Reel in the Fun: Your Happy Angler's Guide to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir!

Tired of the same old fishing hole? Dreaming of crisp mountain air, sparkling waters, and the thrilling tug of a trout on your line? Pack your tackle box and a smile, because Stumpy Meadows Reservoir in beautiful El Dorado National Forest is calling! This hidden gem, just a scenic drive from Georgetown, California, isn't just a fishing spot; it's a recipe for happy memories and bent rods.

Stumpy Meadows: More Than Just a Pretty Name!

Forget crowded lakes and roaring speedboats. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir offers a refreshingly tranquil fishing experience, thanks in part to a gentle 5 mph boat speed limit. This makes the waters perfect for a peaceful troll, a relaxing kayak or float tube session, or casting from its accessible shorelines. The vibe here is pure mountain bliss – think pine-scented breezes, the cry of an osprey overhead, and the anticipation of that next bite!

What's Biting? Get Ready for Trout Tussles!

Stumpy Meadows is a trout angler's paradise! The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) generously stocks the reservoir with Rainbow Trout and feisty Brown Trout, especially during the spring and summer months after the winter snows have melted and the access roads (like the scenic Wentworth Springs Road) are clear. The lake also has brook trout. This means your chances of a "fish on!" moment are excellent, making it a fantastic destination for seasoned anglers and those new to the sport. But the fun doesn't stop with trout! As the waters warm in late summer and early fall, you might also encounter Largemouth Bass, Catfish, or even some feisty Sunfish, adding a little variety to your angling adventures.

Hook, Line, and Sinker: Techniques for Fishing at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir

Stumpy Meadows reservoir is stocked full of Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. Kastmasters, spinners, small jointed Rapalas, small jointed Rebels, needlefish, and spoons are a good choice. The lure should be retrieved rather quickly, as these fish are predatory, and the speed and movement will entice a strike. These same lures are also great for trolling, with my top favorites being anything that resembles the small rainbow trout, or the small brown trout. I do quite well trolling the shoreline looking for any takers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or teaching your little one to cast, Stumpy Meadows offers a variety of ways to reel in the joy with different fishing techniques: Trolling for Treasures: This is a super popular and effective method at Stumpy. The calm waters are ideal for slowly trolling lures like Rapalas (sizes 7, 9, or 11 in rainbow trout, brown trout, silver/black, or fire tiger patterns are local favorites!), shiny spoons, or enticing grub and flasher combinations. Keep an eye out for baitfish activity – where there's food, there are hungry trout! Shoreline Shenanigans: Don't have a boat? No problem! Stumpy Meadows boasts plenty of accessible shoreline perfect for casting. Classic baits like PowerBait in various colors, juicy nightcrawlers under a bobber, or scented salmon eggs are trout candy here. Inflating a worm with a sliding sinker to let the fish bite without feeling the resistance of the sinker works great with an eighteen inch leader to float the worm off the bottom. Casting and retrieving spinners like Rooster Tails or Panther Martins can also trigger aggressive strikes. A stickbait with a shine that looks like a rainbow or brown trout is also a great choice. Look for spots near the campground, around inlets, or by the day-use picnic area near the boat ramp for potentially productive zones. Fly Fishing Fantasies: As evening approaches, keep an eye out for insect hatches. Mayfly nymphs, caddisflies and midges often make an appearance, and presenting a well-placed dry fly (like a Parachute Adams or a caddis imitation) can lead to some exhilarating surface action. Some anglers have even found success with beetle patterns when terrestrials are active. Ants, grasshoppers, worms are also a good choice. Don't forget those baitfish-imitating streamers for subsurface searching! These fish are smart, and aggressive, so the bites are quick, and hard, usually a full take down. Sneak up on them, don’t let them know you are there. Sound travels a long way on this small mountain lake. Family Fun & Making Memories: Stumpy Meadows isn't just about the fish; it's about the experience. It's an ideal spot for family fishing trips in Northern California. The adjacent Stumpy Meadows Campground offers well-maintained, often spacious campsites with picnic tables and clean vault toilets, making for a comfortable basecamp. Imagine this: A fun-filled day of fishing, followed by a delicious lakeside picnic (perhaps even cooking up your fresh catch if regulations permit and you're so inclined!), and then sharing stories around a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars. The kids will love the thrill of potentially catching their first fish, and the easy access to the water for swimming or paddling on a warm day adds to the adventure. The generally calm waters make it a safer environment for youngsters to try their hand at fishing from the shore or a stable boat.

