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Northern California
Fishing Reports
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Lake Almanor |
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September 27, 2008 Surface temp.@ 63 degrees
Water clarity : murkey, clarity about 10 ft.
Surface temps are comming down. Fish are actively after the smelt. Fishing pressure is light, only a few boats on the lake.
Bait fishing is a good way to go, but jigging has been getting lots of strikes.
Observations and reports from other boats, all are the same.. the Trolling bite is a grind at best. And the best fish have been comming to bait anglers and white jigs.
Spar Bouy: My pick of the week for quality fish. Jigging has been great , getting clean Rainbows up to 4 lbs and perfect Brown trout, all over 2 lbs and up. We got there late about 9:00 am yesterday and had 16 hits and 9 in the box before 12:00 noon.
We also got several bites on a threaded crawler just off the bottom.
A-Frame The good old A-Frame is been a good spot to drown some cricket or crawleres, Several fish over 4 lbs and under this past week. And several limits
Canyon Dam : Bait lots of bait, Trolling has been the method of choice. Several Rainbows over 3 lbs. from the Dam to the Snag and back. Dodger crawlers, flashers and Berkley power bait 2\" Smelt, rolled and rigged deep is great!
Rec. 1 : Lots of fish right outside the log boom, Browns and Rainbows, troll a dodger with a large crawler or bait fish if the troll bite is weak.
Try mealworms/cricket, crawlers,Salmon eggs. find out what they want and make the switch!
Hamilton Branch:Bait Fishing just outside the mouth has been getting Rainbows most are on the small side running 15 to 17 inches, these fish are early season plants, however there are a few over 3 lbs. in the mix too.
Take all the usual stuff, crickets, mealworms, crawlers and even power bait..jig if fish are rolling.
We got several rainbows trolling UV Humdingers and gold Cripple lures 8ft. off the bottom, fast @ 3.3 mph
East Shore:no reports
Big Springs: Big Springs The spring fed cove in the back of Big Springs is drawing in Rainbows. its a good place to bank fish. pressure is lighter during the week with a couple of boats in there, but Saturday you better get in there early for the best spots, and be quite going in as these fish are easily spooked because its shallow.
Rec.2 Always a good place to fish during the fall season, Anywhere outside the log boom. Try Jigging white or yellow jigs.
Crickets and mealworms together. (AKA a cricket with a woody), 3 to 5 cranks off the bottom.
We cleaned a few Brown Trout hens this week and egg developement is rather advanced. we coluld see a earlier Brown Trout spawn this year. Hens should be released when ever possible and Avoid the using the net. Always take just enough for a dinner and release some too.
This weeks fishing tip:White and yellow jigs give the best contrast in dark,deep water. Use a fast retrive. Reel in fast and work a double pump action. good luck.
Almanorfishingadventures.com 258-6732
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Lake Alpine |
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August 8, 2008. Bill Reynolds at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold (209) 795-1686 reported Lake Alpine has been better fishing due to the recent trout plants. Trollers should try Apex, Needlefish, and Rapala\'s behind a small dodger tipped with a nightcrawler or try a flasher/nightcrawler combo. Fly fishermen should try woolly buggers, flying ants,nymphs, and sparrow nymphs. Bank fishermen should try nightcrawlers, Gulp Power Eggs, Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Nightcrawlers, floating Power Eggs,and salmon eggs. Lure casters should try Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, and Rooster Tails.
Spicer Lake has dropped and the ramp is out of the water along with the dock. In order to launch you will need a 4-wheel drive and a smaller boat. Bank fishermen have had success using Gulp Eggs, Gulp Power Bait, Gulp Nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, and floating Power Eggs. Fly fishermen should try flying ants, hoppers, stimulators, woolly buggers, blue wing olive, and adams flies. Lure casters should try black Rooster Tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Trollers should try Apex, Needlefish, and Rapala\'s tipped with a nightcrawler behind a small dodger.
Mosquito Lake has been excellent due to recent trout plants. Fly fisherman should try stimulators, black ants, hoppers, parachute black ants and black flying ants,adams, mosquitos, and woolly buggers, Lure casters should try black or black and gold Panther Martin, black Rooster Tails or try the flies with a cast-a bubble. Bait casters should try Gulp Power Eggs, Gulp Power Bait, floating Power Eggs, nightcrawlers, crickets, and salmon eggs.
The North Fork of the Stanislaus has been good due to the recent trout plants. Baitcasters will probably have the best luck split-shotting salmon eggs, floating Power Eggs, Crickets, or inflated worms with a 15 to 20 inch leader. Fly casters can try bead head nymphs, ants, and bead head woolly buggers with a sink tip line, blue wing olive, hoppers, adams, and humpys. Lure casters can try Panther Martin spinners, Rooster Tails, Rapala\'s or Kastmasters.
White Pines Lake has slowed due to the recent hot spell. Bait casters should try Floating Power Eggs, Gulp Nightcrawlers, Gulp Eggs, and Gulp Power Bait. You should try your bait of choice on a 30\" to 36\" leader using a cast-a-bubble. Lure casters should try Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, and Rooster Tails. Fly fishermen should try using woolly buggers, ants, adams, blue wing olive and sparrow nymphs. For children that want to catch fish, try using Gulp Earthworms under a bobber. They will have a ball catching Bluegill.
We are now in the heart of our fire season. Please contact our local Fire Stations for all of the current restrictions before heading to the Sierra.
