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TOP PICKS
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Striper fishing took off in a big way last week as both flows and the weather settled down. They were being caught from Rio Vista to Verona on just about every method from soaking bait to trolling Bombers and throwing swimbaits. Most fish have been schoolies from barely legal (18 inches) to about 6 pounds plus the occasional fish in the 20-pound class. Bryte Beach, Miller Park, just above the mouth of the Feather, and Crawdads have been some of the better spots. Sturgeon are still being caught, but most anglers have switched to striped bass.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--This was one of the hottest spots for catching stripers on the Sacramento River last week with some anglers scoring two dozen or more an outing with most of the action on minnows. Fish have moved in good numbers up to Meridian, but fishing has continued to be up and down around Colusa. There are still quite a few sturgeon around all the way to Colusa and above, but most anglers are concentrating on striped bass now.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--This weekend's opening of trout season is off to a big start with loads of fish being planted in Alpine County waters. Including Carson River East and West forks, Markleeville Creek and Silver Creek, some 15,000-plus pounds of rainbows, catchable-sized and bigger, were planted over the past two weeks. Flows in the river are up a bit over a foot, but are definitely fishable.
COLLINS LAKE--Weekly multiple trout plants have the fishing action in high gear. Gerrie Morrison of Clearlake caught a record rainbow trout, a 13-pound 4-ounce monster, trolling a rattling pink and white minnow lure on Monday only to have Logan Bailey of Diamond Springs come in on Saturday with a 14 pounder that took over the title as the new lake record. Trollers have been doing well on pink or pink/gold Shasta Tackle Flee Bitty's, rainbow Needlefish, and of course, the Rapala. Shore anglers are also doing very well on Power Bait and casting lures like Kastmaster spoons and Roostertail spinners. The dam, marina and swim beach areas are all producing. Bass are up on the banks preparing to spawn, remember to practice catch-and-release this time of the year.. The weekly fishing derby has started, with entries costing $4/day or $10/week. Derby runs Monday through Sunday each week, with the biggest fish caught by Sunday worth $100 cash. The CIFFI Trout Derby on Saturday was won by Probhat Palma with a 7-pound 10-ounce rainbow. First place paid over $700.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed. 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. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
ROGUE RIVER--Springer fishing looks like it will see another down year, following the example of the last few. Still not many fish being caught, although a few bright chromers to 30 pounds--and a surprising number of smaller "jacks-and-a-half" of 5 to 9 pounds are being caught. Clear water is part of the problem.
RUSSIAN RIVER--Steelhead season is almost over, although surprisingly, a few fresh steelhead still came through and up into the hatchery this past week, and there's still a few downrunners. Shad haven't started yet, but the warmer weather is warming the water, and the mouth is still open, so it could happen most any time. Flows are clear and low, around 400 cfs.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER--Fishing was very good for steelhead and native rainbow trout between Klamathon and Iron Gate Dam last week with the very few anglers on the water catching over 20 fish an outing between the two of them, plus a similar number of trout that got away after a battle. Drifting bait and backtrolling a Hot Shot/worm combination were very effective, and so was fly fishing nymphs under an indicator. Water conditions were good all the way down the Klamath to the mouth of the Trinity at Weitchpec, but the best fishing, by far, was at the upper end of the river.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--Releases to the river at Lewiston are due to start ramping up this week to 900 cfs by Friday, then top out at 4,500 cfs by the beginning of May, slowly tapering down over the month of May reaching 1,500 cfs by the end of May, and finally back to summer flows of 300 cfs in June. The high flows are intended to mimic naturally occurring high springtime flows that existed before Trinity and Lewiston dams were built. Needless to say, fishing the river under the high flow conditions will be difficult at best until releases get back down to around 1,000 cfs.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--There seems to be lots of striper action on the Sacramento River, even at the mouth of the American, but trollers continued to struggle in the lower end of the river, and only the occasional striper was being caught farther upstream, mostly by anglers throwing soft swimbaits and soaking jumbo minnows.
FEATHER RIVER-- Flows were being increased again, and, hopefully that will perk the striper fishing back up after the success of a week earlier dropped off. It's supposed to go up another foot this week, and more smolts are scheduled to be released to the river. A fair number of stripers continued to be caught around Boyd's Pump, Shanghai Bend, and the Bear River by anglers throwing Hair Raiser, Bombers and shallow Rainbow Runners.
FOLSOM LAKE-- Lots of bass continue to be caught at Folsom but most have been small. While the usual artificials such as Senkos in shallow, drop-shotting a bit deeper, crankbaits, and swimbaits, the real getters have been live bait, minnows and crawdad. A few salmon in the 16-inch class were being caught between 20 and 30 feet deep on slow rolled baby anchovies, and small anchovies. Yo-Zuri Pin Minnows in silver and chartreuse were working, too, but not as well as bait.
RANCHO SECO LAKE--The trout bite is starting to taper off at Rancho Seco, but some nice bass have moved into the shallows, and are being caught on weightless Senkos. Float tubers and kayakers were still catching a few trout on wooly buggers, Kastmasters and small Rapalas.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Trout fishing perked up last week, as flows increased. Glo-Bugs and small Hot Shots were working for Spinfishermen, and fly fishers were using caddis and baetis imitations under indicators. An occasional hatch was producing a few rises on dry flies as well.
YUBA RIVER-- Flows were around 1,500 cfs making for relative challenging fishing on the Yuba last week. A few trout were being taken on nymphs, and an occasional fish on dries, but good anglers were working hard of maybe 3 or 4 trout in a long day.
Sierra Lake and rivers
BOCA LAKE--Lake now full, almost to capacity. Steve Soulem at Mountain hardware and Sports in Truckee said launching is no problem and some anglers have been out there trying. But, for all the effort, there has not been a lot of action, he said.
CAPLES LAKE--Open water in places around the edges now. Richard Haurlan at Caples Lake Resort said ice is too rotten for ice fishing.
DAVIS, LAKE--Rainbow bite here rated fair for bait fishermen and good for most fly fishermen. Jerry Dollard, at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola, said points along the southeast shore have been producing well for experienced fly fishermen. He said the Camp Five road on the west side of the lake is now open to through traffic.
