With its desert location and rocky environs, Porterville, CA might not be the first place you might think of when it comes to fishing. However, those willing to step outside and explore will find themselves pleasantly surprised, as there are lots of great fishing spots to discover. Here are some of the best places to wet a line nearby.
1. Lake Success
This large lake is fed by the Tule River and offers 2,400 acres of water, and 30 miles of shoreline to fish from. During the winter and spring, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and bass, catfish, crappie, redear, and bluegill can all be found here. The shallow lake offers a perfect habitat for these species, especially in and around the covers on the fringes of the lake. The south fork near the bridge usually provides the best fishing, especially for catfish.
2. Bravo Lake
Located to the north of Porterville, in the small town of Woodlake, CA, Bravo Lake is a popular family fishing spot. The lake is best fished from the long shoreline, where bass, catfish, and trout species are the most commonly found. You can also fish from a kayak or small boat but remember that only small personal watercraft are allowed on the lake.
3. Lake Isabella
While it may be some distance away in Kern County, this excellent lake is well worth the trip. It’s probably best fished from a boat but permits cost $45 but are valid for a year. In addition to the usual largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, this lake is also home to the more unusual kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow and brown trout. One of the best places to fish for trout is along with the engineering point, between the two dams, whereas salmon are usually caught around Piney Point or along the flume.
4. Lake Woollomes
Located less than 30 minutes’ drive from Porterville, this small reservoir attracts flocks of waterfowl as well as anglers to its clear waters. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, bream, carp, and catfish here. Fishing tends to be best in the early morning, and is easiest to do from the banks, although boats are allowed on the lake, provided you have a required all county boating permit, and only launch from the provided boat ramp.
5. Lake Kaweah
Since the fish population was exterminated in 1987 by the DFG, to remove white bass from the lake, the fish population here has been slowly rebounding. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter and spring months, and the lake also boasts a significant population of re-introduced wild brown trout. channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill can also be found in large numbers here.
These are just a few of the best fishing places around, head outside today and you’ll be sure to find your new favorite. Looking for a new vehicle to carry all that fishing gear? Come on down to Merle Stone Chevrolet today and check out our excellent selection of new and used cars.
Connect with us
