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

View Report
1-21-2025
View Report
8-21-2024
14 lbs. 8 oz.
View Report
6-28-2024
View Report
8-18-2022
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Caples Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Mackinaw Trout 14 lbs. 8 oz. 6-28-2024 View 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
9-20-2024Rainbow TroutAlpine County F&G1800
8-18-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-14-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-01-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
6-24-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
5-15-2025 The lake has started to thaw
The lake has started to thaw. For those... more »		 Doug Busey
5-1-2025 The lake has some open water near the spillway and by the Woods Creek area
The lake has some open water near the... more »		 Doug Busey
4-10-2025 The lake still has a good foot or two of ice on it
The lake still has a good foot or... more »		 Doug Busey
3-29-2025 The lake still is frozen and anglers are still out ice fishing
The lake still is frozen and anglers are... more »		 Doug Busey
2-27-2025 The ice varies from 24 to 36 inches deep with a few inches of snow on top
The ice varies from 24 to 36 inches... more »		 Doug Busey

Detailed Map