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TOP PICKS
SACRAMENTO RIVER -- The Port of Sacramento was still producing schoolie striped bass, mostly to trollers and boaters drifting minnows.
Bankies had a decent shot at some larger bass along with the schoolies off Marshall Street soaking mudsuckers and bloodworms at high tide (now around the middle of the day). The limited salmon opener on Monday saw big crowds, especially at Knight's Landing and around other boat ramps in the open stretch of river, and some chrome bright kings to 27 pounds were caught in the open section of river.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) -- The lake, which was added back on to the DFG "Stocking List", was planted last week with 10- to 12-inch rainbows. Locals are catching smallmouth up to 2 pounds up in the Narrows on worms and jigs. Trollers are still picking up some smaller mackinaw along the east side of the lake near the second dam at 30 to 50 feet, but some of the bigger macks may be moving into shallower water to feed on the newly planted rainbows.
LOON LAKE -- Lake is at 63-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 fish a day toplining just about anything you want to try. The fish are running 10 to 12 inches.
DELTA REGION
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side -- Swimbaits, topwater, and white/chartreuse streamers all worked well for stripers at places like Franks Tract, Old River, Santa Clara Shoals, and Eddo's Harbor. Look for faster moving water to improve both the striper and sturgeon bites.
CAMANCHE LAKE -- Trout fishing ratcheted up for trollers and anglers fishing the South Shore Pond. One pair of anglers put in four full days fishing for trout, hooking some 60 fish, releasing most of the 40 they landed. Top lures were Rapalas and R-Lures, best spot between Hat Island and Little Hat. Others reported limit action as well from both the main lake and the pond. Bass action has been mostly going to the trout chasers, with trollers catching some nice "incidental" bass to 3-plus pounds. While catfish are surely around, no reports of success came.
GENERAL NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
CHETCO RIVER -- The river will reopen today above the Highway 101 bridge for the retention of Chinook salmon and steelhead, however, the tributaries will continue to remain closed for those species. Anyone caught fishing for salmon or steelhead in any Chetco tributary including the North Fork and Emily Creek will be fined. Only two wild kings are allowed per angler per season, according to Dave Pitts of the Chetco Outdoor Store and WON Field Reporter.
ELK, SIXES RIVERS -- Both the Elk and Sixes rivers have king salmon in them, but they're dropping out quick and low and clear, making for tough fishing. Guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers said he and clients caught a dozen including chromers, and some jacks, but it will get better with the upcoming rain.
ROGUE RIVER, Lower -- Very slow here, although they are still seeing a very few Chinook and a few early steelhead, but don't really expect anything until the next rain hits. Usually Thanksgiving is when it starts going again.
RUSSIAN RIVER -- The mouth opened up again on Monday and a healthy push of salmon came in. There are some good runs of kings this year, up in numbers from past years. A lot of 2- and 3-pound halfpounder steelhead all over the river. River still really low, but upcoming rain might be enough to bring in some adult steelhead. Salmon are still off limits.
SMITH RIVER -- Low and gin-clear, although there are kings in the river. Some being caught from the Sand Hole and Piling Hole, a few chromers but mostly dark fish. Rain needed badly as of this writing on Sunday, but a storm was on the horizon, so could be excellent by the time you read this.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen -- A few salmon continued to trickle into the mouth of the Klamath, providing some surprisingly decent fishing for the very few anglers on the water. Most have headed home, to other waters or are targeting steelhead, which has also been productive. The best stretch for steelies has been from Blue Creek to Johnson's Riffle.
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam -- Fishing for steelhead has been rapidly improving. Most fish being caught so far are small, from 10 to 17 inches, but more and more adults are starting to show. They're taking a variety of offerings -- nightcrawlers, roe, and Glo-Bugs drifted on the bottom, backtrolled small plugs, and dead-drifted nymph/egg pattern combinations under indicators. Fishing pressure was very light.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City -- Steelhead fishing continued to be somewhat challenging with lots of anglers, especially on weekends, and relatively few fish. Good guides are producing up to three steelies per outing for their clients, on good days. Some days the score is closer to one. Back-trolled small plugs have scored their share of strikes, but flies like egg patterns, copper Johns, and Prince nymphs, fished under indicators have done just about as well.
TRINITY RIVER, Hoopa -- The pressure was very light at the lower end of the river, but success seemed to be a bit better around Hoopa than farther upstream. Anglers there not only have a shot at fish heading all the way up the main river, but also at fish that will turn off at the numerous tributaries along the way, like the South and North forks.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER -- The fish ladder opened last week and the first batch of about 300 salmon were spawned last Thursday. Not a banner start, but a lot more encouraging than last year. A few steelhead were being caught throughout the open portion of the river down to Howe Avenue, but not many.
FEATHER RIVER -- Steelhead fishing improved, especially in the main part of the river above Yuba City. Glo-Bugs seemed to work the best, but flies and spinners also enticed a few strikes. Fishing in the Low Flow Section was still somewhat slow, but should be picking up as fish move in from downstream. Strikes were spread pretty evenly among Glo-Bugs, nightcrawlers, flies and spinners.
FOLSOM LAKE -- The lake is still slowly dropping, and, while anglers have it all to themselves, fishing is anything but fast for either bass or salmonids. Fish channel edges or drop-offs where bass can escape to deeper water as water levels drop. Look for concentrations of bait. Spoon and crankbaits might score a few, but plastics worked deep and slow are better day in day out. Salmon and trout fishing continued to be slow.
McCLOUD RIVER -- The river closed to fishing on Nov. 15.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding -- Fishing was fair, and most salmon spawning has ended. Small nymphs were getting more grabs than drifted egg patterns, but spin fishermen were also scoring some bites on backtrolled tiny Hot Shots. Afternoon to evening fishing has been better than early morning.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper -- The river is in good shape and fishing has been good with light crowds as more anglers start heading over to the Trinity to try of steelhead. Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymph imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.
