TOP PICKS
DELTA--SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Stripers are back on the move in the San Joaquin system despite the cold water temperatures with flocks of birds are working the shad boils as far upriver to the Turning Basin in downtown Stockton. 1-oune Hopkins Spoons in green or the Berkley Hollow Belly swimbait in 1-ounce are working, and the Persuader jighead has been productive for stripers in 3 to 12 feet of water, with larger bass landed on the swimbait. Largemouth bass fishing continues to require downsizing tackle and slowing down your presentation. "Dead-sticking" the 5/8o-ounce black/blue or brown/purple Persuader E-chip with a Chigger Craw trailer or the IMA Flit in shad patterns in 7 to 8 feet of water is working on 12-pound fluorocarbon line for less stretch and more sensitivity to keep in contact with the bottom.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Great action on big trout for both trollers and shore anglers. Minnow imitation lures like Rapalas and Smithwicks worked on the biggest fish for trollers, the lures toplined in the top five feet of water finding fish to 10-plus pounds. Shore anglers also found lunkers tipping the scales over 10 pounds, the top action coming from the Northshore side on the sand bar near the low water launch ramp on Power Eggs.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It's dropping and now fishable throughout its length as of Sunday, although the section below Garberville was still a little high. It should be perfect by the time you read this. Even better, according to Darrel Brown of Brown's Sporting Goods in Garberville, fishing was pretty darn good with newly arrived steelhead being caught side-drifting and boondoggling roe. There were still some silver salmon being caught, as well.
CROCKETT-- Surprisingly good sturgeon fishing on the Morning Star, with most of the action coming from San Pablo Bay in the flats around the Pumphouse. Captain Gordon Hough reported three trips, every one scoring at least one keeper plus decent action on shakers and non-target gamefish. Whopper of the week was a 65 incher caught by a Martinez angler.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886.
CHETCO RIVER-- The river was dropping back into prime side-drifting shape by the weekend, according to Rowland Robertson of Chetco Outdoor Store, and anglers were finding some decent fishing, especially in the lower reaches which had been the exclusive domain of plunkers recently. Side-drift from Miller and Redwood downriver to the South Water Tower with roe and yarn or pink worms.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--It's still unfishable, but with no rain predicted for the near future, keep checking in with Brown's Sporting Goods or Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Outfitters, because fishing the Main Stem is a rare treat for steelheaders when it's fishable.
GARCIA RIVER--Since flows on the Russian are too low, and that's the gauge for the other smaller coastal rivers, the Garcia will be closed to fishing this week due to low flows, barring any unforeseen water flows. Very few reports, but it was expected that some were fishing it this weekend.
GUALALA RIVER--Flows on the Russian dropped below 500 cfs at the Hacienda Bridge on Sunday, actually to 350 cfs, so this river should be closed by the weekend. It went up to 550 cfs on Sunday, but is expected to drop out quickly, according to Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport & Tackle in Guerneville. It was open for 3 or 4 days last week and there were some steelhead caught, but not many. The high water during Christmas would have been the best time, but the DFG was closed and didn't open it.
MAD RIVER--A few fish were being caught, and the river is fishable, but results have continued to be meager and there still have not been many fish to arrive at the hatchery.
ROGUE RIVER, Grants Pass--The Rogue above Grants Pass dropped back into fishable shape over the weekend, and anglers were back on the water scoring a few steelhead side-drifting roe.
ROGUE RIVER, Agness--The river is still high and off-color, but some nice steelhead were being caught around Agness, the mouth of the Illinois River, Coyote Hole and Huntley Park according to Larry Cody of the Rogue Outdoor Store in Gold Beach. Go big and bright like bright orange or Fire Tiger Spin-N-Glo's in the off-color water.
RUSSIAN RIVER--The river was very low and with no prospect of rain this week, anglers have to go light and small to have a chance at getting a bite. Fish were scattered, and fishing tough, but a few fish were being taken, including one near Healdsburg that weighed nearly 18 pounds. Big tide swings have brought in some new fish, so it might be a good idea to concentrate your efforts downstream toward Guerneville, according to Nick Wheeler of King's Sport and Tackle.
SMITH RIVER--The river has come back into beautiful shape. Only one problem: fishing's tough. Phil Desautels of Smiling Salmon Guide Service said good anglers have been working hard for 1 or 2 fish per boat side-drifting roe and yarn, with an occasional "top dog" for the day. One bit of good news for those used to "take-a-number" drifts this time of year: boat traffic is way down.
