TOP PICKS
AMERICAN RIVER--The American River salmon run is all but over, and there's been no last minute flurry of fish to make up for the most dismal return on record. The one bright spot continued to be steelhead which continued to enter the hatchery at a pace around double of a year ago. Fishing for them was best in Nimbus Basin, although the word was getting out, and fishing pressure was picking up. Anglers should check often for when the fish screens will be pulled, which could be almost any time, as that typically triggers exceptionally good steelhead fishing for several days as steelhead rush upstream into the Basin.
SMITH RIVER--Sunday morning saw the first time this year that the Smith went over 20 feet, and the 10 or 11 guide boats on the river all head limits of bright, fresh steelies caught during the rise. Leaves were a problem, but if it hits 26 feet it should blow them all out, according to Phil Desautel of Phil's Smiling Salmon Guide Service. More rain was forecast all week, which should keep flows good for anglers coming up to cash in on what should be the best fishing of the year so far. Look for the last of the kings, too.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough reported for Captain Mike Shimel on the Morning Star and their first sturgeon success in San Pablo Bay. Among various sharks and rays, one angler caught a 65.5 incher between the Pumphouse and Sonoma Creek. On Sunday's trip, 9 anglers caught 2 keepers, 60 inches and 63 inches at the Mare Island Rockwall. All the fish ate grass/ghost combo baits.
SUISUN BAY--The upper end was best for sturgeon, the top reports coming from Pittsburg, Honker Bay, and Suisun Cut. Ghost shrimp has been a top bait, but may be harder to find with the weather conditions up off the Oregon coast where we get our supply.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa--Some new schools of salmon moved through the section of river open for fishing. Knight's Landing, Grimes, and Hamilton City saw some pretty good action, for most of the week, and some large fish, as well, with some weighing over 40 pounds. Kwikfish seemed to be accounting for most of the salmon being caught. The open portion of the river closes Dec. 31.
DELTA REGION: SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- Both the stripers and sturgeon will need time to adjust to the cooler waters, but scent and or sound will help them find you. SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Outdoor Sportsman's Chris Chaing said rain affected the water, which was slightly stained now. Franks Tract will be a good area to target stripers by soaking shad. Stripers have been averaging 6 to 7 pounds these days and more are finding limits than not. Black bass has slowed, or is it just that more anglers are focused on stripers?
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER--The river had been hit by three days of cold, freezing weather and by Sunday the rains had hit and it was up to 2000 cfs--and it was still raining. Steelhead were seen pushing into the river. WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts said that when it starts dropping, be there!!! It will be the best of the season.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--it was muddy and low before the big rain, and only a few groups were out fishing in mud on Saturday, but it rained more on Saturday night and was opened to fishing as of Sunday afternoon. "It certainly didn't clear any," said Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service in Garberville. It's closed from the confluence of the South Fork Eel upstream. The South Fork will be fishable long before the main, but it's a good bet after flows in the South Fork have dropped off. Anglers cannot keep any fish here, and it's likely there will be salmon in the mix with steelies.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It was a trickle, but colored on Saturday, flowing at 525 cfs at 4 p.m., but by Sunday at 2 p.m. it was up to 861--still not much water but certainly an improvement and still raining. Look for both salmon and steelhead in here when enough water reaches the ocean for them to move, because there hasn't been enough flow for salmon to move yet this season. According to Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service in Garberville, January has been seeing 2 or 3 weeks of phenomenal steelhead fishing in recent years, with big, bright steelies all over the place. Anglers may not keep any fish here.
GARCIA RIVER--According to Ken Elie at the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park, Sunday was the first day this year that the river received enough rain to open, but it hasn't been open long enough for any fishing reports. Judging by rivers and anadromous fish, however, this will be the beginning of steelheading.
GUALALA RIVER--Open as of Sunday afternoon, but fishing won't begin until tomorrow (Monday) and then it may or may not be fishable at all. Fish should begin coming in for sure if the flows are high enough, and with a week's worth of rain coming, if not now, very soon.
MAD RIVER--Blown out, high, muddy and brown. A few anglers tried it but to no avail. Wait for it to clear...then watch out!
MATTOLE RIVER--It got dumped on but doesn't open until Jan. 1. With the current system of storms in the forecast, this could be red hot on the opener Jan. 1.
NAVARRO/NOYO--Both opened as of Sunday, but no reports available, and maybe even not enough time for the fish to have entered the system. Take notice: Steelhead season has begun!! Also, these two rivers hold their color the longest of the small coastal rivers and also blow out the quickest.
REDWOOD CREEK--Expected to be enough rain to bring fish up, and it was open as of Sunday afternoon, but no definite reports. Fishing could begin tomorrow, or it might still be raining and blowing out. It's been a long dry spell, however, and without a lot of flushing rain, might just recede and close again.