NORTH SALTWATER
BENICIA -- Shoreline action for small bass continued with 9th Street the latest hot spot for anglers soaking bullheads. Sturgeon fishing has been generally slow, but Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait did get out to Big Cut and release two keepers he hooked while using eel for bait.
The bigger stripers have been coming from around Roe Island for night anglers using cut bullheads, but the area around buoys 23 and 24 has been hot for numbers of bass. Again, bullheads are the top bait.
BERKELEY -- Scott Sutherland at Berkeley Sportfishing reported good crabbing with limits the rule. Half-day boats scored a fish around on the bay trips targeting halibut and striped bass, while the sanddab efforts found few fish. The boats are running both trips daily.
BODEGA BAY -- Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported a hit on his first giant squid trip of the season, with a group of mostly first timers and families getting 162 squid despite rough ocean conditions. Big one went 62 pounds. One angler caught 17.
CROCKETT -- Captain Gordon Hough reported the Morning Star's first sturgeon since live bait season ended, the 52 incher taking grass shrimp in San Pablo Bay near the Pumphouse. Also hitting the deck were leopard sharks to 53 inches, and striped bass, mostly small keeper sized fish.
EMERYVILLE -- Looks like a good crab year so far for the combo trips, with the New Seeker reporting limits every trip out this week. The sanddabs were a disappointment, perhaps due to the big swell, the anglers on board couldn't find them. Trips later in the week switched to striped bass and crab combos, with good action on the linesides resulting in limits some days. The landing ran its last live bait trip on Saturday, the Captain Hook finding one halibut and 15 stripers for 17 anglers.
EUREKA -- Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center said there are plenty of crabs, but not all are filled out, so check them before you box them. A good spot is north of the North Jetty in 100-plus feet of water.
Trinidad may have more filled out crabs, crabbers there aren't complaining. Otherwise, the only salty action is for brant, and it's been the best season ever for many hunters. The big swell caused many birds to move into the bay, where decoying them has produced limits daily.
FORT BRAGG -- Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar said that the crab pot results bode well for future years, and while his passengers didn't get 10-crab limits on the weekend trips, his trips earlier in the week found limits. "We threw back 360 crabs on Saturday that were too small, plus a few females and soft shelled crabs," said Thornton. Looks like Dungeness are back on their cyclic upswing after the last two low years.
HALF MOON BAY -- The fleet battled bad weather the last few days that could have offered action where the bottomfishing was still open south of Pigeon Point. Crabbing has produced mixed results, but limits for those with enough pots.
MARTINEZ -- Striped bass were the top attraction with plenty of limits coming from the Mothball Fleet. Bullheads were the top bait, said Lisa Rezentes at Martinez Bait and Tackle. A few sturgeon weighed in, but mostly, it's all about the linesides.
SAN PABLO BAY -- Mostly striped bass and leopard sharks on the menu, although a few sturgeon are starting to show up. Bait choice is all about what you want to catch; for stripers, use bullheads, for sharks, mudsuckers, for everything else, grass shrimp. Top spots have been around the Pumphouse.
SUISUN BAY -- Striped bass fishing has been good around buoys 23 and 24, and for shore anglers, along the Benicia shoreline. Sturgeon are showing up in a few spots randomly, but one area producing best is Big Cut in the deeper water, as long as the tides are slow.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE -- Lake is down to 21-percent capacity. The water level is too low for trailer boat launching, so cartoppers have the advantage. Fishing has been great up at the inlet for mostly rainbows and some browns, 16 to 24 inches. Successful anglers are using nightcrawlers, Power Bait and white lures. Outside the inlet area, juvenile mackinaws are still hitting Krocodile and Kastmaster spoons in firetiger.
CAPLES LAKE -- The Resort is closed until just before Christmas and they will be open for winter lodging until mid April to take advantage of the nearby Kirkwood Ski Area and ice fishing. Fishing reports are hard to come by even for Woodfords Station. The lake should be producing for shore anglers and cartop boaters. Lots of anglers were seen fishing off the dam this past weekend by an Alpine County deputy sheriff.
CARSON RIVER (East) -- The East Carson will remain open all winter from Hangman's Bridge downstream to the Nevada Stateline for trout fishing with barbless artificial lures, catch-and-release only. The last weekend of the regular season produced fish up to 27 inches.
DAVIS LAKE -- Lake is down to 49-percent capacity. Fishing is still good for trollers using copper/red Dick Nites and dark colored wooly buggers at 6 to 12 feet. Shore fishing is getting better with the die-back of the bottom weed growth at Fairview and Mallard Cove on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Fly fishing has been excellent on nymphs under an indicator on the northeast end of the lake. Some fly casters are catching 40 to 50 fish for a whole day's fishing.
DONNER LAKE -- Lake is at 36-percent capacity. Fishing has been good off the public piers for rainbows and smaller mackinaws on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. The macks seem to be hitting more often when the rig is being reeled in for another cast. Try silver or gold Krocodile or Kastmaster spoons for bigger macks up in the shallows looking for planters. Boaters can launch at their own risk due to the low water levels.
FEATHER RIVER CANYON -- Trout fishing was good for the last weekend of the season in the Feather River. Butt Valley Reservoir trolling is just about done according to Dick Mason at Dick's Guide Service. Jigging with white grubs will start up soon. Meter for schools of pond smelt and drop the jig down off the bottom for good rainbows and browns.
FRENCHMAN LAKE -- Lake is at 37-percent capacity. Good reports are still coming in despite the cold. Anglers are catching limits of 15- to 18-inch rainbows, weighing 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each. Shore anglers have been doing well with nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers are using a threaded nightcrawlers, small spoons and olive or black wooly buggers.