Camping is available at Big Trees State Park and Golden Pines just beyond the park on Highway 4. Campgrounds in the Stanislaus National Forest are all officially open. For camping information call the Calaveras Ranger District at (209) 795-1381 or go to their website at http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/stanislaus/calaveras or try Big Trees State Park at (209) 795-2334. Their website is http://www.sierra.parks.state.ca.us/cbt/btfacts.htm or Golden Pines at http://www.goldenpinesrvresort.com.
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Lake Amador |
August 5, 2008. The Tackle Box Café reported trout fishing is over for the season, but bass, bluegill and catfish are the targeted species with bass hitting drop shotted plastic worms in rocky structure around the main lake points. The concessionaires have reduced prices for day use, fishing and camping until October 31st. The plants of cutbows will begin within the first week of October.
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Bear River
Reservoir |
November 25, 2007. No current Bear River Res. report available.
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Lake Berryessa |
August 24, 2008. Berryessa is in its summer pattern with the
kokanee getting there hooked jaws and some
of the bigger fish have moved onto structure
and you can get these fish by fishing along
drop offs and deep indentions in the bottom in
shallow water. The last few trips we have been
taking fish on 3/0 Sep’s dodgers uncle larry’s
spinners, gold star UV hoochies and murphys
bugs from 50 to 65 feet deep. Fish have been
ranging from 15 to 18.5 inches long and on
accusation were getting some of next years fish that are measuring 13 to 14 inches.
Don’t forget to use plenty of Pro Cure scent oil on the corn and gel on your dodgers. I
will be on the water Friday so if there give us a shout. There is a good month left so get
out and get some fish and we’ll seya there. T-ROY
TROY BARR
T-ROY\'S GUIDE SERVICE, DIXON
(707) 372-7599
www.fisht-roys.com
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Bullards Bar
Reservoir |
August 8, 2008. Mike Searcy at Star Bait said Englebright is still pumping out limits of planted trout with a mixture of rainbows and browns from the Dam to the inlet. Recreational boating is heavy at both Bullards Bar and Englebright. Bullards dropped 2014 acre-feet to 60% of capacity, and Englebright dropped 205 acre-feet to 91% of capacity.
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Lake Camanche |
July 30, 2008. Lake Conditions: Lake Camanche’s current elevation is 191.56 feet above sea level, a drop of .98 feet this week. There is currently 12 c.f.s. of gallery flow coming into Lake Camanche, and water is flowing out of Lake Camanche at 245c.f.s. The surface water temperature at the marina is 80 degrees.
TROUT:
• Trout trollers who can get down to the right depth are still catching fine trout here at Lake Camanche. Most trout are being caught between 25-40 feet deep. Ed Grohosky and Ray Munoz, from Sacramento, caught 11 trout total this last weekend. They were trolling with Apex lures in trout pattern; with downriggers set at 40 feet deep; and they were fishing between the dam, Hat Island, and Little Hat Island.
• Several reports have come in from anglers catching limits of trout up the river. Lake Pardee has been releasing some water in the last few weeks, and the cold water flow has been good for the trout bite up in that area. Local resident James Kelly and his son Jesse caught a nice limit of trout while casting Meps lures as well as Crocodile lures.
• Mark Stantow also caught a nice limit of trout while fishing upriver this week. He was using Power Bait, fishing in about 25 feet of water, and his 5 fish limit weighed 10 pounds total.
BASS:
• The bass bite was good for several campers at North Shore this week. They were fishing in the Causeway Cove; and caught 6 bass, up to 3 pounds, using Baby Brush Hogs in green pumpkin, as well as Senko worms in watermelon flake, rigged wacky style. They said most of their fish came in 10-15 feet of water, in rocky areas, and they fished from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Young Alex Nicolaysen, from Camanche, caught 2 nice bass about 15 inches long while fishing from shore at North Shore. He was using Senko worms in the watermelon color.
CATFISH:
• Local residents James Kelly, and son Jesse reported catching a number of 6-8pound catfish this week. They were using mackerel for bait, and fishing in coves in 15-20 feet deep.
• 10 year old Michael Viano caught several nice catfish this week on two different days. He was fishing from shore at Chevron Point at South Shore when he landed 2 catfish one day weighing 3 & 4 pounds each. The next day he caught more catfish using nightcrawlers.
• Paul Turner caught 4 catfish, all weighing about 3 pounds, while fishing in China Gulch this week. He was using nightcrawlers for bait, and fishing in 10-15 feet of water.
• E.B.M.U.D. has announced that the Hypolimnetic Oxygen System has now been turned on at the dam. This system (also known as the Speece Cone) adds oxygen to the water to raise the oxygen rate in Camanche in late summer. This raised oxygen level draws fish of all species to the area of the dam, making the dam and the buoy line a great area to fish.
On behalf of Camanche Recreation Company, please swim, fish, and boat safely!
We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to either North Shore Store, South Shore Store, or to me by e-mail. Thanks again for choosing Lake Camanche as your recreation destination. Eldon Porray
E-mail me for updated reports at eporray@camancherecreation.com
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Caples Lake |
August 28, 2008. The water is dropping fast and is below 38 feet at the Dam. Bank anglers have been tossing Kastmasters for a mixed bag of rainbows, brookies and browns in the 14 to 16-inch range. Red Lake continues to be slow from the banks. Silver Lake should improve after Labor Day as the water is still up until mid-September when the El Dorado Irrigation District will start to release water downstream.