DONNER LAKE--Action has been slow, but some Mackinaw have been caught by anglers who have managed to track them down around the lake. Toplining a variety of lures has been working, with AC Plugs one of the better producers. Occasional macks in double-digit weights have been caught, but numbers have been low.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Rainbows up to 2 pounds being caught, with nightcrawlers and Power Bait working. There have been a few reports of catfish being caught near Lunker Point.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Anglers getting some fish here, but report generally the rainbow bite has been pretty slow, with most fish running up to 14 inches. A few browns reported caught, but just now and then.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Lake has been planted and anglers have been doing well. More fishing pressure is likely now that trout fishing season is open, even though the lake is open all year.
PROSSER LAKE--Action has started to pick up here, although the bite is far from hot. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake has started to turn and the smallmouth action has been picking up.
PYRAMID LAKE--Bigger Lahontan cutthroat starting to show, with cutts 14.5 pounds and 11.56 pounds weighed in recently. Currently, fly fishermen have been getting some of the better action, while boaters have had to cover lots of water for just a few fish. This could change as fish complete spawning.
RED LAKE--Ice is not safe for ice fishing now. Fishermen reported falling through ice at Silver Lake and conditions are just as dangerous here. Wait until next winter for ice fishing, or for ice-out for shore and float-tube fishing.
SILVER LAKE--A 10-pound Mackinaw was caught through the ice here. But Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords, who saw the catch, said both fishermen fell through the ice while landing it. They survived breaking through the ice, but Kirby said it just isn't safe to be out on the ice now.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Fishing action has definitely taken a turn for the better. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake level has come up some and fishermen have been trolling for smaller kokanee. Soulem said others have also picked some smaller Mackinaw. As an added bonus, a few good browns have been caught, occasionally as large as 10 pounds.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw action described as "up and down" by Mickey Daniels with Mickey's Big Mack Charters in Carnelian Bay. Daniels has been getting some pretty good fish on an early-morning bite some days, then slow action at best on other days. He said he has been starting out fishing at about 80 feet deep, then dropping down as deep as 350 feet when the sun gets up.
TOPAZ LAKE--Good weather, good fishing. Linda Fields at Topaz Landing Marina said they have been seeing some nice fish and many anglers have been getting limits of the lake's Eagle Lake-strain rainbows. Fields said nightcrawlers, bright-colored Needlefish and broken-back Rapalas have been working. Fish are near surface and most anglers are toplining the lures.
TRUCKEE RIVER--River flows are up around a foot now, but should still be fishable in most stretches this opening weekend. Continued warm weather temperatures can boost runoff and start to wash out better fishing. Just a matter of time.
WEST WALKER RIVER--River flows are good, and this weekend's opening of trout season should be one of the better ones. Sam Foster at Toiyabe Motel in Walker said a load of Alpers trout went in at mid-week and California Department of Fish and Game made an unscheduled plant two weeks ago.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Still no live bait as of deadline, but the bait boats are trying every day. The anchovies they are finding are still too small. As a result, the boats targeting halibut trolled or used alternative baits. The El Dorado scored 9 halibut to 16 pounds for 8 anglers on Saturday, the Reel-lentless gradually saw increasing scores while trolling through the week, topped by 6 fish for 4 anglers on Sunday's trip. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker found 7 fish on Sunday using a mix of live shiners and dead anchovies.
BODEGA BAY-- Rockfish season opens in April, but the charter operators are considering trying for halibut in local waters. Shore action has been good for surfperch at Doran Beach, and for rockfish at the rocky spots north of town.
BROOKINGS, Ore.-- Flat ocean conditions led to great bottomfishing in the Brookings/Gold Beach area, and many boats ran to areas less frequented for jumbo black, blue and vermilion rockfish, and lingcod. Dave Pitts at the Checo Outdoor Store said top offerings are P-Line flies, lead fish, and a 6-ounce leadhead with twin tails in Motor Oil and Root Beer. "Those who went up to Twin Rocks and House Rock saw lingcod in the teens, and rockfish in the 3- to 4-pound range," said Pitts. Crabs are still available, with one group finding 11 keepers in 3 pots. Surfperch action is coming into prime time with May 1 through May 20 the best spring bite.
EMERYVILLE--The Tigerfish and New Huck Finn are still running trolling trips for halibut with striped bass showing on the side, with an average of one around most trips. The New Huck Finn ran three trips, with a total of 39 halibut and 5 stripers. The Tigerfish ran on Saturday for 10 halibut to 14 pounds and a striped bass.
EUREKA--The ocean laid down flat by the weekend, offering some great conditions for the jetty anglers. One angler fishing the South Jetty scored some lingcod and a 30-inch cabezon, while the regulars fishing the North Jetty did best on rockfish, with one angler reporting six trips that produced limits of black rockfish. .
FORT BRAGG--Garreck Tallman at Subsurface Progression said diving conditions were good, with visibility 5 to 10 feet in most locations. A fellow employee found an abalone close to 10 inches. Most divers reported limits, if they wanted to pull all three. "Not too many spearfishing reports this weekend," said Tallman. "It's been a pretty mellow weekend."
HALF MOON BAY--While only sanddabs and crabs were open, the sportfishing operations are anxious for the May 1 opener, which, while for waters south of the harbor, will allow fishing for the boats that want to run south of Pigeon Point.
POINT SAN PABLO--Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported two trips, Saturday's effort a combo sturgeon and halibut effort that didn't work out too well, and Sunday's trip that scored three keeper halibut for four anglers. "We caught one fish at Southampton, and two at Paradise," said Miller. His anglers drifted dead anchovies for their flatties.
SHELTER COVE--May 1 is opening day of Pacific halibut seasons, May 15 for bottomfish.
SUISUN BAY--Sturgeon fishing slowed with the tides, but a few keepers were reported from the Mothball Fleet and some of the deeper water spots. Grass shrimp and eel were the top baits.
