Lake Success - CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass
Lake Success, located just east of Porterville in Tulare County, is a 2,450-acre reservoir offering one of Central California’s most consistent warmwater fisheries. Well known for its healthy largemouth bass population, this lake provides excellent springtime bass fishing when fish move into the shallows to spawn. Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs worked around submerged brush and flooded vegetation yield strong results. As summer progresses, bass retreat to deeper water and become responsive to drop-shot rigs, deep-diving crankbaits, and Carolina rigs.

Crappie fishing is also a major draw, especially during the spring and fall months. Large crappie are frequently found around submerged brush and dock pilings, and can be caught using small jigs or live minnows. Bluegill and sunfish offer easy action near weed beds and shoreline cover, especially in warmer months, making them ideal targets for families and beginners.

Channel catfish and bullhead catfish are plentiful and often caught at night with cut bait, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits. Though trout are not a focal point, the reservoir is occasionally stocked in winter, with anglers targeting them near the dam using spoons or bait rigs.

With excellent access, camping, a marina, and consistent action across multiple species, Lake Success is a reliable and rewarding fishery.



Latest Photos

17 lbs.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bob's Bait Bucket
Dennis Turner
7-24-2020
11 lbs. 10 oz.
11.6 lb. Largemouth catch
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bob's Bait Bucket
Eric Hunter
3-26-2019

Lake Success Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Channel Catfish 17 lbs. 7-24-2020 View Report
Largemouth Bass 11 lbs. 10 oz. 3-26-2019 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
4-14-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
3-17-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
1-19-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
12-08-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
1-22-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-13-2025 Bass anglers worked the newly submerged brush and trees for good results
The lake remained at 102 percent of its... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
6-6-2025 Success Lake rose to 102 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing has been good
Success Lake rose to 102 percent of its... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-30-2025 Success Lake sat at 101 percent of its storage capacity, and fishing was solid
Success Lake sat at 101 percent of its... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-23-2025 Bass anglers reported solid action
The lake was brimming at 98 percent of... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-16-2025 Bass anglers experienced a solid post-spawn bite
Lake Success was near full capacity at the... more »
Chad Burton and Chris Borden

Detailed Map