TOP PICKS
AMERICAN RIVER--Salmon continued to trickle into Nimbus Hatchery at a low rate, and the run appears to be about over. Still the hatchery plans to do one more egg take this week and will apparently meet its quota. Better news is coming about the steelhead run, which is running at twice the rate of last year's run, at least so far. Unfortunately, these seem to be traveling fish rather than biting fish considering the relatively tough fishing downstream of the salmon closure at Ancil Hoffman Park. Fishing conditions and crowds in Nimbus Basin are less than ideal, but the success rate appears to be better
AMADOR LAKE--A bonus for last week's anglers in the form of 2,100 pounds of 7- to 10-pound fish planted along with another 3,000 pounds of 2 to 3 pounders paid off for one angler who caught a 7 pounder. A young lady trying out a new fishing rod she got for her 10th birthday scored four fish. Top bet has been floating Power Bait with a bobber for the shore anglers. No bass or catfish reports.
BENICIA--All the action was at the other end of Suisun Bay, with reports of sturgeon success coming from the far east around Buoy 9, Roe and Ryer islands and Big Cut. Curtis Hayes at Benicia Bait reported success on the Predator (four anglers caught 6 keeper stripers and 2 sturgeon) and on the Barbarian (a 64-inch sturgeon).
MARTINEZ--A little action all over, with the best sturgeon fishing coming from high in the system, ghost shrimp working best. Captain Bob Monckton on Reel-lentless had a great week with keepers boated and two oversized fish released. For stripers, expect volatile fish counts due to the dropping water temperatures. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker reported good action on Thursday following a tougher day on Wednesday, with Thursday's trip producing limits for customers and crew. On the weekend, they battled more weather than fish.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Snow at times discouraged most, but not all, fishermen throughout the week. Lake accessible, but 4x4 vehicles are advised. Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort said the court-ordered shut-off of DFG trout planting in the lake couldn't come at a worse time. Better, she said, would be to plant more fish to give anglers more fishing opportunities, sell more licenses and raise more state revenue, and keep businesses going during the current downturn in the economy. She also wondered if stopping fish planting completely after the many decades of plants could also cause problems in the lake's ecology.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER--The river was still low as of Sunday night. This "storm" brought the river up a little bit, but it was still clear--more rain could have changed that quick, though, so call ahead. It did bring a "new push of fish" into the river, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. It also brought freezing temperatures. Natural and orange cure roe seem to work better than dark red for the few fish caught.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--It was open to fishing, but not enough rain had fallen as of press time for a good report, and nobody was available to talk to. And we mean nobody!
ELK RIVER--There's still some fresh fish in the river, and more to come if the rain picks up. They had 2 1/2 inches as of Sunday afternoon and the river was rising.....call first.
MAD RIVER--Open to fishing as of Sunday afternoon, but there hadn't been enough rain to really do anything much, and nobody--we mean NOBODY--was available for reports.
ROGUE RIVER--It had just started raining as of Sunday evening, with 2 1/2 inches on the charts, but there wasn't any appreciable difference as of press time. According to Jim Carey at the Rogue Outdoor Store, the rivers were coming up, and "there should be another shot of salmon on the Elk, and steelies in the Rogue and Chetco." He said it's "too early to pull the crystal ball out because it's blue skies, 42 degrees, snow to 1500 feet, and we're looking at water maybe holding as snow and not coming down to the rivers." As of Sunday, the river was still in extremely low conditions.
RUSSIAN RIVER--As of Sunday night there hadn't been enough rain to make any difference, but if the forecast becomes more accurate (it hasn't so far), then the river might get blown out and some steelies might get in.
SMITH RIVER--According to Phil Desautel of Phil's Smiling Salmon Guide Service, they only had 1/4-inch of rain as of Sunday night and the river had only come up 2 inches, still running low and clear. It was snowing up at Gasquet, and that might hold the water, keeping it from rising. As of Sunday night, only a bare chance at a steelie in the few riffles that exist on the slow-moving, clear river.
UMPQUA RIVER--This is the best winter steelhead river in Oregon right now, according to WON Field Reporter, Dave Pitts. Many big steelies, from 14 pounds and up to 18 pounds daily. Most caught backbouncing and sidedrifting roe.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--Steelhead fishing continued to be slow, with the very few anglers occasionally intercepting a halfpounder or winter run adult. Spinners and nightcrawlers worked better than streamers and nymphs.
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--This was the area of the best fishing on either the Klamath or the Trinity rivers once again. From Happy Camp to Iron Gate Dam, anglers had the river mostly to themselves while catching a nice mix of steelhead to about 5 pounds, and rainbows. Backtrolling a Hot Shot with a nightcrawler trailer worked better than any other method, although small nymphs dead-drifted under an indicator caught their share.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--Fishing for adult steelhead continued to be slow, but there were some halfpounders being caught, mostly on spinners and nightcrawlers. The hope was that the storm that rolled in over the weekend would attract fresh winter run steelies.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--Too many fishermen continued to compete for too few steelhead in too clear water. The hope was that the weekend storm would murk up the water a bit and attract fresh run winter steelies. Fly fishers attracted a few grabs on golden stones and copper Johns under an indicator. Spin fishermen drifted No. 2 and No. 4 Blue Fox spinners, small chunks of roe and nightcrawlers.