Motherlode
AMADOR LAKE--Bass and trout are the top draws, with bass on the beds. Some quality fish to 6 pounds reported, mostly on plastic worms and Senkos. Trouters reported the best action under a bobber, with Power Bait and grubs top strike getters. Crappie fishing remained an option in the evenings around the boathouse, with mini-jigs or live minnows best. "You have to bring your own minnows, we don't sell them at the store any longer," said Sandy Lockhart at the Lake Amador Store.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Top bites went to trout trollers fishing the west end of the lake from Hat Island to the dam. Early and late, low-light hours the fish are up around 10 feet, while in mid-day, they are down about 25 feet. Top lures are Rapalas, Wedding Rings, Uncle Larry bead spinners and Sep's grubs. Big fish of the week was one nearly 8 pounds caught on a Rapala.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--King salmon and trout are a good bet now for trollers, with trout hitting grubs, bead spinners and worms in the top 25 feet of water. The kings are down between 50 and 75 feet, and prefer shad. Black bass are in all stages of spring patterns, with some pre-spawn, some spawn and a few post-spawn. As a result, a wide variety of lures are working.
LAKE McCLURE--Not much word on the trout and salmon, but the bite has been good for a mix of brookies and 'bows, most of the action going to trollers using flasher/'crawler combos. Spotted bass are thick in the first 20 feet off the bank, and tossing a Senko gets plenty of action. Wood seems to be the best cover.
LAKE McSWAIN--A very busy fishing hole over the weekend, with the irrigation district tagged trout derby attracting sell out crowds. All the extra trout plants should result in some good fishing this week. As for the derby, seven anglers turned in tagged fish, but the "number one" tagged fish eluded capture. Those lucky seven anglers took home nearly $500 each. Big untagged fish of the event weighed 2.65 pounds and that angler also won $200 cash.
LAKE PARDEE--Not much has changed with shore anglers soaking Power Eggs, Power Worms and maggots on a sliding sinker rig at Tom Sawyer Island, Rainbow Point and the launch ramp. Trollers have seen a steady increase in action with the best bite from the Rock Wall to Indian Head Rock. Bead spinners and flasher/'crawler combos worked best between 5 and 15 feet down. No recent bass reports.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Striped bass fishing showed some improvement for trollers with the warming water, jointed Rebels, Predators and whole anchovies the top offerings. Black bass anglers report the fish in full spawn mode, with lots of beds in the coves, and mostly smaller male fish in the shallows. Plastic worms and Senkos have been the top offerings.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Kokanee fishing is starting to draw more interest, and while the action is good, the size was not quite what anglers were hoping for after the jumbos that showed up in spring of 2008. "We had no problem catching many fish, the problem was the size," said guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing. Most of his fish measured between 11 and 13 inches, although one measuring 17 inches was checked at Glory Hole Sports. Top action went for hoochies behind sling blade dodgers fished between 20 and 35 feet. Black bass action is on high with several big fish reported including one nearly 12 pounds that hit a plastic worm. Spawning activity is at a season high, so plenty of fish are in the shallows.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Trout trolling remained a good bet, with the rainbows now down about 15 to 20 feet taking shad or flasher/worm combos. Bass action is on high, with most anglers using plastic worms around the dock structures, but some scoring on reaction baits.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--The regular trout season opens on April 25th, removing the restrictions on catch-and-release and barbless artificial lures. With the runoff season still a few weeks away, flows are perfect for fishing but remember that the whole river system is on the 'No Stocking" list and will not receive any trout plants from the DFG until at least 2010.
BULLARDS BAR--Water level is over 80-percent capacity with the temperatures warming up with all the nice weather. The spotted bass bite is really picking up with the fish either spawning or in late pre-spawn. Use worms and jigs in browns and greens, or go for the gusto and give jerkbaits a try in the backs of the coves near cover. There's still not much of anything happening with the trout and no word on any kokanee action.
CAMP FAR WEST--The North Shore Resort sponsored team bass tournament is being held April 25th. Pre-paid entry is $50, with $60 entry on the day of the event (70-percent pay-back). $10 big fish per person pays back 100-percent. Sign-ups are at 5:30 with a 6:00 blast-off, and 1:00 weigh-in. A free barbeque lunch is included for all contestants. Lots of boats were on the lake over the weekend catching lots of bass with the spawn in high gear. Worms, jigs and reaction baits are all working in the backs of the coves for fish to 4 pounds.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Bass and trout action is on tap for the loads of anglers hitting the lake. Bass are cruising the banks in preparation for the spawn with some fish in the 5- to 6-pound range spotted near the marina. The water is colder here because of the flow coming out of Bullards Bar and the successful angler needs to use a slower presentation. Black worms accounted for 6 or 7 bass to 2 pounds for an angler this past Friday. Trout appear to be moving toward the deeper water at the dam end of the lake. Trollers are now working the Black's Ravine area on down towards the dam for a mix of rainbows and browns from 14 to 25 inches. Small holdover rainbows, 9 to 12 inches, are still being caught around the marina on worms and Power Bait.
LAKE OROVILLE--With no recent rain and the spring runoff yet to start, the lake only came up a little to 58.2-percent capacity. Bass and coho action are rated "very good". David Underwood reported catching 13 bass up to 8 pounds on white spinnerbaits in 4 to 5 feet of water in the back of coves in the Middle Fork. A couple of big bass were caught in McCabe's Cove in the South Fork on spinnerbaits in a recent tournament, too. Other anglers are reporting action on jigs, tubes, and RoboWorms in green/pepper and pumpkin at 10 to 15 feet in the Middle Fork, North Fork and near the dam. Coho action is good for fish up to 3 1/2 to 4 pounds on minnows and anchovies. Anglers have done well at the dam at a depth of 50 to 60 feet and in the North Fork creek channels at 25 to 30 feet. Catfish are up closer to the bank as some spawning activity starts to take shape. The secondary ramp at Loafer Creek is reported to be open at this time
ROLLINS LAKE--Lake is in beautiful shape and lots of anglers and campers are visiting Long Ravine Campgrounds. The marina and Outrigger Grill are now open full-time. Trout trollers have been catching 12- to 14-inch holdover rainbows on bikini Needlefish behind Sep's copper/pink Half-fast blades up under the power lines in the Bear River arm. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake is just below the spillway and beautiful. Lots of anglers and campers are visiting the lake. The marina is only open on weekends but should move to full-time operation by mid-May. Campgrounds are currently open all week. The Nevada Irrigation District, which owns Scott's Flat and Rollins, is planning a 4 week long fishing derby with weekly prizes starting sometime in May. Details of this derby will be posted as they become available. Boaters are doing pretty well up in the Deer Creek arm slow trolling (0.8- to 1.0 mph) a No. 9 purpledescent Rapala for 12- to 14-inch brown trout. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--The Foresthill Ranger Station reports that the roads into the parking lots and boat ramp are open. Some anglers have been on the lake, but there are few reports of any success. This lake is on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year so try this lake soon for any holdover trout left over from last year's plantings. The campgrounds and picnic areas will open on May 1.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--The Georgetown Ranger Station reports that the roads are open to the lake and the boat ramp. Both shore anglers and boaters have been visiting the lake with no reports of any success available. This lake is also on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year. The only hope for anglers this year is any holdover rainbow trout left from previous plantings, the reportedly self-sustaining brown trout population, and the catfish.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--The water has warmed back up and the bass are on the banks. Scott from Oroville came into Feather River Outfitters and reported catching 6- and 8-pound largemouth on Senkos in shallow water in the back of a cove. This action will only get better over the next few weeks as spawning goes into high gear.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--With less water, move out a little deeper to the first break that is available at 5 to 6 feet and look for the swimbait bite to start to really kick into gear in the coming weeks. It will not be in the normal areas though, as most are a little too shallow. Look for bites a little farther away from the bank in a little deeper water or on the deeper south end of the lake. Good choices this season are still the Osprey in either the top hook or talon version in light hitch, shad, and bass colors. Other popular choices of course include the full-size Huddleston in light trout or hitch and as the bite starts to pick up the MS Slammer and Wake Bait Jr. may get a big bite for anglers. Just don't plan on getting more than a handful of bites during a full day. Other choices include the Senkos, jigs, and drop-shot. A few more crappie and catfish have also been reported.