Key "Happy Angler" Tips for Stumpy Meadows:

When to Go: Spring and summer are prime time, especially after the snowmelt clears Wentworth Springs Road. Early mornings and late evenings often see the most fish activity. Always check road conditions before heading up, especially in early spring or late fall. License to Thrill: Everyone 16 and older needs a valid California fishing license. Make sure to grab yours online or from a local vendor. Check the Regs: Fishing regulations (like bag limits and size limits) can change. Always consult the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) freshwater sport fishing regulations booklet before your trip. Be Bear Aware: You're in the beautiful El Dorado National Forest, so be mindful of wildlife. Store food properly, especially if camping. You might also spot deer, ospreys, and even bald eagles! Pack for Mountain Weather: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Layers are your friend! Sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent are also wise additions. Leave No Trace: Help keep Stumpy Meadows beautiful for everyone. Pack out everything you pack in. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is more than just coordinates on a map; it’s an invitation to unwind, reconnect with nature, and experience the pure joy of fishing in a stunning Sierra Nevada setting. With its plentiful trout, calm waters, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to create those "big fish" stories and even bigger smiles. So, gather your gear, pack your enthusiasm, and get ready for a uniquely happy angling adventure at Stumpy Meadows! You might just find your new favorite fishing spot.

Fishing Guides

There are many different fishing guides that offer guided fishing trips on Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. FishingBooker is a service of local guides that you can choose from and schedule your next guided fishing trip so you can catch some quality fish and learn about this excellent fishery. Shop for fishing tackle in our Fishing Gear and Tackle store that would be perfect for your trip.

Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

Looking for place to stay near Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, or any destination you wish to go? Expedia has vacation homes, hotels, motels, cabins, and cottages for many locations that would be great for your next family vacation, all at really great prices. Start your adventures today.

Camping at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir

• US Forest Service • Eldorado National Forest • Georgetown Ranger Station • CA Department of Fish and Wildlife • Fish Planting Schedule • Stumpy Meadows Fish Planting Schedule • CA Department of Parks and Recreation

Stumpy Meadows Reservoir Camping Information

Stumpy Meadows Campground, on the Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, provides an enjoyable setting in a heavy conifer forest with easy access to an array of water activities. Campers come here to while away warm summer days on the lake and enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. The campground provides easy access to both hiking and biking trails. The historic town of Georgetown is 15 miles away. In the 19th century, the town was a hub of the productive gold mining region, and residents proclaimed the town the "pride of the mountains." Natural Features: All sites are shaded by groves of towering Ponderosa pine, fir, oak, and cedar trees. The campground is in Eldorado National forest, which boasts over 400 miles of hiking trails, an abundance of lakes and rivers for fishing and swimming, and incredible scenery. Here, the climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Recreation: The crystal clear reservoir is stocked with both Rainbow Trout and German Brown Trout, providing excellent fishing during the season. The lake is a great place for a swim. Kayaking and canoing are much enjoyed activities on the lake's clear waters. Slow-paced motor boating is allowed, but is restricted to a 5 mph speed limit. Facilities: Campsites are well spaced and offer ample privacy from neighboring sites. The reservoir is within a short walk, but no campsites have views of the water. Vault toilets and drinking water from spigots are provided. A boat ramp is located a mile from the campground. Nearby Attractions: Take a drive on the El Dorado County Scenic Highway or visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.

Activities and Amenities At The Stumpy Meadows Reservoir Facility

• Accessible Sites • Boating • Drinking Water • Fishing • Hiking • Self Pay Station • Vault Toilets • Water Spigot • Boat ramp is less than 1 mile away Know Before You Go Maximum vehicle length includes both your tow vehicle and your trailer Several of the curves in this campground are very hard to maneuver with a trailer because they are lined with large pines. If you are an inexperienced driver, sites 3 - 16 are the easiest to access (5th wheels maneuver the road more easily than other trailers). The number of vehicles included with the price of the site has changed to 1 for single and 2 for double sites; Vehicles above those numbers will be charged a per day, per vehicle extra vehicle fee on site. Sites are first- come, first- served. There are no hook-ups at this campground. A per day fee for both pets and extra vehicles will be collected on site. Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov. Contact Information: Mailing Address: STUMPY MEADOWS ELDORADO GEORGETOWN, CA 95634 Phone Number: Information: (530) 333-4312 Reservations: Reservations can be made online by clicking here. About The Author Mendenhall Outdoors, founded by Mike Mendenhall, is a natural extension of our family's love for adventure and the great outdoors. We created this space to share everything we learn and experience along the way, hoping it enriches your own outdoor pursuits. While we sometimes receive products from manufacturers for testing, rest assured this never sways our decision to feature or recommend something. Our priority is to highlight what we genuinely find valuable. If you decide to purchase something through a link on our site, we might receive a small commission, which comes at no additional cost to you and doesn't influence the product's price. The Best Stumpy Meadows Fishing Experience Awaits!