Ella Walter
The California Aqueduct, a 444-mile-long canal, is a popular spot for fishing. It is legal to fish here, and there are 16 designated fishing locations, mostly at bridges. The aqueduct is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, carp, and several species of panfish such as bluegill, crappie, perch, and redear sunfish. Anglers use different techniques and lures to catch fish in the aqueduct, such as trolling with planar boards, using cut baits, or casting jerkbaits. The fish in the aqueduct are always moving, so anglers must also stay on the move to increase their chances of catching fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The California Aqueduct, Kern County, CA |
| Length | 444 miles |
| Elevation | 515 feet |
| Fish Species | Striped bass, largemouth bass, black bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, perch, redear, crappie, sunfish, goldfish, sculpin |
| Fishing Techniques | Using cutbaits such as anchovies, liver, or live minnows; casting jerkbaits; trolling with a planar board; using topwater lures; fishing near grates, bridge supports, bends, and check gates |
| Fishing Equipment | A standard 6'6" to 7'6" rod; lures; worms |
| Fishing Licenses | Required for people 16 years and older |
| Fishing Times | Fishing is open all year round, but the best times to catch striped bass are around sunrise or sunset |
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What You'll Learn
Panfish locations in the California Aqueduct
The California Aqueduct is a 444-mile-long canal that runs just north of Tracy and ends near Los Angeles. It is a great place to catch panfish, which can be found all along the aqueduct.
Grates and Cutouts
Grates and cutouts are found along the concrete walls of the aqueduct and are shielded by metal screens to filter out weeds and trash. They are incorporated into the aqueduct system to allow farmers to pump water for irrigation purposes. They are one of the most consistent locations to find panfish. When fishing a grate, you can use a jerkbait, swimbait, or fluke. You can also try dropping your line in one section of the grate and moving to the next one if you don't get a bite.
Check Gates
Check gates are huge automated gates that control the flow of water through the aqueduct. They create disturbances in the water, attracting predatory fish. Anglers often ignore these spots when fishing for panfish, but they can be productive locations.
Bridge Pylons
Bridge pylons provide cover for baitfish, shielding them from predatory fish. They are another location to target when fishing for panfish in the California Aqueduct.
Smaller Canals
There are smaller canals that branch off from the main aqueduct, feeding water to other regions of California. Fishing near the entrance of these smaller canals can be a productive spot to catch panfish. One such location is near Highway 145 (Fresno Coalinga Road).
Open Water
While panfish are more concentrated in grates, they can also be found in open water. Using a planar board allows you to troll along the aqueduct and cover a lot of water quickly.
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Grates and cutouts as bait
Grates are a popular location for anglers to catch panfish in the California Aqueduct. Anglers can be found on either side of the aqueduct, moving from grate to grate to increase their chances of hooking fish consistently. Shorter rods are better when fishing for panfish on grates as they allow more freedom to move around.
Check gates are another location that anglers tend to ignore when fishing for panfish. Fish have been spotted taking cover in the weeds before the water goes underneath these gates. If fishing after the check gates, panfish will be swimming along the concrete wall near the headgates and downstream where the current begins to flow in one direction.
Bridge pylons also hold panfish. Although fishing directly off a bridge is not allowed for safety reasons, most of the designated fishing locations are at bridges.
When it comes to bait, panfish will strike at a variety of natural and artificial baits. Live baits such as earthworms, crickets, or minnows are effective. Small jigs tipped with artificial grubs or minnows can also be used to target panfish at a greater depth. When using live bait, small hooks are recommended. Size 6 and 8 hooks are best, but a size 4 hook may help keep some of the smaller fish off your hook.
Cutbait is another option for bait, which involves using a cut piece of fish to attract panfish. This technique is popular for catfish and is considered one of the best baits for blue catfish and larger channel catfish. The chunk size of the cutbait depends on the size and species of the target fish. For smaller catfish, a smaller chunk of bait is used, while larger pieces of bait are preferred for bigger fish. The oilier the fish, the better the bait.
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Check gates and bridge supports
Check gates are large automated gates that control and allow the flow of water through the aqueduct. They are strategically placed along the aqueduct to manage water flow and distribution. These gates create disturbances in the water when opened, attracting predatory fish species. Anglers often target areas near check gates as the turbulence in the water caused by the opening of these gates can lead to a higher likelihood of catching fish.
Bridge supports, also known as bridgework, are crucial for aqueducts that traverse valleys, ravines, or other gaps in the terrain. These supports are typically constructed using stone, masonry, brick, or concrete, ensuring stability and durability. The Romans, for example, utilised multiple piered arches made of masonry, brick, or concrete to build impressive aqueduct bridges that stood the test of time.
In addition to their structural role, bridge supports can also provide cover for smaller fish, attracting larger predatory fish. Bridge pylons, in particular, serve as hiding spots for smaller fish seeking refuge from stronger currents and predatory fish. Anglers can take advantage of this behaviour by casting their lines near bridge supports, increasing their chances of catching a variety of fish species.
