Fishing Methods

• Float n Fly : The bass are poised to ambush along the steep banks with noticeable drop-offs. During the winter months, it's best to use longer leaders, around 10 to 11 feet, since the fish tend to hunker down. In contrast, during spring, shorter leaders (5 to 7 feet) work better and are easier to cast. North Valley’s flies, including the Wagasaki and Black Leeches, being my primary patterns for these conditions.

• Streamers : Stripping streamers can be highly effective in the spring and summer. Personally, I find coves and points to be my favorite spots for this technique.

Species to Target

• Bass: Spotted, largemouth, and smallmouth bass are abundant here, especially around submerged structures like rocks, drop-offs, and weed beds.

• Trout: Rainbow trout are stocked regularly, and you'll find them more shallow in the cooler months leading into the spring.

• Catfish: Common year-round, particularly around the shallows at night.

• Bluegill and Crappie: These can be found in the warmer months, especially in coves with lots of cover.

Best Seasons

• Spring and Fall: These are prime times for bass fishing. During these seasons, bass are more active and often move closer to shore to spawn, making them easier to target.

• Summer: Ideal for trout and catfish, as fish tend to move to deeper waters to avoid the warmer surface temperatures. Early morning and late evening can offer epic topwater action.

• Winter: Fishing can be slower, but it's a great time to target both bass and trout, especially on the fly. Trout often push into shallower waters, and large bass are more likely to bite during this period.

Fishing Access

• Boat Fishing: There are many areas around the lake that are best accessed by boat. Markley Cove is my go to Launch.

• Shore Fishing: If you're not planning to rent a boat, there are a few spots along the shore like the Monticello Shores and Spanish Flat areas, or even in the Markley cove area right off the highway. Try fishing near points, coves, or rocky outcroppings.

• Access Points: Markley Cove, Spanish Flat, Monticello Shores, Capell Cove, and Steele Canyon.