Photo Credit: Emily Millner

This boundless lake offers all types of aquatic recreational opportunities, a pleasant paddle, and scenic views of the lake from shady campsites. Its 70- miles of grassy shoreline are broken by numerous secluded coves along the western shoreline (the area I have paddled on this gigantic lake.) There is a minimal amount of boat traffic on Lake McClure, even on the weekends during the summer months when the campgrounds are full.

Trolling for trout from your kayak is a popular, successful method for fishing at Lake McClure. You may have better success trolling for trout than catching bass, due to the large number of rainbow trout are planted here. The lake’s four boat ramps accesses allow you to launch and fish from different areas on the lake year round in one of the secluded coves throughout the lake’s shoreline.

Lake McClure has a healthy population of bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and rainbow trout that are planted in the winter each year by the Department of Fish and Game. Kayak anglers fish along the rocky points for bass. Kayak anglers that like to troll do well in the deep water in the main body of the lake, especially down near the dam. Other popular trolling areas are to work the area from Horseshoe.

Lake McClure offers stunning vistas along the way and enough variety to please all paddlers. The best time to paddle here is in the spring when dazzling wildflowers blanket the hillsides and air the temperatures are mild.

Map of Lake McClure