ROGUE RIVER--Even with the rain, the river was still low and clear, but the steelhead apparently knew what was up, because according to Larry Cody at the Rogue Outdoor Store, there's been reliable reports all week of large numbers of steelhead--hundreds at times--moving up the river. They're catching a few but "you have to be 50 yards back from the bank" because it's so clear, according to one anglers. Rain was forecast for the entire upcoming week, so it's a matter of "wait and see", he said.
RUSSIAN RIVER--"We've been checking it out 2 or 3 times a week," said Ken Elie of the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park, "and there's a lot of steelhead in the lower river, but it's so low and clear they're almost untouchable." He said they have had significant rain, however, and the river picked up some color, but he's not sure if it's enough for major movement of the fish, and whether it will spur more fish to enter or not. The expected week of rain should do it, however.
VANDUZEN RIVER--As of Saturday it looked like an off-colored creek, according to Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service, but there were still a few anglers at the mouth. It did rain all night off and on, though, and it was open to fishing on Sunday afternoon according to the DFG report. Stand by!!
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Happy Camp--Steelhead fishing has been good, and the fish have been larger lately, some weighing up to 7 pounds. Because the water is so cold, roe and small Hot Shots have been producing better than flies. Fishing pressure continues to be nil.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--River conditions were still good in spite of the rain, except for a little rise and a little discoloration of the Trinity below the South Fork. Adult winter run steelhead continued to be scarce, but anglers have been catching good numbers of wild halfpounder steelhead which augurs well for the future.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--Fishing pressure has really let up, and fair weather fishermen have been replaced by winter steelheaders who realize steelhead fishing is not supposed to be a sissy sport where you catch steelhead one after another in short sleeves. They are being rewarded by 1 to 3 hookups per day, with some fish weighing up to 10 pounds by swinging streamers and dead-drifting small nymphs. Spin fishermen caught some by drifting Blue Fox spinners, small chunks of roe and nightcrawlers.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Catch-and-release fishing with barbless artificial lures only. There is snow at Hwy. 49, so fishing pressure is very low.
BULLARDS BAR--6 to 8 inches of snow has pretty much shut down the recreation at the lake and more is forecast. No one is fishing.
CAMP FAR WEST--Still low water level but no snow here to make access difficult. Rain is forecast this week so maybe the lake level will come up a little. Very little angling pressure, but bass action was pretty good last week for small boaters using worms and jigs.
COLLINS LAKE--DFG delivered trout for the pen-rearing program last week. Trout action has been slow but at least one bass angler was doing well on swimbaits for fish up to 6 pounds on the upper end of the lake.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Trout action good for both trollers and bait drifters. Trollers are using a watermelon dodger with a 4-foot leader and a worm out in front of the marina on down to the dam for good catches of brown trout, 10 to 17 inches. Houseboaters are still doing well off the backs of their boats in the marina with a bobber/worm combo with the bait set at 10 feet. No snow here due to the elevation but it has been cold and rain is in the forecast.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Foresthill Ranger Station reported that the first storm last week dumped lots of snow at the higher elevations and more snow is coming. Access is closed until next spring as predicted in the last issue. This will be the last report until access opens up in late spring.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Georgetown Ranger Station reported that the recent snowstorms closed access to the lake. More snow is forecast, so reports will begin again next spring when access opens again.
LAKE OROVILLE--Recent storms have dumped rain in the area. Difficult launching conditions will only get worse with the rain muddying up the dirt ramp at the spillway. The hardy few that are getting on the lake are doing well on bass with drop-shot worms, tubes and jigs. A 6 pounder and a 7 pounder were caught in a tournament last week, so there are some quality fish around. No word of any action on the coho.
ROLLINS LAKE--Snow has put a damper on an already slow time of year at the lake. All the foothill lakes are in dire of need of water and luckily more snow is coming. Very little angling pressure on the lake because of the snow and fluctuating water levels at the lake are making launching questionable from day to day.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake received 1 1/2 feet of snow early last week and there is a lot more snow in the forecast. Roads are plowed to the lake so there is access for shore anglers who are catching planter and holdover trout. Boaters will have a difficult time getting to the lake, though there is one lane plowed to the ramp, but 4-wheel drive is mandatory.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--1 1/2 feet of snow has pretty much shut down any fishing. The road to the lake is plowed but not the roads to the ramp and parking area. 4-wheelers can get into the area but it would be better to just wait until next year.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lots of snow at this elevation but 4-wheelers are still getting up to the lake. Shore anglers still have a chance but there is much more snow in the forecast and access will just get more difficult.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Still some steelhead action on Wilbur Rd. for anglers using minnows. Boaters are trolling a Sling Blade with worms or a minnow for fish running 4 to 5 pounds.
NORTH SALTWATER
BENICIA--While cold water temperatures have slowed the action some, there were reports of sturgeon and stripers caught. Randy Hedrick at Benicia Bait has high hopes for the rainy forecast, noting the water needs to murk up for better sturgeon fishing. Top action has been in the upper Suisun system, where ghost shrimp has been the best bait choice. Stripers are coming in, most caught on cut bullheads.