LAKE BERRYESSA--Lunker Larry reported finding a few bass in the backs of coves but said most of his fish came off points with a steep drop on the front or off to the side or on the inside edges of the weed line. The warmest water he found was 64 degrees. Concentrate on areas with deep water nearby, drop-shotting Morning Dawn Robo Worms, split-shotting green pumpkin Power worms and MMIII Robo's in 4- and 6-inch sizes. King salmon, kokes, rainbows, and 1 Eagle Lake trout were reported this past week. Troll the main body with Sep's 3/0 dodgers in chrome or watermelon. Uncle Larry's hot belly tiger, purple tiger, and a white/pink Apex, fished 30 to 42 feet down did the trick though with wind, full limits were harder to come by.
INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR-- Bass and catfish are here in large numbers, with some of the best action near the dam. There have been no reports of any trout being caught, as water is too low. If you have a small car-top boat or a float tube, this lake is definitely worth a try.
LAKE PILLSBURY--Stocked with trout this past week; this is a great lake to camp and fish for trout and bass now. With the lake at 85% of capacity, the boat ramp at Fuller Grove open, the county road into the lake from Potter Valley in excellent condition. Who could ask for more.
LAKE SONOMA--The lake level is about 90% full so its in pretty good shape compared too many of the other lakes. There has been a good rip bite for smallies on main points and in a few coves where smallies where getting ready to spawn. Smallies up to 2 1/2 pounds were caught on rip baits and tubes. Cherry Creek had a few bedding bass but not many were spotted in the Yorty Creek area yet. April and May are probably the two best months of the year to bass fish here.
UPPER BLUE LAKE--This lake will again be planted the first week of May, when three of the largest trout will be tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive a $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side--Sturgeon have returned to the upper system and the bite has been more aggressive in response, feeding on ghost and grass shrimp in the Chain Island area. If they follow the same pattern this coming week, the afternoon out-going tides will be the better tides to focus on. Fish have also moved deeper now, from 35 to 55 feet deep. Anglers trolled for stripers in the Rio Vista area from Decker Island up and into the Shipping Channel, and up the Old Sac to Walnut Grove with both deep-running and shallow-running lures, but the shallow-runners caught more fish. Best tides were the last of the incoming, through the change of tide, and the first part of the outgoing
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Broad Slough and surrounding areas held much of the action for bedding bass, sturgeon, and stripers this past week. All three species produced well and many were very large fish.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR-- The long awaited bloody midge hatch started and trout will be switching their attention to the midges now, and loose interest in the pond smelt. Smelt imitations trolled early in the mornings will still be the way to go during this transition period but as soon as the morning sun warms the water, the hatch will begin each day and anglers will need to switch to flies and other tactics. Blood midge emergers, Rapalas, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners will all work.
BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--No access at this time. The estimate is for four or five more weeks, if the weather remains warm and there's no new snowfall.
BAUM LAKE-- Reports indicate that most fishermen are catching trout. Bait fishermen preferred nightcrawlers and Power Bait, lure fishermen were still stocking up on Kastmasters and Panther Martins, while nymphing seemed to be the preference of the fly fishermen. With the warmer weather, look for some caddis or callibaetis on the surface.
BRITTON LAKE-- The crappie bite is still slow; smallies are a better bet if you have a boat.
BURNEY CREEK-- Opens April 25 and will receive a plant. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
CASSEL FOREBAY--Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA--Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.
UPPER HAT CREEK--Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.
LEWISTON LAKE--Rainbow trout to 5 pounds were taken using nightcrawlers or Needlefish and just slow trolling on the south end of the lake. For the fly anglers, try black leaches right in front of Pine Cove Marina and in the swifter water up by the dam black midges did well.
MANZANITA LAKE--The lake is still frozen but signs of thawing are apparent. Be sure to observe the restrictions here when fishing on this trophy water reopens.
PIT RIVER--Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger.
LAKE SHASTA--For bass, fish from the shallows out to 40 feet, as the bass were scattered with changing water temperatures. While scattered, the majority of the bass were holding between 15 to 30 feet and were caught on drop-shot and dartheaded worms. The McCloud arm was good for bass and trout. For trout troll from the main section up to Green's Creek. It was a little tougher this past week but before the winds came up trout were caught on Flee Bitty's at the surface. Then anglers went deeper and used red/gold Hum Dingers on downriggers at 20 feet for the rest of their fish when the winds came up.
LAKE SISKIYOU--Trout measuring up to 20 inches where found trolling gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer. Troll in an "S" pattern here.
TRINITY LAKE--Limits to over 20 pounds of smallies came in on small swimbaits. A good rip bite and crankbait bite was also seen with several fish going over 6 pounds.
