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TOP PICKS
LAKE PARDEE--Top bets are catfish and trout, with some huge stringers of whiskerfish coming in for some of the regulars. Lou Carsner was at it again, fishing two days and catching a total of 12 fish weighing over 90 pounds, his big fish a 9 pounder. He uses chicken liver. Trollers did best with trout, fishing the southern buoy line or upriver, putting a threaded 'crawler behind a dodger or flasher. Shore anglers caught trout on Saturday right after the plant; the fish stuck around for Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or a blue/silver Kastmaster.
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--Salmon and steelhead fishing improved dramatically later in the week, with chromer Chinook being caught on chartreuse and silver spinners in the estuary on the tide swings. Steelhead--both halfpounders and adults, are being caught using a variety of methods from drifted roe to swinging Assassins, from the lower river (Blake's Riffle has been particularly good) all the way to Johnson's Riffle.
DELTA: SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- More stripers have arrived and anglers were catching numbers of them, although the sizes were still on the small side. Green colored shallow running Yo-Zuri's, trolled in water less than 10 feet produced keepers to 7 pounds. Stripers were found between the lower Decker Island and Isleton. Sturgeon fishing continued to produce great summer-time action as well, especially on the afternoon and night-time tides. Montezuma Slough as well as the area from Middle Grounds up to Chain Island, out of the wind areas, were productive. The early evening outgoing tide will be the best option to focus on the deeper waters, which have been the best depths to focus on. Working depths from 45 feet to as deep as 95 feet at the slack, during the beginning and the end of the tides proved to be the best tactics. Baits continued to be ghost or grass shrimp, with eel also producing some action.
DELTA: SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Two of the better areas to target striped bass were Bethel Island and False River where fish to 15 and 20 pounds were found. These fish were taken trolling Rapalas, Hair Razors, and broken-back Rebels when the winds lay down. Sturgeon reports were few as grass and ghost shrimp were what they wanted and there were few to be found. Catfish are everywhere and although they have not been very large, these pansized fish are great for dinner and on warm summer nights can be a great way to cool down.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
ROGUE RIVER, Lower--The river cooled down, and the kings that were holding in the estuary, providing the great bite of last week, all moved upriver, according to Dave Pitts, WON Field Reporter. As the river warms, new kings will come in and the entire scenario will repeat itself. Far from over, the fall run has just begun!
RUSSIAN RIVER--Same old thing, the smallmouth are still hitting Rooster Tails, Panther Martins and Rebel crawfish, and the fishing is best in the evening between 4 and dark, after the rafters and swimmers are out of the river. The smallies are running to two pounds, according to Steve Jackson of King's Sport & Tacke in Guerneville, and it's looking to be a good bass season.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--It's still an early morning bite and challenging fishing, but hard-working anglers have continued to scratch out a couple of nice spring run Chinooks a trip. More and more of the fish are getting dark, though. It's glow-in-the-dark Kwikfish early, then switching to roe to scratch out another fish or two after the sun hits the water.
TRINITY RIVER, Falls Area-- Be mindful of the upcoming regulations changes. The stretch of river from the Hwy 299 Bridge at Cedar Flat down to the Bridge at Hawkins Bar will close to salmon fishing Aug. 31. A few more steelhead showed up last week, both halfpounders and adults. Remember, only hatchery-origin fish may be kept. The season for fall Chinook starts on Sept. 1 from the South Fork to the mouth of the Trinity. Check the regs directly for details. It's quite hot during the day, so fish early and late, and concentrate efforts in deeper holes and at the mouths of tributaries.
Motherlode
AMADOR LAKE--The full moon set the stage for another of the lake's Moonlighter Tournaments Saturday. Big fish went 6.02 pounds, caught by Kevin Cornwall and Cliff King. Heaviest stringer weight went to John Maes and Russ Graves, who had 19.36 pounds. Most of the anglers reported the best action on swimbaits and plastic worms. Everything else is pretty quiet, with few anglers trying for catfish, and no reported crappie catches. There are plenty of bluegill and other sunfish around the docks, or in the creek arms around the brush cover. Top baits are red worms or mealworms.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Catfish are leading the pack with good action for fish up to 12 pounds, and plenty of 4 to 5 pounders showing. Top baits are chicken liver and mackerel. Bass are slower, with best reports coming from anglers seeking out the mid-lake underwater humps and plying them with plastics. Trout are still possible for anglers who fish down around the dam and go deep.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Some trollers have been trying for the king salmon, but no good reports have come in yet. The king bite should turn on anytime for trollers fishing 90 to 110 feet down with shad. Bass fishing is tough, the keeper-sized fish rare. That's typical for this time of year, the fish suspending to follow shad schools. Often the trout and salmon trollers catch more bass than the bass chasers.
LAKE McCLURE--Much improved action reported for the trollers, with guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing performing some scouting with his daughters. They caught 11 fish by noon, a mix of king salmon (6), trout (2) and kokanee (3). The hits came on shad and Ex-Cel spoons fished from 40 to 110 feet down. While the water is dropping, Smith said the lake's level is higher than it has been in three years.
LAKE McSWAIN--Shore action showed some improvement during the cooler temps, with 'mallows, Power Bait or Power Eggs fished near the handicap dock a popular choice for planter rainbows. Boaters have also found good action, with flasher/'crawler combos the main choice. Thursday's plant produced the best action through Saturday, then the bite slowed as the heat increased.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Still not much happening with the striper surface bite, but trollers putting in the time are getting some chances. Anchovies or shad worked best. Black bass fishing rated slow for keeper-sized fish, although there are plenty of small fish in the shallows.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Catfish action rated great with good action at most of the accesses. Top baits are anchovies, mackerel, sardines, chicken liver or nightcrawlers. Kokanee anglers had to work for their fish, the tougher bite blamed on the weather change and the full moon. The fish are scattered from 60 to 100 feet down, with top spots near the spillway, dam and Rose Island. The top action went to anglers using glow or UV dodgers with a variety of lures. Hoochies, bugs, spoons and Apexes all worked at Melones. The water level is dropping fast, with a four-foot loss. The Angels Cove boat ramp has been closed.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Still being avoided by anglers. Those who do want to try can fish early or head upriver and hide behind the no-wake buoys. Trolling shad between 10 and 15 feet down is a top way to fish this lake.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Striped bass counts rose with the speed of the tides, with some boats reporting limits, mostly from the main bay spots. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker scored limits on Friday and Saturday, then on Sunday, his 27 anglers caught 20 bass and started loading up on pig halibut to 25 pounds, finishing with 16 flatties.
BODEGA BAY-- Rockfish counts continued strong, with another week of limit trips on the New Sea Angler, Captain Rick Powers running two trips north and three trips south for a good mix of copper and Bolinas rockfish, plus a few vermilion and school fish. A few lingcod showing up, but only one or two on most trips.