GOLD LAKES BASIN -- Most of the resorts and Bassetts Station are closed until December, so no reports were available. Fishing should be pretty good if it isn't too cold.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 66-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 planter rainbows a day toplining flashers, Needlefish, and grubs.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR -- An Alpine County trout plant is scheduled for the near future. Fishing has been slow for shore anglers using Power Bait, nightcrawlers or a 1/4-ounce silver Kastmaster spoon. A thin layer of ice has been forming around the edge of the lake in the morning, so it has been COLD.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 51-percent capacity. Trollers going up into the Middle Yuba arm or along the dam are finding some good rainbow action. No word on any big browns though the spawn seems to be over and the fish are moving back into the lake.
LAKE TAHOE -- The trolling for mackinaws has been good for both Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters and Chuck Self at Chuck's Charter Fishing. Both are finding bigger concentrations of fish in deeper water, 200 to 370 feet. The better fish are running 4 to 8 pounds, with smaller fish being released. Self has been trying the rainbows later in the day with fair results. He also reported a strong rainbow bite for shore anglers on the West Side using inflated nightcrawlers. He reported that numbers of 2- to 5-pound rainbows are hitting for those who have the patience to wait for the bites. The rainbows are in less than 25 feet of water.
PROSSER LAKE -- Lake is at 33-percent capacity. The water is too low for boat launching unless you have a cartopper. The Prosser Creek inlet area has been the best spot for shore anglers working the points with nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, or a 1/8-ounce Kastmaster. The average fish are 10 to 14 inches with some measuring up to 16 inches. Smallmouth bass are still hitting at the dam on crawdad and minnow imitations.
PYRAMID LAKE -- Windy weather chased most of the boaters off the lake this past week. Cutthroat Charters made it out on Sunday and caught 12 fish, with limits of 17 to 20 inchers. Trollers are using Apex and Flatfish. Shore anglers casting spoons and flies are all doing pretty well along the west side of the lake.
RED LAKE -- The Alpine County Sheriff that stopped by Woodfords Station reported no fishermen here this past weekend when he drove past.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 49-percent capacity. Boats can still launch here and boaters are running up to the Little Truckee inlet area and trolling with a Rapala for nice rainbows and browns.
Smallmouth bass are active from Davies Creek to the dam and hitting brown jigs and small crawdad Rapalas. Mackinaw, 2 to 4 pounds, are hitting trolled or jigged spoons at 20 to 40 feet at the dam.
TRUCKEE RIVER -- The regular season closed on November 15. The main river from Trout Creek to the Nevada Stateline is open to barbless artificial lure, catch-and-release fishing only. The Little Truckee River between Boca Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir is open with the same restrictions.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR -- Trollers are catching fair numbers of rainbows on top and experienced kokanee fishermen are able to pick up some of the "next year" kokanee in deep water.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE -- Minnows are by far out-producing artificials. The upper end of the lake, in 3 to 8 feet of water you can still see bass chasing silverside minnows on the surface towards the shoreline cover. In these areas of activity, most baits will work. The center portion of the lake has been getting hit pretty hard from Highway 20 through Kono Tayee and the State Park to Shag Rock. From mid-lake to the south arms most fish have been coming in deeper water from 15 to 25 feet.
LAKE BERRYESSA -- Duh spoons in 1 3/4-ounce morning dawn color was the best all around producer as bass, trout, salmon and even catfish went for it. For salmon trollers, pink hoochies dropped to the 35-foot mark brought up a few small fish by the Narrows. The Vineyard area had trout, using a Renegade lure at the 25-foot depth.
UPPER BLUE LAKE -- Trout limits were taken off docks and by trollers. Fishing seemed best from daylight until 10:00 and then picked back up around 2:00 p.m. Dockers used a slip bobber and Power Bait about 12 feet down, while trollers fished from 12, 20, and 30 feet down depending on the time of day with Ford Fenders behind a Kastmaster or Needlefish with a chunk of worm. The lake should be planted this week.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side -- Sturgeon action slowed by the weekend, but earlier in the week good action was found from Chain Island all the way down to just above the Moth Ball fleet. Slow moving waters didn't help the striper bite either. This week look for better action from Sherman Island, Decker Island, Rio Vista Bridge, Isleton Bridge, and up to Walnut Grove.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR -- The action slowed with water in the high 40s now and only a few caught fish. Geritol Clove and the Rec. 2 areas provided spawner browns and a few rainbows along with new planters. A small piece of roe on a No. 12 hook, or smelt imitation either jigged horizontally or vertically will be worth a try.
BAUM LAKE -- Fishing continues to be steady, as it has all year, and will continue to improve as we move towards the winter. The next few months will also see a lot of trout plants. BWO's are a good bet, as are sparse PMD's, midges, and mahogany duns. Olive nymphs are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice, while Kastmasters seem to be the lure of choice.
EAGLE LAKE -- The Spalding ramp has reopened with dredging complete. Fishing continues to be great. Work the shallow rock piles inside Pelican Point in Spalding Bay, the fish are abundant here and will bite throughout the morning
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA -- Season closed Nov. 15.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA -- Season closed Nov. 15.
KESWICK RESERVOIR -- The boat ramp is closed until Dec. 20.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR -- A few fish spotted no great action. Most productive fishing has been nymphs with indicators and a splitshot where there is current. In the flats try woolly buggers or streamers on a clear intermediate line.
MANZANITA LAKE -- The roads into Lassen Park and Manzanita Lake were still open earlier this week and the most recent reports have been fair, with the best fishing coming under nymphs and indicators drifted slowly and patiently during the warmer midday hours. Winter storms will likely block access in the coming weeks.
McCLOUD RESERVOIR -- Troll slowly and limits should be easy, with a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.
MEDICINE LAKE -- As most lakes right now, trolling slowly should be easy limits with a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.
PIT RIVER -- The Pit is now open year round from Lake Britton down. The most consistent access has been in Pit No. 4 and No. 5, with good numbers and some big fish. Pit No. 3 has been hit-or-miss depending on construction in the area, but if you can get in there it has been good.
