TOP PICKS
RED LAKE--Lake producing well through the ice. Limits of brookies reported, but no cutthroat have been showing so far. Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords said nightcrawlers have been the ticket for success, but some anglers have been scoring with small jigs. He said there's plenty of safe ice now.
SILVER LAKE--Ice fishing in full swing now, with anglers catching limits of rainbows. One fisherman also caught and released a nice 2 1/2-pound rainbow. Nightcrawlers have been accounting for most fish caught, but a few anglers have jigging with small jigs. Lots of safe ice reported, but anglers need to be extremely careful.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--It's still very early in the season, but sturgeon fishing continued to be pretty good. Many of the fish are being caught in the middle of the day, on pileworms and ghost shrimp.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- Solid action for planted trout is possible in the shallows for trollers pulling Needlefish, Kastmasters, Rainbow Runners or No. 5 or 7 Rapalas behind a dodger from the surface to 20 feet in depth. On the north side near the Putah Creek inlet, trout have been holding in 15 to 30 feet of water with similar lures. Bank anglers have been scoring trout and king salmon with live minnows under a bobber. Spotted bass are also hitting the minnows, as they are moving into shallower water. Drop-shotting or jigs in watermelon colors have been productive for spotted bass along wind-swept points with rocky bottom structure and steep dropoffs.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--As predicted, the Main Stem has become fishable and many of the driftboaters who had been on the South Fork are now fishing it instead. They are boondoggling roe and back-trolling Wee Warts from the Forks down to Holmes. Barring any new rain, the Main should be this week's best bet.
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 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. For the Eel and other North Coast rivers, call (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER-- The river has dropped significantly and is now low and clear. Pressure has been heavier than normal because a lot of California anglers have given up on fishing the Smith, which so far, has been experiencing a very poor run. Rich Mossholder of Rivers West Outfitters had a few good days of steelhead when the river first dropped back into shape, but said that low and clear conditions was making anglers go small with their offerings.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It's dropped to low and clear, and most of the driftboaters have abandoned it for the Main Stem. However, Darren Brown of Brown's Hardware actually likes it at this level, saying that fish tend to concentrate better in the slots and holes.
GARCIA, RIVER--Closed
GUALALA RIVER--Closed
MAD RIVER--The river is low, but fishable. Unfortunately, the fishing has continued to be poor.
ROGUE RIVER, Grants Pass--Fishing pressure has been heavy, but anglers have been scoring up to 6 steelhead per day on side-drifted roe.
ROGUE RIVER, Agness--The river is in great shape, but fishing has been slow. A few steelies were being caught at Illinois River, Coyote Hole and Huntley Park, as well as up by Agness. Small Spin-N-Glo's are now the ticket.
RUSSIAN RIVER--The river is very low and fishing is tough, with only a very few steelhead being hooked with the smallest of offerings such as No. 10 and 12 comets.
SMITH RIVER--The river is in beautiful shape, but the fishing, in a word, has continued to be poor. Many anglers have abandoned it for points north in Oregon. Anglers fishing small pieces of roe with the smallest of Puffballs and a tiny tuft of yarn have been happy to get one or two hookups in a long day's drift.
UMPQUA RIVER--Amy Grieves of Grieves and Sons Guide Service said that both the North and South forks have been producing steelhead, but fishing pressure has been heavy. Most fish have been 8 to 10 pounds and are being caught on side-drifted roe.
NOR CAL SALTWATER
BENICIA--Pretty quiet all week. Randy Hedrick at Benicia Bait and Tackle said he heard of some flounder and croakers caught, and lots of undersized sturgeon, but no keepers. Shore action was equally slow, with only a short striped bass reported, caught on a bullhead.
BERKELEY--No trips reported on the sportfishing boats, and very light pressure on the pier. A good bet would be targeting kingfish, jacksmelt and sharks from the pier this time of year. Squid and cut baits work best.
BODEGA BAY-- No successful squid reports, and slow crabbing makes for a quiet harbor. Surfperch should start showing on Doran Beach, and the rocky spots north of town offer shore rockfish action year round.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough reported two keeper sturgeon on Saturday's trip for a light load of 6 anglers on the Morning Star, and with high hopes, 16 anglers boarded for Sunday's trip, but alas, all those additional baits in the water produced no keepers. "They had plenty of shakers, leopard sharks and chances, but no keepers landed," said Hough.
EMERYVILLE--The giant squid trip on Sunday was called due to wind, although the New Salmon Queen did get out, they couldn't hold to get the gear down. This weekend's schedule is focusing on sturgeon. "They'll head for wherever they think they will do best," said Craig Stone at the landing.
EUREKA--Great jetty action with calm seas offering prime conditions for fishing the better spots, for the resident expert Caleb, that means the dolos at the end of the jetties. "He caught and released several black rockfish," said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center. "He kept 10 up to 4 pounds." Shore fishing for rockfish is open year round here. "Crabbing is slow," said Williams. Perch fishing is showing some promise with one Pro Sport employee catching a jumbo and an undersized one at Mad River Beach.
FORT BRAGG--Finally, something going on here. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar dropped crab pots on Friday afternoon, turned and ran them after an hour soak for 36 crabs on the crew trip. The next day, 11 anglers helped pull the pots for 90 crabs, a mixed grade. He's planning an evening crab and squid combo this week, with a 4 p.m. departure and night effort for the squid.