Motherlode
CAMANCHE LAKE--John Cunningham at the Northshore Store reported good action for toplining trollers targeting trout. Fish to 9 pounds were reported, best lure choices Rapalas in black gold or firetiger. Bass anglers dropped deeper, fishing 25 to 40 feet with purple on purple pig and jigs. Don't give up on catfish, regular Bruce Jennings of Daly City did it again with a 9 and a 7 pounder taken on prawns at 40 feet.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Blue Oaks has been the hot spot for shore trout fishing, with heavy plants of rainbows going in regularly. Power Bait or Power Eggs, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs combined with marshmallows have been the top baits. Bass fishing remained slow with the best bet drop-shotting with small worms.
LAKE McCLURE--Trout plants and cold weather perked the rainbow bite, with toplining producing limits for the few trollers. Shore anglers did well with Power Bait and casting spoons in silver and blue. Bass fishing was surprisingly good with some quality fish reported on topwater, good number on jigs and worms, and some action on big swimbaits also. The action was spread out between 5 and 35 feet depths.
LAKE McSWAIN--This lake may be benefiting from the misfortune of all the other lakes that have been crossed off the planted trout list, with two more plants from both the Department of Fish and Game and Calaveras Trout, 1,800 pounds on Dec. 11, and 1,000 pounds on Dec. 12. That has boosted the catch for the few anglers braving the weekend cold, with everyone checking in at the marina reporting success. Top bets are Power Bait and worms for the shore anglers, and Wedding Rings for the trollers.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Very quiet. With the cooler temps, the striper action slowed, and no one has been trying for black bass or catfish. Water level remained steady, the lake at 25 percent of capacity.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Trout fishing was "red hot," but anglers targeting catfish caught the lunkers, with one angler getting fish over 9.5 pounds while soaking sardines at Glory Hole Point. That angler also caught a 5 pounder and a 7 pounder. Shore trout anglers are the stars, scoring limits on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs combined with marshmallows at Glory Hole Point, Tuttletown and the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Trout action stayed strong with fish to 5.5 pounds reported, that fish hitting shad at 20 feet. Also working are Vance's Tackle Slim Willies with a 'crawler, and Uncle Larry bead spinners tipped with a worm.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--Clear Lake Guide Service said they're back to trying a lot of different things with the arrival of snow, but swimbaits and the LV 500 were working well before the storm and the jig bite was starting to turn on as well. With the arrival of the cold weather, the fish could get sluggish and not feed as much. When that happens, you have to downsize your baits and fish slower, plastics typically. This is typical for the winter pattern.
LAKE BERRYESSA--Joshua Tateum from the Outdoor Pro Shop said Spanish Flats was good for trout with Needlefish, small Cleo's, and Kastmaster in 15 to 25 feet, for trout and a few kokes. If you mark them you can get them. Spooning for bass around baitballs in 25 feet and jigging brought in boatloads of bass.
LAKE SONOMA-- Joshua Tateum from the Outdoor Pro Shop said it only took 14 pounds to win a bass event last weekend, guess you can say it's still a tough bite. Shaking worms in green pumpkin worked at both ends of the lake. Warm Springs, by the island and the "no ski zone" was also productive. Bass are suspended in 25 to 25 feet. It was hit and miss for trout off edges and structure in 15 to 20 feet, but look for both bites to improve once the weather clears.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- JD Richey Sportfishing reported good topwater blowups on poppers for stripers and suggested switching over to throwing swimbaits once the sun pops. This bite will return after the storm passes. The sturgeon will enjoy the murky waters; just make sure you add a good scent base like salmon eggs, herring or squid.
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side-- Poppers and swimbaits worked here for stripers in Frank's Tract, and all were "plate-size." The bass bite was tough. Cranking has not helped, though that's what most are doing for bass.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR--Before the storm, there was a good trout bite on the east side using gold Rapalas or streamer flies in the first hour. Once the sun hits the water go down and jig for them in the deeper waters off the bottom, with white or pearl Git-Zits in an 1/8-ounce size, an 1/8-ounce Hopkins spoon or Swedish Pimples. This will also be the better technique once the storm passes.
BAUM LAKE--Copper Johns in green, BWO's, and Griffith's gnat have been working for dries, while Don's bug, midges, and woolly buggers are did well for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen did well on just about anything. Bait fishermen are still doing best with nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
EAGLE LAKE--Closes on Dec. 31 and the last few weeks might be interesting with the change in weather. Both the north and south end produced fish on 3-inch orange grubs fished 4 to 5 feet down on downriggers over 6 to 7 feet of water. The grubs were also scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR--Trout bite slowed due to the abundance of food available here in this every healthy lake. Trout are jumping everywhere. Power Bait or a combination of white and red eggs will help entice the trout.