LAKE SHASTA -- Trout are in the top 10 feet and in some areas you can see them rise, if not, track them down with your electronics. Trout fishing has been good as fish feed up for winter. If browns are your target, head for the McCloud arm for a shot at a fish the size of a small salmon. Bass anglers have been doing very well but the fish have been all on the small side, 1 to 1 1/4 pounds mostly. Fish are as deep as 40 feet but with finesse gear and you'll get bit.
LAKE SHASTINA -- Lake is very low.
LAKE SISKIYOU -- Try a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub trolled slowly here before the snow shuts it down.
MOTHERLODE
AMADOR LAKE -- Still booting out the big trout, with more plants every week keeping the numbers up. Power Bait fished in the top three feet, Woolly Buggers and Kastmasters produced the best action. Most of the effort is going right along the dam face, but boaters who get out on the lake are catching fish in most spots they try.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR -- Trout is the best bet although not much success is happening. Bass fishing is very tough, with small fish fairly easy to catch, and bigger fish non-existent. Top bites have been on main lake points and upriver on the steep river banks. Trout plants have helped out the shore action a little for still fishing anglers using bait.
LAKE McCLURE -- DFG plants have perked up the success for shore anglers, but the action is still pretty slow for the trollers. No kings reported, just smallish rainbows and a few bigger holdovers. The fish are scattered in depth from the surface to about 25 feet. Bass action is hit and miss, with the top bet plastic worms and jigs fished in 15 to 25 feet of water on rock and wood structure.
LAKE McSWAIN -- Good action on rainbow trout, with both shore anglers and trollers finding limits of fish. Trollers used flashers and 'crawlers, spoons and bead spinners. Shore anglers stuck with the Power Bait, Power Eggs and nightcrawlers.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR -- Outdoor writer William Heinselman reported sporadic action with fewer boils due to more scattered shad schools.
Top bets are spoons, spinnerbaits and small flukes for the striped bass. Black bass fishing was great with topwater working well for fish to 5 pounds. Favored lures are darters and Zara Spooks.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR -- The Future Pro event produced fish to 9.62 pounds and winning weights in the 20-pound range. Most anglers found best results with deep water fishing and a slow retrieve with plastics and jigs. Trout anglers reported improving action, particularly for the shore bound. Some quality holdovers hit Power Eggs, Power Bait and 'crawler/'mallow combos. Angels and Glory Hole coves have been the hot spots.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR -- Guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing was back on the lake again, reporting the best action down about 20 feet on fast trolled Slim Fins and Ex-Cel spoons. The surface bite remained slow, although his clients caught a couple small fish on 'crawlers and lost another one on shad. No bass reports, but the smallmouth should be on a good bite.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER -- Anglers fishing this last weekend had a good closer, picking up rainbows 15 to 19 inches in the Cash Rock area. The river upstream of Hwy 49 is closed for the season.
BULLARDS BAR -- Reports have been coming in about wide open spotted bass fishing down by the dam. Bass have been hitting topwater baits and swimbaits. 4- to 5-pound spots have been reported. Emerald Cove Marina reported that there have been a number of trollers on the lake, but there haven't been any anglers reporting success on trout.
CAMP FAR WEST -- Anglers fishing up in the river arm have reported good action on largemouth bass. Ken Proble picked up a 17-pound striper upriver, also.
COLLINS LAKE -- Fishing pressure has been very light here with few fishermen out on the lake. Only one fish was reported all last week, a 5 3/4 -pound catfish caught by Natalie Crosswhite of Paradise on an anchovy.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR -- Colder nights have slowed the action for trollers and bait drifters, but there have been 10 to 12 boats on the lake everyday, so there must be enough success to keep people coming back.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR -- It has been getting very cold up here and few anglers are visiting the lake. Those making the trek are still catching a mix of browns and rainbows up at the inlet end of the lake trolling flasher/worm combos, small spoons and Rapalas.
FULLER LAKE -- No current reports coming from this lake and it's getting cold here at night. Anglers can try the dam or day-use area with bait from shore or boaters can troll flasher/worm combos on the upper end of the lake at the inlet.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR -- The few boaters venturing up here are still picking up browns and rainbows at the inlet and macks at 60 feet near the dam. The trollers at the inlet are using flasher or dodger/worm or spoon combos and Rapalas. The mack trollers are using silver Kastmasters and Rapalas.
LAKE OROVILLE -- Good weights were brought in at a tournament this past weekend. Pre-fishing anglers anticipated some big weights and a good reaction bite. The winners had 16.01 pounds with a 6.82-pound largemouth kicker. Most anglers reported catching lots of small coho salmon during the tournament on shad colored plastic worms. Once you got through the schools of salmon, the bass were below them.
LAKE VALLEY RESERVOIR -- Shore anglers fishing with worms near the boat ramp were picking up lots of rainbows 12 to 16 inches. Trollers should be doing even better with a Crystal Basin Wild Thing/ nightcrawler combo.
ROLLINS LAKE -- The lake is at 90-percent capacity and fishing has been good for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Trout action is reported to be improving but should get much better once the DFG resumes the trout plants.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE -- Fishing has been slow here with few reports of success being posted. The lake is only at 66-percent capacity. The DFG has said it will start plants here by the end of the month.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR -- Slow, slow, slow! Just waiting for the DFG plants to resume.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR -- A local angler was surprised to catch a 2- pound bass and some nice trout from the shore this past week. He was using an inflated nightcrawler with a single salmon egg along the bank from the launch ramp to the campground and caught a couple of small browns and several rainbows up to 16 inches. This lake is also waiting for the DFG trout plants to start up again, but at least there are still a few holdovers left.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY -- All the cold water running through the Afterbay has shut off the bite on the bass and the steelhead are far and few between.