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Clear Lake |
July 31,2008 Beautiful conditions this morning – good air quality (no smoke), cooler temps (well below 100+), and lower gas prices conspired to give me the feeling that things are looking good around Clear Lake. Lots of fishermen & boats wheeling into town gave me the feeling that things are looking good on Clear Lake. And, indeed they are. Here are the details…
The early morning bass bite is really quite good. Hit the water just before or right at sun up (4:30 – 5:00 hour) and you’re going to catch a lot of fish. Senkos, spinner baits, and frogs were all mentioned this morning by anglers coming off the water. The down side? The bite drops off hard around 8 or 9 in the morning. Switch to minnows for a continued bite throughout the rest of the day. Fish from 12 – 25 feet of water. Look for that “feature” that’s holding fish and you’re going to do okay. By feature, most are looking for drop-offs, ledges, shelves, etc. Oh, and when the bite slows down – SO SHOULD YOU. I’ve heard over and over this week from guys that were catching fish about guys they know blowing right around them and complaining that they’re not catching fish. There’s a clue in that…
Crappie and bluegill are still being caught, although sporadically at best. This report hasn’t changed in weeks – the schools are widely scattered and holding fairly deep. Fish areas around spots that commonly held crappie last year and you’ll likely find enough for the table. Minnows are your best bet.
The catfish action still continues to be good and hot. Shrimp, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, livers, minnows, and night crawlers will do the trick. Fish from the shore, anchor up, or drift your boat and you’ll find good luck throughout the evening and nighttime hours. The daytime hours have seen a slower bite overall. Shoreline locations around Clearlake/Clearlake Park have produced well for bank-bound anglers. Jago Bay and Indian Island have done well for boaters.
In event news, our next CatFest event – coming up on August 23rd – looks to be our best ever. A BBQ, Our Very Own All Original Fishing Games with cool tackle prizes, and fun fishing all warped, um, I mean wrapped up into one night. It’s gonna be FUN! Call or come by the shop for details or to sign up.
-Bob Rider, Owner
Lakeshore Bait & Tackle
14913-D Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707.994.FISH (3474)
www.994Fish.com
Your local fishing, firearms and fun dealer.
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Collins Lake |
August 28, 2008. Kathy Hess of Lake Collins Marina reported Mitch Monroe landed a nice catfish which he caught from the shoreline on night crawlers. Jomarie & Janene fished at night in their boat and landed a 5 lb. 10 oz. Cat by the islands. Setu & Setuli Palma caught the \"night fishing bug\" and netted an 11 lb. 8 oz. & a 6 lb. Catfish using Anchovies for bait.
Paul Vistalli of Roseville had an explosive week of fishing. He topped his Catfish stringer with a 16 lb. 8 oz. and a 12 lb. 8 oz. and he too fished at night off the dock using Anchovies. The very next day he limited out on Trout fishing from the dock using worms. It doesn\'t get any better than that!!
Brian Emmons of Citrus Heights hooked a 2 lb. 8 oz. Largemouth Bass near the dam while tossing a Senko worm (Green/Pumpkin) from his boat. 11 Trout were caught by a great group of kids off the dock this week: they included Andrew, Joey, Cameron, Setuli, Setu, Tami, Aaron, & Brandon. We know they are great kids because 1/2 of them work here at Collins Lake!! Jakari, Marc, & Shango of Vallejo had a streak of good luck, while fishing off the dock using worms they hooked 8 Trout.
The Trout are still deep, trollers will need to go 30 to 40 feet deep to find them.
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Delta Bass |
July 4, 2008. The black bass bite on the Delta is wide open. Senko\'s, frogs, and crankbaits are all doing the trick.
Anglers have reported an excellent Senko bite in three to four feet of water using green watermelon pumpkin, and purple. Areas around Goat Island have been especially productive.
When the temperature rises in the afternoon top water frogs have been very productive. Both the Bobby Barrick and Ferbit are landing fish.
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Delta Striper |
June 13, 2008. It has been tough weather last week. The temperature fluctuated in the wide range up and down 10 degrees from one day to another. May, June, and July are three windy months in the Delta area when it is windy for two to three days following by a couple calm and hot day.
Striped bass fishing has been slow and the striped bass spring run was almost over. There were some good size striped bass were caught in the Delta but there are too many under size striped bass in most of the Delta channels. As soon ass the bait sinks to a couple feet from the water’s surface, under size striped bass bite and take all the bait within a minute. It’s very hard for bigger striped bass have a chance to get a bite. When the bigger striped bass reach the bait, there is only the bare hook left over.
Most frozen baits including sardines, anchovy, shad, pile worms, and blood worms are very attracted baits for small size striped bass. If using sardine, anchovy, or shad, use as a whole and wrap it with either miracle thread or magic thread. The good bait for a better chance to get a good size striped bass are either grass shrimp or ghost shrimp.
Sturgeon fishing is quite slow at this time. Most shaker sturgeon were caught in Cache slough, Rio Vista bridge, Decker Island, Sherman Island, to Bay Point.
Catfish fishing is good along the old Sacramento River levees from Rio Vista bridge up to Walnut Grove. The Isleton Bridge and Isleton fishing pier are the good place to fish for catfish. The most attractive bait for catfish is frozen ghost shrimp or crawdad tail meat combo with clams.
