Lake Camanche

Lake Camanche is known for its bass fishing. Camanche’s bass population includes Smallmouth, Alabama Spotted and both Northern and Florida-strain Largemouth bass. Once these bass have completed spawning, a fierce feeding mode occurs. The largemouth strains are particularly aggressive in taking top water lures such as "Rattling Rouges" and other stick baits. During mid-day hours, bass may move into deeper water but are still easy to catch on deep diving crankbaits; the "Poe’s Super Cedars", in shad or sunfish colors work best. Another successful technique is to throw a 4 to 6 inch plastic worm, in smoke or green colors, in deep water around drop-offs and breaks. Other species to be found in Lake Camanche include crappie, bluegill and sunfish.

The Camanche Recreation Company, park concessionaire, has planted a minimum of 10,000 Florida-strain bass every summer since 1992. All of these bass plants are now starting to pay off. A 12.89 pound largemouth was landed last August. Larger, lake-record-breaking bass are expected to start showing soon as the Florida-strain bass, planted in the early nineties, begin reaching adulthood.

Camanche has also gained a reputation as a great trout fishery since regular trout plants began in 1989. Trout are planted October-May in the lake as well as in the south shore trout pond. This stocked trout pond is an ideal place to take children fishing. Kokanee were planted in Camanche in 1994 and 1995 and fish up to 17 inches are just now starting to be caught on a regular basis.

A daily fishing access pass is required (in addition to a state fishing license, to fish in either the main lake or the trout pond) All of the fishing access funds are used to purchase fish for stocking the lake and pond.
Tips for Cool-Weather Fishing

* As the days cool off, less recreational boat activities, like jet skiing, means more room for anglers.
* Bluegill will be found all over the lake near brush piles and cover. Fish a little deeper for larger bluegill.
* Trout plants begin trout should begin to come more towards the surface, especially as we get into November.
* Stinky baits can still scare up catfish in coves. Be patient.
* Bass and sunfish action will start to fade but may still be found in areas with good cover and in the mornings or evenings.
* Check with the marina staff for knowledgeable advice.