Comn’ Cali Crappie guys, there is no need to be shy!

Now, now, I’m nearing my 40’s and fished Crappie in Nor Cal most my life. I know there are a lot of dedicated crappie anglers in California so lets talk and share ideas. I have spent a few summers chasing crappies in the Midwest and the crappies here seem to migrate a little differently. Anyways, we’ve probably crossed each other on the water and even said hello. In my experiences, crappie anglers are the best because we don’t have to deal with “fish on, so reel your line or I’ll fight you!” You California guys know what I mean.
Here are the waters I have personally pulled crappies out of in the past 3 years and my opinion of them:
San Luis Reservoir: Big crappies but have to find them.
Don Predro Reservoir: Big crappies and an abundant of them.
New Melones Lake: Big crappies and an abundant of them.
New Hogan Lake: Sad lake for crappies. DFG stock stripers and they have overtaken the lake. If you do catch a crappie, I assure you it will be a 2 pounder. I pulled three out on the northeast coves 05/2013. All were 14-15” and that was the day.
Camanche Reservoir: Average size and an abundant of them. Just got to know where to look.
Pardee Reservoir: Small to average size and not many. Live minnows or baits not allowed.
Lake Amador: Ridiculously expensive entrance. Lots of hybrid stock trout’s. Some average size crappies.
Discovery Bay and all the sloughs from Rio Vista to Sacramento: Lots of crappies, some big ones and very scattered but I would not eat them. Just my opinion.
Lake Berryessa: Lots of big ones, but have to know where to look.
Folsom Lake: Small crappies, so don’t your waste time.
Lake Natoma (American river): Surprisingly lots of small crappies. Kayak/Canoe only.
Camp Far West Lake: Eatable size crappies but not thriving.
Englebright Lake: Lots of decent size crappies.
Collins Lake: don’t waste time. I used to catch a ton of them. Crappies are not thriving. Famous for ice cream trout’s if you know what I mean.
Lake Oroville: Lots of big crappies, but have to know where to find them.
East Park Reservoir: Lots of big crappies and thriving due to good cover and lots of threadfin shad to feed on.
Stony Gorge Reservoir: Large crappies but not abundant. Weird when East Park actually flows into this lake. Also has shad.
Black Butte Reservoir: Big crappies but not abundant anymore. Again, very weird as Stony Gorge flows into this lake with no shad at all! Crappies here feed on ghost minnows. Lots and lots of ghost minnows. Water is very dingy here.
Indian Valley Reservoir: Decent size crappies depending on the past rainfall otherwise, don’t waste your time. Road access is horrible.
Clear Lake: Lots of big crappies. Have to know where to look though and water is choppy.
Lake Berryesa: Abundant and big crappies.

That pretty much sums it up. I fish crappies year round and catch them year round. While everyone is out hunting, I’m pulling in big crappies. Let me know your experiences on these lakes and how you catch them.

I see that there are 58 views on my post here. I am pretty sure you folks are from Cali. You are welcome to chime in otherwise, I will be closing this thread soon.

Not from Cali, wonder if the Mods can actually see if there were any views from California.

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Originally Posted by lol11

I see that there are 58 views on my post here.

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One of 'em is mine, and I'm in Georgia.

No longer a Cali boy. Was until Feb of this year though.
Couple of Lakes you might try for big crappie, San Antonio and Nacimiento over near the coast west of 101.
Both are still suffering from the drought But Naci can be fished by launching from the Resort. I'm pretty sure San Antonio is still hand launch only. Canoes and Kayaks.
Just a word for those that do not know anything about these lakes. Nacimiento has the only fishery for white bass in the state and they must be killed or returned to the water immediately upon catching them. Big fines for having them in your boat alive.
San Antonio has one of the best fisheries for striped bass in the state when the water is up. They are probably stacked on top of each other with the water as low as it is. Last time I remember fish very low water there it was almost like fishing in a bucket. In addition to Crappie, stripers and good black bass fishing, there is a little recognized but highly productive Channel catfish population in the 'Tone. I always took some chicken livers when I'd go there. Even if you can't find your target fish, the cats will invariably keep you from wearing the skunk stripes.