BERKELEY--Very quiet as is the norm for this time of year, but some of the boats will offer crab and sanddab combos if the interest is there and the weather cooperates.
BODEGA BAY-- While two trips targeting giant squid were cancelled due to weather, the weekend efforts did run with surprising results. Despite imperfect conditions, the anglers on board really got into them, a little better on Sunday over Saturday, on the New Sea Angler. Total counts were 196 on Saturday and 285 on Sunday, biggest ones in the 50-plus-pound class.
EMERYVILLE--No trips out since Dec. 4, but the landing is still trying to set up giant squid trips, and after the first of the year, sturgeon trips will be on tap on the New Huck Finn and Captain Hook.
EUREKA--There were some decent crabbing reports at the mouth of the Eel before the rains, and the fresh water coming down will probably slow that. Local clammers are getting ready for some good razor clamming with the north side of Strawberry Creek on Clam Beach open this year. That's the better side, and hopes are high for a repeat of 2005's banner season.
FORT BRAGG--Not much going on, but the Telstar is going to be back in action after Christmas targeting giant squid and crab. While rockfish is open for shore fishing, the weather is hampering efforts, which have been light.
HALF MOON BAY--While not too much is going on, the persistent Huli Cat is plying the winter options, including giant squid (good action) crab (somewhat slow) and tiger prawns (high hopes, but not much success).
SAN PABLO BAY--Should improve with the rains, although we have a lot of catching up to do. A big flush of freshwater will make the sturgeon and striper bite much better.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
FEATHER RIVER--Anglers continued to catch steelhead over a long stretch of river, from Gridley up through the Low Flow Section. Some of the fish being caught were quite large for the Feather, weighing up to 10 pounds. Nightcrawlers were the bait of choice, especially with the rain. Hardware, roe and flies were also accounting for a few.
FOLSOM LAKE--The storm has started bringing up the lake level for the first time in a very long time. Very slowly, though, and launching continues to be a challenge at Granite Bay. Guide Don Paganelli suggests using electronics to find bait concentrations along creek channels at the mouths of coves and work them with spoons or drop-shotting. He said 1- to 1 1/2-ounce Blade Runners in white and chartreuse, Tennessee shad, and morning dawn have been the most effective patterns.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Sturgeon in Cache Slough really picked up last week, and stripers were eating shad in the Port. The area around the mouth of the Feather River was seeing some striped bass, too, although there were few anglers out trying.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--More changes and challenges for the winter angler but typically in the winter the rip bite picks up, as do the use of plastics or jigs on deeper docks and submerged rock piles.
LAKE BERRYESSA--When you can get back out, try Spanish Flats, which has been good for trout with Needlefish, small Cleo's, and Kastmaster in 15 to 25 feet, and a few kokes. If you mark them you can get them. Spooning for bass around bait balls in 25 feet and jigging brought in boatloads of bass.
LAKE SONOMA--Louie Bruno from the Outdoor Pro Shop said trout were troublesome, as anglers had a hard time finding them. You should be able to find them in the main body from 30 to 60 feet. The bass bite has been improving on smaller swimbaits like the Osprey Top Hook and will be good choices back in the upper arms.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR--With snow and rain, the waters have cooled. Once you can get back out, try vertical jigging for trout in the deeper waters off the bottom, with white or pearl Git-Zits in a 1/8-ounce size, a 1/8-ounce Hopkins spoon or Swedish Pimples.
BAUM LAKE--Bait anglers did well with nightcrawlers or Power Bait before the storm. Copper Johns in green, BWO's, and Griffith's gnat worked for dries, while Don's bug, midges, and woolly buggers did well for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen did well on just about anything, but conditions are changing with a fresh batch of snow in the area. Call ahead for road conditions.
EAGLE LAKE--Close on Dec. 31 but both the north and south end produced fish on 3-inch orange grubs fished 4 to 5 feet down on downriggers over 6 to 7 feet of water. The grubs were also scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR-- Trout are jumping everywhere but few if any were out to pursue them due to weather and the abundance of food available here. Power Bait or a combination of white and red eggs will help entice the trout.
MEDICINE LAKE--Trolling slowly with a Sep's dodger and worm worked well here before the storm, no reports were available as no one could get out this week.
PIT RIVER--It remains open to zero kill, barbless hooks, and artificials only from Lake Britton Dam downstream to Shasta Lake but no reports were available due to the weather. Before the storms, Black AP's, golden stones, rubber-leg prince did well.
LAKE SHASTA--Reports focused on the Digger Bay and the Big Backbone inlet areas before the storms. With colder conditions, Roger's Guide Service suggested running smaller lures a little slower and deeper. Brighter colors and scent will also be a "must." For bass, try a brass and glass plus a plastic worm in 12 to 20 feet of water.
LAKE SHASTINA-Water is really low.
LAKE SISKIYOU-- Trolling slow with a Sep's dodger and worm or K-7 KwikFish landed some nice trout before the storm, we'll have to wait and see about this tiny little lake now.