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SACRAMENTO RIVER -- The Port of Sacramento was still producing schoolie striped bass, mostly to trollers and boaters drifting minnows.
Bankies had a decent shot at some larger bass along with the schoolies off Marshall Street soaking mudsuckers and bloodworms at high tide (now around the middle of the day). The limited salmon opener on Monday saw big crowds, especially at Knight's Landing and around other boat ramps in the open stretch of river, and some chrome bright kings to 27 pounds were caught in the open section of river.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) -- The lake, which was added back on to the DFG "Stocking List", was planted last week with 10- to 12-inch rainbows. Locals are catching smallmouth up to 2 pounds up in the Narrows on worms and jigs. Trollers are still picking up some smaller mackinaw along the east side of the lake near the second dam at 30 to 50 feet, but some of the bigger macks may be moving into shallower water to feed on the newly planted rainbows.
LOON LAKE -- Lake is at 63-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 fish a day toplining just about anything you want to try. The fish are running 10 to 12 inches.
DELTA REGION
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side -- Swimbaits, topwater, and white/chartreuse streamers all worked well for stripers at places like Franks Tract, Old River, Santa Clara Shoals, and Eddo's Harbor. Look for faster moving water to improve both the striper and sturgeon bites.
CAMANCHE LAKE -- Trout fishing ratcheted up for trollers and anglers fishing the South Shore Pond. One pair of anglers put in four full days fishing for trout, hooking some 60 fish, releasing most of the 40 they landed. Top lures were Rapalas and R-Lures, best spot between Hat Island and Little Hat. Others reported limit action as well from both the main lake and the pond. Bass action has been mostly going to the trout chasers, with trollers catching some nice "incidental" bass to 3-plus pounds. While catfish are surely around, no reports of success came.
GENERAL NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
CHETCO RIVER -- The river will reopen today above the Highway 101 bridge for the retention of Chinook salmon and steelhead, however, the tributaries will continue to remain closed for those species. Anyone caught fishing for salmon or steelhead in any Chetco tributary including the North Fork and Emily Creek will be fined. Only two wild kings are allowed per angler per season, according to Dave Pitts of the Chetco Outdoor Store and WON Field Reporter.
ELK, SIXES RIVERS -- Both the Elk and Sixes rivers have king salmon in them, but they're dropping out quick and low and clear, making for tough fishing. Guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers said he and clients caught a dozen including chromers, and some jacks, but it will get better with the upcoming rain.
ROGUE RIVER, Lower -- Very slow here, although they are still seeing a very few Chinook and a few early steelhead, but don't really expect anything until the next rain hits. Usually Thanksgiving is when it starts going again.
RUSSIAN RIVER -- The mouth opened up again on Monday and a healthy push of salmon came in. There are some good runs of kings this year, up in numbers from past years. A lot of 2- and 3-pound halfpounder steelhead all over the river. River still really low, but upcoming rain might be enough to bring in some adult steelhead. Salmon are still off limits.
SMITH RIVER -- Low and gin-clear, although there are kings in the river. Some being caught from the Sand Hole and Piling Hole, a few chromers but mostly dark fish. Rain needed badly as of this writing on Sunday, but a storm was on the horizon, so could be excellent by the time you read this.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen -- A few salmon continued to trickle into the mouth of the Klamath, providing some surprisingly decent fishing for the very few anglers on the water. Most have headed home, to other waters or are targeting steelhead, which has also been productive. The best stretch for steelies has been from Blue Creek to Johnson's Riffle.
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam -- Fishing for steelhead has been rapidly improving. Most fish being caught so far are small, from 10 to 17 inches, but more and more adults are starting to show. They're taking a variety of offerings -- nightcrawlers, roe, and Glo-Bugs drifted on the bottom, backtrolled small plugs, and dead-drifted nymph/egg pattern combinations under indicators. Fishing pressure was very light.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City -- Steelhead fishing continued to be somewhat challenging with lots of anglers, especially on weekends, and relatively few fish. Good guides are producing up to three steelies per outing for their clients, on good days. Some days the score is closer to one. Back-trolled small plugs have scored their share of strikes, but flies like egg patterns, copper Johns, and Prince nymphs, fished under indicators have done just about as well.
TRINITY RIVER, Hoopa -- The pressure was very light at the lower end of the river, but success seemed to be a bit better around Hoopa than farther upstream. Anglers there not only have a shot at fish heading all the way up the main river, but also at fish that will turn off at the numerous tributaries along the way, like the South and North forks.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER -- The fish ladder opened last week and the first batch of about 300 salmon were spawned last Thursday. Not a banner start, but a lot more encouraging than last year. A few steelhead were being caught throughout the open portion of the river down to Howe Avenue, but not many.
FEATHER RIVER -- Steelhead fishing improved, especially in the main part of the river above Yuba City. Glo-Bugs seemed to work the best, but flies and spinners also enticed a few strikes. Fishing in the Low Flow Section was still somewhat slow, but should be picking up as fish move in from downstream. Strikes were spread pretty evenly among Glo-Bugs, nightcrawlers, flies and spinners.
FOLSOM LAKE -- The lake is still slowly dropping, and, while anglers have it all to themselves, fishing is anything but fast for either bass or salmonids. Fish channel edges or drop-offs where bass can escape to deeper water as water levels drop. Look for concentrations of bait. Spoon and crankbaits might score a few, but plastics worked deep and slow are better day in day out. Salmon and trout fishing continued to be slow.
McCLOUD RIVER -- The river closed to fishing on Nov. 15.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding -- Fishing was fair, and most salmon spawning has ended. Small nymphs were getting more grabs than drifted egg patterns, but spin fishermen were also scoring some bites on backtrolled tiny Hot Shots. Afternoon to evening fishing has been better than early morning.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper -- The river is in good shape and fishing has been good with light crowds as more anglers start heading over to the Trinity to try of steelhead. Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymph imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.