This is also the best time to fish for black bass, small mouth bass, and large mouth bass. Extra large live minnows are good bait for these kinds of bass. These bass can be found in the Mokelumne Rivers, around the Isleton Bridge, or around Vieira\'s resort.
American shad fishing is very good in the American River from Watt Avenue up to the Hazel Dam. In the Feather River, Shanghai Bend area in Yuba city is the best place to fish for shad. In the Sacramento River, shad showed up at the Diversion Dam in the Red Bluff area. Shad dart on either red and white or red and chartreuse color works best in Sacramento River or American River while jig head with pink champagne and chartreuse grub works best in Shanghai Bend area.
There will be the famous Crawdad festival in Isleton this coming weekend. Traffic will be very heavy along highway 160 from Rio Vista Bridge up to Isleton or from Walnut Grove down to Isleton. Over 20,000 pounds of crawdads will be consumed during this festival! Come out and have a great Father\'s Day weekend with your family at the Crawdad Festival.
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Delta Sturgeon |
July 4, 2008. There have been no recent reports on Sturgeon Action.
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Don Pedro
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. Manny Basi reported bass action has been solid on 5-inch Senkos in colors 194j, 208 and 330. There is a good top water bite on Vixens or Super Spooks, as well as on 4-inch double-tailed Hula Grub in color 208 on ½ or 3/8th jig head. Mike Van Guilder Jr. of Fishwrangler’s Bass Guide Service (209) 604-8222 added that crawdad or shad-pattern crankbaits along rocky bluffs in 5 to 10 feet of water are effective with 6-inch worms on a Berserk shaky heads also effective for spotted bass, smallmouths and largemouths to 6-pounds. Danny Layne of Fishn’ Dan’s Guide Service (209) 586-2383 said rainbows are active in the river channel near Moccasin Creek at depths from 40 to 60 feet on small spoons, spinners or blade/crawlers. A few kokanee or king salmon can still be found in the Woods Creek Arm at 80 feet and below in depth.
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Donner Lake |
August 28, 2008. Scott Kover of Mountain Hardware in Truckee (530) 587-4844 reported continued slow action for trout and kokanee anglers. His advice was to fish deep with orange, red or chartreuse/black lures behind a orange or copper dodger. The anticipated trout plant has not yet occurred.
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Eagle Lake |
August 28, 2008. Fishing remains very good with most limits containing fish from 2.5 to almost 4lbs. The length of the morning bite has shortened as the fish this week did not bite as well later in the morning. So, START FISHING EARLY and you should have no problem limiting.
I spoke this week with Paul Devine, Environmental Scientist assigned to Eagle Lake. At least twice a month, Paul takes readings on the water at Eagle Lake. The readings measure the water clarity, pH levels, water temperature at various depths, and dissolved oxygen levels at various water depths. One noticeable change has taken place in the last two weeks. Water temperature is now uniform, at 69 degrees F, from the surface down to 35 feet deep in the south basin (where the trout spend the summer months and where we are fishing).
This is warm water for a cold-water species like trout, but the Eagle Lake Trout are feeding on Tui Chub Minnows, which are scattered from the surface to the 40-45 foot level. The trout will forego the unpleasant warm temperatures to fill their bellies with minnows. So, the water is warm but there is plenty to eat.
Additionally, the dissolved oxygen levels are very favorable where the minnows are hanging out. The D. O. levels are right around 70 % from the surface down to 35 feet deep. THEREFORE, START FISHING EARLY WHEN THE WATER IS AT ITS COOLEST POINT DURING THE DAY. And, run your baits from just under the surface down to 35 feet deep.
Trolling: Top producers this week were Sep’s Grubs in watermelon, brown, and amber patterns, trolled all the way from the surface down to 35 ft deep. A threaded night crawler trolled early in the morning from 8-12 feet deep also produced well.
Best Areas: Shrimp Island, Miners Bay, and Wildcat Point
Bobber Fishing: Fish the same areas as the trollers (mentioned above) with a threaded night crawler set at 30 ft. Anchor near the drop offs or transitions between shallow and deeper water.
Worth Mentioning:
Labor Day Weekend Horseshoe Tournament, Saturday and Sunday August 30 and 31, hosted by the Eagle Lake R.V. Park. Part of the proceeds to the tournament champions, part to Project Eagle Lake Trout. For more info, call the Eagle Lake R.V. Park at 530-825-3133.
Project Eagle Lake Trout Fundraiser Sunday, August 31 hosted by the Eagle Lake General Store in Spalding. For more info, call 530-825-2191.
Live Rockin Blues and Dancin :The boys and I will be playing live rockin’ blues upstairs in the Eagle Lake General Store Bar Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31 from 8:00 P.M. until midnight (or later). We’d love to see you there. For more info, call 530-825-2191.
Good luck, and don’t hesitate to call or email me if you need help.