UMPQUA RIVER--Amy Grieves of Grieves and Sons Guide Service reports that both forks are fishable, and producing "decent" steelheading. She said the North Fork was particularly good, with most steelhead ranging from 12 to 15 pounds and occasionally approaching 18 pounds. Side-drifting roe is the way to go.
CEN CAL SALTWATER
CAPITOLA--Once the weather settled down, the fishing action improved on the wharf and for the few boaters going out. On tap now, said Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait were barred surfperch, pile perch, starry flounder and a few sand sole. There were a couple striped bass hooked on the pier, but both eluded capture. Some leopard sharks showing also, with one regular reporting a 4 footer and a few mackerel on a recent trip.
MONTEREY--Great action on the combo trips in the sanddab and mackerel department, but the squid bite slowed down. Todd Arcoleo said the Checkmate has had no problem finding mackerel and sanddabs fishing outside Carmel Bay. The sanddabs are down in about 200 feet of water, while the mackerel are up in the water column. Both are hitting sabikis, the sanddabs like them tipped with squid. Squid counts dropped to 1 or 2 per trip on the weekend.
SANTA CRUZ--Captain Ken Stagnaro on the Velocity reported another successful half-day sanddab and mackerel trip, with anglers reporting at least 25 of each species per rod. The action came from the Soquel Hole in 200 to 250 feet of water.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- Live shiner minnows have been the top producer in the cold water. The key is to work the minnow at the bottom with a very slow presentation. Artificials are producing less action with a combination of jigs, plastics, rattle baits, and swimbaits at depths from 4 to 8 feet at the upper end of the lake around both the outer ends and in between docks and from 15 to 25 feet in the lower end of the lake. Once again, the key is to "dead-stick" the lure. Crappie and catfish action is slow.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- The spotted bass are in their typical winter pattern holding in deep water from 15 to 30 feet along points with with Carolina-rigged plastics in shallower water and with jigs or spoons in as deep as 60 feet around structure being the top producers. A recent trout plant boosted action with shad-patterned Needlefish, ExCel's or Kastmasters trolled at depths from 15 to 25 feet near Spanish Flats. King salmon haven't shown up yet, but they should be found in the next few months.
LAKE SONOMA-- Most fishermen have been heading up to nearby Clear Lake to enjoy better quality and quantity. As a result, fishing pressure has been minimal.
NOR CAL SALTWATER
BERKELEY--Still very quiet, with no reported trips on the sportfishing boats. The pier would be a good place to catch some kingfish, jacksmelt or pile perch if you don't have anything else to do.
BODEGA BAY-- Squid fishing slowed, and crabbing is just about pointless, with most sport crabbers giving up. Perch fishing should start picking up on the local beaches this month, and rockfish are still fair game for shore anglers.
EMERYVILLE--No trips out, but the landing is offering giant squid and sturgeon fishing on the Captain Hook and New Salmon Queen.
EUREKA--One dedicated local put some time in fishing from the jetty and scored a couple big black rockfish. He said seas were confused, and the fishing was pretty tough. Crabbing is even tougher, with one commercial crabber reporting only 60 crabs for 80 pots. Everything else is pretty slow, but redtail surfperch fishing should start picking up on the ocean beaches this month, and night surfsmelt should start running by the end of the month, said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center.
FORT BRAGG--Crabbing is slow, and while shore anglers can target rockfish, not many are trying. No reported trips on giant squid in some time.
HALF MOON BAY--Captain Tom Mattusch reported on the Huli Cat's trip on Sunday, his substitute skipper running the boat while he went to the San Mateo ISE show. "They caught 7 giant squid," said Mattusch. "The wind made getting down in the deeper spots tough." They were pulling crab pots, but he didn't have a tally at deadline. "We've been lucky to get half limits," he said.
MARTINEZ--Lisa Rezentes at Martinez Bait and Tackle said not too many fish were weighed in, but they did have a 55 incher from the Martinez Pier, and another 55 incher caught by a boater fishing near the Ozol. Grass shrimp was the best bait for sturgeon, while stripers were eating mudsuckers best.
SAN PABLO BAY--Sturgeon action may be picking up, with Captain Bob Monckton on Reel-lentless doing a recon trip and hooking up a 70 incher for a Sacramento man.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--Captain John Badger on the Barbarian traveled south with a top-notch crew for a scouting run, finding four keeper sturgeon for the five on board, the action coming off the Oakland Airport on herring fillets. Ghost shrimp were also given some attention. Badger said top action came on either side of maximum current.
