Bates Slough is a River located in Tulare County, CA. Starting in Tulare, CA the Bates Slough flows 5 miles through Tulare, CA before ending in Waukena, CA. The Bates Slough rises to an elevation of 226 feet and has a surface area of 68,470 square miles. Find maps, fishing guides, weather and recreation information at Guidesly.

About Bates Slough, CA

Bates Slough is a shallow and narrow stream located at the western edge of Tulare County, CA and about three miles southwest from the city. This body of water is about five miles long and winds slightly northeast across farmlands from Deep Creek (a man-made canal used for irrigation) to Road 64. Like most slough, Bates is sometimes stagnant, especially during summers as some parts of the stream dry up. Water does flow for most of the year, although a bit slow. Trees, shrubs, and other smaller clumps of vegetation grow throughout the stretch of the stream, providing a fairly sustainable habitat for some wildlife, including small species of birds and some gamefish.            

All About Fishing in Bates Slough, CA

Because Bates Slough is just a few minutes’ drive from Tulare City, some anglers looking for a quick fishing getaway do visit this body of water on occasion. The trees around the water offer anglers some shade from the hot Californian sun and the farmlands that surround the slough make for a relaxing backdrop.   

Popular fishing methods include flyfishing and baitcasting, often done straight off the banks or while wading through the shallow stream. Fish species caught in the stream may vary but the most popular targets are brown trout, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. Anglers can even catch some nice largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, although quite rare and often after a heavy downpour when the water flows relatively faster and the water level is a bit deeper.

Most fish found here are typically smaller than those found in bigger and deeper bodies of water. It’s because of this that many anglers use smaller bait when fishing the waters of Bates Slough. Those who have been successful, reported using crankbaits, artificial worm, spinnerbait, and Senko. As for equipment, it’s best to go back to basics with a medium action 7’ rod paired with a spin-casting rig and a monofilament line in the 6-to-15-pound class.

The key to success fishing the waters of Bates Slough is often finding where the current moves the fastest as these are where most fish are known to dwell. Throwing the bait upstream and jerking the line from time to time while the bait moves with the current are said to be the most effective way to present your lure. One may also try casting their lines near structures (rocks, fallen trees, shrubs, etc.) to try and lure out fish that use these structures for cover.      

Fishing Seasonality

When the temperature heats up, some parts of the slough dry up and the remaining water becomes stagnant. Anglers can still fish during these times as some fish become trapped in these “ponds” and the water becomes clearer. Just make sure you have all the necessary gear to protect yourself from the hot Californian sun when you do go fishing during summers. For the best fishing experience in Bates Slough, the best time to go is during fall and winter as these are the seasons when the water level is deeper and when the water flows a bit faster. These are also the seasons when most fish in Bates Slough tend to be less finicky. 

Fishing Seasonality

When the temperature heats up, some parts of the slough dry up and the remaining water becomes stagnant. Anglers can still fish during these times as some fish become trapped in these “ponds” and the water becomes clearer. Just make sure you have all the necessary gear to protect yourself from the hot Californian sun when you do go fishing during summers. For the best fishing experience in Bates Slough, the best time to go is during fall and winter as these are the seasons when the water level is deeper and when the water flows a bit faster. These are also the seasons when most fish in Bates Slough tend to be less finicky. 

All About Fishing in Bates Slough, CA

Because Bates Slough is just a few minutes’ drive from Tulare City, some anglers looking for a quick fishing getaway do visit this body of water on occasion. The trees around the water offer anglers some shade from the hot Californian sun and the farmlands that surround the slough make for a relaxing backdrop.   

Popular fishing methods include flyfishing and baitcasting, often done straight off the banks or while wading through the shallow stream. Fish species caught in the stream may vary but the most popular targets are brown trout, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. Anglers can even catch some nice largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, although quite rare and often after a heavy downpour when the water flows relatively faster and the water level is a bit deeper.

Most fish found here are typically smaller than those found in bigger and deeper bodies of water. It’s because of this that many anglers use smaller bait when fishing the waters of Bates Slough. Those who have been successful, reported using crankbaits, artificial worm, spinnerbait, and Senko. As for equipment, it’s best to go back to basics with a medium action 7’ rod paired with a spin-casting rig and a monofilament line in the 6-to-15-pound class.

The key to success fishing the waters of Bates Slough is often finding where the current moves the fastest as these are where most fish are known to dwell. Throwing the bait upstream and jerking the line from time to time while the bait moves with the current are said to be the most effective way to present your lure. One may also try casting their lines near structures (rocks, fallen trees, shrubs, etc.) to try and lure out fish that use these structures for cover.