MEDICINE LAKE--Trolling slowly with a Sep's dodger and worm worked well here before the storm, we'll have to see what options are after the storm passes.
PIT RIVER--Good reports continue in the Pit 5 area, as it remains open to zero kill, barbless hooks and artificials only from Lake Britton Dam downstream to Shasta Lake. Black AP's, golden stones, rubber-leg prince did well before the storm; water conditions may change this once the storm passes.
LAKE SHASTA--The good trout bite continues all over the lake, but this week reports focused on the Digger Bay and the Big Backbone inlet areas. With colder conditions you'll want to run a little smaller lure and run it a little slower in the top 10 feet. Try a Red Magic Needlefish, No. 1. A green plastic 6-inch worm caught a 7 1/4-pound bass just outside Digger Bay. The bass bite should improve after the storm passes, then a brass and glass plus the worms should do the trick in 12 to 20 feet of water.
LAKE SISKIYOU-- Trolling slow with a Sep's dodger and worm or K-7 KwikFish landed some nice trout before the storm, we'll have to wait and see about this tiny little lake now.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Catch-and Release with barbless artificial lures only.
BULLARDS BAR--Fishing has improved with the colder weather. Trollers are catching kokanee to 12 inches and trout to 14 inches up in the Yuba River branch on flasher/Wedding Ring combos. Kokanee have been caught at 50 to 60 feet. Bass action has been very slow.
CAMP FAR WEST--Very little pressure because of the foggy, cold conditions here last week. A few boaters are getting out on weekends and catching bass, but action is slowing down with winter setting in. Possibility of snow in the valley floor is forecast for this week with the first big storm of the season overdue.
COLLINS LAKE--Lake has been put back on the "Will Stock" list due to a successful challenge of the lawsuit. Very little pressure on the lake lately, especially for trout. One local bass angler has been doing well on worms and crawdads for fish up to 5 1/2 pounds.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--It's been a little too cold for most boaters, but the shore anglers are doing well in the marina with a bobber/Power Bait and worm combos for holdover rainbows 14 to 18 inches. Set the depth at 10 feet on a slip bobber.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lake is very low and launching is difficult for 4-wheel drive and small boats on steep banks. The storm that is forecast for this week will probably close the access to the lake because of predicted snow levels, according to the Forest Service. Trollers have been doing well with toplined Rapalas along rocky shoals.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Fishing has been good for 12- to 14-inch browns that are schooled up at the inlet of the Rubicon River for trollers toplining Rapalas. Kokanee are being caught by trollers at 180 to 200 feet on standard koke gear. The storm forecast for this week will probably close the access to the lake because of the predicted snow levels.
LAKE OROVILLE--Looks like construction on the ramp extension at Bidwell will be on hold until after the holidays, especially with a big storm forecast for this week. Launching is still 4-wheel drive only at the Spillway and cold foggy weather has reduced angler interest lately. Bass and coho are hitting for those hardy few getting on the lake.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Trout trollers still doing well on planted rainbows on flasher/Needlefish combos in the middle of the lake over the channel. Trout have been running up to 16 inches. Bass have been hitting trolled Rapalas, but action overall is still slow. There hasn't been much fishing pressure on the lake lately.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--Very slow action, according to the Forest Service. Snow forecast for this week may close the access to the launch ramp and parking area. County plows the roads to the lake, but not the road to the ramp.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Shore anglers have been catching trout and catfish on worms and Power Bait. Cats have been measuring up to 16 inches. Trollers are still picking up rainbows on flasher/worm combos.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Steelhead anglers still getting some nice fish on minnows at Wilbur Rd. and the Hwy. 162 Bridge rock wall. Check with Feather River Outfitters on Hwy. 162 for info and bait.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Lack of crabs and weather meant no trips, and the pier has been mostly deserted.
BODEGA BAY-- Giant squid are on tap, but weather was a factor canceling the weekend trips.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported good action on a lightly loaded trip when six anglers caught 3 leopard sharks, 3 bass on bullheads, a keeper sturgeon and even a keeper halibut while fishing the Mare Island rockwall.
EMERYVILLE--The crab drought made even the New Seeker give up the combos, but the New Salmon Queen is still waiting for the weather and a trip to line up for giant squid. Also, sturgeon trips starting after the first of the year on the Captain Hook and New Huck Finn.
EUREKA--While the ocean turned rough again for the weekend, a few anglers tried mid-week for crabs with marginal results. Surfperch fishing has been slow, and with the rough conditions, shore fishing from the jetties has been out of the question.
FORT BRAGG--The only thing going on is sport crabbing, but between the weather and the lack of angler interest, no one has been out.
HALF MOON BAY--While the landing has quieted down since bottomfishing closed on Nov. 30, Captain Tom Mattusch on Huli Cat is keeping an eye open for weather windows to get out and chase giant squid.