ROOKINGS, OR-- WON field reporter Dave Pitts said the tuna came within 28 miles, and both albacore and bluefin were in the catch. The cohos are within 9 miles of the coast, but the wild fish are outnumbering the hatchery "keepers" by 11 to one.
EMERYVILLE--Faster tides encouraged more trips to the Farallones until the weekend when the wind came up and made the catching tougher. Limits were the rule mid-week, while the weekend trips fell a little short. Most trips produced a few lings on the side. The in-bay trips found some good action at times, although scores were all over the place from over one around on the halibut and limits of stripers down to one around on both.
EUREKA--A calm stretch of weather gave anglers a chance at more hot Pacific halibut fishing, bottomfishing, and surf action. The Pacific 'buts were best straight out of Humboldt Bay at the 270- to 300-foot contour, where anglers caught several in the 40- to 60-pound class, biggest tipping the scales to 88.5 pounds.
FORT BRAGG--Bottomfishing remained fair to good until the wind started to challenge things on the weekend. Limits of black rockfish with a few vermilion mixed is the norm. Occasionally, a lingcod will show.
HALF MOON BAY--Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat is back after surgery, reporting good action on bottomfish. His first trip back produced lingcod to 15 pounds, cabezon to 9 pounds, and vermilion rockfish to 8 pounds. "We started shallow and worked out to 70 to 80 feet of water."
LOCH LOMOND--Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported a light week due to the big tides and unlikely halibut prospects. Still, his 16 anglers on Thursday caught 19 halibut and two striped bass, most of the action coming from Brooks Island and Angel Island. On the weekend, the scores suffered with less than one around for his anglers.
POINT SAN PABLO--Captain Frank Miller on the Fury said the striper and halibut action slowed for the weekend, but was pretty good mid-week. The Brothers were kicking out stripers most of the week, then that bite slowed. His scores ranged from 12 bass and eight halibut for five anglers to one around with a mix of stripers and 'buts on the weekend.
SAN FRANCISCO--Captain Erik Anfinson on the Bass Tub reported slower action on the halibut with big tides, and fewer bass around. His trip on Sunday found one 12-pound halibut and 8 stripers from main bay spots, mostly around Alcatraz.
SHELTER COVE--While the weather switched, before the wind started blowing, the Pacific halibut action was great. Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me found a shallow water spot where his anglers caught fish to 93 pounds in about 100 feet of water. Angler Kevin Riley on Semper Fidelis and friends scored one over 100 pounds.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Lake is at 75-percent capacity. The bite is slow. The best bet is to troll in the Northwest corner of the lake at the inlet with Rapalas or flasher/worm combos early in the morning. Shore action has been slow at the river inlet.
CAPLES LAKE--Nobody was answering the phone at Caples Lake Resort on Sunday, and their fishing report wasn't updated. Numerous trout plants over the past months have the lake full of fish, but with ongoing hot weather anglers will need to fish early or late, or go deeper to find them.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Alpine County planted 12- to 13-inch rainbows in the West and East Forks this past week. The East Carson water flows are still good with lots of limits of planter fish being caught on salmon eggs, worms and spinners. The biggest trout caught in the East Fork last week was a 6 pounder taken a mile upstream of the resort on a nightcrawler.
DAVIS LAKE--Lake is down to 55-percent capacity. Trolling is still productive for boaters working from the Honker Cove ramp to the island at 12 to 16 feet. Ed Dillard caught 14 fish on his last trip up to 18 inches and lost two 18 inchers and one over 20 inches at the net. Fish are still hitting the No. 1 copper/red Dick Nite. Fly fishing was a little slow this past week, but knowledgeable anglers are still scoring on nymphs fished under an indicator along the west side creek mouths.
DONNER LAKE--Lake is at 94-percent capacity and scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The trout bite has been slow for shore anglers but the plant will revive the action. Piers 4 and 5 seem to provide the most consistent action. No word of any kokanee or Mack action.
FEATHER RIVER CANYON--North Fork was planted last week and limits were common for anglers fishing near the Caribou Crossroads Resort and the nearby campgrounds on worms and salmon eggs. The Caribou Powerhouse is still kicking out 2-pound native rainbows for anglers fishing the outlet with jigs and crickets. The East Branch produced an 18-inch rainbow for one lucky angler last week and smallmouth bass are still providing good action. All gold dredging operations have been shut down statewide, so fishermen won't have to worry about them for awhile.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake is down to 42-percent capacity. Heavy recreational boat traffic and warm weather has shut down the trolling bite and shore anglers are having the only success. Power Bait and worms are catching rainbows, 18 to 20 inches, near the dam. Try last Chance Creek below the lake for some good fish at any place the road provides access.
GOLD LAKES BASIN--Upper Salmon Lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Bassetts Station reported lots of people in the area and that they had sold out of all their bait. Fishing must be good. though they could provide no specific information
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 84-percent capacity. Action has slowed due to the heat and the full moon according to Ice House Resort.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Lake is at 80-percent capacity. Fishing was pretty good here with a bit of cooler weather last week. Shore anglers are doing well on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and 1/8-oz. Kastmaster spoons from Pass Creek to the dam. Trollers are doing better in the Southwest corner of the lake at Fir Top for nice browns on Rapalas, though the bite is sporadic.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Lake is at 85-percdent capacity. Best action has been for shore anglers catching rainbows and browns up in the narrows on worms and spinners for running fish 12 to 20 inches. Bass and Mackinaw action has been slow. Lots of recreational boat traffic is making trolling a tough option.
LAKE TAHOE--Chuck Self at Chuck's Charter Fishing reported a slow, sporadic bite on macks, rainbows and kokanee on the North end of the lake. On his last trip he landed a 4 or 5 macks from 1 to 9 pounds at 100 to 350 feet. Moving into shallow water and toplining produced a couple of 12- to 14-inch rainbows and a nice 16-inch kokanee. Mickey Daniels landed 8 or 9 fish, all about 6 pounds, on Sling Blades and Koke-a-nuts or Sting Kings at 250 feet. According to Tahoe Sportfishing in South Tahoe, the kokanee bite is good and producing limits of nice fish up to 16 inches.
LOON LAKE--Lake is at 80-percent capacity. Action has slowed due to the heat and the full moon, according to Ice House Resort.
PROSSER LAKE--The bite is best in the Prosser Creek arm at the inlet early until 8 a.m. on nightcrawlers and Panther Martins or Rooster Tails with gold blades. In the evening, switch to a bobber/worm for the best chance at success. Smallmouth fishing has slowed down but some are still hitting on the left side of the dam where the water is deeper close to the shore. Use crawdad pattern lures for the smallies.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 53.5-percent capacity. Kokanee are hitting pink hoochies behind chrome dodgers at 40 to 70 feet from the island up into the Sagehen Creek arm in the early morning until 9 a.m. Some macks are hitting at 70 to 90 feet at the dam. The smallmouth bite has dropped way off, but a few are still hitting crawdad color jigs and craw pattern flies below an indicator. Rainbows are hitting bait in the Sagehen arm or at the dam.