TRINITY LAKE--Currently all ramps are unavailable due to snow and low water conditions.
Sierra Lakes/Rivers Formcharts
BOCA LAKE--Lake accessible, at least as far as the dam. Few anglers out trying.
CAPLES LAKE--Plenty of snow in the area has made access to the lake even more difficult, limiting even more anglers' access to the water. Lake is icing now, but not near safe for ice fishing.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Snowfall has sharply reduced angler activity in the area. With more storms forecast, this isn't likely to improve quickly.
DAVIS, LAKE--About 90-percent of the lake is frozen over now, but ice is not safe enough for ice fishing. Within a few weeks, ice fishing could be possible. Anglers should be extremely cautious when getting out on the ice.
DONNER LAKE--Some rain over the weekend, but at last report the launch ramp was still snowed in. Usually, the ramp isn't cleared until some local anglers plow it themselves.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Some ice reported on the lake now and some snow on the ground. Few, if any, fishermen going to the lake since the freeze-up has started.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Snow at times and continued bad weather has made access "iffy". For all practical purposes, the lake is close to being snowbound.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Fair amounts of snow on the ground and very little fishing activity reported.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--A few boats on the lake as a rule, but nobody has been showing off any fish worth bragging about. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said there has been some snow on the ground, but nothing to cause any problems. He said the back launch ramp is open now and launching is available at both ramps.
PROSSER LAKE--Some icing on the lake now, but far from enough for ice fishing. Very little activity reported.
PYRAMID LAKE--Fishing here has been improving and most people have been catching some decent fish. Problem is, not many people fishing. Carla Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe said weather has been good and boats have been getting out, but there have just been very few anglers. She said no real whopper cutthroat have been checked in, but the better fish have been running between 8 and 10 pounds.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Access is possible, but only with 4x4 vehicles with tire chains. Shawn Bottomly with Hook-Up Guide Service in Truckee recommends against even trying to launch larger boats.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw fishing has plenty of potential these days, using tried and true methods of pulling big Apex and J-Plugs, or live minnows on wire line. The ability to put a limit of macks in the boat is at hand most of the time. But, right now, the number of anglers fishing the lake has dropped off sharply.
MOTHER LODE
AMADOR LAKE--Lake managers anticipated increases in the water level with the rains, this lake benefiting from regional rains over the spring snowmelt. Also displacing some water were bonus trophy trout plants, with 5,000 pounds of 10 pounders planted the past couple weeks, that in addition to the usual plants of 3 to 4 pounders. Very little effort for bass or catfish, but there were some catfish reports a couple weeks back.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Trout action remained great for trollers working upriver and shore anglers fishing from the main accesses at both recreation areas. On the north side, top spot is the North Shore Day Use Point, while south side's Chevron Point produces best. Trollers used Rapalas and small spoons to find fish in the top 15 feet of water from the narrows on up.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Still a great bet for shore trout action at Blue Oaks. The DFG has been planting heavily, and the cool temps and rains have drawn the trout in close to shore. Trolling is tougher, but anglers using side planers to hug the shoreline do okay. Top choices are a threaded 'crawler with a dodger or small set of ultralight flashers.
LAKE McCLURE--Shoreline trout fishing picked up with the rain, the runoff bringing the trout even tighter to the bank. Barrett Cove was the top choice for bankies soaking Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers found better action with sideplaners to get their gear closer to the bank. Bass fishing was tough due to the cold temps, but should improve with forecasted warmer weather.
LAKE McSWAIN--Still steady action thanks to weekly plants, in some cases doubled up. Angler pressure slowed through the stormy weather, but the bite should be back in force when the weather breaks. This will be a top choice in the region for anglers looking for a Christmas vacation fishing break.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Very quiet and while water levels were stable, expect the lake to finally show some increase with the heavy rains forecasted. The feeder creeks are good choices for catfish with the rains dumping lots of good stuff for them to eat.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Bass fishing rated good before the last cold front, with spotted bass roaming a wide range of depth in creek arms. Plenty of smaller fish, but the occasional 4 to 5 pounder livening up the bite. Carolina rigged or split shot worms in craw colors work for the volume bite. Swimbaits are the top choice for bigger fish. Trout offered great action for shore anglers with plenty of limits reported. Most of the fish are planters; the DFG is planting weekly through this month. Top spots are Glory Hole Point, Angels Cove, Tuttletown and under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Excellent action on rainbows on top, reported guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing, who fished the lake Thursday. Best action came on side planers rigged with Vance's Little Slim Willies with a 'crawler trailing. The key, said Smith, is getting the offerings close to the shoreline. "We had no problem catching two limits of quality rainbows to over 2 pounds, and released some smaller ones," he said. While the lake level has been dropped for work planned in January, there is still some boat ramp in the water. Water temps ranged from 52 to 54 degrees.