Tim Noxon
Fish Traveler Guide Service
Eagle Lake, CA
530-825-3524 residence/916-201-4648 cell/tnoxon@gmail.com/
www.fishtraveler.com
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Folsom Lake |
August 28, 2008. Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing Experience (916) 427-0374 reported the main body of the lake is holding the larger fish with a top water or spinnerbait bite in the mornings or evenings. They were able to land a 4-pound spotted bass on a Zara Spook this week. After the sun hits the water, Carolina-rigged RoboWorms or Baby BrushHawgs in crawdad colors have been working along the lake points, particularly when the wind pushes up the bait into the rocks. The fish are scattered throughout the lake, but overall “It is definitely worth someone’s time”. The water temperature varies 10 degrees from 78 to 68 degrees in the forks with the cold inflow. Access to the South and North Fork is limited to a short distance due to the low lake levels. The lack of recreational boating pressure has increased the number of trout anglers who are scratching up mixed limits of trout and salmon with lures trolled behind a Gold Star Light Dodger. The lake continues to release water rapidly with 1058 acre-feet of outflow to 32% of capacity and 389.23 feet in elevation. The majority of the ramps are out of the water at 409 feet in elevation, but Brown’s Ravine and Granite Bay are still open. Information regarding the latest ramp status is available at www.folsomlakemarina.com.
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Hell Hole
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. A few anglers have been ripping along the shoreline for browns with minimal results. Kokanee action has been slow for most. The lake is dropping, but the ramp is still in the water.
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Ice House
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. Dale Daneman of Dale’s Foothill Fishing (530) 295-0488 said the water has been warm and will continue to warm up with the coming hot spell. A few planted rainbows have been taken on brown grubs behind a dodger. Ice House is producing a few fish on the troll and from the banks, but things have not been hot or heavy.
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Indian Valley
Reservoir |
July 20, 2008. A few field scouts made the trip over to Indian Valley last weekend and found extremely low water conditions with exposed timber throughout the lake. The launch ramp is well beyond the end of the single lane concrete ramp and a 4WD is a must in order to launch a boat. The lake should be unlaunchable within a couple of weeks. The deepest water in the lake is currently 95 feet, and kokanee fishing has been a bust with no reported action. Catfishing has been excellent, but you will really have to like catfish to take the trip over Walker Ridge Road. Information available at http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ukiah/indianvalley.html
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Lewiston Lake |
August 28, 2008. Pine Kone Resort (530) 778-3770 reported the full moon put a damper on the trout bite over the past week as the fish feed all night in the bright conditions. Power Bait or salmon eggs suspended three feet off of the bottom have been effective for a couple of fish. Fly anglers have had the best action of all with black leech or black Woolley Buggers. There still haven’t been any of the large trophy fish landed as of yet. DragonFly Outfitters reported the best trolling action within the top 10 feet of the surface with blade/crawler combinations and orange Cripplures. The water temperature remains an ideal 52 degrees. The lake came up 409 acre-feet to 96% of capacity.
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Loon Lake |
August 28, 2008 Dale Daneman of Dale’s Foothill Fishing (530) 295-0488 said the water has been warm and will continue to warm up with the coming hot spell. A few planted rainbows have been taken on brown grubs behind a dodger. Ice House is producing a few fish on the troll and from the banks, but things have not been hot or heavy.
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Lake McClure |
August 28, 2008. Manny Basi of the Bait Barn in Waterford (209) 874-301 reported small bass have been taken on top water lures such as PopR’s with Senkos in 330 also effective. Live minnows and crawdads are also producing fish. The best locations have been Barretts Cove, Piney Creek and near the rockpiles close to the Dam. Trout fishing continues to be fair at depths to 35 feet from Barretts to Horseshoe Bend and also at the 1st Buoy Line to the Dam with Wedding Rings tipped with a night crawler behind a dodger. Crappie fishing continues to be excellent at night at depths of 45 feet in the trees or rockpiles near the Houseboats with small minnows or minijigs. The catfish bite continues to be strong with anchovies or cut baits in 12 to 15 feet of water near muddy, sloping banks with the larger fishing in the mornings or evenings. Kokanee reports are non-existent. The lake dropped 1949 acre-feet to 33% of capacity.
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New Hogan
Reservoir |
August 24, 2008 Striper action remains good. Despite the full moon we are experiencing nice catches of
line sides 5 to 7lbs. The Stripers are holding in the main lake between the boat ramp,
Deer point, and the dam, 30 to 50 feet deep. Where also catching a few channel cat fish
www.rockymountaintackle.com
The Finest Trout and Kokanee
Fishing Tackle
6
in the eight pound class. Rolling Shad and Anchovy with Pro-Cure jell is producing good
numbers. Buck tail with a stripe of Anchovy has also worked well.
Thank You,
Bruce Hamby
Sierra Sportfishing
www.SierraSportfishing.com
209-599-2023
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New Melones |
August 28, 2008. Danny Layne of Fishn’ Dan’s Guide Service (209) 586 2383 reported the kokanee season is rapidly coming to a close with a few nice fish to 18-inches to be found in the river channel in the main lake at depths to 120 feet with Uncle Larry’s glo spinners, UV hootchies and silver Apex lures. The sand bar at the mouth of Coyote Creek is also holding a few mature kokanee at 80 to 100 feet. Rainbows are becoming more active at depths from 40 to 60 feet on ExCels, Needlefish or Mepps in shad-patterns. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734 continues to work nearby New Hogan Reservoir for stripers averaging 5 to 8-pounds on rolled anchovies or shad at depths of 20 to 30 feet off the face of the Dam or Deer Flat since the kokanee bite has slowed at Melones. However, this bite has proven to be difficult on occasion. Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods in Angels Camp (209) 736-4333 reported bass fishing is fair with small spotted bass readily accessible on main lake points and submerged islands in 10 to 20 feet of water. 4-inch Roboworms in Aaron’s Magic or Green Craw, Zoom Baby Brush Hawgs in green pumpkin or water melon and weightless Senkos are all good selections. Bill Ferrell of Murphys landed a 4-pound/11-oz. female largemouth. Catfish have been chomping live minnows, cut baits or night crawlers mornings or evenings along the banks. Steve Lawrence landed several large cats to 13.1-pounds on shad in Angels Creek at night. The best crappie action continues at night under lights at depths from 10 to 20 feet with medium minnows or crappie jigs in Bear, Mormon or Carson Creeks. Blue gill are starting to get active with red worms or crickets near brush in the backs of coves. The lake dropped 2197 acre-feet to 47% of capacity. The Angels Cove ramp is no longer accessible with several normally submerged islands being exposed with the lower water levels.