- Western Outdoor News www.wonews.com
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SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Striper fishing took off in a big way last week as both flows and the weather settled down. They were being caught from Rio Vista to Verona on just about every method from soaking bait to trolling Bombers and throwing swimbaits. Most fish have been schoolies from barely legal (18 inches) to about 6 pounds plus the occasional fish in the 20-pound class. Bryte Beach, Miller Park, just above the mouth of the Feather, and Crawdads have been some of the better spots. Sturgeon are still being caught, but most anglers have switched to striped bass.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--This was one of the hottest spots for catching stripers on the Sacramento River last week with some anglers scoring two dozen or more an outing with most of the action on minnows. Fish have moved in good numbers up to Meridian, but fishing has continued to be up and down around Colusa. There are still quite a few sturgeon around all the way to Colusa and above, but most anglers are concentrating on striped bass now.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--This weekend's opening of trout season is off to a big start with loads of fish being planted in Alpine County waters. Including Carson River East and West forks, Markleeville Creek and Silver Creek, some 15,000-plus pounds of rainbows, catchable-sized and bigger, were planted over the past two weeks. Flows in the river are up a bit over a foot, but are definitely fishable.
COLLINS LAKE--Weekly multiple trout plants have the fishing action in high gear. Gerrie Morrison of Clearlake caught a record rainbow trout, a 13-pound 4-ounce monster, trolling a rattling pink and white minnow lure on Monday only to have Logan Bailey of Diamond Springs come in on Saturday with a 14 pounder that took over the title as the new lake record. Trollers have been doing well on pink or pink/gold Shasta Tackle Flee Bitty's, rainbow Needlefish, and of course, the Rapala. Shore anglers are also doing very well on Power Bait and casting lures like Kastmaster spoons and Roostertail spinners. The dam, marina and swim beach areas are all producing. Bass are up on the banks preparing to spawn, remember to practice catch-and-release this time of the year.. The weekly fishing derby has started, with entries costing $4/day or $10/week. Derby runs Monday through Sunday each week, with the biggest fish caught by Sunday worth $100 cash. The CIFFI Trout Derby on Saturday was won by Probhat Palma with a 7-pound 10-ounce rainbow. First place paid over $700.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed. 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. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
ROGUE RIVER--Springer fishing looks like it will see another down year, following the example of the last few. Still not many fish being caught, although a few bright chromers to 30 pounds--and a surprising number of smaller "jacks-and-a-half" of 5 to 9 pounds are being caught. Clear water is part of the problem.
RUSSIAN RIVER--Steelhead season is almost over, although surprisingly, a few fresh steelhead still came through and up into the hatchery this past week, and there's still a few downrunners. Shad haven't started yet, but the warmer weather is warming the water, and the mouth is still open, so it could happen most any time. Flows are clear and low, around 400 cfs.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER--Fishing was very good for steelhead and native rainbow trout between Klamathon and Iron Gate Dam last week with the very few anglers on the water catching over 20 fish an outing between the two of them, plus a similar number of trout that got away after a battle. Drifting bait and backtrolling a Hot Shot/worm combination were very effective, and so was fly fishing nymphs under an indicator. Water conditions were good all the way down the Klamath to the mouth of the Trinity at Weitchpec, but the best fishing, by far, was at the upper end of the river.
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--Releases to the river at Lewiston are due to start ramping up this week to 900 cfs by Friday, then top out at 4,500 cfs by the beginning of May, slowly tapering down over the month of May reaching 1,500 cfs by the end of May, and finally back to summer flows of 300 cfs in June. The high flows are intended to mimic naturally occurring high springtime flows that existed before Trinity and Lewiston dams were built. Needless to say, fishing the river under the high flow conditions will be difficult at best until releases get back down to around 1,000 cfs.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--There seems to be lots of striper action on the Sacramento River, even at the mouth of the American, but trollers continued to struggle in the lower end of the river, and only the occasional striper was being caught farther upstream, mostly by anglers throwing soft swimbaits and soaking jumbo minnows.
FEATHER RIVER-- Flows were being increased again, and, hopefully that will perk the striper fishing back up after the success of a week earlier dropped off. It's supposed to go up another foot this week, and more smolts are scheduled to be released to the river. A fair number of stripers continued to be caught around Boyd's Pump, Shanghai Bend, and the Bear River by anglers throwing Hair Raiser, Bombers and shallow Rainbow Runners.
FOLSOM LAKE-- Lots of bass continue to be caught at Folsom but most have been small. While the usual artificials such as Senkos in shallow, drop-shotting a bit deeper, crankbaits, and swimbaits, the real getters have been live bait, minnows and crawdad. A few salmon in the 16-inch class were being caught between 20 and 30 feet deep on slow rolled baby anchovies, and small anchovies. Yo-Zuri Pin Minnows in silver and chartreuse were working, too, but not as well as bait.
RANCHO SECO LAKE--The trout bite is starting to taper off at Rancho Seco, but some nice bass have moved into the shallows, and are being caught on weightless Senkos. Float tubers and kayakers were still catching a few trout on wooly buggers, Kastmasters and small Rapalas.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Trout fishing perked up last week, as flows increased. Glo-Bugs and small Hot Shots were working for Spinfishermen, and fly fishers were using caddis and baetis imitations under indicators. An occasional hatch was producing a few rises on dry flies as well.
YUBA RIVER-- Flows were around 1,500 cfs making for relative challenging fishing on the Yuba last week. A few trout were being taken on nymphs, and an occasional fish on dries, but good anglers were working hard of maybe 3 or 4 trout in a long day.
Sierra Lake and rivers
BOCA LAKE--Lake now full, almost to capacity. Steve Soulem at Mountain hardware and Sports in Truckee said launching is no problem and some anglers have been out there trying. But, for all the effort, there has not been a lot of action, he said.
CAPLES LAKE--Open water in places around the edges now. Richard Haurlan at Caples Lake Resort said ice is too rotten for ice fishing.
DAVIS, LAKE--Rainbow bite here rated fair for bait fishermen and good for most fly fishermen. Jerry Dollard, at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola, said points along the southeast shore have been producing well for experienced fly fishermen. He said the Camp Five road on the west side of the lake is now open to through traffic.
