What Cache Creek Offers and Where to Fish It

Cache Creek runs roughly 70 miles from the inner Coast Range down to the Sacramento River near Rumsey, California. The creek holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish year-round, with the best fishing in the lower and middle sections where the water stays deeper and more stable. The upper creek near Capay Valley runs clearer and faster, better for smallmouth bass and occasional steelhead in winter, but the lower sections near Rumsey and around the Rumsey Wildlife Area hold the densest populations of largemouth bass and catfish that most anglers target.

Access varies sharply along the creek. Public access points exist at Rumsey Wildlife Area (managed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife), several county parks, and scattered pullouts along Highway 16. Private land borders much of the middle and upper creek, so asking permission is necessary if you want to fish beyond the marked public areas. The creek's character changes with the season—spring runoff can make it unfishable for weeks, while late summer and fall offer the clearest water and most predictable conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower creek near Rumsey holds the most largemouth bass and catfish; the upper creek near Capay Valley holds smallmouth bass and occasional winter steelhead.
  • Rumsey Wildlife Area and county parks offer the most reliable public access; much of the middle creek crosses private land requiring permission.
  • Spring runoff makes the creek unfishable for extended periods; late summer through fall offers the clearest water and most consistent fishing.
  • Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics and crankbaits around submerged structure; catfish bite best at night on chicken liver or cut mackerel.

Largemouth Bass in the Lower Creek

The lower Cache Creek from Rumsey downstream holds the most reliable largemouth bass fishing. The creek here widens and deepens, creating pools and slack water where bass hold during the day. Structure matters more than anywhere else on the creek—fallen trees, root wads, and the occasional submerged rock pile hold fish. Fish the outside bends where current has carved deeper holes, and work soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits) slowly along the bottom in 6 to 12 feet of water.

Early morning and late evening produce the most strikes, though bass here feed throughout the day if you work the right structure. Crankbaits that reach 8 to 10 feet work well in the deeper pools. The water clarity varies—after rain the creek turns brown and fishing slows, but within a week of clear weather the water clears enough for sight-fishing in the shallows. Fall and early winter are peak seasons; summer heat can push bass deeper and make them less aggressive, though night fishing with dark-colored plastics still produces.

Smallmouth Bass and the Upper Creek

Above Capay Valley, Cache Creek narrows and runs faster over rocky bottom. This is smallmouth water. The creek here resembles a mountain stream more than the lower sections, with current breaks behind boulders, small pools, and gravel bars. Smallmouth bass in this section rarely exceed 14 inches but are aggressive and willing to chase topwater lures and small crankbaits. Fish the current seams where fast water meets slower pools, and work the outside bends where the creek has carved deeper runs.

Jigs tipped with crawfish imitations work well here, as do small tubes and finesse worms. The upper creek also holds occasional steelhead in winter (December through February) when water temperatures drop and flows increase. If you encounter steelhead, switch to small spinners or spoons and work the deeper pools. Access to the upper creek is more limited than the lower sections, so check with local tackle shops or the Rumsey Wildlife Area office for current public access points and any seasonal closures.

Catfish and Night Fishing

Channel catfish and flathead catfish inhabit Cache Creek year-round, with the lower and middle sections holding the densest populations. Catfish are most active at night and during low-light periods. Set up near deeper holes or along undercut banks with chicken liver, cut mackerel, or live bluegill on the bottom. Use a simple three-way rig with a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in current and a 12- to 18-inch leader to your hook. Catfish bite aggressively once they find the bait, so you do not need to cast far—drop your rig straight down near structure and wait.

Night fishing for catfish is legal on public access areas, though you should confirm current regulations with California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you go. Bring a headlamp, a cooler, and patience—catfish fishing is often slow until after dark, when activity picks up. The lower creek near Rumsey Wildlife Area offers the safest night fishing access because the parking area is established and the bank is more open than the brushy middle sections.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Cache Creek's fishing calendar is shaped by runoff and temperature. Winter (December through February) brings rain and snowmelt from the inner Coast Range, pushing water levels high and turning the creek brown. Fishing is poor during heavy runoff, but as flows drop and water clears in late winter, smallmouth bass and steelhead become active. Spring (March through May) is unpredictable—warm rains can spike flows again, but stable springs produce excellent largemouth bass fishing in the lower creek as water warms.

Summer (June through August) brings low, clear water and warm temperatures. Largemouth bass move deeper and become less active during the day, but night fishing and early-morning topwater can still produce. Catfish remain active throughout summer. Fall (September through November) is the most consistent season—water temperatures drop, flows stabilize, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass feed actively. This is the best time to visit if you are unfamiliar with the creek. Winter steelhead fishing (December through February) is a bonus if you are in the area and willing to fish small water during high flows.

Access, Regulations, and Practical Details

Rumsey Wildlife Area is the primary public access point for the lower creek. The area has a parking lot, restrooms, and marked trails leading to the water. Day-use is free, though you should check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for any seasonal closures or restrictions. Several county parks along Highway 16 offer additional access, including Capay Valley Regional Park near Rumsey. Always confirm access before you arrive, as some areas close seasonally or require permits.

California fishing regulations require a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Bag limits for largemouth bass are typically 5 fish per day with a 12-inch minimum size, though regulations can change. Check the current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you fish. The creek is open year-round, but water conditions and seasonal closures may affect where you can fish. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a map—cell service is spotty in many areas along the creek, and some access points are remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cache Creek better than Clear Lake for bass fishing?

They are different. Clear Lake holds larger largemouth bass and offers more consistent fishing from boats, but Cache Creek is more accessible from shore and holds aggressive smallmouth bass in the upper sections. If you do not have a boat or prefer wading and walking, Cache Creek is the better choice. If you want trophy largemouth, Clear Lake is worth the trip.

Can I fish Cache Creek year-round?

Yes, but winter runoff makes it unfishable for weeks at a time. Late summer through fall is most reliable. Winter steelhead fishing is possible in the upper creek during December through February if flows are manageable, but you need to check conditions before you go.

What is the best bait for catfish on Cache Creek?

Chicken liver and cut mackerel are most reliable. Live bluegill also works well. Fish on the bottom near deeper holes or undercut banks, and fish at night or during low-light periods for the best results.

Do I need a boat to fish Cache Creek?

No. Most productive fishing is from shore at public access areas like Rumsey Wildlife Area. Wading is possible in many sections during low water, though current can be strong and the bottom is rocky.

Where should I start if I have never fished Cache Creek before?

Start at Rumsey Wildlife Area in fall or early winter. The lower creek there holds largemouth bass and catfish, access is straightforward, and water conditions are most stable. Fish early morning for largemouth bass or at night for catfish.