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Lake Oroville |
August 28, 2008. Ron Gandolfi of Ganolfi’s Bass Fishing Guide Service (530) 872-0907 reported continued excellent bass fishing despite the low and continually dropping water levels. The best areas have been in the North or Middle Forks or in the channel in the main lake with top water PopR’s in the mornings before switching to deeper water with clear sparkle Gitzits. Shaky-head worms,and reaction baits are also working from the banks to 25 feet. He continues to mark balls of bait all over the lake. Recreational boat traffic has dropped off during the week, but weekends remain heavy. The Bidwell Launch is the only one open with only one ramp which is muddy despite the wire tarmacs that have been installed. The lack of sufficient dock space slows the launch and retrieve process to a crawl, leading to hot tempers at the ramp, particularly on the weekend. There is a ramp open near the Dam, but you must use a 4X4 to launch and there is no dock. Because of the cluster at the launch ramp, anglers are targeting the Afterbay which has easy launching and a consistent water level. The bite has been inconsistent with 10 to 15 fish one day and only one or two the next. The water temperatures in both lakes range from 70 to 75 degrees. Not much interest from the Coho anglers. Anglers should contact launch information at lakeoroville.water.gov or at (530) 534-2307. The ramp access will be limited within the next couple of weeks. An additional source is the California Department of Parks launch conditions at (209) 538-2200.
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Pardee Lake |
September 22, 2008. The weather here is ideal! It’s been like spring all week with temperatures in the mid 80’s and low 90’s with cool mornings and evenings. The forecast calls for cooling temps with a chance of rain next week. Lake level may have dropped another foot if anything and is presently 14 feet below spill. Water at surface cooled a bit to 76 degrees and 69 at the 20 foot mark. Water clarity is good to 14 feet.
Trolling: Trout are spread out, not congregating in any one location but showing up in the River, the Narrows, the Barrel Line and the Face of the Dam. Most are hanging in 30 to 50 feet of water. Limits the rule but not quick ones. Reportedly the Trout are partial to sidekicks and worms lately along with small lures in orange and red.
Recent Success Stories: Skip and Linda Waldee of Sunnyvale got some respectable rainbows still fishing in front of Stony Creek Landing using yellow power eggs. Steve and Mike from Murphy’s got these heavy limits (16 lbs combined) drift fishing near the Log Boom with night crawlers and sidekicks. Paul Turpin of Placerville landed this lunker rainbow upriver using a #7 orange flatfish. Congratulations to all-well done! Be sure before you head over to the cleaning station stop by the Marina to get those lunkers photographed so we can share your catch and story on the web.
Kokanee: Sounds like the Kokanee are a bit more elusive lately and headed deeper and further upstream to spawn. Reports put them at 100 ft. at Columbia and above. Males are exhibiting the pronounced hooked jaw and females are full of eggs. Anything pink, hoochies, beaded spinners, Uncle Larry’s along with Sep’s 3.0-4.0 dodgers in watermelon, silver and green along with scented corn.
Bank Fishing: Quiet again on the banks this week. Power bait balls, maggots and night crawlers get the nod from the more successful bank anglers. Hanging down from a surface bobber or floating up from the bottom on a sliding sinker, both are working well. Chartreuse, white and rainbow are the preferred power bait colors.
Up coming Events: Kokanee Power hosts their annual Lake Pardee Kokanee Derby this Saturday September 20, 2008. Come join us for this fun fishing event. For more information contact Gary Coe at (916)985-4943 or check out the web at www.info@kokaneepower.org
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Shasta Lake |
August 5, 2008. Shasta Lake continues to pump out quality trout and salmon. Dry Creek cove, our favorite landlocked salmon spot is open again. We are catching lots of landlocked King Salmon and rainbow trout to 22\". The lake has stratified and the the salmon and larger trout have moved into deeper water. Seps #3 and #4 watermelon or glow dodgers followed by Seps Secret lures or slow rolled shad are producing fish. Small planter trout are scattered along the surface while larger hold over trout and king salmon are holding 80 - 120 feet deep. Take advantage of our summer specials and fish Shasta\'s prolific fishery at a price that will make you forget about gas prices.
Current Shasta Conditions - The lake is at 117 ft. below full pool and dropping. The Centimudi launch ramp is just about above the falling water line, and the dock has been removed, so we will soon be launching off of the low water launch on the island. New islands and structures are appearing every day, so keep a sharp eye on the water especially if you are running a prop. Antlers and Bailey Cove launch ramps are closed. There is limited access at all of the ramps. Bait is moving around, so yesterday\'s hot spot may be empty today.
www.salmonkinglodge.com
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Silver Lake |
August 5, 2008. The following is a press release from the El Dorado Irrigation District regarding the drawdown of Caples Lake.