HALF MOON BAY--Flat calm seas on Saturday prompted an offshore trip on the Huli Cat, but the squid continued to play hard-to-get for the second week in a row. "No one had so much as a bite, and with flat calm seas, everyone got down to the bottom," said Captain Tom Mattusch. "After trying 3 or 4 spots, we gave up on the squid and came in for some Dungeness crab." He said crab numbers have been light, but everyone on board went home with some crab.
SAN PABLO BAY--The flats around the Pumphouse continued to produce a few keeper sturgeon, lots of shaker action plus the usual mix of leopard sharks and dogfish. Lots of time going in per keeper sturgeon, but at least some are taking baits here.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--Not as hot as during the full moon tides two weeks ago, but some keepers were reported. Top spots this time were down around the Dumbarton; the Oakland Airport bite slowed down.
SUISUN BAY--Slow overall, with only an occasional keeper sturgeon reported. Better bets are starry flounder and striped bass. The bass are biting the bullheads now, while the flounder are usually caught on sturgeon rigs with grass shrimp for bait. No one hot spot, just a little here and a little there.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- Live minnows continue to be the top producer in the cold water. The key is to move around and cover a lot of water, but good numbers of fat, healthy fish are possible. The best action has been in 10 to 25 feet of water using a splitshot and drop-shot technique. Jerk baits, drop-shotting, swimbaits, or Senko's have been working for fewer numbers on a very slow "dead-stick" presentation. Crappie and catfish action is slow.
LAKE SONOMA-- Crankbaits or brown/purple jigs worked in 6 to 15 feet of water have been productive for five fish limits to 14 pounds. Most fishermen have been heading up to nearby Clear Lake or Lake Berryessa.
MOTHERLODE LAKES
AMADOR LAKE--Trout anglers found decent action on Power Bait, grubs and nightcrawlers, with fish to 6 pounds brought by the store. Lake managers are planting every week, so there are plenty of fish in the lake. Top tactics are fishing the surface to 5 feet. While most effort is by the shore anglers, launching is still possible with the single lane cement ramp, but there is no dock. "Fishermen are having no problem launching 20-foot boats," said Sandy Lockhart at the Lake Amador Store.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Upriver remained the most consistent trout spot for trollers, while shore anglers continued to find their best bite at the North Shore Day Use area. Shore anglers also caught fish at the South Shore Trout Pond, top tactic casting firetiger Rapalas. Bass action is rated fair, with fish down between 33 and 45 feet on rock structure. Jigs and worms are favored for the winter bite.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing worked the sport show on the weekend, but he did have some good news regarding plants here: brook trout are back on the menu. The trout are shallow, and trolling with side planers or long lining small spoons, bead spinners and a threaded 'crawler has been productive. Shore anglers fished with Power Bait and nightcrawlers or Pautzke's salmon eggs at Blue Oaks for some limits.
LAKE McCLURE--Still a good bet for trout, with both shore action at Barretts Cove, and trolling success pretty much all over. Shore anglers used Power Bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. For those who like more activity, walking the shoreline while casting spoons and spinners also produced. Lake level has held pretty stable for nearly a month with minor gains and losses equaling out.
LAKE McSWAIN--Great action on a mix of brook and rainbow trout, with limits reported by many shore anglers. Power Bait, nightcrawlers, Rooster Tails and Kastmasters worked for the shore anglers. "They planted 22,000 pounds of fish in the past month," said Marilyn Kemper at the Lake McSwain Marina. "The fish are scattered out, and anglers are catching them all over." The lake was drawn down mid-week, but refilled for the weekend recreational crowd. Kern said this coming weekend visitors may see lower lake levels as well, with lake managers planning dock maintenance.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Warm temps triggered better striper action for the trollers and bait soakers, with some reports of 3- to 5-pound linesides caught. Black bass fishing remained slow, with most smallish fish caught on plastic worms in 15 to 25 feet of water on rocky structure.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Trout remained the top bet, with both shore anglers and trollers now scoring. The boaters found improved action, particularly in the coves like Angles and Glory Hole with Rapalas, Rebels, Kastmasters and Needlefish in gold, silver, or shad colors. Bass action rated slow, although anglers throwing bit swimbaits have been getting the occasional lunker.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Lake levels were back on the rise during the last half of the week, which means launching may be back to normal. The lake had been drawn down for facilities maintenance. Trout action has been the big draw here, with good numbers of planters and the occasional big holdover reported by trollers using spoons and frozen shad.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--About the only changes since last week are that flows have dropped even farther, down to 800 cfs, and more steelhead spawning on redds, easily visible and vulnerable. A few half-pounders and fewer fresh adults have been working their way upriver, but fishing is slow--except for those unethical anglers who have been targeting spawning steelhead.
FEATHER RIVER--A batch of fresh, adult steelhead appears to have moved upriver with fish to 5 or 6 pounds moving into the Low Flow Section and below the Outlet. Most were being caught on nightcrawlers.
FOLSOM LAKE--Anglers were doing pretty well on bass and planter trout, and a very few king salmon. Trollers caught only a fish or two, but some of them were nice ones weighing up to 3 pounds toplining nightcrawlers, and slow-rolled anchovies. Bass sometimes liked shad patterned plastic worms and sometimes in the darker patterns. They were sometimes being caught in the shallow warmer water, and sometimes were still on shelves between 15 and 25 feet deep A few of those in the shallows were taking reaction baits. The planter trout were biting around the Granite Bay boat ramp on Power Bait and nightcrawlers floated off the bottom, either inflated or with a marshmallow or Power Egg.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Reports were skimpy last week, but some nice striped bass weighing up to 8 pounds were caught trolling deep-diving Rebel/jig combos in the Port of Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Trout fishing continued to be good in the low flows and warm weather. Fly fishers were taking advantage of hatches of small baetis and caddis. Some were also being caught on egg imitations, and alevins. Spin fishermen side-drifted Glo-Bugs and crickets.