DONNER LAKE--Action has been slow, but some Mackinaw have been caught by anglers who have managed to track them down around the lake. Toplining a variety of lures has been working, with AC Plugs one of the better producers. Occasional macks in double-digit weights have been caught, but numbers have been low.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Rainbows up to 2 pounds being caught, with nightcrawlers and Power Bait working. There have been a few reports of catfish being caught near Lunker Point.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Anglers getting some fish here, but report generally the rainbow bite has been pretty slow, with most fish running up to 14 inches. A few browns reported caught, but just now and then.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Lake has been planted and anglers have been doing well. More fishing pressure is likely now that trout fishing season is open, even though the lake is open all year.
PROSSER LAKE--Action has started to pick up here, although the bite is far from hot. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake has started to turn and the smallmouth action has been picking up.
PYRAMID LAKE--Bigger Lahontan cutthroat starting to show, with cutts 14.5 pounds and 11.56 pounds weighed in recently. Currently, fly fishermen have been getting some of the better action, while boaters have had to cover lots of water for just a few fish. This could change as fish complete spawning.
RED LAKE--Ice is not safe for ice fishing now. Fishermen reported falling through ice at Silver Lake and conditions are just as dangerous here. Wait until next winter for ice fishing, or for ice-out for shore and float-tube fishing.
SILVER LAKE--A 10-pound Mackinaw was caught through the ice here. But Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords, who saw the catch, said both fishermen fell through the ice while landing it. They survived breaking through the ice, but Kirby said it just isn't safe to be out on the ice now.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Fishing action has definitely taken a turn for the better. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake level has come up some and fishermen have been trolling for smaller kokanee. Soulem said others have also picked some smaller Mackinaw. As an added bonus, a few good browns have been caught, occasionally as large as 10 pounds.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw action described as "up and down" by Mickey Daniels with Mickey's Big Mack Charters in Carnelian Bay. Daniels has been getting some pretty good fish on an early-morning bite some days, then slow action at best on other days. He said he has been starting out fishing at about 80 feet deep, then dropping down as deep as 350 feet when the sun gets up.
TOPAZ LAKE--Good weather, good fishing. Linda Fields at Topaz Landing Marina said they have been seeing some nice fish and many anglers have been getting limits of the lake's Eagle Lake-strain rainbows. Fields said nightcrawlers, bright-colored Needlefish and broken-back Rapalas have been working. Fish are near surface and most anglers are toplining the lures.
TRUCKEE RIVER--River flows are up around a foot now, but should still be fishable in most stretches this opening weekend. Continued warm weather temperatures can boost runoff and start to wash out better fishing. Just a matter of time.
WEST WALKER RIVER--River flows are good, and this weekend's opening of trout season should be one of the better ones. Sam Foster at Toiyabe Motel in Walker said a load of Alpers trout went in at mid-week and California Department of Fish and Game made an unscheduled plant two weeks ago.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Still no live bait as of deadline, but the bait boats are trying every day. The anchovies they are finding are still too small. As a result, the boats targeting halibut trolled or used alternative baits. The El Dorado scored 9 halibut to 16 pounds for 8 anglers on Saturday, the Reel-lentless gradually saw increasing scores while trolling through the week, topped by 6 fish for 4 anglers on Sunday's trip. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker found 7 fish on Sunday using a mix of live shiners and dead anchovies.
BODEGA BAY-- Rockfish season opens in April, but the charter operators are considering trying for halibut in local waters. Shore action has been good for surfperch at Doran Beach, and for rockfish at the rocky spots north of town.
BROOKINGS, Ore.-- Flat ocean conditions led to great bottomfishing in the Brookings/Gold Beach area, and many boats ran to areas less frequented for jumbo black, blue and vermilion rockfish, and lingcod. Dave Pitts at the Checo Outdoor Store said top offerings are P-Line flies, lead fish, and a 6-ounce leadhead with twin tails in Motor Oil and Root Beer. "Those who went up to Twin Rocks and House Rock saw lingcod in the teens, and rockfish in the 3- to 4-pound range," said Pitts. Crabs are still available, with one group finding 11 keepers in 3 pots. Surfperch action is coming into prime time with May 1 through May 20 the best spring bite.
EMERYVILLE--The Tigerfish and New Huck Finn are still running trolling trips for halibut with striped bass showing on the side, with an average of one around most trips. The New Huck Finn ran three trips, with a total of 39 halibut and 5 stripers. The Tigerfish ran on Saturday for 10 halibut to 14 pounds and a striped bass.
EUREKA--The ocean laid down flat by the weekend, offering some great conditions for the jetty anglers. One angler fishing the South Jetty scored some lingcod and a 30-inch cabezon, while the regulars fishing the North Jetty did best on rockfish, with one angler reporting six trips that produced limits of black rockfish. .
FORT BRAGG--Garreck Tallman at Subsurface Progression said diving conditions were good, with visibility 5 to 10 feet in most locations. A fellow employee found an abalone close to 10 inches. Most divers reported limits, if they wanted to pull all three. "Not too many spearfishing reports this weekend," said Tallman. "It's been a pretty mellow weekend."
HALF MOON BAY--While only sanddabs and crabs were open, the sportfishing operations are anxious for the May 1 opener, which, while for waters south of the harbor, will allow fishing for the boats that want to run south of Pigeon Point.
POINT SAN PABLO--Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported two trips, Saturday's effort a combo sturgeon and halibut effort that didn't work out too well, and Sunday's trip that scored three keeper halibut for four anglers. "We caught one fish at Southampton, and two at Paradise," said Miller. His anglers drifted dead anchovies for their flatties.
SHELTER COVE--May 1 is opening day of Pacific halibut seasons, May 15 for bottomfish.
SUISUN BAY--Sturgeon fishing slowed with the tides, but a few keepers were reported from the Mothball Fleet and some of the deeper water spots. Grass shrimp and eel were the top baits.