El Dorado Irrigation District
For immediate release
July 31, 2008
Caples Lake drawdown continues
Streams to remain at higher levels into September
Area recreation businesses are open throughout the drawdown
Placerville, CA . . . Drawdown of water stored in the Caples Lake reservoir along Highway 88 in Alpine County continues, resulting in higher-than-usual water flows for this time of the year in Caples Creek and the Silver Fork American River. At this time, the stream flows are expected to remain at the current levels through August and the first few weeks of September. However, fluctuations may occur, and visitors in the vicinity of the two streams are cautioned to hike and camp away from the stream edges and not to cross downed tree “bridges.”
So far, the drawdown has reduced the water level at Caples Lake by about five feet. The reservoir should continue to drop four to five feet per week in August.
Area businesses are open throughout the drawdown, and many recreation opportunities are available in the Highway 88 corridor. The Caples Lake cement boat launch is useable through this week for aluminum boats on trailers, but after this weekend will likely not be useable for the rest of the season. The boat ramp at nearby Silver Lake is open.
Kayaks, canoes, and boats can be rented at Caples Lake and will follow the drawdown. Shore fishing at the lake is accessible. All Eldorado National Forest facilities and trails are open except for the Lake Margaret Trail, which was closed by the Forest Service for safety reasons related to the higher water levels at the creek crossing.
El Dorado Irrigation District (District) began the drawdown two weeks ago to provide safe working conditions for a crew that, in mid- to late September, will begin to replace the two slide gates at the Caples main dam and complete other needed repairs.
The District is proceeding under an emergency declared by the District’s Board of Directors on July 1, after a mid-June underwater investigation revealed major deterioration of the gates.
Caples Lake is part of Project 184, the hydroelectric power generation system that the District acquired from Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1999. Under conditions of the federal license to operate the system, the District must assure safe operation of the dam. If the slide gates, for example, were to fail in an open position, uncontrolled releases could result in unsafe conditions downstream.
In addition to the safety concerns, the District is seeking to balance a number of competing interests, including fisheries in the reservoir and downstream of the dam. At this time, the District proposes to mitigate impacts to the fisheries by constructing a temporary “bladder” dam, when the water level is low enough, to store some of the reservoir’s water.
Preliminary consultations with the state Department of Fish and Game indicate that the amount of water that can be stored behind the bladder dam may not be sufficient to sustain the reservoir fishery over the winter. However, the District is developing a fisheries management plan to help identify options to re-establish the reservoir fishery once repairs are completed. Water stored by the temporary dam will be released for the fisheries downstream of the dam until adequate reservoir storage is available.
Future project updates will provide more details on these and other issues related to the drawdown as information becomes available. District staff will also brief the Board of Directors during the Board’s regular meetings. The meeting schedule is posted on the District’s website at www.eid.org, or can be obtained by calling 530-622-4513.
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For more information, contact Deanne Kloepfer at 530-622-4513.
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Stampede
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. Mountain Hardware said fishing has remained consistent with kokanee found at depths of 50 to 60 feet south of the island with chartreuse/black Sierra Angler’s Spinners. The fish are starting to turn colors into their spawning patterns. The Upper Truckee River has been stocked from Tahoe City to Truckee, and bank anglers are picking up fish on night crawlers, salmon eggs or spinners.
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Lake Tahoe |
August 28, 2008. Chuck Self of Chuck’s Bait and Guide Service in Kings Beach (530) 546-8425 reported improved fishing this week with limits of mackinaw on all trips with the best bite in the mornings. They have landed quality fish to 14-pounds within the first two to two and a half hours in the mornings at depths ranging from 120 to 370 feet with a variety of lures: spoons, wobblers, imitation minnows, Needlefish, Rapalas, Tasmanian Devils. The best locations have been along the north and west shores in a couple of specific locations. The fish have been suspended to hugging the bottom with the best bottom action at 200 feet. The live minnow bite has died down. Kokanee are in the process of beginning to stage outside of Taylor Creek and will make their move up the creek once water is released from Fallen Leaf Lake on October 1st.
The 19th Annual Kokanee Salmon Festival will be held this year on October 4th and 5th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center at Taylor Creek, 3 miles north of the City of South Lake Tahoe on California Highway 89. The festival is a weekend of family activities celebrating the annual spawning run of the Kokanee Salmon up Taylor Creek and the golden colors of Fall. Come enjoy the special events, great food, and meet Sammy Salmon!
The Kokanee Salmon Festival is planned as a family event encouraging participation by children and their parents in a wide variety of educational and entertaining events. This year\'s celebrations include a number of events and activities that have become associated with the Salmon Festival. Back this year will be the Salmon Feed, 5k, 10k, and 1/2 marathon Kokanee Trail Runs, 1/2k Kids Tadpole Trot, collectible T-shirts, creek-side interpretive programs, special events, and programs in the Amphitheater. Free gifts and activities for children. Contact the Taylor Creek Visitor Center for more information at (530) 543-2674.
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Trinity Lake |
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August 28, 2008. Dragonfly Outfitters in Lewiston (530) 623-4999 reported bass action has slowed with the dropping lake water. A smaller grade of smallmouth bass are hitting Gitzits at depths from 35 to 45 feet in the rockpiles. The heavy water releases into the Trinity River slowed on July 31st , but the lake still dropped 3368 acre-feet to 53% of capacity.
