About East Branch Lakeside Ditch, CA

East Branch Lakeside Ditch is a short canal found north of Corcoran CIty in Kings County.  The short stream is part of the County’s irrigation system. Its water comes from the north in Pine Flat Lake, an artificial lake/reservoir found in eastern Fresno County. Its waters head southwest where it enters Kings River, a 139. 2-mile river. From there, part of its waters diverges into Lakeland Canal while continuously traveling south. Finally, it reaches East Branch Lakeside Ditch and subsequently diverges into many canals that feed into the area’s surrounding farms. 

Kings County, where the waterway is located, was an area first inhabited by the Native American Yokuts, who mainly resided in the area around what is now known as Kings River. The river got its name in 1805 when Spanish explorers found the river for the first time and named it River of the Holy Kings, after the Three Wise Men from the New Testament. When California became part of the United States, the government changed the river’s name to what it is today and its county was soon named the same. 

All About Fishing in East Branch Lakeside Ditch, CA

The canal is part of the communities’ agricultural sector as part of its irrigation system. Draining from Kings River and through a wide network of canals, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers in the area. Fish like carp (common and grass), crappie, and brook trout are commonly found.

Attempting to catch grass carp can be an ordeal as not only are they tough fighters but they are also picky eaters that will not immediately get baited. As they’re picky eaters, one technique anglers use is chumming. Anglers specifically use sweet corn as they’ve found the grass carp more receptive to that. When choosing a proper rod, it is recommended to use a 7-foot 200-yard line. The length of the line makes sure there is enough sensitivity to feel the bite while simultaneously being strong enough to handle the grass carp. Other than that, small circle hooks are also widely used. 

Common carp is the most popular game fish for a lot of anglers. They’re common across the United States and compared to grass carp, are easy to bait. They vary in weight, ranging from 5 up to 100lbs. Carp can also be caught using different techniques like trolling, sight, and fly fishing. When choosing equipment, it is best to consider the weight of the fish available. Since they can weigh up to 100lbs, the equipment in use has to be able to support the weight of the fish. A 7 or 8-weight rod will work for carp weighing up to 10lbs while 9 or 10-weights are best used for those in the 20lbs range. The same goes for choosing hooks as #4 or #6 hooks are used for carp in the 10-20lbs range while #8 or #10 hooks are used for catching fish that weigh more than 20lbs. Preparing bait for catching carp is easy as they are receptive to the use of bread, boilies, and corn.

Another popular fish anglers love to catch is the brook trout. These fish are considered challenging to catch not because they’re tough fighters but because they’re hard to locate. Anglers should opt to look for them in shallow waters underneath the fallen trees and in the crevices of boulders. Fly fishing is a popular method of reeling in brook trout. A long rod can be used to place a hook in tight places. 

For those on a fishing trip with young anglers, it’s best to start with crappie. They weigh up to 5 lbs and are generally not fighters. Both dry and wet flies can be used as well as a variety of baits and lures like spinners, pan-fish jigs, insects, and worms. Look out for crappie near fallen trees and bushes. 

Fishing Seasonality 

Although fish are found in the canal throughout the entire year, the best time to catch them is in Spring. Brook trout, crappie, and grass carp are all fish commonly found in East Branch Lakeside Ditch and are all best caught during Spring. Otherwise, common carp can be caught all year long.

Fishing Seasonality 

Although fish are found in the canal throughout the entire year, the best time to catch them is in Spring. Brook trout, crappie, and grass carp are all fish commonly found in East Branch Lakeside Ditch and are all best caught during Spring. Otherwise, common carp can be caught all year long.

All About Fishing in East Branch Lakeside Ditch, CA

The canal is part of the communities’ agricultural sector as part of its irrigation system. Draining from Kings River and through a wide network of canals, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers in the area. Fish like carp (common and grass), crappie, and brook trout are commonly found.

Attempting to catch grass carp can be an ordeal as not only are they tough fighters but they are also picky eaters that will not immediately get baited. As they’re picky eaters, one technique anglers use is chumming. Anglers specifically use sweet corn as they’ve found the grass carp more receptive to that. When choosing a proper rod, it is recommended to use a 7-foot 200-yard line. The length of the line makes sure there is enough sensitivity to feel the bite while simultaneously being strong enough to handle the grass carp. Other than that, small circle hooks are also widely used. 

Common carp is the most popular game fish for a lot of anglers. They’re common across the United States and compared to grass carp, are easy to bait. They vary in weight, ranging from 5 up to 100lbs. Carp can also be caught using different techniques like trolling, sight, and fly fishing. When choosing equipment, it is best to consider the weight of the fish available. Since they can weigh up to 100lbs, the equipment in use has to be able to support the weight of the fish. A 7 or 8-weight rod will work for carp weighing up to 10lbs while 9 or 10-weights are best used for those in the 20lbs range. The same goes for choosing hooks as #4 or #6 hooks are used for carp in the 10-20lbs range while #8 or #10 hooks are used for catching fish that weigh more than 20lbs. Preparing bait for catching carp is easy as they are receptive to the use of bread, boilies, and corn.

Another popular fish anglers love to catch is the brook trout. These fish are considered challenging to catch not because they’re tough fighters but because they’re hard to locate. Anglers should opt to look for them in shallow waters underneath the fallen trees and in the crevices of boulders. Fly fishing is a popular method of reeling in brook trout. A long rod can be used to place a hook in tight places. 

For those on a fishing trip with young anglers, it’s best to start with crappie. They weigh up to 5 lbs and are generally not fighters. Both dry and wet flies can be used as well as a variety of baits and lures like spinners, pan-fish jigs, insects, and worms. Look out for crappie near fallen trees and bushes.