Spring time is when the kokanee and trout fishing begins to pick up. As the water clears from winter storms, anglers begin trolling in 35 to 45 feet of water in areas such as Kokanee Shoal, north fork of the Yuba River (near the 5 miles an hour buoys), Mill Creek Cove, and along the face of the dam. As the water temperatures warm into the upper 70's in the summer months, the fish begin to hold deep. For maximum success this time of year, fishing early in the day in around 55 feet of water then progressing as the day goes on to around 65 feet of water is where the salmon and trout will be holding. In late fall, salmon action continues to be excellent. This is when the kokanee are starting to change into their spawning colors. Fish are still deep this time of year, up to 90 feet, and are caught by both trollers and jiggers.

The best methods to use for trout and kokanee at Bullards Bar are - for trollers: pull Wedding Rings, Needlefish, Highland Flings and Triple Teasers tipped with white corn. These lures are sometimes pulled behind flashers and dodgers. Bait anglers: have the best success using nightcrawlers or Power Bait floated off the bottom.

Early in the year, look for fish in the mouths of creeks this is generally where the water will clear first after storms. Try chartruese spinnerbaits and split-shotted plastic worms in Willow Creek and the Frenchy Creek areas. Later in the year try chartruese or clear Kalin grubs off most of the rocky points throughout the lake. Also, use topwater baits early mornings and late evenings around Garden Point, Frenchy Point, and Tractor Cove. In the middle of the day, try Green Weenies, Gitzits, and plastic worms. Look for fish in the shallows all over the lake during the spawn.

For Crappie use minnows or try white or yellow mini-jigs in 10 to 20 feet of water in coves over brush.