Motherlode
AMADOR LAKE--Bass and trout are the top draws, with bass on the beds. Some quality fish to 6 pounds reported, mostly on plastic worms and Senkos. Trouters reported the best action under a bobber, with Power Bait and grubs top strike getters. Crappie fishing remained an option in the evenings around the boathouse, with mini-jigs or live minnows best. "You have to bring your own minnows, we don't sell them at the store any longer," said Sandy Lockhart at the Lake Amador Store.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Top bites went to trout trollers fishing the west end of the lake from Hat Island to the dam. Early and late, low-light hours the fish are up around 10 feet, while in mid-day, they are down about 25 feet. Top lures are Rapalas, Wedding Rings, Uncle Larry bead spinners and Sep's grubs. Big fish of the week was one nearly 8 pounds caught on a Rapala.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--King salmon and trout are a good bet now for trollers, with trout hitting grubs, bead spinners and worms in the top 25 feet of water. The kings are down between 50 and 75 feet, and prefer shad. Black bass are in all stages of spring patterns, with some pre-spawn, some spawn and a few post-spawn. As a result, a wide variety of lures are working.
LAKE McCLURE--Not much word on the trout and salmon, but the bite has been good for a mix of brookies and 'bows, most of the action going to trollers using flasher/'crawler combos. Spotted bass are thick in the first 20 feet off the bank, and tossing a Senko gets plenty of action. Wood seems to be the best cover.
LAKE McSWAIN--A very busy fishing hole over the weekend, with the irrigation district tagged trout derby attracting sell out crowds. All the extra trout plants should result in some good fishing this week. As for the derby, seven anglers turned in tagged fish, but the "number one" tagged fish eluded capture. Those lucky seven anglers took home nearly $500 each. Big untagged fish of the event weighed 2.65 pounds and that angler also won $200 cash.
LAKE PARDEE--Not much has changed with shore anglers soaking Power Eggs, Power Worms and maggots on a sliding sinker rig at Tom Sawyer Island, Rainbow Point and the launch ramp. Trollers have seen a steady increase in action with the best bite from the Rock Wall to Indian Head Rock. Bead spinners and flasher/'crawler combos worked best between 5 and 15 feet down. No recent bass reports.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Striped bass fishing showed some improvement for trollers with the warming water, jointed Rebels, Predators and whole anchovies the top offerings. Black bass anglers report the fish in full spawn mode, with lots of beds in the coves, and mostly smaller male fish in the shallows. Plastic worms and Senkos have been the top offerings.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Kokanee fishing is starting to draw more interest, and while the action is good, the size was not quite what anglers were hoping for after the jumbos that showed up in spring of 2008. "We had no problem catching many fish, the problem was the size," said guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing. Most of his fish measured between 11 and 13 inches, although one measuring 17 inches was checked at Glory Hole Sports. Top action went for hoochies behind sling blade dodgers fished between 20 and 35 feet. Black bass action is on high with several big fish reported including one nearly 12 pounds that hit a plastic worm. Spawning activity is at a season high, so plenty of fish are in the shallows.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Trout trolling remained a good bet, with the rainbows now down about 15 to 20 feet taking shad or flasher/worm combos. Bass action is on high, with most anglers using plastic worms around the dock structures, but some scoring on reaction baits.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--The regular trout season opens on April 25th, removing the restrictions on catch-and-release and barbless artificial lures. With the runoff season still a few weeks away, flows are perfect for fishing but remember that the whole river system is on the 'No Stocking" list and will not receive any trout plants from the DFG until at least 2010.
BULLARDS BAR--Water level is over 80-percent capacity with the temperatures warming up with all the nice weather. The spotted bass bite is really picking up with the fish either spawning or in late pre-spawn. Use worms and jigs in browns and greens, or go for the gusto and give jerkbaits a try in the backs of the coves near cover. There's still not much of anything happening with the trout and no word on any kokanee action.
CAMP FAR WEST--The North Shore Resort sponsored team bass tournament is being held April 25th. Pre-paid entry is $50, with $60 entry on the day of the event (70-percent pay-back). $10 big fish per person pays back 100-percent. Sign-ups are at 5:30 with a 6:00 blast-off, and 1:00 weigh-in. A free barbeque lunch is included for all contestants. Lots of boats were on the lake over the weekend catching lots of bass with the spawn in high gear. Worms, jigs and reaction baits are all working in the backs of the coves for fish to 4 pounds.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Bass and trout action is on tap for the loads of anglers hitting the lake. Bass are cruising the banks in preparation for the spawn with some fish in the 5- to 6-pound range spotted near the marina. The water is colder here because of the flow coming out of Bullards Bar and the successful angler needs to use a slower presentation. Black worms accounted for 6 or 7 bass to 2 pounds for an angler this past Friday. Trout appear to be moving toward the deeper water at the dam end of the lake. Trollers are now working the Black's Ravine area on down towards the dam for a mix of rainbows and browns from 14 to 25 inches. Small holdover rainbows, 9 to 12 inches, are still being caught around the marina on worms and Power Bait.
LAKE OROVILLE--With no recent rain and the spring runoff yet to start, the lake only came up a little to 58.2-percent capacity. Bass and coho action are rated "very good". David Underwood reported catching 13 bass up to 8 pounds on white spinnerbaits in 4 to 5 feet of water in the back of coves in the Middle Fork. A couple of big bass were caught in McCabe's Cove in the South Fork on spinnerbaits in a recent tournament, too. Other anglers are reporting action on jigs, tubes, and RoboWorms in green/pepper and pumpkin at 10 to 15 feet in the Middle Fork, North Fork and near the dam. Coho action is good for fish up to 3 1/2 to 4 pounds on minnows and anchovies. Anglers have done well at the dam at a depth of 50 to 60 feet and in the North Fork creek channels at 25 to 30 feet. Catfish are up closer to the bank as some spawning activity starts to take shape. The secondary ramp at Loafer Creek is reported to be open at this time
ROLLINS LAKE--Lake is in beautiful shape and lots of anglers and campers are visiting Long Ravine Campgrounds. The marina and Outrigger Grill are now open full-time. Trout trollers have been catching 12- to 14-inch holdover rainbows on bikini Needlefish behind Sep's copper/pink Half-fast blades up under the power lines in the Bear River arm. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake is just below the spillway and beautiful. Lots of anglers and campers are visiting the lake. The marina is only open on weekends but should move to full-time operation by mid-May. Campgrounds are currently open all week. The Nevada Irrigation District, which owns Scott's Flat and Rollins, is planning a 4 week long fishing derby with weekly prizes starting sometime in May. Details of this derby will be posted as they become available. Boaters are doing pretty well up in the Deer Creek arm slow trolling (0.8- to 1.0 mph) a No. 9 purpledescent Rapala for 12- to 14-inch brown trout. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--The Foresthill Ranger Station reports that the roads into the parking lots and boat ramp are open. Some anglers have been on the lake, but there are few reports of any success. This lake is on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year so try this lake soon for any holdover trout left over from last year's plantings. The campgrounds and picnic areas will open on May 1.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--The Georgetown Ranger Station reports that the roads are open to the lake and the boat ramp. Both shore anglers and boaters have been visiting the lake with no reports of any success available. This lake is also on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year. The only hope for anglers this year is any holdover rainbow trout left from previous plantings, the reportedly self-sustaining brown trout population, and the catfish.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--The water has warmed back up and the bass are on the banks. Scott from Oroville came into Feather River Outfitters and reported catching 6- and 8-pound largemouth on Senkos in shallow water in the back of a cove. This action will only get better over the next few weeks as spawning goes into high gear.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--With less water, move out a little deeper to the first break that is available at 5 to 6 feet and look for the swimbait bite to start to really kick into gear in the coming weeks. It will not be in the normal areas though, as most are a little too shallow. Look for bites a little farther away from the bank in a little deeper water or on the deeper south end of the lake. Good choices this season are still the Osprey in either the top hook or talon version in light hitch, shad, and bass colors. Other popular choices of course include the full-size Huddleston in light trout or hitch and as the bite starts to pick up the MS Slammer and Wake Bait Jr. may get a big bite for anglers. Just don't plan on getting more than a handful of bites during a full day. Other choices include the Senkos, jigs, and drop-shot. A few more crappie and catfish have also been reported.
