Bon Tempe Lake, surrounded by trees and quiet scenery, is one of my favorite NorCal spots for trout fishing. The morning started cool and foggy, which is just the way I like it. Low visibility and a chill in the air mean trout are usually active, giving me a good shot at some early bites.
I started out with a small spinner, casting along the rocky edges where trout often hide out. My first cast brought a quick nibble, but it slipped the hook. Not too worried, I cast again and soon felt a solid tug. A quick reel-in, and there was my first rainbow of the day—around 9 inches, feisty and full of color. It’s always a good feeling to get one early, so I released it and set up for more.
The fog began to lift as I moved further down the shore. I switched to a worm setup, casting near an area where trees overhang the water. Bon Tempe’s trout like these shady, cooler spots, especially when the sun starts to creep in. Within minutes, I felt another bite, this time a bit stronger. I reeled in a solid 11-incher, a bit bigger than the first and full of energy. This one put up a bit more of a fight, making it a satisfying catch before it swam back.
By mid-morning, the fog had cleared, and more anglers were showing up. Bon Tempe is popular, so if you’re looking for some quiet, early arrival is key. For my next spot, I tried a little cove with calm water. Casting a small spoon, I worked it in slowly, hoping to lure in a bigger trout. Sure enough, the next catch was around 10 inches. Not huge, but solid action that kept me engaged.
The morning continued with steady bites. Most trout were in that 9-11 inch range, offering a good bit of variety but nothing massive. Bon Tempe isn’t known for giants, but it does surprise you sometimes. Just as I was considering switching spots, I felt a strong pull—a heavier trout that had me adjusting my reel and taking my time. After a careful fight, I brought in a 13-inch rainbow. For Bon Tempe, that’s a good-sized catch. It was a nice surprise and the highlight of my day.
With the sun fully up, the action slowed, as it usually does here. I tried a few more casts with different lures, but the trout were starting to scatter. Around this time, other anglers were wrapping up, and I decided to call it a day with five trout in total. It wasn’t a limit-out kind of day, but Bon Tempe Lake had given me enough bites to keep things interesting.
If you’re up for steady action in a scenic NorCal setting, Bon Tempe is worth a visit. The trout here might not be the biggest, but they’re lively, and the setting makes every cast feel like part of the experience. All in all, a good day out with enough trout to make it worthwhile.
