About Middle Branch Cross Creek, CA

Middle Branch Cross Creek is a short stream located west of Corcoran City in Kings County. The creek has an elevation of 58 meters and is adjacent to the East Branch Cross Creek. Both are tributaries to a section of the Tule River that reaches Kings County. It is a major river predominantly found in Tule County where it used to serve as a major tributary to Tulare Lake. It has since been diverted many times for agriculture use. 

Kings County, where the creek is found, was a land first occupied by the Native American Yokuts. Through the years, the area changed hands multiple times from the Yokuts, the Spanish, Mexican, and eventually American occupation. Oil fields are an important part of the local economy, with the Kettleman North Dome Oil Field being one of the most productive in America. The county is also known for its agricultural industry with its series of canals and streams used for irrigation. 

All About Fishing in Middle Branch Cross Creek, CA

As Middle Branch Cross Creek separates into many waterways across Kings county, it is an important resource for the agricultural sector. However, it is also a creek with a sizable fish population. Fish species in the creek include catfish (channel and blue catfish), largemouth bass, and carp.

Both largemouth bass and carp are quite common in the United States and are a popular game fish among anglers. Both are strong fighters that can weigh up to 20 lbs, and in some cases, even more. Bringing equipment like a 7 or 8-weight rod will help a lot. When targeting fish heavier than 20lbs, consider bringing a 9 or 10-weight. For bass fishing, using a disk drag also helps. They are also fish that can be baited in a variety of ways. Bass are receptive to the use of jerkbaits, plugs, and crankbaits, as well as live bait like worms and minnows. Carp are even easier to bait as bread can easily be used as well as corn and boilies.  Largemouth bass can be found in murkier parts of shallow water, usually beneath fallen trees and bushes. When using flies against the largemouth bass, it’s best to use colorful ones that will entice the bass as it swims in murky waters. 

Catfish can also be found in the Middle Branch Cross Creek area with anglers most likely to catch a channel or blue catfish. Both have very distinct ways of being baited.  Channel catfish primarily use their noses when catching prey, so using bait that exudes a strong smell like cheese and stinkbait are highly recommended. Blue catfish much prefer freshly cut-up bait. Most anglers let the bait drop blood into the water before dropping the bait down the water. Blue catfish are opportunistic and will not immediately eat the bait. Watch out for a couple of nibbles before reeling the fish in. Having a longer rod about 7” to 7.6” helps when targeting channel catfish as it allows for more techniques to use like pitching or flipping. It is also important to remember that catfish have harder mouths and skulls, so most anglers use an extra sharp hook that is more likely to latch on to the fish. Anglers should also take note that instead of having scales, catfish secret a mucus-like substance that makes them slippery. Take care when holding onto them as their fins are sharp.

Fishing Seasonality 

Anglers in the area will be pleased to know that different species of fish can be found throughout the entire year. Starting with spring, blue catfish are in abundance, specifically during the months of late March to early May. The end of spring also means the end of the spawning season for largemouth bass and the best time to catch during summer. As the water temperature cools down, it will be the best time to catch channel catfish, especially during winter. Carp are found in the creek throughout the year and usually spawns up to 300,00 eggs, making them plentiful. 

Fishing Seasonality 

Anglers in the area will be pleased to know that different species of fish can be found throughout the entire year. Starting with spring, blue catfish are in abundance, specifically during the months of late March to early May. The end of spring also means the end of the spawning season for largemouth bass and the best time to catch during summer. As the water temperature cools down, it will be the best time to catch channel catfish, especially during winter. Carp are found in the creek throughout the year and usually spawns up to 300,00 eggs, making them plentiful. 

All About Fishing in Middle Branch Cross Creek, CA

As Middle Branch Cross Creek separates into many waterways across Kings county, it is an important resource for the agricultural sector. However, it is also a creek with a sizable fish population. Fish species in the creek include catfish (channel and blue catfish), largemouth bass, and carp.

Both largemouth bass and carp are quite common in the United States and are a popular game fish among anglers. Both are strong fighters that can weigh up to 20 lbs, and in some cases, even more. Bringing equipment like a 7 or 8-weight rod will help a lot. When targeting fish heavier than 20lbs, consider bringing a 9 or 10-weight. For bass fishing, using a disk drag also helps. They are also fish that can be baited in a variety of ways. Bass are receptive to the use of jerkbaits, plugs, and crankbaits, as well as live bait like worms and minnows. Carp are even easier to bait as bread can easily be used as well as corn and boilies.  Largemouth bass can be found in murkier parts of shallow water, usually beneath fallen trees and bushes. When using flies against the largemouth bass, it’s best to use colorful ones that will entice the bass as it swims in murky waters. 

Catfish can also be found in the Middle Branch Cross Creek area with anglers most likely to catch a channel or blue catfish. Both have very distinct ways of being baited.  Channel catfish primarily use their noses when catching prey, so using bait that exudes a strong smell like cheese and stinkbait are highly recommended. Blue catfish much prefer freshly cut-up bait. Most anglers let the bait drop blood into the water before dropping the bait down the water. Blue catfish are opportunistic and will not immediately eat the bait. Watch out for a couple of nibbles before reeling the fish in. Having a longer rod about 7” to 7.6” helps when targeting channel catfish as it allows for more techniques to use like pitching or flipping. It is also important to remember that catfish have harder mouths and skulls, so most anglers use an extra sharp hook that is more likely to latch on to the fish. Anglers should also take note that instead of having scales, catfish secret a mucus-like substance that makes them slippery. Take care when holding onto them as their fins are sharp.