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Union Valley
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. Dale Daneman of Dale’s Foothill Fishing (530) 295-0488 found very slow action on a recent trip to Union Valley with one hit at 6:20 a.m. which was the only hit in 6 hours of fishing. He hit all of the best areas on the lake, but he wasn’t able to get any more strikes. Interest in the lake has slowed with only one water skier out on the weekday and only another trailer in the parking lot.
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Whiskeytown
Reservoir |
August 28, 2008. Mike Elster of Mike’s Fishing Guide Service (916) 215-6330 reported outstanding kokanee action with the fish holding from 40 to 65 feet in depth near the Bridge , the Dam and at the Curtain. Most of the anglers are working the water near the Bridge with little pressure at the Curtain or the Dam. He had 6 fish in the box to 13-inches within 35 minutes and limited by 10:00 a.m. this week. The best lures continue to be pink UV Apex or UV Cripplures tipped with Pro Cure Predator or Kokanee Special behind a Shasta Tackle UV Sling Blade. The orange Shasta Tackle Pee Wee Hootchie or natural Radical Glow Tube are also working. Larger fish are starting to school up near the Curtain. They are hitting more males than females with the fish just starting to turn. The fish are in good shape and healthy with only a few copepods on the larger fish. He plans on guiding on the lake until mid-September. The lake is starting to go down with 1552 acre-feet of outflow to 97% of capacity. The Redding Bass Club will hold a tournament on September 7th.
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Northern California Rivers and
Delta |
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Smith River |
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March 8, 2008. March 8, 2008. Smith River Steelhead Report
Steelhead fishing on the Smith River has improved for angler\'s in the right place at the right time. Overall this season most have experienced tough fishing but some are reporting better fishing late this week. Many steelheader\'s have moved to other North coast river\'s looking for better steelheading. Angler\'s can expect to work a bit harder for their bites and need to capitalize on those bites as they happen. A mix of both fresh and down stream steelhead are coming in for both boat and bank angler\'s. Fishing pressure has been light for early March but angler\'s can expect a bit more pressure this weekend with the derby taking place on both the Smith and Chetco river\'s. Catch rates have varried with one to three fish landed being a good day on this system. Steelhead have averaged 7 to 10 pounds. Side drifting natural cured roe and a Quickie puffball or various glo bug yarn combo\'s and Quickie puffball\'s have produced most hook-ups. Precise casts in low clear fishing conditions is key to produce most hook-ups. Back trolling Hot shots and Brad\'s wiggler\'s in various color combo\'s has also been a good go to technique when fishing quiet water in low clear conditions. Flows at the time of this report are 8.12 feet at the Jed Smith gauge and expected to rise slightly to the low 9 foot level. Some light rain is forecasted to return briefly after the weekend. Angler\'s should call ahead as river conditions can change quickly on the Smith River.
for current river conditions or just talk fishin\' call Dave Jacobs at 1-800-355-3113 or our website www.davejacobsfishing.com
DAVE JACOBS
Professional Guide Service
1-800-355-3113
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Klamath River |
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August 24, 2008 Ok, as of August 15 the fall salmon quota is now in effect, meaning that the count is on
for the 22,500 fish that the sports anglers have been given for the Klamath river this
year. The river is giving up some very nice steelhead along with several jack salmon,
under 22 inches, and a few adult fish, but with the amount of nets a the mouth, it is
difficult for the adults to get pass the blockage. I talked with the counting station and
they told me that as of last night almost 3,000 fish have been caught by the natives
with approx. 24,000 fish remaining on that quota. I know, but lets not go there. If this is
any indication we are looking for a great September and October. Hope to you soon.
David Mierkey
209-475-9896
888-780-9896
209-483-1725 cell
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Trinity River |
August 5, 2008. Dragonfly Outfitters reported the smallmouth bite has slowed a bit with the fish holding in the rockpiles at depths from 20 to 30 feet. Drop shot plastics, Gitzits and rip baits such as X-Raps have been the best offerings. The overall size of the fish has decreased. The heavy water releases into the Trinity River slowed on the 31st, but the lake still dropped 3896 acre-feet to 57% of capacity.
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Sacramento River |
July 30, 2008. Sacramento River Trout Report
Fishing for wild rainbow trout on the lower Sacramento or Sac River from Redding downstream below Anderson, Ca. has remained good for Sacramento river trout guides both on conventional spin and fly gear. River releases from Keswick dam near Redding have dropped to 11,500 cfs. Sacramento river trout guides are reporting good fishing for wild rainbow trout 1 to 3 pounds with the occasional big trout of 4 plus pounds from redding downstream near Red Bluff. Depending on which section of river you fish will determine which baits are best. Many Sacramento river rainbow trout have been over 16 inches with some in the twenty plus inch class. 15 to 20 plus Sacramento river rainbow trout hook-ups a day a real possibility this time of year. Boats cannot pass the Cypress bridge construction in Redding from 7,000cfs and up. Side drifting small glo bugs in various egg color combo\'s and/or live cricket or crawler\'s with a Quickie puffball have worked well for Sacramento river trout fishing guides. Back trolling small Hot shots 50\'s or small K-4/K-5 Kwikfish in various color combos can also be very effective for Sacramento river trout guides. Angler\'s can call ahead for current river condition\'s as condition\'s can change quickly on the Sacramento or sac river.
Dave Jacobs at CELL # 1-800-355-3113 or our website www.davejacobsfishing.com
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