SUISUN BAY--Slow for both sturgeon and striped bass, with most anglers now looking downstream in San Pablo Bay or up in the Delta for better action. Most blame cold water temperatures for the lockjaw.
MOTHERLODE LAKES
AMADOR LAKE--Mixed reports on the trout action, with some good action on power Worms. Other good bets are Power Bait and Power Eggs fished in the top 3 feet. The bright sunny conditions tend to put them off. Bass reports are slow, but not many are trying. Small worms and jigs on main lake points are the best bass bets.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Bass fishing was slow for the inaugural tournament for the Christian Bass League, 12 teams fishing but only one limit caught weighing a little over five pounds. Small worms worked best. Trout fishing remained excellent for shore anglers fishing around Blue Oaks, and for trollers hugging the shoreline or using sideplaners to get gear next to the bank. Small spoons, bead spinners, Rapalas and threaded nightcrawlers all worked.
LAKE McCLURE--Great for trout trollers and shore anglers, with the area around the low water ramp at Barretts Cove a good bet for trouters. The trollers are launching there and fishing any direction for limit action. Top depth zone was the top 15 feet, with Ex-Cel spoons, Sockeye Slammers and Uncle Larry spinners working.
LAKE McSWAIN--Great action for trollers and shore anglers alike, with limits caught from near the Marina, at the Handicap Dock and the brushpile. Power Eggs, Power Bait and nightcrawlers all worked for shore anglers, while .
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Warmer temperatures triggered some striper action for anglers trolling jointed Rebels and anchovies. Some small fish reported on cut baits fished from shore. Lake level remains pretty much stable at 25 percent of capacity.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--While trout fishing is still the main attraction, some local bass experts proved that the lunker largemouths are available for those slinging swimbaits. Joe Bruce and John Chiarpotti caught bucketmouths to over 13 pounds and spotted bass over 6 pounds. For trout, shore action is still best with many limits reported by anglers fishing Glory Hole Point, Angels Cove, Tuttletown and under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge. Power Bait or marshmallow and nightcrawler combos were best.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Lake level was supposed to reach ground zero for the dam maintenance this week, but no reports on whether boat launching was impacted. Trout fishing had been great for planters and some nice holdovers for trollers using spoons and shad.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
BASS LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Launching is difficult with no courtesy docks on top of low water levels. Bass action is rated slow for most anglers as only a few 1 to 1 1/2 pound spots are coming out of 30 to 40 feet of water on drop-shot worms. Trout anglers are doing much better, both trolling and bank fishing. Trollers are flatlining flashers and spoons for 13 to 15 inch rainbows. Shore anglers are working the Sheriff's dock and the public ramp with Power Bait or marshmallow/worm combos for their share of planters.
EASTMAN LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Lake is still very low and the anticipated swimbait bass bite brought on by the trout plants has not materialized. One local has only been catching one 4 to 5 pounder a week while fishing every day after work. Trout fishing is pretty good for shore anglers on Power Bait and worms.
HENSLEY LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Still very low but trout anglers are taking advantage of the bi-weekly plants from the shore with Power Bait and worms.
HUNTINGTON LAKE--Too much snow at the lake for boaters to get in, so it's pretty much just accessible to shore anglers. Best to wait until spring or just hit the slopes at the ski area instead.
MILLERTON LAKE--Fishing has been slow for bass and stripers. A recent club tournament only saw 6 to 6 1/2 -pound limits. A 2 pounder would be a lunker right now. The bass are scattered from the bank down to 70 feet. Some stripers are being caught incidentally on worms by bass anglers in the Finegold, Winchell's Cove area.
O'NEILL FOREBAY--Striper bite has slowed here with better action in general at San Luis. Try spooning near the Twin Islands for linesides working on deep balls of shad or trolling a Shad Rap or X-Rap at 30 feet.
PINE FLAT RESERVOIR--Trout planted by DFG this week. An 8 boat tournament was won with 9 pounds, but action is tough with 5 to 6 pounds the norm. Drop-shot worms are the best choice for bass right now. Trout action is good up in the powerlines to Trimmer section of the lake. Trollers are working Needlefish, Thomas Buoyants, Rainbow Runners and Rapalas on top for 13- to 16-inch rainbows. A 6 1/2-pound trout was recently caught in the Kings River below the dam by an angler casting a spoon.