KLAMATH/TRINITY RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--River and weather conditions continued to be about the same as last week, clear and cold, and so has the fishing. There's little pressure, and the few fishermen on the water have been continuing to catch half a dozen adult steelhead to around 5 pounds, and a like number of half-pounders. Backtrolling Hot Shots with a worm trailer has continued to be very effective and so have dead-drifted copper Johns and golden stones.
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--The river is fishable all the way to the mouth, and a very few anglers, mostly fly fishermen have been hooking the occasional adult to 8 pounds swinging Assassins.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--The river and nighttime temperatures remain cold and the water is low. Still, steelheading for bright, fresh fish was pretty good, and fly fishermen were catching fish to around 9 pounds on tiny golden stones tied on No. 16 heavy wire hooks.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--The river below the South Fork has dropped into shape and is now giving the few anglers fishing it a good shot at the big wild steelhead headed for the South Fork. Boondoggle roe from a drift boat or swing heavy spinners deeply through holes.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--It's been extremely cold, and ice forms in the guides in the morning, but anglers have been scoring from 3 to 5 steelhead between 5 and 10 pounds an outing. That's pretty good winter steelheading. Golden stones, copper Johns, and micro-prince nymphs fished under indicators have been working for fly fishers. Spoons, spinners, roe, and nightcrawlers have been scoring for spin fishermen.
DELTA
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- Increasing water temperatures haven't translated to an improved striper or sturgeon bite in the past week. Guides and party boat operators report locating scattered schools of stripers, but anglers must be patient and willing to wait out a tide for a few opportunities. The Pittsburg area has been the top sturgeon producer, particularly in the deeper water with ghost or grass shrimp. An occasional quality striper is taken on fresh shad or bullheads in the sloughs. Flounder continue to plague anglers with many of the flat fish stealing bait from Martinez all the way upriver to Rio Vista.
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side-- Largemouth bass are showing signs of shaking off their lethargy with water temperatures moving up. There is a small window for spinnerbaits in chartreuse/white in low light conditions early in the morning. On the high tides, shad-patterned IMA Shaker crankbaits worked along the tops of the weeds with the Strike King No. 4 crank in similar colors working on the low tides. The striper schools are moving out of the main San Joaquin River channel into the west Delta at Sherman Lake or up north into the Mokelumne River. The Berkley Hollow Belly swimbait in shad colors on a 1/2 oz. Persuader jig head, as well as with a white/blue or white/chartreuse Roadrunner with a 6-inch curly-tailed worm trailer have been productive baits with Hopkins Spoons in green or blue with a single Siwash hook for numbers of schoolie and shaker stripers in deeper water.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Ice fishing by the dam has been decent for anglers using nightcrawlers, eggs or little white jigs. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said jigs have been working best and anglers have been catching kokanee, browns and rainbows. Fish have been hitting under the ice in water 6 to 10 feet deep.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--East Carson getting some attention by a few anglers fishing the restricted winter fishing section from Hangman's Bridge to the state line, but only a handful at best.
Todd Sodaro at Carson River Resort said Alpine County now has all necessary permits for planting fish and will be stocking local waters prior to opening of regular stream fishing season. This is to compensate for the court-ordered stop being put to planting of fish by the California Department of Fish and Game.
DAVIS, LAKE--Ice here has increased in thickness from 5 inches to 9 inches, according to Jerry Dollard at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola. He said continued good weather has increased fishing pressure. But, while all those people have been having a nice social time on the ice, the fish haven't been coming to the party. Hopefully, the bite turns back on quickly
DONNER LAKE--Lake producing some good Mackinaw weighing 10 to 15 pounds. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said one fisherman has been doing well trolling big #13 FlatFish in the deep channel out in front of the boat ramp. Otherwise, bank fishing has been slow, he said.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake conditions in constant change, with ice forming, then melting. There is still open water at the west end, as well as the east end, but the only way to reach either is by snowshoes or snowmobile. Road is plowed to the dam, but icy in spots. For latest conditions call Wiggin's Trading Post in Chilcoot, 530-993-4683.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Access to lake is good and Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort said good numbers of boats have been going in and out.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Action here kind of in a slump. While a few small Mackinaw have been caught on occasion, the action is so infrequent as to be hardly any kind of a trend. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort looks for a weather change to fire up the bite.
LOON LAKE--Gate locked and lake not accessible.
PROSSER LAKE--Ice fishing good here. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said inlets to creek bed areas have been good. The Prosser Creek arm has been fishing pretty good and he recommended the creek bed area closer to Hobart Mills. The dam area has also been good and he advised staying close to the rocks where fish are coming in close to the rocks feeding on minnows under the ice.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat fishing has slowed some, as water temperatures hover around 40 degrees. George Molino with Cutthroat Charters in Sutcliffe said some nice fish 9 pounds and over have been caught, but fish numbers are down quite a bit and they are deeper. On a recent charter, Molino got 9 strikes and landed 5 fish at 75 to 90 feet deep. He was using watermelon Apexes and red frog lures. Biggest fish of the week, an 11-pound, 2-ounce cutthroat, was checked in at Crosby Lodge in Sutcliffe by Bay Area fisherman Rod Bailey.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Still pretty heavily snowed in. Brian Nylund said big 4x4 vehicles possible could make it in to the lake. He said the lake should be iced over and condition of the ice is unknown.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw have been hitting shallow early in the morning most days, then heading out to depths of 200 to 300 feet deep once the sun gets up. Following that pattern, using spoons, big plugs or minnows, anglers have been catching macks from 2 to 9 pounds.