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Originally Posted by plumbertom

No longer a Cali boy. Was until Feb of this year though.
Couple of Lakes you might try for big crappie, San Antonio and Nacimiento over near the coast west of 101.
Both are still suffering from the drought But Naci can be fished by launching from the Resort. I'm pretty sure San Antonio is still hand launch only. Canoes and Kayaks.
Just a word for those that do not know anything about these lakes. Nacimiento has the only fishery for white bass in the state and they must be killed or returned to the water immediately upon catching them. Big fines for having them in your boat alive.
San Antonio has one of the best fisheries for striped bass in the state when the water is up. They are probably stacked on top of each other with the water as low as it is. Last time I remember fish very low water there it was almost like fishing in a bucket. In addition to Crappie, stripers and good black bass fishing, there is a little recognized but highly productive Channel catfish population in the 'Tone. I always took some chicken livers when I'd go there. Even if you can't find your target fish, the cats will invariably keep you from wearing the skunk stripes.

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Ah, thanks for bringing back the good old memories of Nacemiento. I had great times out as a youth fishing with an older buddy who has long passed away. Haven't been out there for many years. Yes, that place is infected with white bass and I bet it still is. I used to fish for them at night under a green crappie light and it was so effective. In 40 ft of water if I drop my line only 10-15 ft down, I'd catch crappie. If I drop it 25 ft down, nothing but white bass and when they get bunched up on the sonar, I mean so many red arches on the fish finder, boy "O" boy, it's thump after thump. My only problem is, white bass has a stench I cannot stand and meat is a little tough.

Haven't fished in CA since '74! Back then Lake Hennessey was a decent crappie lake. I have many fond memories of Berryessa for many species.

I guess I have to be more active" lol....

At this moment I'm letting them
Settle down.......

You have any pics of your catch?






Cm

I make a trip every year for the last four years and fish Lake Perris, mostly for gills and redear. It certainly is hit and miss there for crappie but in late April of 2013 we found a bunch in one area, had a few 50 + fish days with the biggest 16 inches. Average fish was 12-13 inches, beautiful fish. Dropping the water levels in the lake and now the place we caught them is bone dry. Caught only one 14 incher this year while I was out there. I'll be back out there in 2015 for sure.

Im pushing 40 to, lol. Ive fished indian but since the lake got so low alot fewer crappie. Ill be in nor cal fishing all spring. yell if you want some company. rob
ever try bullards bar for crappie?

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Originally Posted by robbor

Im pushing 40 to, lol. Ive fished indian but since the lake got so low alot fewer crappie. Ill be in nor cal fishing all spring. yell if you want some company. rob
ever try bullards bar for crappie?

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Hi Rob, I was at Indian Valley Res two years ago and caught a bunch under 10 inches and didn't keep any. Wanted them to grow out but we had a horrible drought last year and haven't been back. As you know, the dirt road to reach the ramp isn't the most kind especially hauling a 17 footer behind.

Never fished for crappie at bullards. Heard about it though. I took some Boy Scouts camping out there one year and way too many day boaters.

I've tried Collins one summer night and only one male crappie. No hope at all. Collins doesn't put in the effort to grow out crappie. However, lake is infested with stock trouts from private companies and if your lucky, free ice cream.

39 here. I absolutely love crappie fishing! Unfortunately I have really only done it in Louisiana (Cross Lake) and Arkansas (Nimrod & Ouchita) when I have gone back there to visit grandparents. Here in California I have caught white and black crappie in the Delta sloughs and black crappie in the dredger ponds along the Feather River between Gridley and Oroville. I really need to start Crappie Fishing more here in Nor Cal!

Oh my pic is of a 5lb Drum I caught out of Nimrod Lake in Arkansas while Crappie fishing. I was hoping it was going to be a monster Crappie but wasn't the case!

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Originally Posted by BPcrappie

39 here. I absolutely love crappie fishing! Unfortunately I have really only done it in Louisiana (Cross Lake) and Arkansas (Nimrod & Ouchita) when I have gone back there to visit grandparents. Here in California I have caught white and black crappie in the Delta sloughs and black crappie in the dredger ponds along the Feather River between Gridley and Oroville. I really need to start Crappie Fishing more here in Nor Cal!

Oh my pic is of a 5lb Drum I caught out of Nimrod Lake in Arkansas while Crappie fishing. I was hoping it was going to be a monster Crappie but wasn't the case!

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Hello BPcrappie, thanks for the information. I had a feeling there would some crappies in the Dredger ponds, always wondered about it when I passed by to Collins Lake.

