Last Plant: 1500 lbs. of Rainbow Trout: April 14th

Next Plant: Catfish (date TBD)

Water temperature: At surface: 68.2°F, 9.76 D.O. @ 15' 68.2°F, 9.75 D.O.

Water level: High level, private water craft/fish finders are currently banned.

Water Clarity: Very High (36ft)

Fishing permits, boat rentals, bait, and tackle are all sold at the Concessions Stand right next to the Ranger Station in the Lakeshore Area. Anglers "Must!" purchase a fishing permit before casting out to catch the big one. If you desire to fish with a second pole, make sure to pick up a second rod permit for an additional $3. We do not require a CA state fishing license; however, Rangers do strictly enforce the required fishing permits and fresh water regulations.

Bass: The majority of bass are now in their post spawn faze. There is only a small percentage of bass that are still residing near their spawning beds. Swim baits have been working well for catching bass. Drop shot rigs set up with Roboworms, or Texas rigs set up with Senkos continue to be a good method as well. We will begin to see the growth of aquatic weeds as temperatures continue to rise. Largemouth bass can typically be found in shallow water and are likely to be found swimming under something that provides shade such as vegetation or a pier. In water bodies that contain aquatic vegetation, you may find it advantageous to use slightly heavier line. Boat dock cove is still a promising location for bass. Just a reminder, bass must be at least 12 inches to keep with a limit of 2 at this time.

Catfish: We are now preparing for the upcoming catfish season. The first stock date will soon be announced. The catfish are typically very active in the early morning as well as the afternoon hours before closing. Considering that catfish are primarily bottom feeders, setting up your rig with a weight that allows your bait to sink near the bottom will generally render good results. Catfish prefer bait with the strongest scent. Cut up mackerel, chicken liver and shrimp are typically the preferred bait of cat fisherman. Catfish have a limit of 5 at this time.

Trout: Our final stock of the season took place on April 14th. The trout are primarily going to be in deeper waters as we get closer to summer. In the early morning hours, you may be able to round up a few trout in the shallow waters of Trout Cove and Boat Dock Cove. Anglers seeking trout have also been having luck when fishing near the buoy line from a rental boat. Mini Jigs, mouse tails and power bait have been the most successful choice of bait for anglers this season. A two-pound test set up with a 12” to 18” leader is recommended. The Trout catching limit is 5! "No Catch & Release of Trout." Please make sure you are familiar with the current freshwater fishing regulations prior to fishing here at Dixon Lake as we do strictly enforce these regulations.

Bluegill: The bluegill bite is fairly slow during this time of year. The bite will increase once the vegetation in the water begins to develop. Meal worms and red worms are still the best choice of bait for the time being. Using cut up night crawlers for bait is also a good method. The piers and shorelines are still promising locations for catching bluegill. Bluegill are limited to 25 of any size at this time.