Fishing Lake McClure In Central CA

AKA: McClure Point Recreational Area

Popular Fish Species
Lake McClure Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Lake McClure, CA

Popular Fish Species Lake McClure, CA

Lake McClure Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Lake McClure can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. Annual stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout.

Lake McClure Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake McClure is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

Lake McClure Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in California, Lake McClure delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Lake McClure Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill and kokanee salmon at Lake McClure in California.

A boating and fishing gem in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Lake McClure is a 7,100 acre reservoir, located in the center of the state in Mariposa County. The flooded, twisting and winding riverbed has eighty miles of shoreline, with plenty of room fulfill all your outdoor and watersport dreams.

The fishing is generally very good. Bass and trout are the main draw for fishing enthusiasts, but the lake also provides good fishing for catfish, bluegill and kokanee salmon. Canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, family boats and pontoon boats are all popular here. Boating access is available at McClure Point Recreational Area and Cemetery Ridge, mid lake on the west side of the main lake. In the northwest corner of the lake there are boat launch ramps at Barrett Cove Recreation Area and at Barrett Cove Marina Cafe. Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area, in the northeast corner of the lake also has a nice boat landing and parking. Bagby Recreation Area in the southeast corner of the lake also has a boat ramp and parking.

Primary fish species residing in Lake McClure

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake McClure Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Marinas

Barrett Cove Marina Cafe
Coulterville, CA 95311
209 378-2435

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bagby Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the south end of the Golden Chain Highway bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Barrett Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Piney Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Barrett Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Barrett Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Horseshoe Bend Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Highway 132, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

McClure Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lake McClure Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

McClure Point Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Boat Club Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.