Amador Lake

At a comfortably low 485 feet elevation, the rolling hills of black oak, and warm productive water and vegetation covered shorelines produces marvelous fishing for the dedicated enthusiast or a family wanting to teach their kids angling—and catching.

Angling Success:

A 1981 record limit of 80 pounds of Florida-strain largemouth bass, a whopping 17.1 pound largemouth, a 40 pound catfish plus 100-pound catfish stringers, Crappie exceeding four pounds, and bluegill topping two pounds, all are bragging-rights for the little lake. Lucky anglers routinely haul in individual largemouth over 10 pounds. The genetically groomed and farmed Donaldson Trout, found in few places other than here, averages two pounds each, but trout 10-pounds or more are common. About 80 tons of fish a year are stocked from the privately run hatchery below the dam.

The unique, Donaldson Trout not only grow large, but they retain the wild characteristics of natives. Their fight at the end of a lucky anglers’ line is renowned; their appearance is both healthy and prettier. The trout is known for its enhanced size, strong vigor, earlier maturity and superior reproduction. Maturing in about four years, natural trout will average about 1.5 pounds. These genetically improved trout mature in half the time yet average 10 pounds.

Facilities:

The lake is a pay-to-fish, per person facility; given the tremendous angling success, most anglers consider the satisfaction well worth the cost. Lake Amador has been family operated by the Lockharts since the early 1970s. They operate the fish hatchery, angling use, RV and camping facilities including boat-in camping spots, marina, boat rentals, plus showers and a store and café. Four fishing derbies are offered each year. Gates are closed evenings for day-users, but folks that camp can enjoy 24-hour fishing, year-round.

Neither waterskiing nor jet skis are allowed. Prime-season weekends and holidays by anglers can be crowded to the point that trolling for trout catches lines from other boats as much as fish, but speed limits for fishing craft aren’t restricted. Nor is the number of anglers allowed at one time limited. Off-season months, weekdays, nights, and even drizzly days can be the most rewarding.

Fishing Hints for Lake Amador:

Off-seasons for the vacationing crowd, can be the best seasons for fishing plus they also avoid summer crowds.

Trout: In fall, winter, and into spring the best fishing is shallow, 10 feet or shallower—the top five feet is the most rewarding. In the active season, trolling is best, but don’t drag flashers and dodgers because they go too deep. Lures imitating minnows do well trolling. Fish the lake center and near the dam but avoid coves. As the spring begins to warm the water and winter storms decrease to the point that the waters clear, and the trout become very active; fishing is at its best. Summers, trout go deep to nearly 40 feet and are relatively inactive in the hot months; night-time fishing can be best.

Bank-anglers are frequently successful near the dam, spillway and the coves south of the boat launch in the camping area. Float-tubing in those areas is even more successful.

Trout-scented nightcrawlers plus chartreuse or rainbow glitter power baits do well from shore or tubes. Think big: lightweight line sizes often lose fish. Skip #4-#6 weight, and start at 7-pound

Largemouth Bass: During spring, commonly April through June, through spawning season, bass fishing can be outstanding. Shallow coves like Mountain Spring, Rock Creek, Jackson Creek and Doney Bay are the most productive. Plastic worms and grubs, as well as crankbaits and spinnerbaits all do well. In summer, fishing from late afternoon to early morning using top-water lures work best. Fall stirs up the fish again, but nighttime fishing is still the most rewarding until days also become markedly cooler.

Crappie and Bluegill: Spring, beginning usually in April, is the most productive. Crappie prefer coves near submerged trees and brush. Again, evenings and nights are best. Live bait such as nightcrawlers, crickets, grasshoppers work well, and live minnows are the best. Bluegill are kid-perfect from any bank with a shallow slopping bottom. Perch are at their best after temperatures reach mid-70s in late May and June. Nightcrawlers can’t be beat.

Catfish: Once waters warm up, catfish become good bets. They prefer coves and shallows. Nights are the most successful; nightcrawlers, crawdads and even chicken livers and anchovies most commonly used. Be prepared: 50-pound test line is warranted.

Travel Details:

Lake Amador lies east of the community of Buena Vista, but the address lies south of Highway 88 west of Jackson at 7500 Lake Amador Drive, Ione, CA 95640. Details or reservations: (209) 274-4739 and www.lakeamador.com. California fishing license required.

To Amador Lake

Lake Amador lies east of the community of Buena Vista, but the address lies south of Highway 88 west of Jackson at 7500 Lake Amador Drive, Ione, CA 95640.

Communities

• Ione
• Jackson