Lake McClure - Coulterville, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Spotted Bass
Lake McClure, near Coulterville, is a 7,000-acre reservoir known for its excellent multi-species fishing and Sierra foothill beauty. Spotted bass are the stars here—aggressive, numerous, and active year-round. Spring brings bass into shallow water, where finesse tactics like drop-shotting or small swimbaits shine. Largemouth and occasional smallmouth bass also show up, especially near rocky points.

Trout fishing is strong in cooler months thanks to regular rainbow trout stockings. Trollers find success with spoons and flashers, while shore anglers use PowerBait or worms at spots like Barrett Cove. Kokanee salmon are present but less abundant, making them a special bonus for deep trollers.

For panfish lovers, the lake offers healthy populations of crappie, bluegill, and sunfish—best targeted in coves with worms or jigs in spring and summer. Channel catfish provide summer-night action using cut bait near brushy areas.

Lake McClure features great boating access, marina services, and plenty of space for kayaks and float tubes. Shore fishing is available near Barrett Cove and Bagby.

With fewer crowds, strong fish populations, and beautiful surroundings, McClure offers some of Central California’s most rewarding fishing across all skill levels.



Latest Photos

Photo Credit: Carlos Gonzalez
4-8-2017

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
2-13-2025Rainbow TroutLake McClure1000
11-17-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
11-13-2023Rainbow TroutCDFW 
12-05-2022Rainbow TroutCDFW 
11-28-2022Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
4-14-2025 California Fish and Game planted 50,000 Kokanee fingerlings at McClure Point today!
California Fish and Game planted 50,000 Kokanee fingerlings... more »
Lake McSwain Marina
4-7-2022 Planted 50,000 fingerling chinook salmon
Check it out, @californiadfw planted 50,000 fingerling chinook... more »
Lake McSwain Marina
4-4-2022 RB Bass Outdoors angler Christopher Evola with a Lake McClure fishing report
Lake McClure Fishing Report Date : 02/27/22 Time: 0700-1300 Hours Moon... more »
RB Bass
4-1-2021 Lake MCCLure Fishing Report
Lake McClure Fishing Report Tim Meeks and I decided... more »
RB Bass
9-18-2020 Lake McClure Fishing Report by Christian Ostrander
Hit Lake McClure this past Wednesday. I haven’t... more »
RB Bass

Detailed Map