TOPAZ LAKE--Fishing here has settled down some since the opening few weeks' frenzy. Fish checked in at both Topaz Landing Marina and the Topaz Lodge are still weighing up to 3 3/4 pounds. Trollers have been doing well trolling silver and gold Needlefish and spoons. Bright colors like chartreuse and orange will also work. All fish are rainbows and the biggest of the week was a 3-pound, 12 ouncer caught by Debbie Roberts from Yerington. She was fishing green Power Bait along the East Shore.
TRUCKEE RIVER--Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said one fly fisherman, on the regulated section of the Truckee near Farad, caught a nice 20-inch brown. Nylund himself fished the river toward stateline and caught a 20-inch rainbow on a little rubber-legged bug. He said small black nymphs size 18 to 22 will work. For a little dry-fly action he recommended the Little Truckee, but warned it is very tedious fishing, requiring tiny little nymphs and near-perfect casts.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--A few anglers have bee fishing here, using the launch ramp at the dam. Limits of rainbows have been reported and the action should continue as long as warm weather holds.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork in the Sierra District (El Dorado, Placer, Amador, Alpine counties) remain open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures with barbless hooks only. There are no reports of any fishing success being reported to the local bait shops.
BULLARDS BAR--Not much happening at the lake with the staff away at the ISE shows for the last couple of weekends. Water level is coming up a little and launching is good. Very few anglers on the lake lately and few reports are available.
CAMP FAR WEST--Lake has come up a little more but launching is still off the old dirt ramp. A small bass tournament last Saturday reported very slow fishing with only a few bass caught. Another bass angler pre-fishing for another tournament reported only one fish for a day's work. Things are slow and cold.
COLLINS LAKE--Not much happening here with no one reporting in with any fish this last week. Boaters were on the lake for the MLK holiday weekend. Water level is good and launch ramp at the marina is in operation.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Trollers are doing well on flasher or dodger/worm combos at 10 to 12 feet near the dam for browns and rainbows to 14 inches. Some boaters are reporting success drifting Power Bait and worms up in the river arms for small planters, 9 to 10 inches.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--For the "extreme angler" accessing the lake, trout and kokanee are hitting in the top 30 feet for trollers hauling a car topper boat in and shore anglers are doing okay by the dam. The inexperienced are advised to wait until after the roads are open in the spring.
LAKE OROVILLE--Bass and coho fishing are holding up for those getting a boat in the water at the old road below the Spillway Ramp. The Middle Fork and North Fork are both kicking out bass to 3 pounds on jigs and tubes from 20 to 30 feet deep. Coho are falling for dodgers and minnows, Wedding Rings, and hoochies at 40 to 50 feet at the Green Bridge.
ROLLINS LAKE--The lake is coming up and the launch ramp is operational. Boaters and shore anglers are visiting the lake. Trollers are catching rainbows at 20 feet up in the Bear River arm at the power lines using Rapalas early in the morning then switching to a dodger/Needlefish after the sun hits the water. Fish are also being found in scattered groups in the backs of coves like Greenhorn.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Shore anglers are doing well on trout at Cascade Shores on Power Bait. One angler caught a 6 1/2-pound largemouth bass at the dam on a fluke last week.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--The snows that made access difficult have melted with the sunny weather and the road into the parking lot and launch ramp is clear. There are no reports of any success coming in from the Foresthill Ranger Station.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--The snows have melted with the sunny weather and access is good for even two-wheel drive vehicles. Boaters and shore anglers are on the lake but no reports of success have come in to the Georgetown Ranger Station.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Still a few 4- to 5-pound steelhead coming in on minnows and nightcrawlers at Wilbur Rd., the Hwy. 162 Bridge, and the Outlet.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
ALMANOR, LAKE--Warmer weather still holding ice at bay, but just how long is anybody's guess. Over the weekend the launch ramp at Canyon Dam was ice-free and useable and plenty of fishable water remained open.
BAUM LAKE--Although slowing just a bit , the trout action here still ranks as a hot bite, with fish averaging between 12 and 16 inches, with some to 3 1/2 pounds reported.
LEWISTON LAKE--Once the early-morning freeze warms up, so does trout action. Best bet right now is a very slow troll. Try pulling Needlefish, Krocodiles or Panther Martins. Mostly rainbows to 1 1/2 pounds have been providing the action when trolling between the marina and Frog Rock. Fishing from the dock has been pretty good with Power Bait.
PIT RIVER--Fishing is still tough for anglers in the restricted catch-and-release area using artificial lures with barbless hooks. Snow along the stream, and ice formed on the edges, makes fishing hard work.
SHASTA LAKE--Good trout action continues here as warm weather temps continue. Trolling lures like Needlefish, Krocodiles and HumDingers have been producing at less than 20 feet deep. Try around the dam, Digger Bay and Big Backbone. Bass up to 2 3/4 pounds, occasionally 4 or 5 pounds, have been hitting a variety of swimbaits, ripbaits and crankbaits .
