The section from the spillway to the floating docks contains the most trout. After all, that's where they are released. Light-action, 7- to 8-foot spinning rods and reels, loaded with thin-diameter 6- to 8-pound monofilament and a smooth drag, are ideal for casting rainbow Thomas Buoyant, silver/blue Kastmasters, Wob-L-Rite and silver Little Cleo spoons. Fly/bubble combinations are also effective, since the fly is kept within the surface strike zone. White or yellow crappie mini-jigs and half night crawlers twitched a foot or so behind a clear bobber also prove deadly without the need for long casts.

Patient shore anglers will also score using inflated night crawlers or chartreuse, rainbow or yellow Power Baits. Avoid using sliding sinkers, to keep the offering at the surface. The baits should be worked without weight and floated no more than 10 to 12 inches below a fluorescent orange and red pencil bobber -- which reacts to the slightest nibble by tipping straight up and sinking. Since these cutbows are quick strikers and lightning fast on their initial run, Lockhart advises hand-holding your rod to be able to feel the initial take and set the hook quickly. And don't forget to bring a large, long-handled landing net.

Top shore-fishing areas are along the face of the dam, the spillway and Launch Cove, Rock Creek Cove, Cat Cove, the Jackson Creek arm, Big Bay and Mountain Springs.

FLY OPTIONS
Fly anglers will need a 6- or 7-weight outfit matched with floating line and strong tippets to work a wide color selection of size 6 or 8 Woolly Buggers, Beadhead Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns, Matukas or other gaudy imitations. Black, yellow or chartreuse Woolly Buggers are my favorites.

LINE-CLASS RECORD
Prior to one of my visits, I set my sights on a tippet class vacancy with the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. After parting connections with the first massive trout of the morning, I focused on the next potential target, maybe 10 feet offshore, a foot or so above a submerged weed bed and equally as large as the first.

After a trio of retrieves proved unsuccessful, I deftly maneuvered the Woolly Bugger past its nose, watched it turn slightly, and then open its mouth to engulf my fly. The rest, however, was a blur. It ripped off line in head-shaking bursts and aerial displays, antics that typified steelhead ancestry. Testing tackle, 18-pound tippet and my nerves for about five frantic minutes, I finally netted the strong fish. Barely visible under its mandible were the faint yellow-orange slash marks characteristic of this subspecies. In addition to being a valiant warrior, the 4-pound, 2-ounce cutbow claimed the hall's vacant unlimited tippet class -- a fitting specimen for this honor!

BOATING TACTICS
Since concentrations of these surface-loving fish inhabit the middle of the lake as well as its shorelines, boaters often find top-line trolling an effective way to entice them. Surface-running a spoon, spinner or plug 50 to 75 feet behind a boat at a slow crawl of about 1/2 to 3/4 mph helps keep the lure near the top; and S-turn patterns offer an enticing action that commonly invites strikes. Jointed minnow-imitating lures, such as the J7 Rapala or Rebels in perch or black with gold, can be productive. But black, white or green Bingo Bugs, Sep's Pro Secrets, Rooster Tails and Uncle Larry's spinners in fire tiger, red, chartreuse or perch, along with Kastmaster, Needlefish, Humdingers and Rainbow Runners with a worm or a Wedding ring/flasher combination are all equally effective. Some boaters prefer to use side planers to keep their lures away from the boat's wake.

The best scenario for large numbers of trout involves trolling in front of the dam, along Construction Point, Rock Creek, the Sunken Island and the Jackson Creek arm. Many boaters troll from the spillway to the middle of the lake, then work down the Carson arm and back.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Amador does not allow waterskiing or personal watercraft. Amenities include a campground, picnic area, boat ramp, boat rentals, fish-cleaning station, bait, groceries and a café. Fees are charged for day-use, fishing permits and boat launching.

For current angling information or conditions, contact the Lake Amador Resort at (209) 274-4739. Lodging is available in Jackson, 10 miles north on Highway 88. Reliable guides are Gill's Guide Service at (209) 481-8645, Dale's Foothill Fishing at (530) 295-0488, and Rod Bender's Guide Service at (916) 354-3333.