Fishing Stampede Reservoir In Northern CA

AKA: Stampede Lake

Popular Fish Species
Stampede Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Stampede Reservoir, CA

Popular Fish Species Stampede Reservoir, CA

Stampede Reservoir 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, Stampede Reservoir 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. In winter, once the ice is safe, try california.

Stampede Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Stampede Reservoir. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, 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. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Stampede Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Stampede Reservoir continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Stampede Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at Stampede Reservoir in California.

Kokanee salmon fishing is great at Stampede Reservoir, a 3,340-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, 10 miles north of Truckee. This is also a terrific trout fishery with four species of trout. Scattered around the lake, which has twenty five miles of shoreline, are access roads and trails for reaching the water for fishing from the bank.

Shore fishing is also available at the campgrounds. Boating access is via the boat launch ramp, located just west of Logger Campground.

Primary fish species residing in Stampede Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Stampede Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Stampede Reservoir Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Boat Launch Access Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.