NORTH SALTWATER
BENICIA -- Shoreline action for small bass continued with 9th Street the latest hot spot for anglers soaking bullheads. Sturgeon fishing has been generally slow, but Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait did get out to Big Cut and release two keepers he hooked while using eel for bait.
The bigger stripers have been coming from around Roe Island for night anglers using cut bullheads, but the area around buoys 23 and 24 has been hot for numbers of bass. Again, bullheads are the top bait.
BERKELEY -- Scott Sutherland at Berkeley Sportfishing reported good crabbing with limits the rule. Half-day boats scored a fish around on the bay trips targeting halibut and striped bass, while the sanddab efforts found few fish. The boats are running both trips daily.
BODEGA BAY -- Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported a hit on his first giant squid trip of the season, with a group of mostly first timers and families getting 162 squid despite rough ocean conditions. Big one went 62 pounds. One angler caught 17.
CROCKETT -- Captain Gordon Hough reported the Morning Star's first sturgeon since live bait season ended, the 52 incher taking grass shrimp in San Pablo Bay near the Pumphouse. Also hitting the deck were leopard sharks to 53 inches, and striped bass, mostly small keeper sized fish.
EMERYVILLE -- Looks like a good crab year so far for the combo trips, with the New Seeker reporting limits every trip out this week. The sanddabs were a disappointment, perhaps due to the big swell, the anglers on board couldn't find them. Trips later in the week switched to striped bass and crab combos, with good action on the linesides resulting in limits some days. The landing ran its last live bait trip on Saturday, the Captain Hook finding one halibut and 15 stripers for 17 anglers.
EUREKA -- Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center said there are plenty of crabs, but not all are filled out, so check them before you box them. A good spot is north of the North Jetty in 100-plus feet of water.
Trinidad may have more filled out crabs, crabbers there aren't complaining. Otherwise, the only salty action is for brant, and it's been the best season ever for many hunters. The big swell caused many birds to move into the bay, where decoying them has produced limits daily.
FORT BRAGG -- Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar said that the crab pot results bode well for future years, and while his passengers didn't get 10-crab limits on the weekend trips, his trips earlier in the week found limits. "We threw back 360 crabs on Saturday that were too small, plus a few females and soft shelled crabs," said Thornton. Looks like Dungeness are back on their cyclic upswing after the last two low years.
HALF MOON BAY -- The fleet battled bad weather the last few days that could have offered action where the bottomfishing was still open south of Pigeon Point. Crabbing has produced mixed results, but limits for those with enough pots.
MARTINEZ -- Striped bass were the top attraction with plenty of limits coming from the Mothball Fleet. Bullheads were the top bait, said Lisa Rezentes at Martinez Bait and Tackle. A few sturgeon weighed in, but mostly, it's all about the linesides.
SAN PABLO BAY -- Mostly striped bass and leopard sharks on the menu, although a few sturgeon are starting to show up. Bait choice is all about what you want to catch; for stripers, use bullheads, for sharks, mudsuckers, for everything else, grass shrimp. Top spots have been around the Pumphouse.
SUISUN BAY -- Striped bass fishing has been good around buoys 23 and 24, and for shore anglers, along the Benicia shoreline. Sturgeon are showing up in a few spots randomly, but one area producing best is Big Cut in the deeper water, as long as the tides are slow.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE -- Lake is down to 21-percent capacity. The water level is too low for trailer boat launching, so cartoppers have the advantage. Fishing has been great up at the inlet for mostly rainbows and some browns, 16 to 24 inches. Successful anglers are using nightcrawlers, Power Bait and white lures. Outside the inlet area, juvenile mackinaws are still hitting Krocodile and Kastmaster spoons in firetiger.
CAPLES LAKE -- The Resort is closed until just before Christmas and they will be open for winter lodging until mid April to take advantage of the nearby Kirkwood Ski Area and ice fishing. Fishing reports are hard to come by even for Woodfords Station. The lake should be producing for shore anglers and cartop boaters. Lots of anglers were seen fishing off the dam this past weekend by an Alpine County deputy sheriff.
CARSON RIVER (East) -- The East Carson will remain open all winter from Hangman's Bridge downstream to the Nevada Stateline for trout fishing with barbless artificial lures, catch-and-release only. The last weekend of the regular season produced fish up to 27 inches.
DAVIS LAKE -- Lake is down to 49-percent capacity. Fishing is still good for trollers using copper/red Dick Nites and dark colored wooly buggers at 6 to 12 feet. Shore fishing is getting better with the die-back of the bottom weed growth at Fairview and Mallard Cove on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Fly fishing has been excellent on nymphs under an indicator on the northeast end of the lake. Some fly casters are catching 40 to 50 fish for a whole day's fishing.
DONNER LAKE -- Lake is at 36-percent capacity. Fishing has been good off the public piers for rainbows and smaller mackinaws on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. The macks seem to be hitting more often when the rig is being reeled in for another cast. Try silver or gold Krocodile or Kastmaster spoons for bigger macks up in the shallows looking for planters. Boaters can launch at their own risk due to the low water levels.
FEATHER RIVER CANYON -- Trout fishing was good for the last weekend of the season in the Feather River. Butt Valley Reservoir trolling is just about done according to Dick Mason at Dick's Guide Service. Jigging with white grubs will start up soon. Meter for schools of pond smelt and drop the jig down off the bottom for good rainbows and browns.
FRENCHMAN LAKE -- Lake is at 37-percent capacity. Good reports are still coming in despite the cold. Anglers are catching limits of 15- to 18-inch rainbows, weighing 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each. Shore anglers have been doing well with nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers are using a threaded nightcrawlers, small spoons and olive or black wooly buggers.