I got the opportunity to spend a week in the midwest a few years ago and learned how to spider rig. It was fun and effective, but too bad we are limited to two poles out here. The upside is that it is so peaceful fishing for crappies in Cali because no one seems to go for them. I was at Stonyford Reservior one early summer and hit a pod of crappies in some 20ft laydown trees. The two of us limited out in an hour keeping all over 10". This bass guy pulls up and asked how I plan to cook those CARP. I kept secrets in the cooler and said, "probably fry em". He responded, "good luck with the smell buddy!" We all laughed together, but what he did not know was that we were laughing at him. That evening, I took some fried crappie over to his camp and he was shocked how good the CARP's tasted. That just tells you how much most fisherman in Cali do not know about crappies out here.

Sorry for the long winded reply. Just too many funny fishing stories over the years of lonely crappie fishing in CA.

lol11. 44 years old here, moving to California this summer so I've been watching your State's forum. Thanks for the post. Been trying to Googlemaps all of the lakes you mentioned to see driving distances. I'm from Tennessee (spiderriger mostly except bobbers in the spring). Live in Kansas now 10 minutes from the ramp, mostly spiderrig and dip trees, but gonna try this long lining thing this year as my lake is really clear here a lot until I move. Guess I gotta figure something else out for your 2 pole limit. Look forward to reading your posts. Brad
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Originally Posted by lol11

Hello BPcrappie, thanks for the information. I had a feeling there would some crappies in the Dredger ponds, always wondered about it when I passed by to Collins Lake.

I got the opportunity to spend a week in the midwest a few years ago and learned how to spider rig. It was fun and effective, but too bad we are limited to two poles out here. The upside is that it is so peaceful fishing for crappies in Cali because no one seems to go for them. I was at Stonyford Reservior one early summer and hit a pod of crappies in some 20ft laydown trees. The two of us limited out in an hour keeping all over 10". This bass guy pulls up and asked how I plan to cook those CARP. I kept secrets in the cooler and said, "probably fry em". He responded, "good luck with the smell buddy!" We all laughed together, but what he did not know was that we were laughing at him. That evening, I took some fried crappie over to his camp and he was shocked how good the CARP's tasted. That just tells you how much most fisherman in Cali do not know about crappies out here.

Sorry for the long winded reply. Just too many funny fishing stories over the years of lonely crappie fishing in CA.

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Haha....your story definitely gave me a good laugh. If I had a boat I would fish for them more often but I did just buy a fishing kayak so I can get out there at least now. I'm probably heading to New Melones for my first time ever this Saturday. I've heard it's a pretty good Crappie lake as you also mentioned in your post on the various lakes.

@Scouts Out - Hey Brad...where in Cali are you moving to?

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Originally Posted by robbor

Im pushing 40 to, lol. Ive fished indian but since the lake got so low alot fewer crappie. Ill be in nor cal fishing all spring. yell if you want some company. rob
ever try bullards bar for crappie?

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Hey Rob...what Lakes you mostly going to be fishing this spring? Brent

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Originally Posted by BPcrappie

@Scouts Out - Hey Brad...where in Cali are you moving to?

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Brent, I think ya'll call it southern California?...Fort Irwin. Only been there once, but flew in, flew out. Never seen anything else in California, but looking forward. Hope i can catch some of them CARPs! Brad

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Originally Posted by BPcrappie

Haha....your story definitely gave me a good laugh. If I had a boat I would fish for them more often but I did just buy a fishing kayak so I can get out there at least now. I'm probably heading to New Melones for my first time ever this Saturday. I've heard it's a pretty good Crappie lake as you also mentioned in your post on the various lakes.

@Scouts Out - Hey Brad...where in Cali are you moving to?

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BPcrappie, I am going to send you a private message. I am no pro but thought I would give you my 2 cents on that lake. Been there a few times.

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Originally Posted by Scouts Out

Brent, I think ya'll call it southern California?...Fort Irwin. Only been there once, but flew in, flew out. Never seen anything else in California, but looking forward. Hope i can catch some of them CARPs! Brad

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Bummer. I haven't done any Crappie fishing in So Cal Lakes but you will still have some options I'm sure.