_ Western Outdoor News
_ www.wonews.com
http://www.sacbee.com/fishing_hunting/stor...Fishing/Hunting
AMERICAN RIVER--The American River salmon run is all but over, and there's been no last minute flurry of fish to make up for the most dismal return on record. The one bright spot continued to be steelhead which continued to enter the hatchery at a pace around double of a year ago. Fishing for them was best in Nimbus Basin, although the word was getting out, and fishing pressure was picking up. Anglers should check often for when the fish screens will be pulled, which could be almost any time, as that typically triggers exceptionally good steelhead fishing for several days as steelhead rush upstream into the Basin.
SMITH RIVER--Sunday morning saw the first time this year that the Smith went over 20 feet, and the 10 or 11 guide boats on the river all head limits of bright, fresh steelies caught during the rise. Leaves were a problem, but if it hits 26 feet it should blow them all out, according to Phil Desautel of Phil's Smiling Salmon Guide Service. More rain was forecast all week, which should keep flows good for anglers coming up to cash in on what should be the best fishing of the year so far. Look for the last of the kings, too.
CROCKETT--Captain Gordon Hough reported for Captain Mike Shimel on the Morning Star and their first sturgeon success in San Pablo Bay. Among various sharks and rays, one angler caught a 65.5 incher between the Pumphouse and Sonoma Creek. On Sunday's trip, 9 anglers caught 2 keepers, 60 inches and 63 inches at the Mare Island Rockwall. All the fish ate grass/ghost combo baits.
SUISUN BAY--The upper end was best for sturgeon, the top reports coming from Pittsburg, Honker Bay, and Suisun Cut. Ghost shrimp has been a top bait, but may be harder to find with the weather conditions up off the Oregon coast where we get our supply.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa--Some new schools of salmon moved through the section of river open for fishing. Knight's Landing, Grimes, and Hamilton City saw some pretty good action, for most of the week, and some large fish, as well, with some weighing over 40 pounds. Kwikfish seemed to be accounting for most of the salmon being caught. The open portion of the river closes Dec. 31.
DELTA REGION: SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- Both the stripers and sturgeon will need time to adjust to the cooler waters, but scent and or sound will help them find you. SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Outdoor Sportsman's Chris Chaing said rain affected the water, which was slightly stained now. Franks Tract will be a good area to target stripers by soaking shad. Stripers have been averaging 6 to 7 pounds these days and more are finding limits than not. Black bass has slowed, or is it just that more anglers are focused on stripers?
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164.
CHETCO RIVER--The river had been hit by three days of cold, freezing weather and by Sunday the rains had hit and it was up to 2000 cfs--and it was still raining. Steelhead were seen pushing into the river. WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts said that when it starts dropping, be there!!! It will be the best of the season.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--it was muddy and low before the big rain, and only a few groups were out fishing in mud on Saturday, but it rained more on Saturday night and was opened to fishing as of Sunday afternoon. "It certainly didn't clear any," said Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service in Garberville. It's closed from the confluence of the South Fork Eel upstream. The South Fork will be fishable long before the main, but it's a good bet after flows in the South Fork have dropped off. Anglers cannot keep any fish here, and it's likely there will be salmon in the mix with steelies.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It was a trickle, but colored on Saturday, flowing at 525 cfs at 4 p.m., but by Sunday at 2 p.m. it was up to 861--still not much water but certainly an improvement and still raining. Look for both salmon and steelhead in here when enough water reaches the ocean for them to move, because there hasn't been enough flow for salmon to move yet this season. According to Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service in Garberville, January has been seeing 2 or 3 weeks of phenomenal steelhead fishing in recent years, with big, bright steelies all over the place. Anglers may not keep any fish here.
GARCIA RIVER--According to Ken Elie at the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park, Sunday was the first day this year that the river received enough rain to open, but it hasn't been open long enough for any fishing reports. Judging by rivers and anadromous fish, however, this will be the beginning of steelheading.
GUALALA RIVER--Open as of Sunday afternoon, but fishing won't begin until tomorrow (Monday) and then it may or may not be fishable at all. Fish should begin coming in for sure if the flows are high enough, and with a week's worth of rain coming, if not now, very soon.
MAD RIVER--Blown out, high, muddy and brown. A few anglers tried it but to no avail. Wait for it to clear...then watch out!
MATTOLE RIVER--It got dumped on but doesn't open until Jan. 1. With the current system of storms in the forecast, this could be red hot on the opener Jan. 1.
NAVARRO/NOYO--Both opened as of Sunday, but no reports available, and maybe even not enough time for the fish to have entered the system. Take notice: Steelhead season has begun!! Also, these two rivers hold their color the longest of the small coastal rivers and also blow out the quickest.
REDWOOD CREEK--Expected to be enough rain to bring fish up, and it was open as of Sunday afternoon, but no definite reports. Fishing could begin tomorrow, or it might still be raining and blowing out. It's been a long dry spell, however, and without a lot of flushing rain, might just recede and close again.