TOPAZ LAKE--Warm water temps and heavy recreational boat traffic have taken a huge toll on the fishing. The last boat that anchored at the inlet on the South end of the lake fished for 10 hours for 2 rainbows. Reports will start back up for Topaz after Labor Day when the boat traffic slows down and hopefully the water will cool off a bit by then.
TRUCKEE RIVER--General Section is good at the pool above River Ranch for some nice browns. Fish are concentrated in the faster water throughout the river. Lure casters are using Panther Martins and a Needlefish with a small splitshot attached 6 inches above the spoon. Fly casters are doing well in the Special Reg section on PMDs until 11 a.m., then switching over to a caddis pupa pattern during the day and finishing up with yellow stones and caddis in the evening. On windy, warm days near grassy banks, look for grasshoppers and try a hopper/dropper set up.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--Lake is at 85-percent capacity. Dale Daneman's Foothill Guide Service fished here last week and found very tough trolling for kokanee. He had a dozen takedowns and only hooked two fish--one small rainbow and a nice 16-inch kokanee.
WEST WALKER RIVER--DFG made trout plants this past week. The Northern Mono CC will plant Alpers trout this week. The bite has slowed down from 30 fish a day to 5 fish a day. Most people are catching a limit, but just not getting all the catch-and-release action that was common earlier this season. Most of the rainbows are 10 to 14 inches with an occasional 2-pound Alpers showing up on the stringer.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- The better bite on the lake seemed to be in the Redbud arm. Even in some of the areas with the heavier surface algae, anglers were catching fish with a variety of baits there. Crankbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and plastics were doing the trick for anglers fishing areas of rock in depths of water from the bank out to about 20 feet. Crankbait choices included the Speed Trap in craw colors for early morning and then moving to the deeper diving baits such as the Norman DD22 and Rapala's DT18 series in craw patterns. The top hook Osprey, Baitsmith, and paddle tail swimbaits were also working for anglers who stuck with it and covered a lot of water.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- Kokanee fishing was a little slow this past week with a full moon, a low pressure system that came through and water being let out again, lowering the water level. Look for koke fishing to improve as things settle back down. Most of the fish were caught on spinners and hoochies with Sep's 3/0 dodgers in watermelon and chrome starlight from 55 to 63 feet deep. Most of the shallow bass have moved down to 15 to 20 feet. There were some topwater fish in the early morning up to about 3 pounds using Zahra Spooks and Splash-it poppers in shad patterns along the edges of the weed beds. Then switch to plastics like Carolina-rigged Robo Worms or 3-inch grubs on a 1/8-ounce darthead. The drop-shot rig was also working. Most of the bass have been in the main body and points in the Narrows
LAKE SONOMA--The better bet has been the land-locked steelhead fishing in the main body and by the dam, producing limits of fish measuring 14 to 18 inches in 25 to 45 of water. A few bass were caught up in the creek arms on drop-shot worms and frogs. The better bet has been the land-locked steelhead fishing in the main body and by the dam, producing limits of fish measuring 14 to 18 inches in 25 to 45 of water.
UPPER BLUE LAKE-- Trout action was slow with the heat and fish are deep now. Few anglers had success, but then few anglers were here.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR-- There was some bad weather and a full moon but there should be a morning bite. Start early and though the bite tappers off, it should resume around 9:30 or 10. Troll a worm by itself or a worm on a Sling Blade. Set downriggers to 35 to 40 feet. If you prefer to use a leadcore set up instead, pull 5 colors out and use by itself or with a Sling Blade or Herring dodger in nickel or with prism tape.
BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--The fishing here was better in the morning. Most fish were being taken by the boat launch area of the lake or off the dam in deeper water with worms and lures. Topwater action was best around the dam and north shore of the lake.
BAUM LAKE--Still good hatches of PMD's, caddis, callibaetis, and trico's on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Kastmasters are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are working well for the bait fishermen.
BRITTON LAKE--Crappie bite is tough, with fish uncooperative. Smallie anglers are doing fine in the mornings and evenings.
BURNEY CREEK-- Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Below the falls, good results were found with pt's and copper John nymphs. Fish are coming up to caddis hatches in the evenings.
CASSEL FOREBAY-- Fishing in the canal above the powerhouse No.1 continues to produce a quality fishing experience. Power Bait, eggs and worms all work well. Fly-fishing was good with Adams, pale morning duns and streamers. Right before dark the fish tend to switch to nymph patterns, so be ready to switch when the time comes.
EAGLE LAKE-- Bobber fishermen are anchoring in 50-60 feet of water on the east side of the south basin off Miners Pt. and the Springs. On the west side, bobber fishing is good off Shrimp Island in 50 feet of water. In both areas, anglers are setting their threaded nightcrawlers 25-30 feet below their bobbers. Miners Point on the east side and between Shrimp Island and Wildcat Point on the west side of the south basin was good for trolling very early. Best set-ups were a Sep's black or brown No. 2 grub trolled from 8-12 feet deep early and from 12-26 feet deep later in the morning.
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-- Fishing reports have been fair with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, woolly buggers, and zugs for nymphs. Again, heat has definitely affected the hatch, as well as the fishermen.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--The riffle is best fished with pt's, birdsnest, or hare's ear. Look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.
UPPER HAT CREEK--No report due to fires. All campgrounds are open, all areas are open to fishing at this time; however, please obey any Forest Service restrictions regarding access. All highways are also open in the area.
IRON CANYON--Latest report shows the lake is up again but no actual results reported.
LEWISTON LAKE--Early mornings are the best time to be out here, from about 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Many fish are being caught on Pine Cove Marina's famous red and white combo (two red Pautzke Fireballs and one white Power Bait egg.) Some had luck using the bubblegum Power Balls off the marina dock. Nightcrawlers are also working, as are orange glitter and rainbow colored Power Bait. For lures try Red Dogs, Cripplures, Kastmasters, and wedding rings.
MANZANITA LAKE--No report due to fires, but fishing here was picking up. Watch for cruising fish and you can improve your chances. Ants, callibaetis, and pheasant tails still seemed to take more fish. The topwater action should improve through August. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.
PIT RIVER--River road is closed due to fires.
LAKE SHASTA-- Dry Creek provided non-stop action again with a hot setup for salmon being a black paddle tail behind a 6-inch Sling Blade at 100 to 120 feet. The trout were slamming an Apex behind UV Sling Blades between 60 and 80 feet. Rainbow trout measured between 14 and 17 inches, weighing between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds while salmon weighed up to 3 pounds.
