing.
Local Pine Flat anglers Brian Klassen and Jimmy Tartaglia are looking forward to targeting salmon once lake levels improve.
In the meantime, Klassen has been spending time hunting, while Tartaglia has been enjoying an extended salmon fishing trip on the Sacramento River above Rio Vista, where he has reportedly been catching limits nearly every day.
The Kings River below Pine Flat Dam continues to provide productive fishing opportunities, particularly for anglers casting lures. Several locations along the river have been producing fish.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Stocking Update
According to the reported stocking schedule, no additional trout plants are planned for the area this week, with the exception of the Kings River below Pine Flat Dam.
Anglers are encouraged to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's current stocking schedule for the latest updates.
Best Bets for This Week
For anglers looking to get on the water, Wishon Reservoir, Shaver Lake, and Huntington Lake remain the top choices.
Wishon continues to produce impressive numbers of trout, while Shaver offers opportunities for both trout and kokanee anglers. Huntington remains a promising destination following its recent trout plant and relatively light fishing pressure.
For the latest local fishing conditions, stop by Shaver Lake Sports and speak with tackle manager Jarrett Watson for current reports, tackle recommendations, and firsthand information on what's biting.
Tight lines, and good luck on the water!