Bass Lake

[Bill Cook]

I was up in the area last week. Are there bass in Bass Lake? Is it worth fishing? I know it is packed in the summer. I am just curious.
Bill

[Calistar]

Yep...the bass are there, but (for me at least) they are tough to catch. Spent a couple days there last year and I think I caught 2 or 3. Perhaps someone with better luck/skill will share some tips?

[MN]

Yes bill there are bass there.i know a guy that has a cabin right on the lake.He say's he go's out on his dock and can see them.unfortunatly he is not a fisherman iand i have never been there so this is all i know.why are you going to add it to your schedule.like you said this place is very popular with pleasure boats.

[Bill Cook]

I briefly considered it. I get tired of going to the same lakes all the time. If it was a great fishery, maybe we would try it in the wintertime??? I heard it is very expensive to launch there.

[RogerB]

this place is very popular with pleasure boats.

is an understatement.
The lake is set up to accommodate water skiers and personal watercraft and, during the summer, there are a gazillion of them. Both the water skiers and the PWC go around the lake in a counterclockwise pattern which can make for a lot of wave action toward the shore. There are large areas on the north and south ends of the lake set-aside for the PWC to "play" in.
The maker of the ABT Lures Gladiator caught a 15+ bass there last year (maybe the year before) to set the lake record. A very small number of people brave the pleasure boating crowd to fish for bass, but it certainly isn't considered a prime fishery, even though it has turned out a large bass.
It's a beautiful lake, with usually very clear water. If you like a challenge, Bass Lake can certainly provide it.

[Dan McKenzie]

I think the fishing can be good at times for both LM and SM.
Check out www.bayreabackwaters.com he did a guide trip there in early spring/late winter and wrote about it on his fishing report page of his web site.

[JT-Madera]

Bill............ Bass Lake is a great fishery.. I live about 30 minutes away ..Most of the local bass clubs hold tournaments there every year..the launch fees are state of calif. on the off season which run from Labor Day until June first. That means it is only $4.00 and no day use fee...I never fish there during the summer because it is overrun with jetski's and waterskiers...WON BASS I believe had team tournaments there once or twice...when Sid Mcdonald ran it..It will take about 40 boats without to much trouble..and about 14 pounds to win any time in the fall or winter. Sorry the rest of you can't catch fish there but most locals don't have much trouble..When the water is that clear year round you have to use "light" line.. I only use 4# test on that lake and have never had a problem..But don't bring your 20# test or flipping stick.... hehehe

[Bill Cook]

Where are the best facilities? I am thinking about it pretty hard. Thanks to everybody who has responded.
Bill

[Mitch]

LOL at least in the season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The skiers and PWC control the lake from 8 am to 7 pm then it's 5 mph. The Sherrif charges a fee for a Lake Permit during this season. It's based on the hp of your motor. 225 hp will run you over $50 !!! No permit required from Labor Day thru Memorial Day.
THe public launch is at the Pines resort and on the other side at a public launch near the dam. I perfer that one. They just installed a new courtesy dock this spring, and the parking is better. This lake is a great lake in the fall and spring with good spots and blacks taking Jigs and plastics, including the almighty Senko. This year I was lucky enough to even get on a GREAT swim bait bite. It can be cruel also !!! There is all kinds of structure from bare banks to points to rocks to docks. The days can be extreamly cold and ugly, but at the right time you can be well rewarded.