WHISKEYTOWN--The best bite is right at 5:30 a.m. by the 299 Bridge. Start at 40 feet with an UV pink Apex, UV Cripplures, or Wiggle Hoochies all behind UV Sling Blades. You'll need to start going deeper as the sun hits the water, fish are hitting down to 80 feet.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--Striper fishing was about the same as last week, but flows are continuing to drop--under 4,000 cfs now--so fish and fishermen are making some adjustments. The river is actually more fishable at these flows, with holding spots becoming more obvious. Stripers continued to be caught all the way up to Nimbus Dam, and there were even reports of some topwater action there in the evening. Early morning is the other prime period to be on the water.
FEATHER RIVER--Striper fishing on the Feather River was spotty, and flows have dropped to a bit over 2,000 cfs, so fish will again be concentrated below Shanghai Bend. The big news was an influx of steelhead into the Low Flow Section where water temperatures are more than 10 degrees cooler than in the Outlet. They're taking everything from small nymphs fished under indicators to drifted roe.
FOLSOM LAKE--Down, down, down, the lake keeps going, and boats now have to be pulled out of the Marina. But, there was an uptick in fishing last week--for bass anyway. Some bass fishermen were finding action up the North Fork, and, while going low and slow with plastics was still the most productive approach, crankbaits, and even topwater lures were attracting bites at times. "At times" meaning early morning and late in the evening. As, for trout and landlocked king salmon action, don't expect much more than a pleasant morning on the water--at least before jetskiers start using you for their slalom course.
MCCLOUD RIVER--There's been some decent nymphing early and late, plus a bit of dry fly action late in the evening. Caddis has been the main hatch with a few pale evening duns toward dark. Concentrate on pools and pocket water.
SACRAMENTO RIVER--Striped bass fishing continued to putt along with almost all of the action still on sub-legal-sized (less than 18 inches) fish. About the only positive, but unconfirmed reports of some larger fish being caught, were from around Colusa for anglers fishing at night. Much better odds are for catfish in the Port of Sacramento--try anchovies and stinkbaits. Also, crappie and bluegill on worms under bobbers (plus minnows for the crappie). Some nice bass and crappie also were being taken in Verona Slough off the Garden Highway, on minnows.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-- The stretch of the Sacramento River between Redding and Los Molinos (note, boats cannot pass under the Cypress Street Bridge when flows are above 7,000 cfs) continued to produce some of the best fishing for big rainbows in Northern California. Flows were dropping and were a bit over 11,000 cfs over the weekend. Fly fishermen were getting their bites on nymphs fished under indicators, and spin fishermen have been scoring on Glo-Bugs with or without a bit of roe, nightcrawlers, and crickets. Some of the trout weigh as much as 3 pounds, and the occasional steelhead has been showing up to take a bite.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper--Trout fishing was fair, and the best of it continued to be in the upstream portions of the river. Fewer but larger trout could be caught downstream, but it's been strictly an early morning bite below Sims. Fish nymphs on a short line close to the bottom in deeper pocket water.
YUBA RIVER--Trout fishing is "fair." Although there's been some dry fly action in the evening, nymphing has been a more consistent bet. Try a rubberleg/ caddis nymph combo under an indicator.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Hot weather is keeping the locals who fish here at home. There are few reports of any success available from local tackle shops or the Forest Service.
BULLARDS BAR--Lake is down to 76-percent capacity. Locals are puzzled by the lack of kokanee. Bass fishing has been good with reports of bigger fish than usual: 2 to 4 pounds. Bass are hitting plastic worms and tubes on rocky points at 20 to 30 feet. Some 12-inch rainbows are hitting for trollers in the North Yuba arm on flasher/worm combos.
CAMP FAR WEST--Bass fishing has been good. A local club held a tournament on Saturday night, but left the lake before reporting the results. Catfish are active at night for shore anglers using chicken livers and cut baits.
COLLINS LAKE--Mixed action for trout bass, catfish and redears. Night fishing off the docks is a sure bet for most species on Power Bait or worms. Trollers are still getting limits of trout to 5 pounds at 20 to 30 feet deep off the dam on Needlefish and flasher/worm combos. Bridge area is kicking out a lot of crappie on worms. Bass bite is sporadic. but Greg Byrkit of Hayward caught a 6 1/4-pound largemouth on a white popper near the North buoy line. Catfish up to 7 pounds are hitting at the docks and the dam on worms and chicken livers.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Lake is at 91-percent capacity. Trolling has slowed down and most of the trout are being caught up in the Boston Bar area by boaters drifting Power Bait/worm combos off the bottom. Matt Urban of Nevada City caught a 6-pound, 1-ounce spot and a 5 1/4-pound largemouth throwing a bluegill swimbait in Keystone Cove.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lake is at 85-percent capacity. Trollers are picking up some nice fish on dodger/worm combos. Shore anglers are doing well near the campgrounds on Power Bait and worms.
FULLER LAKE--DFG trout plant scheduled for this week. Shore anglers use Power Bait and worms off the dam. Trollers are best off using flasher/worm combos and small Rapalas.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 86-percent capacity. No Mack action reported this past week, but 14-inch kokanee are still hitting bikini Needlefish behind dodgers at 30 feet near the dam and the powerhouse.
LAKE OROVILLE--Lake is way down to 41-percent capacity. Hot weather and plummeting water levels are making it hard on anglers. Bidwell Marina has notified all boaters that they will have to pull their boats out of the marina because of the low level water in the cove, but the ramp is still open with 3 lanes in operation for day use. The Spillway is down to a single lane with 4-wheel drive a good idea in case you have to back out further to launch. The Lime Saddle ramp is in operation.
ROLLINS LAKE--Lake is at a healthy 96-percent capacity. Some brown trout being caught drifting nightcrawlers near the dam very early or late to avoid the recreational traffic. Lots of catfish, 2 to 3 pounds, are coming in at night on hot dogs and stinkbait. A few bass are hitting nightcrawlers and plastic worms, but limits are hard to find.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake is at 86-percent capacity. Fishing is reported to be slow, with some bass and bluegill hitting for anglers using nightcrawlers. Heavy recreational traffic during the day makes early morning or evening/night the best time to fish.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--No trout, but there's still a chance for a bass or bluegill for the kids. A nightcrawler for the bass and a bobber and a worm for the bluegill should keep a young fisherman entertained.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--One local troller reported getting skunked after a morning of fishing when he usually catches at least a few fish. He only saw three fish jumping on the whole lake. The lack of DFG plants is obviously taking its toll here. There's still some bass and catfish action for shore anglers near the dam.
