Lake Amador

Hit Amador today with a buddy.  I got a fishing lesson today, as I caught 5 and he caught 15.
 
We were on the water by 6:45 and started out near the boat house and the dam area.  We didn't get any action in this area, so we moved on to the spillway and beyond.  We got tons of action around the two points past the spillway.  However, the bite was very light. I can't tell you how many hits I got only to come up empty handed once I picked up the rod.  I tried everything.....setting the hook quick, late, hard, soft, not setting the hook, and everything in between.  I couln't figure out what I should do.  I feel lucky to have landed 5.  I was using worms and a power mouse.   
 
My buddy on the other hand, was on fire using his fire tiger rapalla.  It must have been the two sets of treble hooks, because he landed just about every hit he got on his rod.   
 
No problem.....just switch over to the same set up he was using.  WRONG!  Tried that and he kept landing them and I kept missing them. 
 
About 10 am the 2 points just past the spillway got real crowded with boats, so we moved over to the south side of the lake.  We caught fish there as well.  We actually caught fish at just about every point on the lake.  They are definetly spread out now.   
 
The weather was great and we came home with 10 fish between 2-3 pounds each.   Great day considering this was the first time taking the Kayak's out on this lake. 

What were you catching Bass or trout? There are some big fat bass in that lake, Just like footballs. The trout I think they call them cutbows and are raised there and are mean.
Jack

Nice report HD....any pictures?
Also, what did they charge per kayak?

Thanks, Al

1. I was catching trout.  The best part about it is that those fish put up a good fight.  I use an ultra light rod with 4 lb line.  No weight, just a swivel. 

2. Can someone tell me how to catch bass in the lake?  I only started fishing about a year ago and really don't know the best way to target bass.  I'm sure there are a million ways, but I'm interested in how I would get started if I wanted to go out to Amador and try for bass sometime soon.

3. The worst part about Amador is that it is expensive.  $9 for the the truck and 2 people, $8 each to fish, and $7 for each Kayak.  We really did have a great time......but not something you can do regulary due to the price tag.

Thanks for the report Hitdog. I'm heading up there tomorrow and will be camping there for 4 days. I'll be in a green Cobra Mariner, say hi if you head back up there this weekend and see me.

thanks for the report! How far is Amador from the BAy Area?

I've had real good success there toplining a threaded night crawler as well.    I tie a small swivel to the main line, use about a 3-5 foot leader, and then a hook with a threaded night crawler.  Threading it all the way up the line and trolling real slow is key.   For some reason, that wasn't the trick this last trip.  However, I'd always try that set up to see if it's working that day.

Lake Amador is about 45 minutes from Sacramento.  http://www.lakeamador.com

I've always fished for trout right on top.  However, the fish finder shows a ton of fish down at 40-50 feet.  I'm not sure what they are or how to catch them.  I know the lake has crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish and Cutbows. 

2. Can someone tell me how to catch bass in the lake?  I only started fishing about a year ago and really don\'t know the best way to target bass.  I\'m sure there are a million ways, but I\'m interested in how I would get started if I wanted to go out to Amador and try for bass sometime soon.

IMO: bass are easy to locate BUT to make them BITE is the challenging part. On the surface, look for downed trees, stumps,rock piles, points,boulders,weed lines or anything that sticks out of the norm. Basically, bass love hanging around structure. Using your fish finder, look for baitfish, sudden drop-offs, or any bottom structure you come across when you\'re paddling in open water.

The three standard lures I use: a shad crank bait,spinner bait and a swimbait. I use the crank bait as a \"search\" lure. Remember to fan cast (cast and cover every direction possible - use the clock method - start casting at 10:00 all the way to 2:00.) If you\'re fishing in a lot of cover, use the spinnerbait cause it snags less. The swimbait, you can use to jig the bottom vertically or simply cast and let it hop the bottom.

I\'m sure the other guys in this board have their own productive ways of fishing for bass - let\'s hope they chime in as well. There\'s always something new to
learn.

Good luck! And if you find other creative ways of catching 'em, please share intel