What do we know about bass Lake, CA? Heading up there

[Big Willy]

Im going to go stay at a friends cabin on Bass lake a few times over the next 6 months. About three weeks total. What I would like to know, or at least get pointers about are as follows. Is the dam dam fixed yet? Who are the best guides for fishing in the area? Has anyone ever fished up Willow Creek from the lake? If so, how far and what did you find(Pools, fast runs, hard hike, ext)? What bar should I hang out at? Where should I eat? I know it's allot of questions and I hope to know a bit more before I get up there.

Thanks,
Will

[Big Willy]

Nothing..........Thanks

Maybe I should try looking around the Northern California section for info.

[CraigH]

I figured someone with more knowledge than mine would have answered. I haven't fished Bass Lake, but drove around it 5 or 6 years ago on a Yosemite road trip. We stayed in Oakhurst, which I think is the nearest town to Bass Lake? Here is what I can tell you ..

The lake is very nice. Kinda reminded me of Big Bear, but with a lot less development. Take a in car GPS or map of the area. There is a road that goes down the east side of the lake, and a road that goes down the west side, but the small road that connects them on the southeast part of the lake was closed when we went and it was a long drive before we found another road that connected the two (didn't have a detailed map or GPS so there could have been an easier route).

I don't remember what hotel we stayed at in Oakhurst, but there was a reataurant with a pretty good breakfast close to the hotel. I think the restaurant was the country kitchen or something? There was also a pretty good mexican restaurant across the street. That restaurant was set kinda far back from the road with a parking lot in front of it.

If you've never been to Yosemite, you will be close to the south entrance and the mariposa redwood grove.

[cjschock]

Never fished it but I know there are supposed to be kokonee in there so I am sure there are guides that fish them. My dad and brother in law were up there and they fished a pond somewhere in the area and caught a bunch of rainbows while throwing minijigs. Im pretty sure that bass lake has crappie, bass, and at least rainbow trout as well. Sorry, but cant be of too much help.

[dk4885]

dam work is done, lake level is down, trout have been getting weekly plants, the pines resort is a good place to eat and the price is right, dicks fishing charters is the best around but hes been fishing for the trophy trout at shaver lake about an hour away.... but u can get them from shore...

i hope that helps alittle..

[bman90278]

Used to go fishing for trout at Bass lake during the 70's. It's definitely a great place to visit.

-b

[Stalker Of Fish]

The boat rental place with the jet skis, Pontoons etc. offers some decent guides . Been a while for me we always camped
around Mariposa when we visited Bass lake so I have no info on the amenities . Fishing was good though for Trout .

[fishinarteest]

All i know is my grandparents vacationed there a few years ago, but they didn't fish. my grandpa told me it was clear water though, he planned to take me and my uncle up there to fish it, but we still haven't gotten the oppertunity.

[Pete Marino]

I know that its a beautiful lake. I know that we used to stay there for a week every year for many years. I know that Bass Lake is where they filmed alot of the movie The Great Outdoors with John Candy. I know the smallmouth bite is a blast. Also the trout and Kok bite is very fun...either trolling or bait and wait. And even if the bite is off...its still one of the most beautiful places to visit in California!!

Pete

[Big Willy]

That's what I needed guys! Thanks for the info. I think I might head up there for some R&R by the fire pit this weekend with the wife and daughter. Bringing the trolling and bait and wait setups. Might just try and figure out a guide for the first day to give me the tour of the fishery. I find that cuts out the learning curve tremendously. The Great Outdoors you say! I love that movie. I will be bringing that DVD with me for sure!

Shaver lake you say? Trophy trout an hour away? I will be looking more into this too, thanks for the heads up.

[parkermann2]

I went there in July fishing was tough with them doing work on the dam. The water was really cloudy and low. Water in July was about 80 deg. I caught 1 bass and a couple bluegil I'm hoping if we go again this year the water won't be so cloudy. And there is a 5mph on the lake until 8 am during the summer you have to get out there early because as soon as its 8 o'clock there is tons of boats wakeboarding all day

[plumbertom]

Best to check on the water level before you go.
Last time I fished that lake, admittedly a few years ago, I did great trolling for trout with small lead head curly tail panfish jigs about 50' behind the boat at around 2 mph. White or chartruse were the best colors for the day I was there. The fish seemed to be pretty well spread out over the lake.
My sister, Bro-in-law and myself caught 15 trout in a couple of hours.

[Caliyak]

Will, the Fresno Bee has a weekly fishing report for Bass Lake (wednesdays). I live in the central valley but never been up there. I know that there is a big casino up there- Chukchansi. Might want to check the website for events and concerts. Also, if you are interested in some bass fishing, go to Hensley and Eastman. Millerton is a great big lake with boat rentals.
Stop in the Fresno's Fishermen's Warehouse on Shaw off the 99, the owner is a great guy and very knowledgable. On the 41, you can stop at REI but that's more for camping.
I hope this helps a little.