SAN LUIS RESERVOIR--Bite has slowed down but fish are still being caught near the pumps on drifted anchovies and butterflied shad. Trollers are doing well with a Shad Rap or X-Rap at 35 to 40 feet.
SHAVER LAKE--Trollers are doing well on quality trout, 14 to 17 inches on flashers and spoons. Capt Jack was out this week and landed 17 fish on his pink hoochies on a dodger at 1 1/2 to 2 colors, so the fish are right on the top. Access is pretty good at the lake with the last snow pretty wet and not sticking. The warm weather forecast for the next week should improve access even further.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--Not many new steelhead are moving up the American yet, so anglers are working hard to get a bite or two an outing. And, most of the fish being hooked have been in the river awhile. Still, as Chuck Campana of Kiene's Fly Shop said, "It still beats staying at home. Fish are scattered throughout the river above Watt Ave. and no one spot outshines another--except perhaps in Nimbus Basin, which is the upstream dead end. Fishing pressure is highest there, too, but has dropped off for much of the rest of the river as anglers get discouraged. Go small and light in the low flows--AND LEAVE SPAWNING STEELHEAD IN PEACE TO DO THEIR THING.
FEATHER RIVER--A few small steelhead were being caught in the Low Flow Section, mostly on nightcrawlers, and down below the Outlet, but fishing was only so-so. King mealworms were working, too.
FOLSOM LAKE--Bass, trout, and even king salmon provided a variety of action last week. A few king salmon and trout were being caught in the main body toplining nightcrawlers, J-9 Rapalas, and Kastmasters. Bass fishermen were finding their quarry both shallow and deep, with most of the bites coming on dartheaded, Carolina-rigged and drop-shotted plastic worms. Planter trout around the Granite Bay boat ramp were small but plentiful. It's a bit of a cross-country trek, but boats are being successfully launched at the Granite Bay ramp.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Some schoolie striped bass were being caught on soft swimbaits at the mouth of Prospect Slough, while bank fishermen were getting a few sturgeon along South River Road across Miller Park.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--There are more skunks than fish, but a few sturgeon were being caught between Tisdale and Grimes on ghost shrimp/pileworms in combination.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Low releases at Keswick Dam have meant good fishing conditions for native rainbows between Redding and Anderson. Fly fishers are using small baetis imitations, egg imitations, and alevins. Spin fishermen were side-drifting Glo-Bugs.
KLAMATH/TRINITY RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--It was very, very cold, once again last week, and fishing for steelhead remained about the same, as well--pretty good for a mix of half-pounders and adults to around 5 pounds. There was little pressure on the water, and anglers backtrolled Hot Shots with a worm trailer or side-drifted roe for best results. Dead-drifted copper Johns and golden stones under indicators also caught a few.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--The river below the South Fork was dropping and with no rain in the near term forecast, it's starting to provide some good fishing opportunities, mostly on side-drifted and boondoggled roe, and, if there are no storms in the next couple of weeks, even better opportunities for the derby at Hoopa on January 31.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--It's been extremely cold, and ice forms in the guides in the morning, but anglers have been scoring from 3 to 5 steelhead between 5 and 10 pounds an outing. That's pretty good winter steelheading. Golden stones, copper Johns, and micro-prince nymphs fished under indicators have been working for fly fishers. Spoons, spinners, roe, and nightcrawlers have been scoring for spin fishermen.
DELTA
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Ice fishing good here. Lake completely covered with thick ice. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake is frozen all the way to the inlet, thick enough that two small airplanes landed on the ice briefly, then took off again. He cautioned anglers that any water still open at the inlet is moving and under winter stream fishing regulations--zero limit, artificial lures only, with barbless hooks. Jigging little white jigs, worms and eggs has been working through the ice in 6 feet of water at the dam.
DAVIS,LAKE--Ice fishing has started here and ice is reported to be 5 inches thick in the dam area. So far only one out of three groups of ice fishermen have reported success, catching 3 rainbows up to 1 1/2 pounds. Extreme caution on the ice is essential for safety while ice fishing.
DONNER LAKE--There's open water and fishing has been fair at the west end. A few browns are being caught, but the bite is mostly small rainbows
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake mostly covered with ice, with open water still in the middle of the lake. Ice is much too thin to be safe to walk out on, and fishing through it is still not even close. Roads past the dam are reported icy and condition is unpredictable from day to day.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Access only by snowmobile now, according to Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee. No word on what fishing conditions might be like once there.
