The trout in Amador are found in ten feet or less of water during the winter months, and usually in the top five feet. Trollers do best this time of year pulling minnow imitating lures (Speedy Shiners, Rapalas, Needlefish, Kastmasters, Cripplures). Bank fishermen often do well using chartruese or rainbow glitter Berkley Power Bait in the top two or three feet of water. Nightcrawlers dowsed with Pro-Cure scent or other trout scents also entice fish to bite. Some of the better places to try during this time of year are, the Spillway and Launch Ramp Cove. Trout in the 1 to 8 pound range are planted on a regular basis, usually from around October through June.

As the water starts to clear from the winter storms and spring temperature begins to warm the lake, the trout really start to take off. The same lures and baits that work for the winter trout also work well at this time of year. Other baits to at to the list for shore fishermen are - Roostertails and meal worms, for trollers - mini nightcrawlers trolled behind flashers, and float-tubers have good success with Wooley Buggers and other flies.

During the summer months the trout are forced down deep by the rising water temperatures. Most fishing is done at night using floating lights. The preffered bait is neon blue and green glitter Power Bait. The trout can be found at depths of 35 to 45 feet.

Largemouth bass fishing can be excellent at Amador with the lake giving up 10+ pounders to a few lucky anglers annually. April through June the bass are at the height of their spawn and numbers of fish are caught in shallow coves such as - Launch Ramp Cove, Rock Creek, and Mountain Springs. Plastic worms and grubs are the top producers, although crankbaits and spinnerbaits also work very well here.

In the summer, the bass fishing is best in the early morning and late evening hours. Fishing from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. with top-water baits like Ricos, Pop R's and Zara-Spooks will produce some fish. Fishing crawdads, crickets, and nightcrawlers in 15 to 35 feet of water will sometimes get heat-stressed bass to hit.

Fall months put the bass back into a springtime type pattern, except the fishing is at its best after dark. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Power worms and top-water lures are the most productive. Fishing this time of year can be most enjoyable. The tourist season is winding down, the weather is still quite favorable, and the fishing can be outstanding with the right conditions.

You'll find catfish, after the water warms up. The cats can be caught using live crawdads, chicken livers, anchovies, or nightcrawlers fishing in the coves and shallows throughout the lake. Recommended areas are - off the boat launch and below the R.V. Park. Since the catfish do most of thier feeding during the evening hours, you'll have your best success at night.

The crappie fishing starts picking up in April, and the bluegill fishing heats up soon after. The crappie can be found in coves around submerged brush and trees. Evening and night is the best time to catch crappie at Amador. Try fishing off the boat rental docks, using minnows, mini-jigs, crickets, and nightcrawlers. Just about any cove or indentation on the bank, where there is a shallow sloping bottom, will produce bluegill. Nightcrawlers, and mealworms are the preferred baits. The bluegill really begin to get active in late May and in June, when the water temperature begins to rise into the mid 70's.