SAN PABLO BAY--Leopard sharks are the top bet, and there were still some halibut showing up on the south end before the storm. Not too much effort here with most of the sportfishing boats working upstream in Suisun Bay.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--While soaking a bait is still more likely to find a shark or ray than a sturgeon, one fat 90-pound diamondback did hit for a Union City angler fishing with grass shrimp off the Oakland Airport.
SUISUN BAY--Bass fishing is going through some season changes with the cold temps, the hot bite around Seal Island slowing, and the best action moving upstream. Sturgeon fishing was also better on the upper end for anglers using ghost shrimp on the outgoing tide.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
FEATHER RIVER--Striper fishing was slow last week below Shanghai Rapids last week, and steelhead fishing was only so-so. The odds of hooking up were as good downstream of the Outlet as in the Low Flow Section.
FOLSOM LAKE--Folsom is definitely in its winter bass fishing pattern, with fish concentrated where bait is found. Spooning, drop-shotting, and jigging have been the preferred methods. Fish shad patterns first, then switch to darker colors if the lighter ones aren't succeeding. Concentrate at the edges of channels.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Fishing was slow but there were a few stripers taken in the Port and at the mouths of the American and Feather Rivers, on soaked sardines as well as by trolling deep diving Yo-Zuri's and Bombers.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa--Salmon fishing was hit-and-miss with long hours of waiting interspersed with brief periods of fast action as a school moved through. The most consistent action, it seemed, came from the Grimes area where a 57 pounder was caught on a spinner. Patient anglers were catching some fish at Knights Landing, Tisdale, and Hamilton City. Flows are low and boating treacherous above Colusa, even with a jetboat.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Fishing for trout was only fair last week, and drifted nymphs under indicators, and drifted Glo-Bugs, crickets, and nightcrawlers for 6 to 10 rainbows an outing plus an occasional steelhead.
Sierra Lakes/Rivers Formcharts
BOCA LAKE--Fishing the inlets has been anglers' best bet, but winter snows finally hitting the area has put a crimp in most fishing plans. With the lake level down and freezing weather temps, people are not fishing at all most days.
CAPLES LAKE--Current snow conditions and freezing have curtailed most, if not all, angling activity at the lake. More storms and cold temperatures should shut down fishing until the lake is completely frozen over and safe for ice fishing.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Snow flurries at times and even bigger snows following have kept most humans at home rather than being out in the cold trying to fish. Nighttime temperatures dropping to around 8 degrees will be icing up most waters in the area.
DAVIS LAKE--The sudden change from bluebird weather to wild wind, rain and snow changed the action here in a hurry. There was already some freezing in the back ends of coves around the lake, and now plenty more. Fairview, Long Point and Mallard have been the best bank fishing bets.
DONNER LAKE--Some heavy snowfall has pretty well shut down the action here. Boat ramp is likely to be snowed in until some local fisherman decides to clear enough room for boat launching. Mackinaw action should be good when there is access again. Trolling big Rapalas and AC plugs should be good for suspended fish.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Bank fishing was pretty good at both boat launch areas, getting plenty rainbows in the 1 1/2-pound range. But when storms moved in most of the action went away...along with most fishermen. When weather settles down, hardy anglers should be able to find the bite again.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Nothing to report from here as snow flurries and much heavier snowfall at times pretty well discouraged anglers from even trying. Fishing now depends on how much more snowfall there is and when lake begins freezing over.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Recent snowfall in the area has made any access to the lake "iffy" at best. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said he had received no late reports on getting to the lake.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Despite some snow flurries at times, bank anglers have continued to catch fair numbers of rainbows from the bank on Power Bait. A new plan to offset the court-ordered ban on DFG planting fish has started here. Denise Cole at Sly Park Resort said they are asking all anglers to catch-and-release fish until they can plant the lake again. It is possible the resort, with some help from EID, will be able to make a couple of private plants next year.
PROSSER LAKE--Lake low and there is some snow on the ground. There could be some freezing in the backs of coves since colder temperatures have finally set in.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat action has been slow, due more to the lack of anglers as lack of fish. George Molino at the Pyramid lake Store in Sutcliffe said there have been few people out fishing from shore and only a half-dozen boats on the lake on Sunday.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Mackinaw action has improved for anglers trolling for suspended fish with large Rapalas and AC-Plugs. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports said most fish have been caught between the dam and island.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw fishing was great until the heavy snow and high winds hit the lake over the weekend. Mickey Daniels with Mickey's Big Mack Charters in Carnelian Bay said he has been getting macks up to 7 pounds. He figures the bite will still be good when he can get his boat back on the lake. The way he sees it, what he loses due to the snow in winter he makes back when snowmelt goes into the lake come springtime.