LAKE BERRYESSA--Lunker Larry reported finding a few bass in the backs of coves but said most of his fish came off points with a steep drop on the front or off to the side or on the inside edges of the weed line. The warmest water he found was 64 degrees. Concentrate on areas with deep water nearby, drop-shotting Morning Dawn Robo Worms, split-shotting green pumpkin Power worms and MMIII Robo's in 4- and 6-inch sizes. King salmon, kokes, rainbows, and 1 Eagle Lake trout were reported this past week. Troll the main body with Sep's 3/0 dodgers in chrome or watermelon. Uncle Larry's hot belly tiger, purple tiger, and a white/pink Apex, fished 30 to 42 feet down did the trick though with wind, full limits were harder to come by.
INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR-- Bass and catfish are here in large numbers, with some of the best action near the dam. There have been no reports of any trout being caught, as water is too low. If you have a small car-top boat or a float tube, this lake is definitely worth a try.
LAKE PILLSBURY--Stocked with trout this past week; this is a great lake to camp and fish for trout and bass now. With the lake at 85% of capacity, the boat ramp at Fuller Grove open, the county road into the lake from Potter Valley in excellent condition. Who could ask for more.
LAKE SONOMA--The lake level is about 90% full so its in pretty good shape compared too many of the other lakes. There has been a good rip bite for smallies on main points and in a few coves where smallies where getting ready to spawn. Smallies up to 2 1/2 pounds were caught on rip baits and tubes. Cherry Creek had a few bedding bass but not many were spotted in the Yorty Creek area yet. April and May are probably the two best months of the year to bass fish here.
UPPER BLUE LAKE--This lake will again be planted the first week of May, when three of the largest trout will be tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive a $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side--Sturgeon have returned to the upper system and the bite has been more aggressive in response, feeding on ghost and grass shrimp in the Chain Island area. If they follow the same pattern this coming week, the afternoon out-going tides will be the better tides to focus on. Fish have also moved deeper now, from 35 to 55 feet deep. Anglers trolled for stripers in the Rio Vista area from Decker Island up and into the Shipping Channel, and up the Old Sac to Walnut Grove with both deep-running and shallow-running lures, but the shallow-runners caught more fish. Best tides were the last of the incoming, through the change of tide, and the first part of the outgoing
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Broad Slough and surrounding areas held much of the action for bedding bass, sturgeon, and stripers this past week. All three species produced well and many were very large fish.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR-- The long awaited bloody midge hatch started and trout will be switching their attention to the midges now, and loose interest in the pond smelt. Smelt imitations trolled early in the mornings will still be the way to go during this transition period but as soon as the morning sun warms the water, the hatch will begin each day and anglers will need to switch to flies and other tactics. Blood midge emergers, Rapalas, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners will all work.
BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--No access at this time. The estimate is for four or five more weeks, if the weather remains warm and there's no new snowfall.
BAUM LAKE-- Reports indicate that most fishermen are catching trout. Bait fishermen preferred nightcrawlers and Power Bait, lure fishermen were still stocking up on Kastmasters and Panther Martins, while nymphing seemed to be the preference of the fly fishermen. With the warmer weather, look for some caddis or callibaetis on the surface.
BRITTON LAKE-- The crappie bite is still slow; smallies are a better bet if you have a boat.
BURNEY CREEK-- Opens April 25 and will receive a plant. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
CASSEL FOREBAY--Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA--Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.
UPPER HAT CREEK--Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.
LEWISTON LAKE--Rainbow trout to 5 pounds were taken using nightcrawlers or Needlefish and just slow trolling on the south end of the lake. For the fly anglers, try black leaches right in front of Pine Cove Marina and in the swifter water up by the dam black midges did well.
MANZANITA LAKE--The lake is still frozen but signs of thawing are apparent. Be sure to observe the restrictions here when fishing on this trophy water reopens.
PIT RIVER--Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger.
LAKE SHASTA--For bass, fish from the shallows out to 40 feet, as the bass were scattered with changing water temperatures. While scattered, the majority of the bass were holding between 15 to 30 feet and were caught on drop-shot and dartheaded worms. The McCloud arm was good for bass and trout. For trout troll from the main section up to Green's Creek. It was a little tougher this past week but before the winds came up trout were caught on Flee Bitty's at the surface. Then anglers went deeper and used red/gold Hum Dingers on downriggers at 20 feet for the rest of their fish when the winds came up.
LAKE SISKIYOU--Trout measuring up to 20 inches where found trolling gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer. Troll in an "S" pattern here.
TRINITY LAKE--Limits to over 20 pounds of smallies came in on small swimbaits. A good rip bite and crankbait bite was also seen with several fish going over 6 pounds.
- Western Outdoor News www.wonews.com
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