Fly Fishing Report

Crowley Lake continues to give up its trophy trout this lake is known for. For the most part, mornings have been excellent weather-wise with calm winds and mild temperatures . 

The surface water temperatures are low 60s. The water is pretty clear for the most part. There is a tiny bit of surface algae but it doesn't hinder anything.

There are not any big concentrations of fish in just one area , but try Stormy to McGee and the Alligator area. Those places have been producing . You will find fish in 25-30 ft  depths.  Double digit mornings are not uncommon.

Finding albino midges of any color are working great early in the early morning but as the sun gets higher, try different colors if you're not getting bit.  Copper tigers or even black have been working later in the mornings.  Also adjust your height off the bottom until you find the depth they are feeding at.

Fishing at Crowley is so much better this year than it has been in the past because of all the stocking that has been done. It's a great time to get up here.

Rob

Bait and Spin Report

Welcome to beautiful Crowley Lake!

Really good fishing going on right now with the nice weather and the water warming up.
Lots of big rainbows, cutthroat and browns being caught right now.
As far as bait fishing goes, pinched crawlers, powerbait and mice tails are catching some very nice fish. Color doesn’t seem to matter right now with the powerbait.
The Carolina rig with a quarter ounce egg sinker and 4 pound fluorocarbon leader is the rig I’ve been using and it’s been working very well. Leader length 1-2 feet, has been best.
As far as lures go, Kastmasters in silver and gold have been absolutely killing it, with a medium speed retrieve.
Fish are still spread out all over the lake.
Best spots have been Sandy point, McGee bay and Hilton bay.


Good luck and tight lines.

Shon E guide services 760-914-2500

Trolling Report

Crowley Trolling Report: May 7, 2026

Trolling during opener was the way to go and is always an effective way to fish Crowley Lake. The winner of the Berkeley Opening Day Tournament was an 8.4 Rainbow caught on the troll right outside the marina. Since opener the weather has been improving and looks to warm up in the coming weeks. As of today, the surface temperature is at around 54°F, and fish activity is on the rise and spread out around the lake. The best fishing has been from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but don't be afraid to try some midday trolling a little deeper to find a big one and the evening bite can also be a good time!! 

In order to be successful you have to think like a fish, don't just drag a lure behind your boat in open water. Think of where structures and flunctuations and depths might be located in order to find where the fish are feeding. Friendly reminder to check your lure often for weeds if your not getting hit within a reasonable amount of time. Lead core is the recommended but not the only method. Trolling down 3-5 colors or roughly 15-25ft has produced the most success. Keep your speeds somewhere between 1.5 - 3mph depending on your choice of lure. Good luck out there! 

Top Spots

1. Between Alligator and Sandy Point

2. Sandy Point to the Willows

3. 395 Run 

4. Lifeguard to the dam (Try deeper on this run)

5. Don’t overlook the Chalk Bluffs (Try different depths on this run)

Top Lures: 

• Tasmanian Devils: Pinks, reds and bright colors (all sizes and styles have been effective)

• Spoons of all kinds and Thomas Buoyants: (different fish patterns, pinks and bright colors) (all sizes and styles have been effective) Needlefish, Speedy Shiners, Crocodiles, Thomas Buoyants etc.

• Rapalas and Flicker Shads: (different fish patterns, pinks and bright colors) Jointed and Countdown 

It's been a great start to the season. Let's keep that going! Tight lines and good times my trolling friends!!

Vince Ortiz - Crowley Lake Fish Camp