- Western Outdoor News
www.wonews.com
http://www.sacbee.com/fishing_hunting/stor...Fishing/Hunting
AMERICAN RIVER--Salmon continued to trickle into Nimbus Hatchery at a low rate, and the run appears to be about over. Still the hatchery plans to do one more egg take this week and will apparently meet its quota. Better news is coming about the steelhead run, which is running at twice the rate of last year's run, at least so far. Unfortunately, these seem to be traveling fish rather than biting fish considering the relatively tough fishing downstream of the salmon closure at Ancil Hoffman Park. Fishing conditions and crowds in Nimbus Basin are less than ideal, but the success rate appears to be better
AMADOR LAKE--A bonus for last week's anglers in the form of 2,100 pounds of 7- to 10-pound fish planted along with another 3,000 pounds of 2 to 3 pounders paid off for one angler who caught a 7 pounder. A young lady trying out a new fishing rod she got for her 10th birthday scored four fish. Top bet has been floating Power Bait with a bobber for the shore anglers. No bass or catfish reports.
BENICIA--All the action was at the other end of Suisun Bay, with reports of sturgeon success coming from the far east around Buoy 9, Roe and Ryer islands and Big Cut. Curtis Hayes at Benicia Bait reported success on the Predator (four anglers caught 6 keeper stripers and 2 sturgeon) and on the Barbarian (a 64-inch sturgeon).
MARTINEZ--A little action all over, with the best sturgeon fishing coming from high in the system, ghost shrimp working best. Captain Bob Monckton on Reel-lentless had a great week with keepers boated and two oversized fish released. For stripers, expect volatile fish counts due to the dropping water temperatures. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker reported good action on Thursday following a tougher day on Wednesday, with Thursday's trip producing limits for customers and crew. On the weekend, they battled more weather than fish.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Snow at times discouraged most, but not all, fishermen throughout the week. Lake accessible, but 4x4 vehicles are advised. Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort said the court-ordered shut-off of DFG trout planting in the lake couldn't come at a worse time. Better, she said, would be to plant more fish to give anglers more fishing opportunities, sell more licenses and raise more state revenue, and keep businesses going during the current downturn in the economy. She also wondered if stopping fish planting completely after the many decades of plants could also cause problems in the lake's ecology.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER--The river was still low as of Sunday night. This "storm" brought the river up a little bit, but it was still clear--more rain could have changed that quick, though, so call ahead. It did bring a "new push of fish" into the river, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. It also brought freezing temperatures. Natural and orange cure roe seem to work better than dark red for the few fish caught.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--It was open to fishing, but not enough rain had fallen as of press time for a good report, and nobody was available to talk to. And we mean nobody!
ELK RIVER--There's still some fresh fish in the river, and more to come if the rain picks up. They had 2 1/2 inches as of Sunday afternoon and the river was rising.....call first.
MAD RIVER--Open to fishing as of Sunday afternoon, but there hadn't been enough rain to really do anything much, and nobody--we mean NOBODY--was available for reports.
ROGUE RIVER--It had just started raining as of Sunday evening, with 2 1/2 inches on the charts, but there wasn't any appreciable difference as of press time. According to Jim Carey at the Rogue Outdoor Store, the rivers were coming up, and "there should be another shot of salmon on the Elk, and steelies in the Rogue and Chetco." He said it's "too early to pull the crystal ball out because it's blue skies, 42 degrees, snow to 1500 feet, and we're looking at water maybe holding as snow and not coming down to the rivers." As of Sunday, the river was still in extremely low conditions.
RUSSIAN RIVER--As of Sunday night there hadn't been enough rain to make any difference, but if the forecast becomes more accurate (it hasn't so far), then the river might get blown out and some steelies might get in.
SMITH RIVER--According to Phil Desautel of Phil's Smiling Salmon Guide Service, they only had 1/4-inch of rain as of Sunday night and the river had only come up 2 inches, still running low and clear. It was snowing up at Gasquet, and that might hold the water, keeping it from rising. As of Sunday night, only a bare chance at a steelie in the few riffles that exist on the slow-moving, clear river.
UMPQUA RIVER--This is the best winter steelhead river in Oregon right now, according to WON Field Reporter, Dave Pitts. Many big steelies, from 14 pounds and up to 18 pounds daily. Most caught backbouncing and sidedrifting roe.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--Steelhead fishing continued to be slow, with the very few anglers occasionally intercepting a halfpounder or winter run adult. Spinners and nightcrawlers worked better than streamers and nymphs.
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--This was the area of the best fishing on either the Klamath or the Trinity rivers once again. From Happy Camp to Iron Gate Dam, anglers had the river mostly to themselves while catching a nice mix of steelhead to about 5 pounds, and rainbows. Backtrolling a Hot Shot with a nightcrawler trailer worked better than any other method, although small nymphs dead-drifted under an indicator caught their share.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--Fishing for adult steelhead continued to be slow, but there were some halfpounders being caught, mostly on spinners and nightcrawlers. The hope was that the storm that rolled in over the weekend would attract fresh winter run steelies.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--Too many fishermen continued to compete for too few steelhead in too clear water. The hope was that the weekend storm would murk up the water a bit and attract fresh run winter steelies. Fly fishers attracted a few grabs on golden stones and copper Johns under an indicator. Spin fishermen drifted No. 2 and No. 4 Blue Fox spinners, small chunks of roe and nightcrawlers.
