Caples Lake - Kirkwood, CA

Lake Information

Caples Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts due to the abundance of trout in its waters, including rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat to access deeper waters. Ice fishing is also a popular activity during the winter months when the lake is frozen over. Caples Lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a great location for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mackinaw Trout



Latest Photos

8-18-2022
5-21-2022
4 lbs. 8 oz.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mitch Ditton
Micah Ditton
2-1-2020
Photo Credit: Courtesy od Chris Leake
1-7-2020

Caples Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Brown Trout 6 lbs. 7-07-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 6 lbs. 6-06-2016 View Report
Brown Trout 5 lbs. 7-07-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 5 lbs. 7-04-2018 View Report
Brown Trout 4 lbs. 8 oz. 2-01-2020 View Report
Brown Trout 4 lbs. 7-07-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 2 oz. 6-10-2017 View Report
Rainbow Trout 2 lbs. 6-22-2016 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
10-30-2023Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-23-2023Rainbow TroutCDFW 
9-12-2022Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-23-2021Rainbow TroutCDFW 
9-06-2020Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
3-17-2024 Special Invite This Wednesday For Bartell's Backroads Show at Caples Lake
Hello fellow anglers. I have a special invitation... more »
Doug Busey
2-29-2024 The lake had 20 inches of ice with a foot or so of snow on it as of last week
The lake had 20 inches of ice with... more »
Doug Busey
2-1-2024 The ice near the dam was measured at 16 inches deep with a little snow on top
The ice near the dam was measured at... more »
Doug Busey
12-28-2023 Caples Lake Resort is open for cabin rentals and lodging through the winter months
There have been a few anglers out around... more »
Doug Busey
12-8-2023 The lake has not yet started to freeze over
The Caples Lake Resort is scheduled to open... more »
Doug Busey

Detailed Map