SIERRA SPRING BASS TAG-ALONG
Dates: May 4-7, 2026
Fishmaster: Bob McCollum
Event Skill Level
- Lakes: Beginner to advanced with float tubes or other personal watercraft (PWC)
- Streams: Optional trout stream fishing. Wading skill requirement will depend on conditions – spring runoff, etc.
- Hiking: Optional venues for bass and trout may require moderate hiking
This is a four-day, three-night trip to explore bass fishing opportunities in the Sierras and foothills. The primary venue will be Jenkinsen Lake in Sly Park off Hwy. 50 and other opportunities for bass and trout fishing.
The focus at Jenkinsen Lake will be fishing for small mouth bass at the Chimneys area and largemouth bass on the Northeast end of the lake (the “narrows”) by float tube or other inflatable PWC. We will camp in the Chimneys camp area of Jenkinson Lake with easy access to the Chimneys beach area and small mouth bass fishing around the sunken foundations of the Chimneys cabin. Camping at the Chimney camp area affords the opportunity to fish predawn and post-sunset time periods which are most productive for small mouth fishing at Chimneys.
Mid-day fishing on Jenkinson for largemouth bass and sunfish can be productive along the shores of the North End of the lake and Sly Park Creek. Other mid-day fishing options will be dependent on snowpack and spring runoff conditions.
Registration is for tracking purposes only. See below for specifics for Costs:
Participants will be responsible for organizing their accommodations and reservations for campsites at Jenkinson Lake. The Fishmaster has reserved site 140. Similar nearby camp sites (136-139) provide easy walking access to the Chimney shore and beach area for easy float tube launch.
Campsite costs at Jenkinson Lake (Sly Park Recreation Area) vary by site type, but expect around $30-$40+ per night for standard tent/RV sites, plus extra fees for vehicles/boats/pets, with specific rates found on the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) website where you book. Expect potential extra charges for more than the first vehicle or pet, payable in cash/card upon arrival.
Link to Jenkinsen Lake Map
Fishing Gear
Bass Fly Rods: Generally, the stiffer the better for getting good hook sets in Small Mouth and Large Mouth Bass. 5-8 weight rods or specialized bass rods (Sage Large Mouth or similar) will work fine. The fish are not very big, so a 5 weight will work fine.
Lines: Matching WFF for topwater flies. Intermediate lines for Wooley buggers and nymphs are best for SMB
Flies: Typical bass topwater and sub surface flies. Basic olive Wooley buggers work great for SMB at Chimneys.
Trout Fly rods: 3-5 Weight depending on conditions and location
Trout lines: WFF for dry flies or nymphing streams. Intermediate for lakes.
Trout flies: Typical spring trout flies, dry and wet.
Watercraft: Float tube or other inflatable personal watercraft (PWC). Hard-hull boats and PWC will be subject to stringent pre-inspection and 30-day quarantine before launch, making them impractical for this trip.
One optional location requires float tube to be carried in 0.7. A light float tube with shoulder straps is a must for this venue.
Conventional Bass Gear: Typical spinning rods, reels and lures. Small-medium Rapala lures work well.
Questions? Feel free to contact the Fishmaster, Bob McCollum
