Caples Lake in California’s High Sierra offers stunning alpine fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout. With easy access by boat or shore, it’s a perfect escape for anglers seeking a historic and scenic adventure.

Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Caples Lake is more than just a stunning sheet of alpine water — it’s a living relic of California’s Gold Rush era.

In 1849, hopeful prospectors trudging toward the promise of gold paused at this very lake to rest and resupply, their reflections mingling with the icy waters before disappearing into the rugged wilderness. Today, the descendants of those early trails still exist, winding past forests of pine and granite outcrops — but it’s the lake itself that draws modern-day adventurers.

Anglers come here seeking crystal-clear water, a surreal backdrop of towering peaks, and the thrilling tug of rainbow trout, brown trout, and elusive lake trout beneath the surface. Stocked regularly and teeming with life, Caples Lake offers fishing from the shore, from small boats drifting across the open water, and even through thick ice in winter months when the landscape transforms into a silent, frozen wonderland.

There’s a feeling at Caples that time slows down — whether you’re casting a line at sunrise near Woods Creek inlet or savoring a quiet moment as mist rolls off the water.

🎣 Fish Species You Can Catch

Species Best Season
Rainbow Trout Spring to Fall
Brown Trout Spring to Fall
Lake Trout (Mackinaw) Spring, Deep Summer

📅 Best Times to Fish

  • Spring (May–June): Ice-out brings trout close to shore.
  • Early Summer (June–July): Great shore fishing early mornings.
  • Fall (September–October): Trophy brown trout move shallow before winter.
  • Winter (December–March): Ice fishing possible (check conditions).

📍 Access & Parking

  • Easy access via Highway 88
  • Public boat ramp available at Caples Lake Resort
  • Ample roadside parking near the dam and resort
  • Accessible shoreline fishing points
  • Ice fishing access during winter (December–March)

🎒 Recommended Gear

  • Medium-light spinning setup (6’6″ to 7’0″)
  • 6–10 lb test monofilament or light braid
  • Nightcrawlers, PowerBait, spoons, and small swimbaits
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish near rocky points

🧠 Local Tips

“Fish early morning near the Woods Creek inlet for your best shot at trophy browns. Troll slow with deep-diving spoons in midsummer.”

🏨 Nearby Amenities

  • Caples Lake Resort: Rustic cabins and boat rentals
  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Lodging and dining nearby
  • South Lake Tahoe: About a 45-minute scenic drive

❄️ Ice Fishing Info

Ice fishing is available during colder winters once the ice reaches safe thickness (6″ or more). Target rainbow trout using jigs, live bait, or PowerBait. Always check local conditions before heading out onto the ice.

🎟️ Licenses & Regulations

A valid California fishing license is required. Some seasonal bait restrictions may apply during spawning periods.
👉 Get your license here.

🧭 Plan Your Trip