ROGUE RIVER--Even with the rain, the river was still low and clear, but the steelhead apparently knew what was up, because according to Larry Cody at the Rogue Outdoor Store, there's been reliable reports all week of large numbers of steelhead--hundreds at times--moving up the river. They're catching a few but "you have to be 50 yards back from the bank" because it's so clear, according to one anglers. Rain was forecast for the entire upcoming week, so it's a matter of "wait and see", he said.
RUSSIAN RIVER--"We've been checking it out 2 or 3 times a week," said Ken Elie of the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park, "and there's a lot of steelhead in the lower river, but it's so low and clear they're almost untouchable." He said they have had significant rain, however, and the river picked up some color, but he's not sure if it's enough for major movement of the fish, and whether it will spur more fish to enter or not. The expected week of rain should do it, however.
VANDUZEN RIVER--As of Saturday it looked like an off-colored creek, according to Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Guide Service, but there were still a few anglers at the mouth. It did rain all night off and on, though, and it was open to fishing on Sunday afternoon according to the DFG report. Stand by!!
TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Happy Camp--Steelhead fishing has been good, and the fish have been larger lately, some weighing up to 7 pounds. Because the water is so cold, roe and small Hot Shots have been producing better than flies. Fishing pressure continues to be nil.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--River conditions were still good in spite of the rain, except for a little rise and a little discoloration of the Trinity below the South Fork. Adult winter run steelhead continued to be scarce, but anglers have been catching good numbers of wild halfpounder steelhead which augurs well for the future.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--Fishing pressure has really let up, and fair weather fishermen have been replaced by winter steelheaders who realize steelhead fishing is not supposed to be a sissy sport where you catch steelhead one after another in short sleeves. They are being rewarded by 1 to 3 hookups per day, with some fish weighing up to 10 pounds by swinging streamers and dead-drifting small nymphs. Spin fishermen caught some by drifting Blue Fox spinners, small chunks of roe and nightcrawlers.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--Catch-and-release fishing with barbless artificial lures only. There is snow at Hwy. 49, so fishing pressure is very low.
BULLARDS BAR--6 to 8 inches of snow has pretty much shut down the recreation at the lake and more is forecast. No one is fishing.
CAMP FAR WEST--Still low water level but no snow here to make access difficult. Rain is forecast this week so maybe the lake level will come up a little. Very little angling pressure, but bass action was pretty good last week for small boaters using worms and jigs.
COLLINS LAKE--DFG delivered trout for the pen-rearing program last week. Trout action has been slow but at least one bass angler was doing well on swimbaits for fish up to 6 pounds on the upper end of the lake.
ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR--Trout action good for both trollers and bait drifters. Trollers are using a watermelon dodger with a 4-foot leader and a worm out in front of the marina on down to the dam for good catches of brown trout, 10 to 17 inches. Houseboaters are still doing well off the backs of their boats in the marina with a bobber/worm combo with the bait set at 10 feet. No snow here due to the elevation but it has been cold and rain is in the forecast.
FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Foresthill Ranger Station reported that the first storm last week dumped lots of snow at the higher elevations and more snow is coming. Access is closed until next spring as predicted in the last issue. This will be the last report until access opens up in late spring.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Georgetown Ranger Station reported that the recent snowstorms closed access to the lake. More snow is forecast, so reports will begin again next spring when access opens again.
LAKE OROVILLE--Recent storms have dumped rain in the area. Difficult launching conditions will only get worse with the rain muddying up the dirt ramp at the spillway. The hardy few that are getting on the lake are doing well on bass with drop-shot worms, tubes and jigs. A 6 pounder and a 7 pounder were caught in a tournament last week, so there are some quality fish around. No word of any action on the coho.
ROLLINS LAKE--Snow has put a damper on an already slow time of year at the lake. All the foothill lakes are in dire of need of water and luckily more snow is coming. Very little angling pressure on the lake because of the snow and fluctuating water levels at the lake are making launching questionable from day to day.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Lake received 1 1/2 feet of snow early last week and there is a lot more snow in the forecast. Roads are plowed to the lake so there is access for shore anglers who are catching planter and holdover trout. Boaters will have a difficult time getting to the lake, though there is one lane plowed to the ramp, but 4-wheel drive is mandatory.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--1 1/2 feet of snow has pretty much shut down any fishing. The road to the lake is plowed but not the roads to the ramp and parking area. 4-wheelers can get into the area but it would be better to just wait until next year.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Lots of snow at this elevation but 4-wheelers are still getting up to the lake. Shore anglers still have a chance but there is much more snow in the forecast and access will just get more difficult.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Still some steelhead action on Wilbur Rd. for anglers using minnows. Boaters are trolling a Sling Blade with worms or a minnow for fish running 4 to 5 pounds.
NORTH SALTWATER
BENICIA--While cold water temperatures have slowed the action some, there were reports of sturgeon and stripers caught. Randy Hedrick at Benicia Bait has high hopes for the rainy forecast, noting the water needs to murk up for better sturgeon fishing. Top action has been in the upper Suisun system, where ghost shrimp has been the best bait choice. Stripers are coming in, most caught on cut bullheads.
