We target 4 year old Kokanee salmon that
typically range in size from 16 to 20 inches. These salmon are
introduced as fingerlings into Bass Lake each year from the nearby
Friant fish hatchery, and spawn and die after 4 years, which is why we
target these. The Kokanee season runs during the warm summer
months, and during that time we'll occasionally hook into Brown Trout
or Rainbow trout. During the winter the Kokanee will not
take a bait, so we target trout exclusively.
This is some of the greatest lake fishing
in California, and
Kokanee salmon is some of
the most delicious fish you'll find anywhere.
Another local and beautiful lake,
Mammoth Pools, has exceptional trout fishing, where big brown trout
are frequently pulled out of the lake. This lake has
campgrounds for vehicles as well as boat accessible only
campgrounds, and makes for a terrific and memorable trip into the
high country.
I'm extremely lucky to have
chartered trips as a local licensed fishing guide for the last ten
years with a wide variety of clients from all over the world and the
USA, as well as local enthusiasts, businessmen, and tourists.
I've lived in the Oakhurst area for 20 years, and primarily fish on Bass
Lake, Millerton lake, and Mammoth Pools.
I especially
look forward to getting youngsters interested in this great sport,
and offer half price tickets for teenagers 12 - 15, and no charge
for children 11 and younger.
Kokanee Salmon - Bass Lake
Best Season: Late April thru September
Fished in 40 to 100 feet of water
Brown & Rainbow Trout (and the lake also
has Bass, Panfish, & Carp)
Mammoth Pools season opens in mid-June.
Chartered Trips
Gear, tackle and bait provided
Children Welcome (Under 11 must wear life vests, which are
provided free of charge)
16 years and older must have a fishing license, available at
many local stores
Snacks and drinks provided
Coffee, Sodas, & water, and snacks such as donuts in the early
season and cut fruit in the summer.
I clean your catch for you, and you can eat it that day if
you're staying locally and have kitchen facilities.
When fishing Mammoth Pools its also possible to set traps for
Crawdads, which make a fun and delicious meal.
18 Ft Sun Tracker Pontoon boat, with 25 HP Mercury
Bigfoot and 4 electric Scotty down riggers
Only a few minutes from Oakhurst, CA, and just 20 miles from Yosemite National Park
Campsites around the lake, as well as nearby
hotels and restaurants
