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

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
11-24-2023 The lake got its first snow on the 15th
The EID day use and boat ramp are... more »		 Doug Busey
11-3-2023 The winter shore fishing is a good time for browns
The EID day use and boat ramp has... more »		 Doug Busey
10-19-2023 Fall fishing is good for mackinaw and large brown trout
The lake level is still at 90% capacity.... more »		 Doug Busey
9-28-2023 Capacity and is scheduled to remain high into the fall season
The lake level is still at 90%  capacity... more »		 Doug Busey
9-8-2023 The EID day use and boat launch will remain open as long as weather permit
The lake level has been dropping a few... more »		 Doug Busey

Detailed Map