GOLD LAKES BASIN -- Most of the resorts and Bassetts Station are closed until December, so no reports were available. Fishing should be pretty good if it isn't too cold.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 66-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 planter rainbows a day toplining flashers, Needlefish, and grubs.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR -- An Alpine County trout plant is scheduled for the near future. Fishing has been slow for shore anglers using Power Bait, nightcrawlers or a 1/4-ounce silver Kastmaster spoon. A thin layer of ice has been forming around the edge of the lake in the morning, so it has been COLD.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 51-percent capacity. Trollers going up into the Middle Yuba arm or along the dam are finding some good rainbow action. No word on any big browns though the spawn seems to be over and the fish are moving back into the lake.
LAKE TAHOE -- The trolling for mackinaws has been good for both Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters and Chuck Self at Chuck's Charter Fishing. Both are finding bigger concentrations of fish in deeper water, 200 to 370 feet. The better fish are running 4 to 8 pounds, with smaller fish being released. Self has been trying the rainbows later in the day with fair results. He also reported a strong rainbow bite for shore anglers on the West Side using inflated nightcrawlers. He reported that numbers of 2- to 5-pound rainbows are hitting for those who have the patience to wait for the bites. The rainbows are in less than 25 feet of water.
PROSSER LAKE -- Lake is at 33-percent capacity. The water is too low for boat launching unless you have a cartopper. The Prosser Creek inlet area has been the best spot for shore anglers working the points with nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, or a 1/8-ounce Kastmaster. The average fish are 10 to 14 inches with some measuring up to 16 inches. Smallmouth bass are still hitting at the dam on crawdad and minnow imitations.
PYRAMID LAKE -- Windy weather chased most of the boaters off the lake this past week. Cutthroat Charters made it out on Sunday and caught 12 fish, with limits of 17 to 20 inchers. Trollers are using Apex and Flatfish. Shore anglers casting spoons and flies are all doing pretty well along the west side of the lake.
RED LAKE -- The Alpine County Sheriff that stopped by Woodfords Station reported no fishermen here this past weekend when he drove past.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR -- Lake is at 49-percent capacity. Boats can still launch here and boaters are running up to the Little Truckee inlet area and trolling with a Rapala for nice rainbows and browns.
Smallmouth bass are active from Davies Creek to the dam and hitting brown jigs and small crawdad Rapalas. Mackinaw, 2 to 4 pounds, are hitting trolled or jigged spoons at 20 to 40 feet at the dam.
TRUCKEE RIVER -- The regular season closed on November 15. The main river from Trout Creek to the Nevada Stateline is open to barbless artificial lure, catch-and-release fishing only. The Little Truckee River between Boca Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir is open with the same restrictions.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR -- Trollers are catching fair numbers of rainbows on top and experienced kokanee fishermen are able to pick up some of the "next year" kokanee in deep water.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE -- Minnows are by far out-producing artificials. The upper end of the lake, in 3 to 8 feet of water you can still see bass chasing silverside minnows on the surface towards the shoreline cover. In these areas of activity, most baits will work. The center portion of the lake has been getting hit pretty hard from Highway 20 through Kono Tayee and the State Park to Shag Rock. From mid-lake to the south arms most fish have been coming in deeper water from 15 to 25 feet.
LAKE BERRYESSA -- Duh spoons in 1 3/4-ounce morning dawn color was the best all around producer as bass, trout, salmon and even catfish went for it. For salmon trollers, pink hoochies dropped to the 35-foot mark brought up a few small fish by the Narrows. The Vineyard area had trout, using a Renegade lure at the 25-foot depth.
UPPER BLUE LAKE -- Trout limits were taken off docks and by trollers. Fishing seemed best from daylight until 10:00 and then picked back up around 2:00 p.m. Dockers used a slip bobber and Power Bait about 12 feet down, while trollers fished from 12, 20, and 30 feet down depending on the time of day with Ford Fenders behind a Kastmaster or Needlefish with a chunk of worm. The lake should be planted this week.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side -- Sturgeon action slowed by the weekend, but earlier in the week good action was found from Chain Island all the way down to just above the Moth Ball fleet. Slow moving waters didn't help the striper bite either. This week look for better action from Sherman Island, Decker Island, Rio Vista Bridge, Isleton Bridge, and up to Walnut Grove.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR -- The action slowed with water in the high 40s now and only a few caught fish. Geritol Clove and the Rec. 2 areas provided spawner browns and a few rainbows along with new planters. A small piece of roe on a No. 12 hook, or smelt imitation either jigged horizontally or vertically will be worth a try.
BAUM LAKE -- Fishing continues to be steady, as it has all year, and will continue to improve as we move towards the winter. The next few months will also see a lot of trout plants. BWO's are a good bet, as are sparse PMD's, midges, and mahogany duns. Olive nymphs are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice, while Kastmasters seem to be the lure of choice.
EAGLE LAKE -- The Spalding ramp has reopened with dredging complete. Fishing continues to be great. Work the shallow rock piles inside Pelican Point in Spalding Bay, the fish are abundant here and will bite throughout the morning
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA -- Season closed Nov. 15.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA -- Season closed Nov. 15.
KESWICK RESERVOIR -- The boat ramp is closed until Dec. 20.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR -- A few fish spotted no great action. Most productive fishing has been nymphs with indicators and a splitshot where there is current. In the flats try woolly buggers or streamers on a clear intermediate line.
MANZANITA LAKE -- The roads into Lassen Park and Manzanita Lake were still open earlier this week and the most recent reports have been fair, with the best fishing coming under nymphs and indicators drifted slowly and patiently during the warmer midday hours. Winter storms will likely block access in the coming weeks.
McCLOUD RESERVOIR -- Troll slowly and limits should be easy, with a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.
MEDICINE LAKE -- As most lakes right now, trolling slowly should be easy limits with a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.
PIT RIVER -- The Pit is now open year round from Lake Britton down. The most consistent access has been in Pit No. 4 and No. 5, with good numbers and some big fish. Pit No. 3 has been hit-or-miss depending on construction in the area, but if you can get in there it has been good.