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LAKE PARDEE--Top bets are catfish and trout, with some huge stringers of whiskerfish coming in for some of the regulars. Lou Carsner was at it again, fishing two days and catching a total of 12 fish weighing over 90 pounds, his big fish a 9 pounder. He uses chicken liver. Trollers did best with trout, fishing the southern buoy line or upriver, putting a threaded 'crawler behind a dodger or flasher. Shore anglers caught trout on Saturday right after the plant; the fish stuck around for Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or a blue/silver Kastmaster.
KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen--Salmon and steelhead fishing improved dramatically later in the week, with chromer Chinook being caught on chartreuse and silver spinners in the estuary on the tide swings. Steelhead--both halfpounders and adults, are being caught using a variety of methods from drifted roe to swinging Assassins, from the lower river (Blake's Riffle has been particularly good) all the way to Johnson's Riffle.
DELTA: SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- More stripers have arrived and anglers were catching numbers of them, although the sizes were still on the small side. Green colored shallow running Yo-Zuri's, trolled in water less than 10 feet produced keepers to 7 pounds. Stripers were found between the lower Decker Island and Isleton. Sturgeon fishing continued to produce great summer-time action as well, especially on the afternoon and night-time tides. Montezuma Slough as well as the area from Middle Grounds up to Chain Island, out of the wind areas, were productive. The early evening outgoing tide will be the best option to focus on the deeper waters, which have been the best depths to focus on. Working depths from 45 feet to as deep as 95 feet at the slack, during the beginning and the end of the tides proved to be the best tactics. Baits continued to be ghost or grass shrimp, with eel also producing some action.
DELTA: SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Two of the better areas to target striped bass were Bethel Island and False River where fish to 15 and 20 pounds were found. These fish were taken trolling Rapalas, Hair Razors, and broken-back Rebels when the winds lay down. Sturgeon reports were few as grass and ghost shrimp were what they wanted and there were few to be found. Catfish are everywhere and although they have not been very large, these pansized fish are great for dinner and on warm summer nights can be a great way to cool down.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.
ROGUE RIVER, Lower--The river cooled down, and the kings that were holding in the estuary, providing the great bite of last week, all moved upriver, according to Dave Pitts, WON Field Reporter. As the river warms, new kings will come in and the entire scenario will repeat itself. Far from over, the fall run has just begun!
RUSSIAN RIVER--Same old thing, the smallmouth are still hitting Rooster Tails, Panther Martins and Rebel crawfish, and the fishing is best in the evening between 4 and dark, after the rafters and swimmers are out of the river. The smallies are running to two pounds, according to Steve Jackson of King's Sport & Tacke in Guerneville, and it's looking to be a good bass season.
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City--It's still an early morning bite and challenging fishing, but hard-working anglers have continued to scratch out a couple of nice spring run Chinooks a trip. More and more of the fish are getting dark, though. It's glow-in-the-dark Kwikfish early, then switching to roe to scratch out another fish or two after the sun hits the water.
TRINITY RIVER, Falls Area-- Be mindful of the upcoming regulations changes. The stretch of river from the Hwy 299 Bridge at Cedar Flat down to the Bridge at Hawkins Bar will close to salmon fishing Aug. 31. A few more steelhead showed up last week, both halfpounders and adults. Remember, only hatchery-origin fish may be kept. The season for fall Chinook starts on Sept. 1 from the South Fork to the mouth of the Trinity. Check the regs directly for details. It's quite hot during the day, so fish early and late, and concentrate efforts in deeper holes and at the mouths of tributaries.
Motherlode
AMADOR LAKE--The full moon set the stage for another of the lake's Moonlighter Tournaments Saturday. Big fish went 6.02 pounds, caught by Kevin Cornwall and Cliff King. Heaviest stringer weight went to John Maes and Russ Graves, who had 19.36 pounds. Most of the anglers reported the best action on swimbaits and plastic worms. Everything else is pretty quiet, with few anglers trying for catfish, and no reported crappie catches. There are plenty of bluegill and other sunfish around the docks, or in the creek arms around the brush cover. Top baits are red worms or mealworms.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Catfish are leading the pack with good action for fish up to 12 pounds, and plenty of 4 to 5 pounders showing. Top baits are chicken liver and mackerel. Bass are slower, with best reports coming from anglers seeking out the mid-lake underwater humps and plying them with plastics. Trout are still possible for anglers who fish down around the dam and go deep.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Some trollers have been trying for the king salmon, but no good reports have come in yet. The king bite should turn on anytime for trollers fishing 90 to 110 feet down with shad. Bass fishing is tough, the keeper-sized fish rare. That's typical for this time of year, the fish suspending to follow shad schools. Often the trout and salmon trollers catch more bass than the bass chasers.
LAKE McCLURE--Much improved action reported for the trollers, with guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing performing some scouting with his daughters. They caught 11 fish by noon, a mix of king salmon (6), trout (2) and kokanee (3). The hits came on shad and Ex-Cel spoons fished from 40 to 110 feet down. While the water is dropping, Smith said the lake's level is higher than it has been in three years.
LAKE McSWAIN--Shore action showed some improvement during the cooler temps, with 'mallows, Power Bait or Power Eggs fished near the handicap dock a popular choice for planter rainbows. Boaters have also found good action, with flasher/'crawler combos the main choice. Thursday's plant produced the best action through Saturday, then the bite slowed as the heat increased.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Still not much happening with the striper surface bite, but trollers putting in the time are getting some chances. Anchovies or shad worked best. Black bass fishing rated slow for keeper-sized fish, although there are plenty of small fish in the shallows.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Catfish action rated great with good action at most of the accesses. Top baits are anchovies, mackerel, sardines, chicken liver or nightcrawlers. Kokanee anglers had to work for their fish, the tougher bite blamed on the weather change and the full moon. The fish are scattered from 60 to 100 feet down, with top spots near the spillway, dam and Rose Island. The top action went to anglers using glow or UV dodgers with a variety of lures. Hoochies, bugs, spoons and Apexes all worked at Melones. The water level is dropping fast, with a four-foot loss. The Angels Cove boat ramp has been closed.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Still being avoided by anglers. Those who do want to try can fish early or head upriver and hide behind the no-wake buoys. Trolling shad between 10 and 15 feet down is a top way to fish this lake.
North Saltwater
BERKELEY--Striped bass counts rose with the speed of the tides, with some boats reporting limits, mostly from the main bay spots. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker scored limits on Friday and Saturday, then on Sunday, his 27 anglers caught 20 bass and started loading up on pig halibut to 25 pounds, finishing with 16 flatties.
BODEGA BAY-- Rockfish counts continued strong, with another week of limit trips on the New Sea Angler, Captain Rick Powers running two trips north and three trips south for a good mix of copper and Bolinas rockfish, plus a few vermilion and school fish. A few lingcod showing up, but only one or two on most trips.