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RED LAKE--Lake producing well through the ice. Limits of brookies reported, but no cutthroat have been showing so far. Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords said nightcrawlers have been the ticket for success, but some anglers have been scoring with small jigs. He said there's plenty of safe ice now.
SILVER LAKE--Ice fishing in full swing now, with anglers catching limits of rainbows. One fisherman also caught and released a nice 2 1/2-pound rainbow. Nightcrawlers have been accounting for most fish caught, but a few anglers have jigging with small jigs. Lots of safe ice reported, but anglers need to be extremely careful.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--It's still very early in the season, but sturgeon fishing continued to be pretty good. Many of the fish are being caught in the middle of the day, on pileworms and ghost shrimp.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- Solid action for planted trout is possible in the shallows for trollers pulling Needlefish, Kastmasters, Rainbow Runners or No. 5 or 7 Rapalas behind a dodger from the surface to 20 feet in depth. On the north side near the Putah Creek inlet, trout have been holding in 15 to 30 feet of water with similar lures. Bank anglers have been scoring trout and king salmon with live minnows under a bobber. Spotted bass are also hitting the minnows, as they are moving into shallower water. Drop-shotting or jigs in watermelon colors have been productive for spotted bass along wind-swept points with rocky bottom structure and steep dropoffs.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--As predicted, the Main Stem has become fishable and many of the driftboaters who had been on the South Fork are now fishing it instead. They are boondoggling roe and back-trolling Wee Warts from the Forks down to Holmes. Barring any new rain, the Main should be this week's best bet.
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 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. For the Eel and other North Coast rivers, call (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER-- The river has dropped significantly and is now low and clear. Pressure has been heavier than normal because a lot of California anglers have given up on fishing the Smith, which so far, has been experiencing a very poor run. Rich Mossholder of Rivers West Outfitters had a few good days of steelhead when the river first dropped back into shape, but said that low and clear conditions was making anglers go small with their offerings.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It's dropped to low and clear, and most of the driftboaters have abandoned it for the Main Stem. However, Darren Brown of Brown's Hardware actually likes it at this level, saying that fish tend to concentrate better in the slots and holes.
GARCIA, RIVER--Closed
GUALALA RIVER--Closed
MAD RIVER--The river is low, but fishable. Unfortunately, the fishing has continued to be poor.
ROGUE RIVER, Grants Pass--Fishing pressure has been heavy, but anglers have been scoring up to 6 steelhead per day on side-drifted roe.
ROGUE RIVER, Agness--The river is in great shape, but fishing has been slow. A few steelies were being caught at Illinois River, Coyote Hole and Huntley Park, as well as up by Agness. Small Spin-N-Glo's are now the ticket.
RUSSIAN RIVER--The river is very low and fishing is tough, with only a very few steelhead being hooked with the smallest of offerings such as No. 10 and 12 comets.
SMITH RIVER--The river is in beautiful shape, but the fishing, in a word, has continued to be poor. Many anglers have abandoned it for points north in Oregon. Anglers fishing small pieces of roe with the smallest of Puffballs and a tiny tuft of yarn have been happy to get one or two hookups in a long day's drift.
UMPQUA RIVER--Amy Grieves of Grieves and Sons Guide Service said that both the North and South forks have been producing steelhead, but fishing pressure has been heavy. Most fish have been 8 to 10 pounds and are being caught on side-drifted roe.
NOR CAL SALTWATER
BENICIA--Pretty quiet all week. Randy Hedrick at Benicia Bait and Tackle said he heard of some flounder and croakers caught, and lots of undersized sturgeon, but no keepers. Shore action was equally slow, with only a short striped bass reported, caught on a bullhead.
BERKELEY--No trips reported on the sportfishing boats, and very light pressure on the pier. A good bet would be targeting kingfish, jacksmelt and sharks from the pier this time of year. Squid and cut baits work best.
BODEGA BAY-- No successful squid reports, and slow crabbing makes for a quiet harbor. Surfperch should start showing on Doran Beach, and the rocky spots north of town offer shore rockfish action year round.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough reported two keeper sturgeon on Saturday's trip for a light load of 6 anglers on the Morning Star, and with high hopes, 16 anglers boarded for Sunday's trip, but alas, all those additional baits in the water produced no keepers. "They had plenty of shakers, leopard sharks and chances, but no keepers landed," said Hough.
EMERYVILLE--The giant squid trip on Sunday was called due to wind, although the New Salmon Queen did get out, they couldn't hold to get the gear down. This weekend's schedule is focusing on sturgeon. "They'll head for wherever they think they will do best," said Craig Stone at the landing.
EUREKA--Great jetty action with calm seas offering prime conditions for fishing the better spots, for the resident expert Caleb, that means the dolos at the end of the jetties. "He caught and released several black rockfish," said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center. "He kept 10 up to 4 pounds." Shore fishing for rockfish is open year round here. "Crabbing is slow," said Williams. Perch fishing is showing some promise with one Pro Sport employee catching a jumbo and an undersized one at Mad River Beach.
FORT BRAGG--Finally, something going on here. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar dropped crab pots on Friday afternoon, turned and ran them after an hour soak for 36 crabs on the crew trip. The next day, 11 anglers helped pull the pots for 90 crabs, a mixed grade. He's planning an evening crab and squid combo this week, with a 4 p.m. departure and night effort for the squid.