Motherlode
CAMANCHE LAKE--John Cunningham at the Northshore Store reported good action for toplining trollers targeting trout. Fish to 9 pounds were reported, best lure choices Rapalas in black gold or firetiger. Bass anglers dropped deeper, fishing 25 to 40 feet with purple on purple pig and jigs. Don't give up on catfish, regular Bruce Jennings of Daly City did it again with a 9 and a 7 pounder taken on prawns at 40 feet.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Blue Oaks has been the hot spot for shore trout fishing, with heavy plants of rainbows going in regularly. Power Bait or Power Eggs, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs combined with marshmallows have been the top baits. Bass fishing remained slow with the best bet drop-shotting with small worms.
LAKE McCLURE--Trout plants and cold weather perked the rainbow bite, with toplining producing limits for the few trollers. Shore anglers did well with Power Bait and casting spoons in silver and blue. Bass fishing was surprisingly good with some quality fish reported on topwater, good number on jigs and worms, and some action on big swimbaits also. The action was spread out between 5 and 35 feet depths.
LAKE McSWAIN--This lake may be benefiting from the misfortune of all the other lakes that have been crossed off the planted trout list, with two more plants from both the Department of Fish and Game and Calaveras Trout, 1,800 pounds on Dec. 11, and 1,000 pounds on Dec. 12. That has boosted the catch for the few anglers braving the weekend cold, with everyone checking in at the marina reporting success. Top bets are Power Bait and worms for the shore anglers, and Wedding Rings for the trollers.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Very quiet. With the cooler temps, the striper action slowed, and no one has been trying for black bass or catfish. Water level remained steady, the lake at 25 percent of capacity.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Trout fishing was "red hot," but anglers targeting catfish caught the lunkers, with one angler getting fish over 9.5 pounds while soaking sardines at Glory Hole Point. That angler also caught a 5 pounder and a 7 pounder. Shore trout anglers are the stars, scoring limits on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs combined with marshmallows at Glory Hole Point, Tuttletown and the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Trout action stayed strong with fish to 5.5 pounds reported, that fish hitting shad at 20 feet. Also working are Vance's Tackle Slim Willies with a 'crawler, and Uncle Larry bead spinners tipped with a worm.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--Clear Lake Guide Service said they're back to trying a lot of different things with the arrival of snow, but swimbaits and the LV 500 were working well before the storm and the jig bite was starting to turn on as well. With the arrival of the cold weather, the fish could get sluggish and not feed as much. When that happens, you have to downsize your baits and fish slower, plastics typically. This is typical for the winter pattern.
LAKE BERRYESSA--Joshua Tateum from the Outdoor Pro Shop said Spanish Flats was good for trout with Needlefish, small Cleo's, and Kastmaster in 15 to 25 feet, for trout and a few kokes. If you mark them you can get them. Spooning for bass around baitballs in 25 feet and jigging brought in boatloads of bass.
LAKE SONOMA-- Joshua Tateum from the Outdoor Pro Shop said it only took 14 pounds to win a bass event last weekend, guess you can say it's still a tough bite. Shaking worms in green pumpkin worked at both ends of the lake. Warm Springs, by the island and the "no ski zone" was also productive. Bass are suspended in 25 to 25 feet. It was hit and miss for trout off edges and structure in 15 to 20 feet, but look for both bites to improve once the weather clears.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- JD Richey Sportfishing reported good topwater blowups on poppers for stripers and suggested switching over to throwing swimbaits once the sun pops. This bite will return after the storm passes. The sturgeon will enjoy the murky waters; just make sure you add a good scent base like salmon eggs, herring or squid.
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side-- Poppers and swimbaits worked here for stripers in Frank's Tract, and all were "plate-size." The bass bite was tough. Cranking has not helped, though that's what most are doing for bass.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR--Before the storm, there was a good trout bite on the east side using gold Rapalas or streamer flies in the first hour. Once the sun hits the water go down and jig for them in the deeper waters off the bottom, with white or pearl Git-Zits in an 1/8-ounce size, an 1/8-ounce Hopkins spoon or Swedish Pimples. This will also be the better technique once the storm passes.
BAUM LAKE--Copper Johns in green, BWO's, and Griffith's gnat have been working for dries, while Don's bug, midges, and woolly buggers are did well for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen did well on just about anything. Bait fishermen are still doing best with nightcrawlers or Power Bait.
EAGLE LAKE--Closes on Dec. 31 and the last few weeks might be interesting with the change in weather. Both the north and south end produced fish on 3-inch orange grubs fished 4 to 5 feet down on downriggers over 6 to 7 feet of water. The grubs were also scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR--Trout bite slowed due to the abundance of food available here in this every healthy lake. Trout are jumping everywhere. Power Bait or a combination of white and red eggs will help entice the trout.
