whiskeytown

I got an invite to do some kayak fishing at Whiskeytown this weekend.  It's my first time there, and would appreciate any tips as to where on the lake to start, what lures to pull (I mainly troll but will be bringing a few extra rods), or any other tips that can bring some success to this venture.  It's also a chance for me to try out my Coosa on a bigger pond.

Lots of boat traffic out there this time of year, but still plenty of options.  For the kokes start early between the dam and the cold water curtain, 40' down.  For bass, good luck.  Wtown has some dandy's but they are not easy to come by.  The water is crystal clear, so size down your line and hardware.  Trout are up towards the inlet, above Oak Bottom.  The lake narrows into a meandering stretch that trolls very nice (5 mph zone too).  Work that area all the way up to and above the powerhouse (typical stocking location, lots of rainbows holding in there right now).  This will be your best bet, great trout fishing out there all summer (see Hightides recent report).  Don't forget the camera and snorkel gear!
-beenfishin

Lots of boat traffic out there this time of year,

So i guess the forman i was working for that told me they don't allow powerboats on Whiskytown lake didn't know what he was talking about huh?

P.S. I didn't believe him any way.

Power boats yes, PWC's no. So at least there is no idiots on jet skis running over your gear. If your going out durring the day, launch from oak bottom and go up river towards the power house. It's all no wake and usually a little cooler so people tend to not swim and party up there.

Fantastic, thank you!  Extremely helpful information.  I was up at Beardsley reservoir a week ago and had a boat pulling a water skier make circles around the group of us fishing--I don't want to keep people off the water and it looked like they were enjoying a hot day, but I also look forward to an environment conducive to trolling from a kayak.  I'll let the people I'm meeting know about the launch area (if he doesn't already.  Thanks again for the tips.

Enter creek through water curtain past oakbottom camp.  Paddle up the creek towards the pumphouse.  On the 2nd turn (which is a right turn) stay to the left.  You will see aBald Eagle( perched the whole 5 days we were there).  Park it maybe 50yards past the  eagle and maybe about 30 ft of the shore and you will nail them.  Forget lures.  Stick with a mini mallow, crawler(1/2 inch) combo on a sliding egg sinker.
Best time is 6-8am and 6-8pm

Thank you very much!  I will follow your advice.