BERKELEY--Very quiet as is the norm for this time of year, but some of the boats will offer crab and sanddab combos if the interest is there and the weather cooperates.
BODEGA BAY-- While two trips targeting giant squid were cancelled due to weather, the weekend efforts did run with surprising results. Despite imperfect conditions, the anglers on board really got into them, a little better on Sunday over Saturday, on the New Sea Angler. Total counts were 196 on Saturday and 285 on Sunday, biggest ones in the 50-plus-pound class.
EMERYVILLE--No trips out since Dec. 4, but the landing is still trying to set up giant squid trips, and after the first of the year, sturgeon trips will be on tap on the New Huck Finn and Captain Hook.
EUREKA--There were some decent crabbing reports at the mouth of the Eel before the rains, and the fresh water coming down will probably slow that. Local clammers are getting ready for some good razor clamming with the north side of Strawberry Creek on Clam Beach open this year. That's the better side, and hopes are high for a repeat of 2005's banner season.
FORT BRAGG--Not much going on, but the Telstar is going to be back in action after Christmas targeting giant squid and crab. While rockfish is open for shore fishing, the weather is hampering efforts, which have been light.
HALF MOON BAY--While not too much is going on, the persistent Huli Cat is plying the winter options, including giant squid (good action) crab (somewhat slow) and tiger prawns (high hopes, but not much success).
SAN PABLO BAY--Should improve with the rains, although we have a lot of catching up to do. A big flush of freshwater will make the sturgeon and striper bite much better.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
FEATHER RIVER--Anglers continued to catch steelhead over a long stretch of river, from Gridley up through the Low Flow Section. Some of the fish being caught were quite large for the Feather, weighing up to 10 pounds. Nightcrawlers were the bait of choice, especially with the rain. Hardware, roe and flies were also accounting for a few.
FOLSOM LAKE--The storm has started bringing up the lake level for the first time in a very long time. Very slowly, though, and launching continues to be a challenge at Granite Bay. Guide Don Paganelli suggests using electronics to find bait concentrations along creek channels at the mouths of coves and work them with spoons or drop-shotting. He said 1- to 1 1/2-ounce Blade Runners in white and chartreuse, Tennessee shad, and morning dawn have been the most effective patterns.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Sturgeon in Cache Slough really picked up last week, and stripers were eating shad in the Port. The area around the mouth of the Feather River was seeing some striped bass, too, although there were few anglers out trying.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE--More changes and challenges for the winter angler but typically in the winter the rip bite picks up, as do the use of plastics or jigs on deeper docks and submerged rock piles.
LAKE BERRYESSA--When you can get back out, try Spanish Flats, which has been good for trout with Needlefish, small Cleo's, and Kastmaster in 15 to 25 feet, and a few kokes. If you mark them you can get them. Spooning for bass around bait balls in 25 feet and jigging brought in boatloads of bass.
LAKE SONOMA--Louie Bruno from the Outdoor Pro Shop said trout were troublesome, as anglers had a hard time finding them. You should be able to find them in the main body from 30 to 60 feet. The bass bite has been improving on smaller swimbaits like the Osprey Top Hook and will be good choices back in the upper arms.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
LAKE ALMANOR--With snow and rain, the waters have cooled. Once you can get back out, try vertical jigging for trout in the deeper waters off the bottom, with white or pearl Git-Zits in a 1/8-ounce size, a 1/8-ounce Hopkins spoon or Swedish Pimples.
BAUM LAKE--Bait anglers did well with nightcrawlers or Power Bait before the storm. Copper Johns in green, BWO's, and Griffith's gnat worked for dries, while Don's bug, midges, and woolly buggers did well for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen did well on just about anything, but conditions are changing with a fresh batch of snow in the area. Call ahead for road conditions.
EAGLE LAKE--Close on Dec. 31 but both the north and south end produced fish on 3-inch orange grubs fished 4 to 5 feet down on downriggers over 6 to 7 feet of water. The grubs were also scented with Pro-Cure's Freshwater Shrimp Oil.
LEWISTON RESERVOIR-- Trout are jumping everywhere but few if any were out to pursue them due to weather and the abundance of food available here. Power Bait or a combination of white and red eggs will help entice the trout.
MEDICINE LAKE--Trolling slowly with a Sep's dodger and worm worked well here before the storm, no reports were available as no one could get out this week.
PIT RIVER--It remains open to zero kill, barbless hooks, and artificials only from Lake Britton Dam downstream to Shasta Lake but no reports were available due to the weather. Before the storms, Black AP's, golden stones, rubber-leg prince did well.
LAKE SHASTA--Reports focused on the Digger Bay and the Big Backbone inlet areas before the storms. With colder conditions, Roger's Guide Service suggested running smaller lures a little slower and deeper. Brighter colors and scent will also be a "must." For bass, try a brass and glass plus a plastic worm in 12 to 20 feet of water.
LAKE SHASTINA-Water is really low.
LAKE SISKIYOU-- Trolling slow with a Sep's dodger and worm or K-7 KwikFish landed some nice trout before the storm, we'll have to wait and see about this tiny little lake now.