MEDICINE LAKE--Trolling slowly with a Sep's dodger and worm worked well here before the storm, we'll have to see what options are after the storm passes.
PIT RIVER--Good reports continue in the Pit 5 area, as it remains open to zero kill, barbless hooks and artificials only from Lake Britton Dam downstream to Shasta Lake. Black AP's, golden stones, rubber-leg prince did well before the storm; water conditions may change this once the storm passes.
LAKE SHASTA--The good trout bite continues all over the lake, but this week reports focused on the Digger Bay and the Big Backbone inlet areas. With colder conditions you'll want to run a little smaller lure and run it a little slower in the top 10 feet. Try a Red Magic Needlefish, No. 1. A green plastic 6-inch worm caught a 7 1/4-pound bass just outside Digger Bay. The bass bite should improve after the storm passes, then a brass and glass plus the worms should do the trick in 12 to 20 feet of water.
LAKE SISKIYOU-- Trolling slow with a Sep's dodger and worm or K-7 KwikFish landed some nice trout before the storm, we'll have to wait and see about this tiny little lake now.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Catch-and Release with barbless artificial lures only.
BULLARDS BAR--Fishing has improved with the colder weather. Trollers are catching kokanee to 12 inches and trout to 14 inches up in the Yuba River branch on flasher/Wedding Ring combos. Kokanee have been caught at 50 to 60 feet. Bass action has been very slow.
CAMP FAR WEST--Very little pressure because of the foggy, cold conditions here last week. A few boaters are getting out on weekends and catching bass, but action is slowing down with winter setting in. Possibility of snow in the valley floor is forecast for this week with the first big storm of the season overdue.
COLLINS LAKE--Lake has been put back on the "Will Stock" list due to a successful challenge of the lawsuit. Very little pressure on the lake lately, especially for trout. One local bass angler has been doing well on worms and crawdads for fish up to 5 1/2 pounds.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--It's been a little too cold for most boaters, but the shore anglers are doing well in the marina with a bobber/Power Bait and worm combos for holdover rainbows 14 to 18 inches. Set the depth at 10 feet on a slip bobber.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lake is very low and launching is difficult for 4-wheel drive and small boats on steep banks. The storm that is forecast for this week will probably close the access to the lake because of predicted snow levels, according to the Forest Service. Trollers have been doing well with toplined Rapalas along rocky shoals.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Fishing has been good for 12- to 14-inch browns that are schooled up at the inlet of the Rubicon River for trollers toplining Rapalas. Kokanee are being caught by trollers at 180 to 200 feet on standard koke gear. The storm forecast for this week will probably close the access to the lake because of the predicted snow levels.
LAKE OROVILLE--Looks like construction on the ramp extension at Bidwell will be on hold until after the holidays, especially with a big storm forecast for this week. Launching is still 4-wheel drive only at the Spillway and cold foggy weather has reduced angler interest lately. Bass and coho are hitting for those hardy few getting on the lake.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Trout trollers still doing well on planted rainbows on flasher/Needlefish combos in the middle of the lake over the channel. Trout have been running up to 16 inches. Bass have been hitting trolled Rapalas, but action overall is still slow. There hasn't been much fishing pressure on the lake lately.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--Very slow action, according to the Forest Service. Snow forecast for this week may close the access to the launch ramp and parking area. County plows the roads to the lake, but not the road to the ramp.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Shore anglers have been catching trout and catfish on worms and Power Bait. Cats have been measuring up to 16 inches. Trollers are still picking up rainbows on flasher/worm combos.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Steelhead anglers still getting some nice fish on minnows at Wilbur Rd. and the Hwy. 162 Bridge rock wall. Check with Feather River Outfitters on Hwy. 162 for info and bait.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Lack of crabs and weather meant no trips, and the pier has been mostly deserted.
BODEGA BAY-- Giant squid are on tap, but weather was a factor canceling the weekend trips.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported good action on a lightly loaded trip when six anglers caught 3 leopard sharks, 3 bass on bullheads, a keeper sturgeon and even a keeper halibut while fishing the Mare Island rockwall.
EMERYVILLE--The crab drought made even the New Seeker give up the combos, but the New Salmon Queen is still waiting for the weather and a trip to line up for giant squid. Also, sturgeon trips starting after the first of the year on the Captain Hook and New Huck Finn.
EUREKA--While the ocean turned rough again for the weekend, a few anglers tried mid-week for crabs with marginal results. Surfperch fishing has been slow, and with the rough conditions, shore fishing from the jetties has been out of the question.
FORT BRAGG--The only thing going on is sport crabbing, but between the weather and the lack of angler interest, no one has been out.