ROOKINGS, OR-- WON field reporter Dave Pitts said the tuna came within 28 miles, and both albacore and bluefin were in the catch. The cohos are within 9 miles of the coast, but the wild fish are outnumbering the hatchery "keepers" by 11 to one.
EMERYVILLE--Faster tides encouraged more trips to the Farallones until the weekend when the wind came up and made the catching tougher. Limits were the rule mid-week, while the weekend trips fell a little short. Most trips produced a few lings on the side. The in-bay trips found some good action at times, although scores were all over the place from over one around on the halibut and limits of stripers down to one around on both.
EUREKA--A calm stretch of weather gave anglers a chance at more hot Pacific halibut fishing, bottomfishing, and surf action. The Pacific 'buts were best straight out of Humboldt Bay at the 270- to 300-foot contour, where anglers caught several in the 40- to 60-pound class, biggest tipping the scales to 88.5 pounds.
FORT BRAGG--Bottomfishing remained fair to good until the wind started to challenge things on the weekend. Limits of black rockfish with a few vermilion mixed is the norm. Occasionally, a lingcod will show.
HALF MOON BAY--Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat is back after surgery, reporting good action on bottomfish. His first trip back produced lingcod to 15 pounds, cabezon to 9 pounds, and vermilion rockfish to 8 pounds. "We started shallow and worked out to 70 to 80 feet of water."
LOCH LOMOND--Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported a light week due to the big tides and unlikely halibut prospects. Still, his 16 anglers on Thursday caught 19 halibut and two striped bass, most of the action coming from Brooks Island and Angel Island. On the weekend, the scores suffered with less than one around for his anglers.
POINT SAN PABLO--Captain Frank Miller on the Fury said the striper and halibut action slowed for the weekend, but was pretty good mid-week. The Brothers were kicking out stripers most of the week, then that bite slowed. His scores ranged from 12 bass and eight halibut for five anglers to one around with a mix of stripers and 'buts on the weekend.
SAN FRANCISCO--Captain Erik Anfinson on the Bass Tub reported slower action on the halibut with big tides, and fewer bass around. His trip on Sunday found one 12-pound halibut and 8 stripers from main bay spots, mostly around Alcatraz.
SHELTER COVE--While the weather switched, before the wind started blowing, the Pacific halibut action was great. Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me found a shallow water spot where his anglers caught fish to 93 pounds in about 100 feet of water. Angler Kevin Riley on Semper Fidelis and friends scored one over 100 pounds.
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Lake is at 75-percent capacity. The bite is slow. The best bet is to troll in the Northwest corner of the lake at the inlet with Rapalas or flasher/worm combos early in the morning. Shore action has been slow at the river inlet.
CAPLES LAKE--Nobody was answering the phone at Caples Lake Resort on Sunday, and their fishing report wasn't updated. Numerous trout plants over the past months have the lake full of fish, but with ongoing hot weather anglers will need to fish early or late, or go deeper to find them.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Alpine County planted 12- to 13-inch rainbows in the West and East Forks this past week. The East Carson water flows are still good with lots of limits of planter fish being caught on salmon eggs, worms and spinners. The biggest trout caught in the East Fork last week was a 6 pounder taken a mile upstream of the resort on a nightcrawler.
DAVIS LAKE--Lake is down to 55-percent capacity. Trolling is still productive for boaters working from the Honker Cove ramp to the island at 12 to 16 feet. Ed Dillard caught 14 fish on his last trip up to 18 inches and lost two 18 inchers and one over 20 inches at the net. Fish are still hitting the No. 1 copper/red Dick Nite. Fly fishing was a little slow this past week, but knowledgeable anglers are still scoring on nymphs fished under an indicator along the west side creek mouths.
DONNER LAKE--Lake is at 94-percent capacity and scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The trout bite has been slow for shore anglers but the plant will revive the action. Piers 4 and 5 seem to provide the most consistent action. No word of any kokanee or Mack action.
FEATHER RIVER CANYON--North Fork was planted last week and limits were common for anglers fishing near the Caribou Crossroads Resort and the nearby campgrounds on worms and salmon eggs. The Caribou Powerhouse is still kicking out 2-pound native rainbows for anglers fishing the outlet with jigs and crickets. The East Branch produced an 18-inch rainbow for one lucky angler last week and smallmouth bass are still providing good action. All gold dredging operations have been shut down statewide, so fishermen won't have to worry about them for awhile.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake is down to 42-percent capacity. Heavy recreational boat traffic and warm weather has shut down the trolling bite and shore anglers are having the only success. Power Bait and worms are catching rainbows, 18 to 20 inches, near the dam. Try last Chance Creek below the lake for some good fish at any place the road provides access.
GOLD LAKES BASIN--Upper Salmon Lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Bassetts Station reported lots of people in the area and that they had sold out of all their bait. Fishing must be good. though they could provide no specific information
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 84-percent capacity. Action has slowed due to the heat and the full moon according to Ice House Resort.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Lake is at 80-percent capacity. Fishing was pretty good here with a bit of cooler weather last week. Shore anglers are doing well on Power Bait, nightcrawlers and 1/8-oz. Kastmaster spoons from Pass Creek to the dam. Trollers are doing better in the Southwest corner of the lake at Fir Top for nice browns on Rapalas, though the bite is sporadic.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Lake is at 85-percdent capacity. Best action has been for shore anglers catching rainbows and browns up in the narrows on worms and spinners for running fish 12 to 20 inches. Bass and Mackinaw action has been slow. Lots of recreational boat traffic is making trolling a tough option.
LAKE TAHOE--Chuck Self at Chuck's Charter Fishing reported a slow, sporadic bite on macks, rainbows and kokanee on the North end of the lake. On his last trip he landed a 4 or 5 macks from 1 to 9 pounds at 100 to 350 feet. Moving into shallow water and toplining produced a couple of 12- to 14-inch rainbows and a nice 16-inch kokanee. Mickey Daniels landed 8 or 9 fish, all about 6 pounds, on Sling Blades and Koke-a-nuts or Sting Kings at 250 feet. According to Tahoe Sportfishing in South Tahoe, the kokanee bite is good and producing limits of nice fish up to 16 inches.
LOON LAKE--Lake is at 80-percent capacity. Action has slowed due to the heat and the full moon, according to Ice House Resort.
