Where are good places to fish for smallmouth bass in California?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

California offers some standout smallmouth grounds, especially in the northern and central parts of the state. Here are solid options and how to approach them as a bass angler in mid-summer:

- **Trinity Lake & Trinity River** – A cornerstone for big smallmouths. Look for rocky points, creek channels, and drop-offs along the main stem and secondary pockets. Early morning or late afternoon holds the best action when the water is cooler.
- **Lake Shasta** – Depth and structure rule here. Focus on steep banks, points, and rocky ledges in 20–40 ft of water. Mid-summer the bite tends to lock on deeper structure; switch to slower presentations and tighter retrieves.
- **Clear Lake (Lake County)** – Renowned for clear water and schooling behavior. Target shady rocky banks and the 6–15 ft range when temps climb. In clear water, go slower and use natural colors that match baitfish.
- **Lake Oroville** – Deep-water smallmouth love the north end’s rocky ridges and ledges. Drop-shot and tube presentations work well over 15–40 ft, especially around bluff walls and submerged timber when present.
- **Lake Berryessa** – A classic central CA destination for smallmouth. Look for offshore structure, ledges, and points with some depth changes; mid‑summer patterns favor deeper rock and baitfish hotspots.
- **Don Pedro & McClure (and nearby reservoirs in the foothills)** – These lakes host reliable smallmouth action along rocky banks and drop-offs. Focus on mornings when surface temps are cooler and fish are pulled toward shallower, well-illuminated structure.
- **Rivers like the Feather and Trinity systems** – Smallmouth here often hug rocky cutbanks and mid-channel boulders. Use longer casts to reach those edges and keep your lure moving just enough to trigger twitch responses.

Tips and presentations that consistently work for CA smallmouth:
- Use a mix of **soft plastics (dropshot, tubes, and finesse worms)**, plus **small shallow-running crankbaits** and 1/4–3/8 oz jigs for rocky cover. For behavior-based lures, check a resource like [5 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Based on Their Behavior](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTEat05AsBw).
- In clear-water CA lakes, go with natural shad or bluegill colors and finesse retrieves; in murkier water, try brighter or contrasting patterns for visibility.
- When the water warms in mid-summer, fish often relate to deeper structure, so don’t be afraid to drop down to 20–40 ft and work along ledges and shelves. 
- Consider tossing a compact swimbait or a jig-and-pig around rocky points and bluff lines where fish pinch to feed.

Gear ideas (readily available and well-suited for CA lakes):
- A versatile **6’6”–7’ medium action spinning rod** paired with a light-to-moderate reel for finesse work and drop-shot presentations. Check options like [Wakeman Strike Series 6.5’ Spinning Combo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EG67HAE?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).
- Solid all-around sets like the [Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod & Reel Combo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1537STT?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) or other mid-range combos to cover deep-water and shorelines without swapping gear.
- A small-profile swimbait setup for mid-lake targets and offshore humps can be paired with lures from trusted smallmouth guides and kits. You can explore related options via the product pages listed above.

Weather snapshot and seasonal tip (mid-summer in CA):
- Current conditions in parts of California City show Clear skies, ~66–67°F, light winds ~7 mph, and 9 miles visibility. In mid-summer, water temps rise and smallmouth seek depth and structure. A quick weather-specific tip: start early when temps are cooler and the fish are more actively feeding, then shift to deeper structure when the sun climbs. 
- Weather summary: Clear, warm days with light to moderate winds, typical of mid-summer widespread conditions across inland CA reservoirs. Plan two passes: dawn for a quick top-water or shallow bite, then a deeper-water drift as the day warms up.

If you’re chasing smallmouth in California, keep moving until you dial in a few proven spots on your home lake, and don’t be afraid to bounce between rocky banks, ledges, and mid-depth humps. The reward is a solid, fighting fish in a rugged CA setting. Good luck, and tight lines! 🎣😎

For more ideas, you can check out tutorials on CA spots like [Best Places In California to Catch Smallmouth Bass (Top 10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pch2V9cHtmM) and stay plugged into curated lure strategies with [The Best Lures For Summer Bass Fishing!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WEfqtSKd1Y).

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