HALF MOON BAY--Flat calm seas on Saturday prompted an offshore trip on the Huli Cat, but the squid continued to play hard-to-get for the second week in a row. "No one had so much as a bite, and with flat calm seas, everyone got down to the bottom," said Captain Tom Mattusch. "After trying 3 or 4 spots, we gave up on the squid and came in for some Dungeness crab." He said crab numbers have been light, but everyone on board went home with some crab.
SAN PABLO BAY--The flats around the Pumphouse continued to produce a few keeper sturgeon, lots of shaker action plus the usual mix of leopard sharks and dogfish. Lots of time going in per keeper sturgeon, but at least some are taking baits here.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--Not as hot as during the full moon tides two weeks ago, but some keepers were reported. Top spots this time were down around the Dumbarton; the Oakland Airport bite slowed down.
SUISUN BAY--Slow overall, with only an occasional keeper sturgeon reported. Better bets are starry flounder and striped bass. The bass are biting the bullheads now, while the flounder are usually caught on sturgeon rigs with grass shrimp for bait. No one hot spot, just a little here and a little there.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- Live minnows continue to be the top producer in the cold water. The key is to move around and cover a lot of water, but good numbers of fat, healthy fish are possible. The best action has been in 10 to 25 feet of water using a splitshot and drop-shot technique. Jerk baits, drop-shotting, swimbaits, or Senko's have been working for fewer numbers on a very slow "dead-stick" presentation. Crappie and catfish action is slow.
LAKE SONOMA-- Crankbaits or brown/purple jigs worked in 6 to 15 feet of water have been productive for five fish limits to 14 pounds. Most fishermen have been heading up to nearby Clear Lake or Lake Berryessa.
MOTHERLODE LAKES
AMADOR LAKE--Trout anglers found decent action on Power Bait, grubs and nightcrawlers, with fish to 6 pounds brought by the store. Lake managers are planting every week, so there are plenty of fish in the lake. Top tactics are fishing the surface to 5 feet. While most effort is by the shore anglers, launching is still possible with the single lane cement ramp, but there is no dock. "Fishermen are having no problem launching 20-foot boats," said Sandy Lockhart at the Lake Amador Store.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Upriver remained the most consistent trout spot for trollers, while shore anglers continued to find their best bite at the North Shore Day Use area. Shore anglers also caught fish at the South Shore Trout Pond, top tactic casting firetiger Rapalas. Bass action is rated fair, with fish down between 33 and 45 feet on rock structure. Jigs and worms are favored for the winter bite.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing worked the sport show on the weekend, but he did have some good news regarding plants here: brook trout are back on the menu. The trout are shallow, and trolling with side planers or long lining small spoons, bead spinners and a threaded 'crawler has been productive. Shore anglers fished with Power Bait and nightcrawlers or Pautzke's salmon eggs at Blue Oaks for some limits.
LAKE McCLURE--Still a good bet for trout, with both shore action at Barretts Cove, and trolling success pretty much all over. Shore anglers used Power Bait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. For those who like more activity, walking the shoreline while casting spoons and spinners also produced. Lake level has held pretty stable for nearly a month with minor gains and losses equaling out.
LAKE McSWAIN--Great action on a mix of brook and rainbow trout, with limits reported by many shore anglers. Power Bait, nightcrawlers, Rooster Tails and Kastmasters worked for the shore anglers. "They planted 22,000 pounds of fish in the past month," said Marilyn Kemper at the Lake McSwain Marina. "The fish are scattered out, and anglers are catching them all over." The lake was drawn down mid-week, but refilled for the weekend recreational crowd. Kern said this coming weekend visitors may see lower lake levels as well, with lake managers planning dock maintenance.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Warm temps triggered better striper action for the trollers and bait soakers, with some reports of 3- to 5-pound linesides caught. Black bass fishing remained slow, with most smallish fish caught on plastic worms in 15 to 25 feet of water on rocky structure.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Trout remained the top bet, with both shore anglers and trollers now scoring. The boaters found improved action, particularly in the coves like Angles and Glory Hole with Rapalas, Rebels, Kastmasters and Needlefish in gold, silver, or shad colors. Bass action rated slow, although anglers throwing bit swimbaits have been getting the occasional lunker.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Lake levels were back on the rise during the last half of the week, which means launching may be back to normal. The lake had been drawn down for facilities maintenance. Trout action has been the big draw here, with good numbers of planters and the occasional big holdover reported by trollers using spoons and frozen shad.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--About the only changes since last week are that flows have dropped even farther, down to 800 cfs, and more steelhead spawning on redds, easily visible and vulnerable. A few half-pounders and fewer fresh adults have been working their way upriver, but fishing is slow--except for those unethical anglers who have been targeting spawning steelhead.
FEATHER RIVER--A batch of fresh, adult steelhead appears to have moved upriver with fish to 5 or 6 pounds moving into the Low Flow Section and below the Outlet. Most were being caught on nightcrawlers.
FOLSOM LAKE--Anglers were doing pretty well on bass and planter trout, and a very few king salmon. Trollers caught only a fish or two, but some of them were nice ones weighing up to 3 pounds toplining nightcrawlers, and slow-rolled anchovies. Bass sometimes liked shad patterned plastic worms and sometimes in the darker patterns. They were sometimes being caught in the shallow warmer water, and sometimes were still on shelves between 15 and 25 feet deep A few of those in the shallows were taking reaction baits. The planter trout were biting around the Granite Bay boat ramp on Power Bait and nightcrawlers floated off the bottom, either inflated or with a marshmallow or Power Egg.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Reports were skimpy last week, but some nice striped bass weighing up to 8 pounds were caught trolling deep-diving Rebel/jig combos in the Port of Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Trout fishing continued to be good in the low flows and warm weather. Fly fishers were taking advantage of hatches of small baetis and caddis. Some were also being caught on egg imitations, and alevins. Spin fishermen side-drifted Glo-Bugs and crickets.
