Streamer Flies:
Mohair Leech #8-10
Woolly Bugger, Brown and Olive #6-8
Olive Matuka #8-10
Hornberg #8-10
Marabou Muddler #8-10
J.Fair’s Wiggle Tail #8-10

Directions:

From Fresno, take Highway 168 north for 63 miles to Shaver Lake.

Notes:

Shaver Lake is 2177 acres at an elevation of 5,371 feet. The lake is owned and operated by Southern California Edison. Originally, it was a meadow area in which Sierran Westside Native Americans would trade with Sierran Eastside Native Americans. Logging during the early 1900’s created a pond with an earthern dam which was replaced by the current dam in 1927. Shaver Lake is stocked with 50,000 Kokanee fingerlings and 10,000 Rainbow trout each year in the 11-13 inch class. Since the lake fluctuates so much, the Kokanee do not have an opportunity to spawn very well. The Kokanee do get up to about 18 inches by late Summer. Recently, DFG has introduced a stocking program of Triploid Rainbows that are incapable of reproducing. These trout are being considered for areas in which interbreeding with native trout has been a problem. Smallmouth Bass were introduced to Shaver Lake in the 1970’s. The Smallmouth Bass quickly ate up the natural supply of crayfish and now compete with the other fish that reside in the lake. Brown Bullhead Catfish also reside in the lake and are small and stunted like the smallmouth bass. Shaver also contains Brown Trout in few numbers.

Click “Shaver Lake” on the above map for a closer view showing coves. The lake is mostly considered a boat and lure area. There are also a number of fishermen who fish along the shore with baits. This does not mean that there is no opportunity for the flyfisherman, however. Work the coves with a sinking line and float tube. Try Camp Edison, Boy Scout and Dora Bella coves. Also give Stevenson Creek a try. For smallies, try the Black Rock and Camp Chawanakee areas. Fall is the best time for flyfishing this lake. The season is open year-round.

Fishing Regulations

Shaver Lake:

Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.

Other Rivers and Streams:

From the last Saturday in April through November 15, five trout daily bag limit, 10 trout in possession; and, from November 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April, 0 trout bag limit, artificial lures with barbless hooks only and trout must be released unharmed and not removed from the water.

Lakes within this area:

Open all year. No restrictions. 5 trout per day. 10 trout in possession.