When fishing near check gates and bridge supports in aqueducts, it is important to use appropriate fishing techniques and lures. Anglers may experiment with different lures such as jerkbaits, swimbaits, or flukes, and vary the depth and motion of their lines to entice bites from the fish seeking cover in these structures. The California Aqueduct, for instance, is a popular fishing spot with numerous check gates and bridge supports that anglers can target to catch panfish, bass, and other species.
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Types of lures and bait
Panfish can be found all along the California Aqueduct, particularly in the Grates, which are cutouts along the aqueduct wall enclosed by metal screens to filter out weeds and trash. They can also be found near bridge pylons, which they use for cover from the current and bigger fish.
When it comes to lures and bait, there are several options to consider for catching panfish. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Jigs
Jigs are versatile and can be used at any depth. They are typically combined with soft-plastic lures or live bait. Hair jigs, for example, have tufts of fur, tinsel, and fuzz tied on for extra attraction. When using jigs, it is recommended to have a variety of sizes, styles, and colours to increase your chances of catching panfish.
Bobber Fishing
Bobber fishing, or float fishing, can be as simple or technical as desired. A slip bobber is a popular choice as it can be set to suspend the lure or bait at any depth, and it is easier to cast due to its unfixed float. The lure or bait can be a jighead or a bare hook with soft plastic or live bait.
Spinners
Spinners are fun and effective for catching panfish. They trigger bites with their flashy, vibrating blades and allow you to cover a large area to locate fish. Spinners come in various styles, including the safety-pin spinner, in-lines, and jigheads with small blades.
Hard Baits
Hard baits such as jerkbaits, crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits are typically used for larger freshwater predator species, but they can also work well for panfish when used in the appropriate size. Micro-sized hard baits are ideal for smaller-mouthed sunfish species like bluegills.
Live Bait
Live bait such as worms, crickets, and minnows can be very effective for catching panfish. Red worms, in particular, are mentioned as a popular choice. Live bait can be combined with jigs or used on its own, depending on personal preference and fishing conditions.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastics, such as the Panfish Magnet products, are also mentioned as effective lures for catching panfish. These lures are designed to last and can be paired with jigheads for optimal results.
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Fishing techniques and equipment
Fishing for panfish can be an enjoyable activity for anglers of all ages and abilities. Panfish is a general term for small, warm-water fish that could fit in a frying pan. Some common types of panfish include bluegill, yellow perch, and black and white crappie.
When it comes to fishing techniques and equipment for catching panfish, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate fishing rod. For panfish, ultra-light to medium-light rods are generally recommended. A standard 6'6" to 7'6" rod should be sufficient for most panfish fishing. However, when fishing on grates, shorter rods may be more advantageous as they allow for more freedom of movement.
In terms of reels, spinning or spin-casting reels with a good drag are ideal. It is also important to match the reel action to the action of your fishing rod. For hooks, sizes 6 to 10 are typically recommended for panfish. Long shank hooks, such as Aberdeen style hooks, can be helpful for removing swallowed hooks.
When choosing a fishing line, a 6-8 lb. test line is commonly used for panfish. However, in weedy waters, it is advisable to use a stronger line to prevent the fish from breaking the line against the weeds. Additionally, bobbers or floats can be used to suspend bait at a desired depth. Smaller bobbers are generally preferred as they are less likely to be felt by the fish, but larger bobbers allow for longer casts.
Regarding bait and lures, there are several options available for panfish. Live bait such as worms, anchovies, liver, or minnows can be effective, especially during certain times of the year. Artificial lures, such as jerkbaits, spinners, crankbaits, and spybaits, can also be successful. Jigs are another popular choice for panfish fishing as they provide depth control and the ability to cover a wide area.
When fishing for panfish in specific locations, such as the California Aqueduct, there are a few additional considerations. Fishing near the entrance of smaller canals or check gates can be productive. Additionally, bridge pylons and irregularities in the waterway, such as bends and bridge supports, can hold panfish. Trolling along the aqueduct using a planar board is another technique that allows anglers to cover a lot of water quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can catch panfish in the California Aqueduct.
Panfish can be found all along the California Aqueduct, but they tend to congregate inside the grates and cutouts that were incorporated into the aqueduct system for irrigation purposes. These grates can be found every few miles on either side of the aqueduct. Smaller canals that branch out from the aqueduct system can also be good locations for panfishing, as they can concentrate fish.
A standard 6'6" to 7'6" rod should be sufficient for fishing panfish. Shorter rods are better when fishing for panfish on grates. Jerkbaits, swimbaits, and flukes are all effective lures for catching panfish. If you're using a jerkbait, cast it out at an angle downstream and retrieve it to the outer edge of the water.
In addition to panfish, the California Aqueduct is known for striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, common carp, and spotted bass. Other species present include silver side minnows, shad, delta smelt, and sturgeon.
Yes, it is important to review the fishing rules and regulations for the California Aqueduct before you go fishing. People 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license, and fishing is prohibited from bridges in Kern County and Los Angeles County.