KLAMATH/TRINITY RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--River and weather conditions continued to be about the same as last week, clear and cold, and so has the fishing. There's little pressure, and the few fishermen on the water have been continuing to catch half a dozen adult steelhead to around 5 pounds, and a like number of half-pounders. Backtrolling Hot Shots with a worm trailer has continued to be very effective and so have dead-drifted copper Johns and golden stones.
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--The river is fishable all the way to the mouth, and a very few anglers, mostly fly fishermen have been hooking the occasional adult to 8 pounds swinging Assassins.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--The river and nighttime temperatures remain cold and the water is low. Still, steelheading for bright, fresh fish was pretty good, and fly fishermen were catching fish to around 9 pounds on tiny golden stones tied on No. 16 heavy wire hooks.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--The river below the South Fork has dropped into shape and is now giving the few anglers fishing it a good shot at the big wild steelhead headed for the South Fork. Boondoggle roe from a drift boat or swing heavy spinners deeply through holes.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--It's been extremely cold, and ice forms in the guides in the morning, but anglers have been scoring from 3 to 5 steelhead between 5 and 10 pounds an outing. That's pretty good winter steelheading. Golden stones, copper Johns, and micro-prince nymphs fished under indicators have been working for fly fishers. Spoons, spinners, roe, and nightcrawlers have been scoring for spin fishermen.
DELTA
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- Increasing water temperatures haven't translated to an improved striper or sturgeon bite in the past week. Guides and party boat operators report locating scattered schools of stripers, but anglers must be patient and willing to wait out a tide for a few opportunities. The Pittsburg area has been the top sturgeon producer, particularly in the deeper water with ghost or grass shrimp. An occasional quality striper is taken on fresh shad or bullheads in the sloughs. Flounder continue to plague anglers with many of the flat fish stealing bait from Martinez all the way upriver to Rio Vista.
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side-- Largemouth bass are showing signs of shaking off their lethargy with water temperatures moving up. There is a small window for spinnerbaits in chartreuse/white in low light conditions early in the morning. On the high tides, shad-patterned IMA Shaker crankbaits worked along the tops of the weeds with the Strike King No. 4 crank in similar colors working on the low tides. The striper schools are moving out of the main San Joaquin River channel into the west Delta at Sherman Lake or up north into the Mokelumne River. The Berkley Hollow Belly swimbait in shad colors on a 1/2 oz. Persuader jig head, as well as with a white/blue or white/chartreuse Roadrunner with a 6-inch curly-tailed worm trailer have been productive baits with Hopkins Spoons in green or blue with a single Siwash hook for numbers of schoolie and shaker stripers in deeper water.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Ice fishing by the dam has been decent for anglers using nightcrawlers, eggs or little white jigs. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said jigs have been working best and anglers have been catching kokanee, browns and rainbows. Fish have been hitting under the ice in water 6 to 10 feet deep.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--East Carson getting some attention by a few anglers fishing the restricted winter fishing section from Hangman's Bridge to the state line, but only a handful at best.
Todd Sodaro at Carson River Resort said Alpine County now has all necessary permits for planting fish and will be stocking local waters prior to opening of regular stream fishing season. This is to compensate for the court-ordered stop being put to planting of fish by the California Department of Fish and Game.
DAVIS, LAKE--Ice here has increased in thickness from 5 inches to 9 inches, according to Jerry Dollard at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola. He said continued good weather has increased fishing pressure. But, while all those people have been having a nice social time on the ice, the fish haven't been coming to the party. Hopefully, the bite turns back on quickly
DONNER LAKE--Lake producing some good Mackinaw weighing 10 to 15 pounds. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said one fisherman has been doing well trolling big #13 FlatFish in the deep channel out in front of the boat ramp. Otherwise, bank fishing has been slow, he said.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake conditions in constant change, with ice forming, then melting. There is still open water at the west end, as well as the east end, but the only way to reach either is by snowshoes or snowmobile. Road is plowed to the dam, but icy in spots. For latest conditions call Wiggin's Trading Post in Chilcoot, 530-993-4683.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Access to lake is good and Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort said good numbers of boats have been going in and out.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Action here kind of in a slump. While a few small Mackinaw have been caught on occasion, the action is so infrequent as to be hardly any kind of a trend. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort looks for a weather change to fire up the bite.
LOON LAKE--Gate locked and lake not accessible.
PROSSER LAKE--Ice fishing good here. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said inlets to creek bed areas have been good. The Prosser Creek arm has been fishing pretty good and he recommended the creek bed area closer to Hobart Mills. The dam area has also been good and he advised staying close to the rocks where fish are coming in close to the rocks feeding on minnows under the ice.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat fishing has slowed some, as water temperatures hover around 40 degrees. George Molino with Cutthroat Charters in Sutcliffe said some nice fish 9 pounds and over have been caught, but fish numbers are down quite a bit and they are deeper. On a recent charter, Molino got 9 strikes and landed 5 fish at 75 to 90 feet deep. He was using watermelon Apexes and red frog lures. Biggest fish of the week, an 11-pound, 2-ounce cutthroat, was checked in at Crosby Lodge in Sutcliffe by Bay Area fisherman Rod Bailey.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Still pretty heavily snowed in. Brian Nylund said big 4x4 vehicles possible could make it in to the lake. He said the lake should be iced over and condition of the ice is unknown.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw have been hitting shallow early in the morning most days, then heading out to depths of 200 to 300 feet deep once the sun gets up. Following that pattern, using spoons, big plugs or minnows, anglers have been catching macks from 2 to 9 pounds.