HALF MOON BAY--While the landing has quieted down since bottomfishing closed on Nov. 30, Captain Tom Mattusch on Huli Cat is keeping an eye open for weather windows to get out and chase giant squid.
SAN PABLO BAY--Leopard sharks are the top bet, and there were still some halibut showing up on the south end before the storm. Not too much effort here with most of the sportfishing boats working upstream in Suisun Bay.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--While soaking a bait is still more likely to find a shark or ray than a sturgeon, one fat 90-pound diamondback did hit for a Union City angler fishing with grass shrimp off the Oakland Airport.
SUISUN BAY--Bass fishing is going through some season changes with the cold temps, the hot bite around Seal Island slowing, and the best action moving upstream. Sturgeon fishing was also better on the upper end for anglers using ghost shrimp on the outgoing tide.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
FEATHER RIVER--Striper fishing was slow last week below Shanghai Rapids last week, and steelhead fishing was only so-so. The odds of hooking up were as good downstream of the Outlet as in the Low Flow Section.
FOLSOM LAKE--Folsom is definitely in its winter bass fishing pattern, with fish concentrated where bait is found. Spooning, drop-shotting, and jigging have been the preferred methods. Fish shad patterns first, then switch to darker colors if the lighter ones aren't succeeding. Concentrate at the edges of channels.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Fishing was slow but there were a few stripers taken in the Port and at the mouths of the American and Feather Rivers, on soaked sardines as well as by trolling deep diving Yo-Zuri's and Bombers.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa--Salmon fishing was hit-and-miss with long hours of waiting interspersed with brief periods of fast action as a school moved through. The most consistent action, it seemed, came from the Grimes area where a 57 pounder was caught on a spinner. Patient anglers were catching some fish at Knights Landing, Tisdale, and Hamilton City. Flows are low and boating treacherous above Colusa, even with a jetboat.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Fishing for trout was only fair last week, and drifted nymphs under indicators, and drifted Glo-Bugs, crickets, and nightcrawlers for 6 to 10 rainbows an outing plus an occasional steelhead.
Sierra Lakes/Rivers Formcharts
BOCA LAKE--Fishing the inlets has been anglers' best bet, but winter snows finally hitting the area has put a crimp in most fishing plans. With the lake level down and freezing weather temps, people are not fishing at all most days.
CAPLES LAKE--Current snow conditions and freezing have curtailed most, if not all, angling activity at the lake. More storms and cold temperatures should shut down fishing until the lake is completely frozen over and safe for ice fishing.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Snow flurries at times and even bigger snows following have kept most humans at home rather than being out in the cold trying to fish. Nighttime temperatures dropping to around 8 degrees will be icing up most waters in the area.
DAVIS LAKE--The sudden change from bluebird weather to wild wind, rain and snow changed the action here in a hurry. There was already some freezing in the back ends of coves around the lake, and now plenty more. Fairview, Long Point and Mallard have been the best bank fishing bets.
DONNER LAKE--Some heavy snowfall has pretty well shut down the action here. Boat ramp is likely to be snowed in until some local fisherman decides to clear enough room for boat launching. Mackinaw action should be good when there is access again. Trolling big Rapalas and AC plugs should be good for suspended fish.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Bank fishing was pretty good at both boat launch areas, getting plenty rainbows in the 1 1/2-pound range. But when storms moved in most of the action went away...along with most fishermen. When weather settles down, hardy anglers should be able to find the bite again.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Nothing to report from here as snow flurries and much heavier snowfall at times pretty well discouraged anglers from even trying. Fishing now depends on how much more snowfall there is and when lake begins freezing over.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Recent snowfall in the area has made any access to the lake "iffy" at best. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said he had received no late reports on getting to the lake.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Despite some snow flurries at times, bank anglers have continued to catch fair numbers of rainbows from the bank on Power Bait. A new plan to offset the court-ordered ban on DFG planting fish has started here. Denise Cole at Sly Park Resort said they are asking all anglers to catch-and-release fish until they can plant the lake again. It is possible the resort, with some help from EID, will be able to make a couple of private plants next year.
PROSSER LAKE--Lake low and there is some snow on the ground. There could be some freezing in the backs of coves since colder temperatures have finally set in.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat action has been slow, due more to the lack of anglers as lack of fish. George Molino at the Pyramid lake Store in Sutcliffe said there have been few people out fishing from shore and only a half-dozen boats on the lake on Sunday.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Mackinaw action has improved for anglers trolling for suspended fish with large Rapalas and AC-Plugs. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports said most fish have been caught between the dam and island.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw fishing was great until the heavy snow and high winds hit the lake over the weekend. Mickey Daniels with Mickey's Big Mack Charters in Carnelian Bay said he has been getting macks up to 7 pounds. He figures the bite will still be good when he can get his boat back on the lake. The way he sees it, what he loses due to the snow in winter he makes back when snowmelt goes into the lake come springtime.
- Western Outdoor News
www.wonews.com
http://www.sacbee.com/fishing_hunting/stor...Fishing/Hunting