PROSSER LAKE--The bite is best in the Prosser Creek arm at the inlet early until 8 a.m. on nightcrawlers and Panther Martins or Rooster Tails with gold blades. In the evening, switch to a bobber/worm for the best chance at success. Smallmouth fishing has slowed down but some are still hitting on the left side of the dam where the water is deeper close to the shore. Use crawdad pattern lures for the smallies.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 53.5-percent capacity. Kokanee are hitting pink hoochies behind chrome dodgers at 40 to 70 feet from the island up into the Sagehen Creek arm in the early morning until 9 a.m. Some macks are hitting at 70 to 90 feet at the dam. The smallmouth bite has dropped way off, but a few are still hitting crawdad color jigs and craw pattern flies below an indicator. Rainbows are hitting bait in the Sagehen arm or at the dam.
TOPAZ LAKE--Warm water temps and heavy recreational boat traffic have taken a huge toll on the fishing. The last boat that anchored at the inlet on the South end of the lake fished for 10 hours for 2 rainbows. Reports will start back up for Topaz after Labor Day when the boat traffic slows down and hopefully the water will cool off a bit by then.
TRUCKEE RIVER--General Section is good at the pool above River Ranch for some nice browns. Fish are concentrated in the faster water throughout the river. Lure casters are using Panther Martins and a Needlefish with a small splitshot attached 6 inches above the spoon. Fly casters are doing well in the Special Reg section on PMDs until 11 a.m., then switching over to a caddis pupa pattern during the day and finishing up with yellow stones and caddis in the evening. On windy, warm days near grassy banks, look for grasshoppers and try a hopper/dropper set up.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--Lake is at 85-percent capacity. Dale Daneman's Foothill Guide Service fished here last week and found very tough trolling for kokanee. He had a dozen takedowns and only hooked two fish--one small rainbow and a nice 16-inch kokanee.
WEST WALKER RIVER--DFG made trout plants this past week. The Northern Mono CC will plant Alpers trout this week. The bite has slowed down from 30 fish a day to 5 fish a day. Most people are catching a limit, but just not getting all the catch-and-release action that was common earlier this season. Most of the rainbows are 10 to 14 inches with an occasional 2-pound Alpers showing up on the stringer.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- The better bite on the lake seemed to be in the Redbud arm. Even in some of the areas with the heavier surface algae, anglers were catching fish with a variety of baits there. Crankbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and plastics were doing the trick for anglers fishing areas of rock in depths of water from the bank out to about 20 feet. Crankbait choices included the Speed Trap in craw colors for early morning and then moving to the deeper diving baits such as the Norman DD22 and Rapala's DT18 series in craw patterns. The top hook Osprey, Baitsmith, and paddle tail swimbaits were also working for anglers who stuck with it and covered a lot of water.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- Kokanee fishing was a little slow this past week with a full moon, a low pressure system that came through and water being let out again, lowering the water level. Look for koke fishing to improve as things settle back down. Most of the fish were caught on spinners and hoochies with Sep's 3/0 dodgers in watermelon and chrome starlight from 55 to 63 feet deep. Most of the shallow bass have moved down to 15 to 20 feet. There were some topwater fish in the early morning up to about 3 pounds using Zahra Spooks and Splash-it poppers in shad patterns along the edges of the weed beds. Then switch to plastics like Carolina-rigged Robo Worms or 3-inch grubs on a 1/8-ounce darthead. The drop-shot rig was also working. Most of the bass have been in the main body and points in the Narrows
LAKE SONOMA--The better bet has been the land-locked steelhead fishing in the main body and by the dam, producing limits of fish measuring 14 to 18 inches in 25 to 45 of water. A few bass were caught up in the creek arms on drop-shot worms and frogs. The better bet has been the land-locked steelhead fishing in the main body and by the dam, producing limits of fish measuring 14 to 18 inches in 25 to 45 of water.
UPPER BLUE LAKE-- Trout action was slow with the heat and fish are deep now. Few anglers had success, but then few anglers were here.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR-- There was some bad weather and a full moon but there should be a morning bite. Start early and though the bite tappers off, it should resume around 9:30 or 10. Troll a worm by itself or a worm on a Sling Blade. Set downriggers to 35 to 40 feet. If you prefer to use a leadcore set up instead, pull 5 colors out and use by itself or with a Sling Blade or Herring dodger in nickel or with prism tape.
BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--The fishing here was better in the morning. Most fish were being taken by the boat launch area of the lake or off the dam in deeper water with worms and lures. Topwater action was best around the dam and north shore of the lake.
BAUM LAKE--Still good hatches of PMD's, caddis, callibaetis, and trico's on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Kastmasters are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are working well for the bait fishermen.
BRITTON LAKE--Crappie bite is tough, with fish uncooperative. Smallie anglers are doing fine in the mornings and evenings.
BURNEY CREEK-- Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Below the falls, good results were found with pt's and copper John nymphs. Fish are coming up to caddis hatches in the evenings.
CASSEL FOREBAY-- Fishing in the canal above the powerhouse No.1 continues to produce a quality fishing experience. Power Bait, eggs and worms all work well. Fly-fishing was good with Adams, pale morning duns and streamers. Right before dark the fish tend to switch to nymph patterns, so be ready to switch when the time comes.
EAGLE LAKE-- Bobber fishermen are anchoring in 50-60 feet of water on the east side of the south basin off Miners Pt. and the Springs. On the west side, bobber fishing is good off Shrimp Island in 50 feet of water. In both areas, anglers are setting their threaded nightcrawlers 25-30 feet below their bobbers. Miners Point on the east side and between Shrimp Island and Wildcat Point on the west side of the south basin was good for trolling very early. Best set-ups were a Sep's black or brown No. 2 grub trolled from 8-12 feet deep early and from 12-26 feet deep later in the morning.
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-- Fishing reports have been fair with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, woolly buggers, and zugs for nymphs. Again, heat has definitely affected the hatch, as well as the fishermen.
HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--The riffle is best fished with pt's, birdsnest, or hare's ear. Look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.
UPPER HAT CREEK--No report due to fires. All campgrounds are open, all areas are open to fishing at this time; however, please obey any Forest Service restrictions regarding access. All highways are also open in the area.
IRON CANYON--Latest report shows the lake is up again but no actual results reported.
LEWISTON LAKE--Early mornings are the best time to be out here, from about 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Many fish are being caught on Pine Cove Marina's famous red and white combo (two red Pautzke Fireballs and one white Power Bait egg.) Some had luck using the bubblegum Power Balls off the marina dock. Nightcrawlers are also working, as are orange glitter and rainbow colored Power Bait. For lures try Red Dogs, Cripplures, Kastmasters, and wedding rings.
MANZANITA LAKE--No report due to fires, but fishing here was picking up. Watch for cruising fish and you can improve your chances. Ants, callibaetis, and pheasant tails still seemed to take more fish. The topwater action should improve through August. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.
PIT RIVER--River road is closed due to fires.
LAKE SHASTA-- Dry Creek provided non-stop action again with a hot setup for salmon being a black paddle tail behind a 6-inch Sling Blade at 100 to 120 feet. The trout were slamming an Apex behind UV Sling Blades between 60 and 80 feet. Rainbow trout measured between 14 and 17 inches, weighing between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds while salmon weighed up to 3 pounds.