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Originally Posted by lol11

Now, now, I’m nearing my 40’s and fished Crappie in Nor Cal most my life. I know there are a lot of dedicated crappie anglers in California so lets talk and share ideas. I have spent a few summers chasing crappies in the Midwest and the crappies here seem to migrate a little differently. Anyways, we’ve probably crossed each other on the water and even said hello. In my experiences, crappie anglers are the best because we don’t have to deal with “fish on, so reel your line or I’ll fight you!” You California guys know what I mean.
Here are the waters I have personally pulled crappies out of in the past 3 years and my opinion of them:
San Luis Reservoir: Big crappies but have to find them.
Don Predro Reservoir: Big crappies and an abundant of them.
New Melones Lake: Big crappies and an abundant of them.
New Hogan Lake: Sad lake for crappies. DFG stock stripers and they have overtaken the lake. If you do catch a crappie, I assure you it will be a 2 pounder. I pulled three out on the northeast coves 05/2013. All were 14-15” and that was the day.
Camanche Reservoir: Average size and an abundant of them. Just got to know where to look.
Pardee Reservoir: Small to average size and not many. Live minnows or baits not allowed.
Lake Amador: Ridiculously expensive entrance. Lots of hybrid stock trout’s. Some average size crappies.
Discovery Bay and all the sloughs from Rio Vista to Sacramento: Lots of crappies, some big ones and very scattered but I would not eat them. Just my opinion.
Lake Berryessa: Lots of big ones, but have to know where to look.
Folsom Lake: Small crappies, so don’t your waste time.
Lake Natoma (American river): Surprisingly lots of small crappies. Kayak/Canoe only.
Camp Far West Lake: Eatable size crappies but not thriving.
Englebright Lake: Lots of decent size crappies.
Collins Lake: don’t waste time. I used to catch a ton of them. Crappies are not thriving. Famous for ice cream trout’s if you know what I mean.
Lake Oroville: Lots of big crappies, but have to know where to find them.
East Park Reservoir: Lots of big crappies and thriving due to good cover and lots of threadfin shad to feed on.
Stony Gorge Reservoir: Large crappies but not abundant. Weird when East Park actually flows into this lake. Also has shad.
Black Butte Reservoir: Big crappies but not abundant anymore. Again, very weird as Stony Gorge flows into this lake with no shad at all! Crappies here feed on ghost minnows. Lots and lots of ghost minnows. Water is very dingy here.
Indian Valley Reservoir: Decent size crappies depending on the past rainfall otherwise, don’t waste your time. Road access is horrible.
Clear Lake: Lots of big crappies. Have to know where to look though and water is choppy.
Lake Berryesa: Abundant and big crappies.

That pretty much sums it up. I fish crappies year round and catch them year round. While everyone is out hunting, I’m pulling in big crappies. Let me know your experiences on these lakes and how you catch them.

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I lived in the bay area for many years was in a club North bay. Bass men. Benicia once while bass fishing Berryessa on the west side and north of goat island drought years we were fishing dart heads with smoke grubs my old buddy who has passed on hooked what he though was a big bass had one of the biggest crappie I ever seen,owe. Had two more over 12 inches I loved that lake it's been 16 years since I was there now I'm back in tenn

Hey guys out west check out this new boat concept that will hit the market in two weeks. Ultraskiff - Home they will cost 995.00 plus shipping they use a small trolling motor

Not sure if this thread is still active, but I am a transplant from Louisiana via South Carolina. Been out here for 7+ years now, and was finally able to buy another boat a few weeks back.

In preparing to get back on the Crappie Trail, I have found very sparse info on where, what size, what baits, etc. SO I used what little I could scrounge up, went into areas I thought they would likely be found, and used baits I thought would work. While I have found some success pretty quick, it would still be nice to learn a little more from some of the Old regulars.

I also work with a Local 4-H Fishing Group, and it would also be nice to introduce some of the kids to Crappie fishing in an area where Trout and Salmon fishing is so prevalent.

I have fished Crappie on 5 outings in 3-different Lakes. So far, only Caught at Salt Spring Valley Reservoir (Along the Rocks and drifting to the middle hanging in the 20fw range Jigging a foot off the bottom) and Lake McClure was in the Piney Creek area North of Barrets Cove Launch. Followed Piney creek all the way up until it split, and began fishing from that cove back toward the lake. Jigging 15ft down in 20fw got the best bites.

Salt Spring is ALWAYS hot for Big Slab Crappie. Lake McClure took 2-trips to find a few. While size was a little smaller than at Salt Spring, they were still very respectable in size.

All of my fishing has been with rubber jigs and rubber minnows (Because I can't seem to find Live ones anywhere).
2-inch Gulp Minnows with white or black Jig Heads and Grey/Black curl tail jigs on black or white jig-heads (Black fared a little better).

Hopefully this jump starts the conversation again (I know its 5 years old now), but you can't have all stopped chasing Crappie :)

McClure has some big crappie in it. some nice gills too.

2019 Lake McClure Fishing Map and Fishing Report, Fishing Clubs and California Hunting Clubs,