LAKE SHASTA -- Trout are in the top 10 feet and in some areas you can see them rise, if not, track them down with your electronics. Trout fishing has been good as fish feed up for winter. If browns are your target, head for the McCloud arm for a shot at a fish the size of a small salmon. Bass anglers have been doing very well but the fish have been all on the small side, 1 to 1 1/4 pounds mostly. Fish are as deep as 40 feet but with finesse gear and you'll get bit.
LAKE SHASTINA -- Lake is very low.
LAKE SISKIYOU -- Try a Sep's kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub trolled slowly here before the snow shuts it down.
MOTHERLODE
AMADOR LAKE -- Still booting out the big trout, with more plants every week keeping the numbers up. Power Bait fished in the top three feet, Woolly Buggers and Kastmasters produced the best action. Most of the effort is going right along the dam face, but boaters who get out on the lake are catching fish in most spots they try.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR -- Trout is the best bet although not much success is happening. Bass fishing is very tough, with small fish fairly easy to catch, and bigger fish non-existent. Top bites have been on main lake points and upriver on the steep river banks. Trout plants have helped out the shore action a little for still fishing anglers using bait.
LAKE McCLURE -- DFG plants have perked up the success for shore anglers, but the action is still pretty slow for the trollers. No kings reported, just smallish rainbows and a few bigger holdovers. The fish are scattered in depth from the surface to about 25 feet. Bass action is hit and miss, with the top bet plastic worms and jigs fished in 15 to 25 feet of water on rock and wood structure.
LAKE McSWAIN -- Good action on rainbow trout, with both shore anglers and trollers finding limits of fish. Trollers used flashers and 'crawlers, spoons and bead spinners. Shore anglers stuck with the Power Bait, Power Eggs and nightcrawlers.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR -- Outdoor writer William Heinselman reported sporadic action with fewer boils due to more scattered shad schools.
Top bets are spoons, spinnerbaits and small flukes for the striped bass. Black bass fishing was great with topwater working well for fish to 5 pounds. Favored lures are darters and Zara Spooks.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR -- The Future Pro event produced fish to 9.62 pounds and winning weights in the 20-pound range. Most anglers found best results with deep water fishing and a slow retrieve with plastics and jigs. Trout anglers reported improving action, particularly for the shore bound. Some quality holdovers hit Power Eggs, Power Bait and 'crawler/'mallow combos. Angels and Glory Hole coves have been the hot spots.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR -- Guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing was back on the lake again, reporting the best action down about 20 feet on fast trolled Slim Fins and Ex-Cel spoons. The surface bite remained slow, although his clients caught a couple small fish on 'crawlers and lost another one on shad. No bass reports, but the smallmouth should be on a good bite.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER -- Anglers fishing this last weekend had a good closer, picking up rainbows 15 to 19 inches in the Cash Rock area. The river upstream of Hwy 49 is closed for the season.
BULLARDS BAR -- Reports have been coming in about wide open spotted bass fishing down by the dam. Bass have been hitting topwater baits and swimbaits. 4- to 5-pound spots have been reported. Emerald Cove Marina reported that there have been a number of trollers on the lake, but there haven't been any anglers reporting success on trout.
CAMP FAR WEST -- Anglers fishing up in the river arm have reported good action on largemouth bass. Ken Proble picked up a 17-pound striper upriver, also.
COLLINS LAKE -- Fishing pressure has been very light here with few fishermen out on the lake. Only one fish was reported all last week, a 5 3/4 -pound catfish caught by Natalie Crosswhite of Paradise on an anchovy.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR -- Colder nights have slowed the action for trollers and bait drifters, but there have been 10 to 12 boats on the lake everyday, so there must be enough success to keep people coming back.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR -- It has been getting very cold up here and few anglers are visiting the lake. Those making the trek are still catching a mix of browns and rainbows up at the inlet end of the lake trolling flasher/worm combos, small spoons and Rapalas.
FULLER LAKE -- No current reports coming from this lake and it's getting cold here at night. Anglers can try the dam or day-use area with bait from shore or boaters can troll flasher/worm combos on the upper end of the lake at the inlet.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR -- The few boaters venturing up here are still picking up browns and rainbows at the inlet and macks at 60 feet near the dam. The trollers at the inlet are using flasher or dodger/worm or spoon combos and Rapalas. The mack trollers are using silver Kastmasters and Rapalas.
LAKE OROVILLE -- Good weights were brought in at a tournament this past weekend. Pre-fishing anglers anticipated some big weights and a good reaction bite. The winners had 16.01 pounds with a 6.82-pound largemouth kicker. Most anglers reported catching lots of small coho salmon during the tournament on shad colored plastic worms. Once you got through the schools of salmon, the bass were below them.
LAKE VALLEY RESERVOIR -- Shore anglers fishing with worms near the boat ramp were picking up lots of rainbows 12 to 16 inches. Trollers should be doing even better with a Crystal Basin Wild Thing/ nightcrawler combo.
ROLLINS LAKE -- The lake is at 90-percent capacity and fishing has been good for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Trout action is reported to be improving but should get much better once the DFG resumes the trout plants.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE -- Fishing has been slow here with few reports of success being posted. The lake is only at 66-percent capacity. The DFG has said it will start plants here by the end of the month.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR -- Slow, slow, slow! Just waiting for the DFG plants to resume.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR -- A local angler was surprised to catch a 2- pound bass and some nice trout from the shore this past week. He was using an inflated nightcrawler with a single salmon egg along the bank from the launch ramp to the campground and caught a couple of small browns and several rainbows up to 16 inches. This lake is also waiting for the DFG trout plants to start up again, but at least there are still a few holdovers left.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY -- All the cold water running through the Afterbay has shut off the bite on the bass and the steelhead are far and few between.
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