WHISKEYTOWN--The best bite is right at 5:30 a.m. by the 299 Bridge. Start at 40 feet with an UV pink Apex, UV Cripplures, or Wiggle Hoochies all behind UV Sling Blades. You'll need to start going deeper as the sun hits the water, fish are hitting down to 80 feet.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--Striper fishing was about the same as last week, but flows are continuing to drop--under 4,000 cfs now--so fish and fishermen are making some adjustments. The river is actually more fishable at these flows, with holding spots becoming more obvious. Stripers continued to be caught all the way up to Nimbus Dam, and there were even reports of some topwater action there in the evening. Early morning is the other prime period to be on the water.
FEATHER RIVER--Striper fishing on the Feather River was spotty, and flows have dropped to a bit over 2,000 cfs, so fish will again be concentrated below Shanghai Bend. The big news was an influx of steelhead into the Low Flow Section where water temperatures are more than 10 degrees cooler than in the Outlet. They're taking everything from small nymphs fished under indicators to drifted roe.
FOLSOM LAKE--Down, down, down, the lake keeps going, and boats now have to be pulled out of the Marina. But, there was an uptick in fishing last week--for bass anyway. Some bass fishermen were finding action up the North Fork, and, while going low and slow with plastics was still the most productive approach, crankbaits, and even topwater lures were attracting bites at times. "At times" meaning early morning and late in the evening. As, for trout and landlocked king salmon action, don't expect much more than a pleasant morning on the water--at least before jetskiers start using you for their slalom course.
MCCLOUD RIVER--There's been some decent nymphing early and late, plus a bit of dry fly action late in the evening. Caddis has been the main hatch with a few pale evening duns toward dark. Concentrate on pools and pocket water.
SACRAMENTO RIVER--Striped bass fishing continued to putt along with almost all of the action still on sub-legal-sized (less than 18 inches) fish. About the only positive, but unconfirmed reports of some larger fish being caught, were from around Colusa for anglers fishing at night. Much better odds are for catfish in the Port of Sacramento--try anchovies and stinkbaits. Also, crappie and bluegill on worms under bobbers (plus minnows for the crappie). Some nice bass and crappie also were being taken in Verona Slough off the Garden Highway, on minnows.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-- The stretch of the Sacramento River between Redding and Los Molinos (note, boats cannot pass under the Cypress Street Bridge when flows are above 7,000 cfs) continued to produce some of the best fishing for big rainbows in Northern California. Flows were dropping and were a bit over 11,000 cfs over the weekend. Fly fishermen were getting their bites on nymphs fished under indicators, and spin fishermen have been scoring on Glo-Bugs with or without a bit of roe, nightcrawlers, and crickets. Some of the trout weigh as much as 3 pounds, and the occasional steelhead has been showing up to take a bite.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper--Trout fishing was fair, and the best of it continued to be in the upstream portions of the river. Fewer but larger trout could be caught downstream, but it's been strictly an early morning bite below Sims. Fish nymphs on a short line close to the bottom in deeper pocket water.
YUBA RIVER--Trout fishing is "fair." Although there's been some dry fly action in the evening, nymphing has been a more consistent bet. Try a rubberleg/ caddis nymph combo under an indicator.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Hot weather is keeping the locals who fish here at home. There are few reports of any success available from local tackle shops or the Forest Service.
BULLARDS BAR--Lake is down to 76-percent capacity. Locals are puzzled by the lack of kokanee. Bass fishing has been good with reports of bigger fish than usual: 2 to 4 pounds. Bass are hitting plastic worms and tubes on rocky points at 20 to 30 feet. Some 12-inch rainbows are hitting for trollers in the North Yuba arm on flasher/worm combos.
CAMP FAR WEST--Bass fishing has been good. A local club held a tournament on Saturday night, but left the lake before reporting the results. Catfish are active at night for shore anglers using chicken livers and cut baits.
COLLINS LAKE--Mixed action for trout bass, catfish and redears. Night fishing off the docks is a sure bet for most species on Power Bait or worms. Trollers are still getting limits of trout to 5 pounds at 20 to 30 feet deep off the dam on Needlefish and flasher/worm combos. Bridge area is kicking out a lot of crappie on worms. Bass bite is sporadic. but Greg Byrkit of Hayward caught a 6 1/4-pound largemouth on a white popper near the North buoy line. Catfish up to 7 pounds are hitting at the docks and the dam on worms and chicken livers.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Lake is at 91-percent capacity. Trolling has slowed down and most of the trout are being caught up in the Boston Bar area by boaters drifting Power Bait/worm combos off the bottom. Matt Urban of Nevada City caught a 6-pound, 1-ounce spot and a 5 1/4-pound largemouth throwing a bluegill swimbait in Keystone Cove.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lake is at 85-percent capacity. Trollers are picking up some nice fish on dodger/worm combos. Shore anglers are doing well near the campgrounds on Power Bait and worms.
FULLER LAKE--DFG trout plant scheduled for this week. Shore anglers use Power Bait and worms off the dam. Trollers are best off using flasher/worm combos and small Rapalas.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Lake is at 86-percent capacity. No Mack action reported this past week, but 14-inch kokanee are still hitting bikini Needlefish behind dodgers at 30 feet near the dam and the powerhouse.
LAKE OROVILLE--Lake is way down to 41-percent capacity. Hot weather and plummeting water levels are making it hard on anglers. Bidwell Marina has notified all boaters that they will have to pull their boats out of the marina because of the low level water in the cove, but the ramp is still open with 3 lanes in operation for day use. The Spillway is down to a single lane with 4-wheel drive a good idea in case you have to back out further to launch. The Lime Saddle ramp is in operation.
ROLLINS LAKE--Lake is at a healthy 96-percent capacity. Some brown trout being caught drifting nightcrawlers near the dam very early or late to avoid the recreational traffic. Lots of catfish, 2 to 3 pounds, are coming in at night on hot dogs and stinkbait. A few bass are hitting nightcrawlers and plastic worms, but limits are hard to find.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake is at 86-percent capacity. Fishing is reported to be slow, with some bass and bluegill hitting for anglers using nightcrawlers. Heavy recreational traffic during the day makes early morning or evening/night the best time to fish.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--No trout, but there's still a chance for a bass or bluegill for the kids. A nightcrawler for the bass and a bobber and a worm for the bluegill should keep a young fisherman entertained.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--One local troller reported getting skunked after a morning of fishing when he usually catches at least a few fish. He only saw three fish jumping on the whole lake. The lack of DFG plants is obviously taking its toll here. There's still some bass and catfish action for shore anglers near the dam.
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