TOPAZ LAKE--Fishing here has settled down some since the opening few weeks' frenzy. Fish checked in at both Topaz Landing Marina and the Topaz Lodge are still weighing up to 3 3/4 pounds. Trollers have been doing well trolling silver and gold Needlefish and spoons. Bright colors like chartreuse and orange will also work. All fish are rainbows and the biggest of the week was a 3-pound, 12 ouncer caught by Debbie Roberts from Yerington. She was fishing green Power Bait along the East Shore.
TRUCKEE RIVER--Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said one fly fisherman, on the regulated section of the Truckee near Farad, caught a nice 20-inch brown. Nylund himself fished the river toward stateline and caught a 20-inch rainbow on a little rubber-legged bug. He said small black nymphs size 18 to 22 will work. For a little dry-fly action he recommended the Little Truckee, but warned it is very tedious fishing, requiring tiny little nymphs and near-perfect casts.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--A few anglers have bee fishing here, using the launch ramp at the dam. Limits of rainbows have been reported and the action should continue as long as warm weather holds.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork in the Sierra District (El Dorado, Placer, Amador, Alpine counties) remain open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures with barbless hooks only. There are no reports of any fishing success being reported to the local bait shops.
BULLARDS BAR--Not much happening at the lake with the staff away at the ISE shows for the last couple of weekends. Water level is coming up a little and launching is good. Very few anglers on the lake lately and few reports are available.
CAMP FAR WEST--Lake has come up a little more but launching is still off the old dirt ramp. A small bass tournament last Saturday reported very slow fishing with only a few bass caught. Another bass angler pre-fishing for another tournament reported only one fish for a day's work. Things are slow and cold.
COLLINS LAKE--Not much happening here with no one reporting in with any fish this last week. Boaters were on the lake for the MLK holiday weekend. Water level is good and launch ramp at the marina is in operation.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Trollers are doing well on flasher or dodger/worm combos at 10 to 12 feet near the dam for browns and rainbows to 14 inches. Some boaters are reporting success drifting Power Bait and worms up in the river arms for small planters, 9 to 10 inches.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--For the "extreme angler" accessing the lake, trout and kokanee are hitting in the top 30 feet for trollers hauling a car topper boat in and shore anglers are doing okay by the dam. The inexperienced are advised to wait until after the roads are open in the spring.
LAKE OROVILLE--Bass and coho fishing are holding up for those getting a boat in the water at the old road below the Spillway Ramp. The Middle Fork and North Fork are both kicking out bass to 3 pounds on jigs and tubes from 20 to 30 feet deep. Coho are falling for dodgers and minnows, Wedding Rings, and hoochies at 40 to 50 feet at the Green Bridge.
ROLLINS LAKE--The lake is coming up and the launch ramp is operational. Boaters and shore anglers are visiting the lake. Trollers are catching rainbows at 20 feet up in the Bear River arm at the power lines using Rapalas early in the morning then switching to a dodger/Needlefish after the sun hits the water. Fish are also being found in scattered groups in the backs of coves like Greenhorn.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Shore anglers are doing well on trout at Cascade Shores on Power Bait. One angler caught a 6 1/2-pound largemouth bass at the dam on a fluke last week.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--The snows that made access difficult have melted with the sunny weather and the road into the parking lot and launch ramp is clear. There are no reports of any success coming in from the Foresthill Ranger Station.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--The snows have melted with the sunny weather and access is good for even two-wheel drive vehicles. Boaters and shore anglers are on the lake but no reports of success have come in to the Georgetown Ranger Station.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Still a few 4- to 5-pound steelhead coming in on minnows and nightcrawlers at Wilbur Rd., the Hwy. 162 Bridge, and the Outlet.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
ALMANOR, LAKE--Warmer weather still holding ice at bay, but just how long is anybody's guess. Over the weekend the launch ramp at Canyon Dam was ice-free and useable and plenty of fishable water remained open.
BAUM LAKE--Although slowing just a bit , the trout action here still ranks as a hot bite, with fish averaging between 12 and 16 inches, with some to 3 1/2 pounds reported.
LEWISTON LAKE--Once the early-morning freeze warms up, so does trout action. Best bet right now is a very slow troll. Try pulling Needlefish, Krocodiles or Panther Martins. Mostly rainbows to 1 1/2 pounds have been providing the action when trolling between the marina and Frog Rock. Fishing from the dock has been pretty good with Power Bait.
PIT RIVER--Fishing is still tough for anglers in the restricted catch-and-release area using artificial lures with barbless hooks. Snow along the stream, and ice formed on the edges, makes fishing hard work.
SHASTA LAKE--Good trout action continues here as warm weather temps continue. Trolling lures like Needlefish, Krocodiles and HumDingers have been producing at less than 20 feet deep. Try around the dam, Digger Bay and Big Backbone. Bass up to 2 3/4 pounds, occasionally 4 or 5 pounds, have been hitting a variety of swimbaits, ripbaits and crankbaits .
_ Western Outdoor News
www.wonews.com
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