Steelhead still going at Whale Rock

While steelhead fishing has died down around much of the state, it’s just getting underway at Whale Rock.
The 590-acre reservoir is located in Cayucos, about 10 minutes north of Morro Bay. From Highway 1, take the Old Creek Road exit for two miles until you reach the access gate on the southeast shore.
Whale Rock is open during the general trout season from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with about two miles of shoreline open to the public. A self-registration booth is set up at the entry gate where anglers can enclose a day use fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children.
According to officials, no more than 300 to 400 fishermen visit the lake because boats aren’t allowed and bass are nowhere to be found. There’s nothing but steelhead here, thanks to an enhancement project that began at the reservoir in 1992, offsetting the ecological impact the dam had on Old and Cottontail creeks. Now, landlocked steelhead are around all season long (from April to November).
While live bait is not allowed, Power Bait and salmon eggs remain a viable option. When traditional baits aren’t working, tie on a crankbait and shake things up. Big rattlers can produce big results. They don’t call it Whale Rock for nothing.