By Paul Lebowitz

The Sierras – famed Range of Light – offer up a lifetime of fun fishing opportunities for kayak anglers and other outdoor adventurers. Given campsites shaded by tall pines and a family with which to share happy times in wide-open spaces, granite-topped goodness doesn’t get much better.

Every year I discover a bit more of this priceless recreational treasure. Recently my travels took me to beautiful Pinecrest Lake. Perched about a mile high just east of the Gold Country town of Sonora, Pinecrest is but a brief run from the Bay Area. During the short time I was there, the early summer sun cast an inviting glow on the azure water of the perfectly kayak-sized lake. At roughly 300 surface acres, a paddle around its circumference would make an enjoyable half day trip.

I didn’t get that far, but what I saw was so inviting I’m sure to return, kids in tow. Pinecrest promises a classic family experience. Two attractive Forest Service campgrounds boast 300 well laid out campsites. In other words, I saw plenty of elbow room between neighbors at Meadowview and Pinecrest. The latter is closest to the lake and reservations go fast during the warmer months.  

Area services are plentiful, including a two-lane launch ramp, a large marina offering boat rentals and slips, a camp store, snack shop, bicycle rental and the attractive Pinecrest Resort. The latter offers roofs overhead for those who prefer not to rough it; choose from cabins, motel rooms or townhouses with space for eight.

The lake is a real gem, with a designated swimming area for the chill-resistant - the water is usually on the nippy side - and plenty of pine needle carpeted ‘beach’ for basking in the sun. The Pinecrest National Recreation trail circles the lake, leading to shore fishing spots galore. Branch routes meander off into the forest, allowing a serene escape into the wild for those who need more backcountry quiet. 

Of course there are trout to be had at Pinecrest, lots of DFG planters. Their vast numbers are sure to divert the younger set if they’re biting, which is most of the time according to my sources in the kayak fishing world. The techniques are the typical stand-bys.

FAMILY FUN SPOT – Pinecrest Lake is another of the Sierra’s many recreational gems. Located a short drive from Sacramento and the bay area, roughly mile-high Pinecrest is heavily stocked with DFG rainbows. Nearby services include just about everything needed to keep a family happy, including two large campgrounds, a full service resort, a launch ramp, marina with boat and slip rentals, bicycle rentals, a store, and snack shop.

KAYAK FISHING AMONG THE PINES – By all accounts, Pinecrest Lake rainbows aren’t difficult to puzzle out. They fall for the normal tricks. Kayakers do well with spoons and spinners.

“One day I decided to take my friend's canoe for a joy-ride and caught three hearty 14-in rainbows in about an hour while trolling a 3/8-oz Kastmaster. No fishing in the winter to speak of but lots of summer fun,” Jack Whiting reported.

John Mason prefers to slow troll a gold crushed Triple Teaser or Phoebe on 4-lb test with a 6-lb leader (don’t forget to use a swivel!). If that’s not producing he’ll try a Kastmaster in silver and blue, sometimes weighing it down with a bit of lead above the swivel. “My personal favorite is the Triple Teaser. I’ve always caught limits with this lure,” he wrote.

Greg Bartlett and three of his kayak fishing buddies visited Pinecrest in late May, hitching a powerboat ride to the inlet. “It was nice to be mothershipped to the far end of the lake, with a cup of coffee and a granola bar.  Then we would split up and fish. We all caught rainbows from 10 to 16-in,” Bartlett remembered. He dealt with some fickle fish. “Once we got a good hit with something, it would not work there again. I would get a hook-up on a silver Kastmaster. I could try another 50 casts with the same lure and get nothing. Change to a Panther Martin, and you get another hit,” Bartlett reported.

The lake isn’t known for trophies, but that’s not really the point of this wonderful place. It’s the sum total of the experience that shines. Bartlett, who enjoys greeting the sun as it peeks over the rim of peaks surrounding the lake, summed it up.

“Pinecrest is a special place. There is a family friendly feel about it. Even on a crowded weekend, everyone just kind of chills. You can completely forget about all the day-to-day stuff, feeling the stress and worries evaporate.”