TRINITY LAKE--Currently all ramps are unavailable due to snow and low water conditions.
Sierra Lakes/Rivers Formcharts
BOCA LAKE--Lake accessible, at least as far as the dam. Few anglers out trying.
CAPLES LAKE--Plenty of snow in the area has made access to the lake even more difficult, limiting even more anglers' access to the water. Lake is icing now, but not near safe for ice fishing.
CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Snowfall has sharply reduced angler activity in the area. With more storms forecast, this isn't likely to improve quickly.
DAVIS, LAKE--About 90-percent of the lake is frozen over now, but ice is not safe enough for ice fishing. Within a few weeks, ice fishing could be possible. Anglers should be extremely cautious when getting out on the ice.
DONNER LAKE--Some rain over the weekend, but at last report the launch ramp was still snowed in. Usually, the ramp isn't cleared until some local anglers plow it themselves.
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Some ice reported on the lake now and some snow on the ground. Few, if any, fishermen going to the lake since the freeze-up has started.
ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Snow at times and continued bad weather has made access "iffy". For all practical purposes, the lake is close to being snowbound.
INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Fair amounts of snow on the ground and very little fishing activity reported.
JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--A few boats on the lake as a rule, but nobody has been showing off any fish worth bragging about. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said there has been some snow on the ground, but nothing to cause any problems. He said the back launch ramp is open now and launching is available at both ramps.
PROSSER LAKE--Some icing on the lake now, but far from enough for ice fishing. Very little activity reported.
PYRAMID LAKE--Fishing here has been improving and most people have been catching some decent fish. Problem is, not many people fishing. Carla Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe said weather has been good and boats have been getting out, but there have just been very few anglers. She said no real whopper cutthroat have been checked in, but the better fish have been running between 8 and 10 pounds.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Access is possible, but only with 4x4 vehicles with tire chains. Shawn Bottomly with Hook-Up Guide Service in Truckee recommends against even trying to launch larger boats.
LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw fishing has plenty of potential these days, using tried and true methods of pulling big Apex and J-Plugs, or live minnows on wire line. The ability to put a limit of macks in the boat is at hand most of the time. But, right now, the number of anglers fishing the lake has dropped off sharply.
MOTHER LODE
AMADOR LAKE--Lake managers anticipated increases in the water level with the rains, this lake benefiting from regional rains over the spring snowmelt. Also displacing some water were bonus trophy trout plants, with 5,000 pounds of 10 pounders planted the past couple weeks, that in addition to the usual plants of 3 to 4 pounders. Very little effort for bass or catfish, but there were some catfish reports a couple weeks back.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Trout action remained great for trollers working upriver and shore anglers fishing from the main accesses at both recreation areas. On the north side, top spot is the North Shore Day Use Point, while south side's Chevron Point produces best. Trollers used Rapalas and small spoons to find fish in the top 15 feet of water from the narrows on up.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Still a great bet for shore trout action at Blue Oaks. The DFG has been planting heavily, and the cool temps and rains have drawn the trout in close to shore. Trolling is tougher, but anglers using side planers to hug the shoreline do okay. Top choices are a threaded 'crawler with a dodger or small set of ultralight flashers.
LAKE McCLURE--Shoreline trout fishing picked up with the rain, the runoff bringing the trout even tighter to the bank. Barrett Cove was the top choice for bankies soaking Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Trollers found better action with sideplaners to get their gear closer to the bank. Bass fishing was tough due to the cold temps, but should improve with forecasted warmer weather.
LAKE McSWAIN--Still steady action thanks to weekly plants, in some cases doubled up. Angler pressure slowed through the stormy weather, but the bite should be back in force when the weather breaks. This will be a top choice in the region for anglers looking for a Christmas vacation fishing break.
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Very quiet and while water levels were stable, expect the lake to finally show some increase with the heavy rains forecasted. The feeder creeks are good choices for catfish with the rains dumping lots of good stuff for them to eat.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--Bass fishing rated good before the last cold front, with spotted bass roaming a wide range of depth in creek arms. Plenty of smaller fish, but the occasional 4 to 5 pounder livening up the bite. Carolina rigged or split shot worms in craw colors work for the volume bite. Swimbaits are the top choice for bigger fish. Trout offered great action for shore anglers with plenty of limits reported. Most of the fish are planters; the DFG is planting weekly through this month. Top spots are Glory Hole Point, Angels Cove, Tuttletown and under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Excellent action on rainbows on top, reported guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing, who fished the lake Thursday. Best action came on side planers rigged with Vance's Little Slim Willies with a 'crawler trailing. The key, said Smith, is getting the offerings close to the shoreline. "We had no problem catching two limits of quality rainbows to over 2 pounds, and released some smaller ones," he said. While the lake level has been dropped for work planned in January, there is still some boat ramp in the water. Water temps ranged from 52 to 54 degrees.
_ Western Outdoor News
_ www.wonews.com
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