JENKINSON LAKE(SlyPark)--Generally, fishing has been fairly slow despite good weather conditions. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said there was one fishermen who caught 2 Mackinaw, 20 and 18 inches, trolling a Rapala. He said there was a report of another fisherman catching a nice mack from shore, but no particulars were available.
PROSSER LAKE--Lake iced over now and anglers have been fishing far away from inlets. Worms have been producing through the ice better than jigs. Be careful out there.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat action has slowed a bit, with anglers picking up fewer fish than a week ago. George Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe said they did weigh in one nice fish, a 9-pound, 15-ounce cutt that was caught by Reno fisherman John Klipp. He was trolling, but didn't say what with.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Access by snowmobile only now. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said while some people may be able to get to the lake, it is unknown what fishing conditions might be, or how thick ice might be.
LAKE TAHOE--Overall, Mackinaw fishing has been pretty good. Fish can be all over the place, shallow in the morning and going deeper after the sun comes up, hitting anywhere from 20 feet in the shallows to as deep as 300 feet during the day. Macks are feeding some on baitfish, but mostly on brine shrimp.
TOPAZ LAKE--Lake continues to kick out plenty of good sized rainbows, many running between 2 and 4 pounds, along with a few 5-plus pounders. Shore fishing reports are scarce, but trollers have been doing well with black/gold Rapalas and Cripplures. Some fishermen have said the fish seem to be willing to hit almost anything thrown at them.
TRUCKEE RIVER--Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the river from Trout Creek to Boca Dam is pretty low. He recommends using dry flies like baetis and midge imitations. He said the best fishing time is between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--At least one report indicates a pretty good rainbow bite here. Launch at the dam and try trolling night crawlers behind dodgers. Limits of 'bows have been caught over the past week.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork in the Sierra District (Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Alpine counties) is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures with barbless hooks only. No reports of any success coming in to local bait shops.
BULLARDS BAR--Not much going on here, with very few fishermen visiting the lake. The water is at 48-percent capacity and launching is only a problem because of a sharp bend in the ramp for those backing a boat in.
CAMP FAR WEST--Water level has come up enough that the personal watercraft restriction has been lifted. Small boats are still able to launch on the old dirt ramp and several boats were out over the weekend but no one is reporting any success, so fishing in general is slow.
COLLINS LAKE--Not much happening here. Only one fish was brought in for weighing, a 3-pound rainbow caught off the bank in Elmer's Cove. Lake level is up 5 to 6 feet since the last big rain with launching available at the main marina ramp. Weather forecast calls for a week of sunny weather so fishing should improve.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Access is difficult but those with a snowmobile or chained up 4-wheelers are getting to the lake. Those hauling a car topper boat in are catching trout and kokanee down to 30 feet, while shore anglers are picking up some nice trout.
LAKE OROVILLE--Lake level has remained the same at 27.5-percent capacity despite the recent rains. Launching is still only available at the Spillway on the old road. Bass and coho action is good for those getting on the lake. Bass anglers are working the North Fork and Middle Fork at 30 to 35 feet with jigs, tubes and spoons for spots and largemouth bass to 3 1/2 pounds. Joe Hinkle of Oroville won a tournament last weekend with 17 pounds topped by a 10-pound largemouth caught in the Lime Saddle area on a Senko. Coho are still hitting for trollers and minnow drifters. Carl Aldridge of Willows caught a limit of coho to 2 1/2 pounds trolling the Bridge area with dodger/KokoNut combos at 50 to 60 feet. Steve Hadley of Paradise drifted minnows, 20 to 25 feet deep, in the Lime Saddle area for 4 coho to 4 pounds.
ROLLINS LAKE--Trollers have been doing pretty well up in the Bear River arm near the powerlines with a No. 9 rainbow or brook trout pattern Rapala worked fast close along the shore at 9 to 15 feet. Rainbows and browns are running 12 to 14 inches.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Brown trout trollers are using a fast pumped Rapala for good fish up in the river arm close to shore. Bass are hitting drop-shot worms and jigs on the points at 30 to 35 feet. Holdover rainbows are hitting flasher or dodger/ worm combos in the middle of the lake down by the dam in the top 20 feet of water. The snow has melted and access is good with a week of sunny weather forecast.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--Access to the lake is difficult because the roads to the parking lot and the ramp are not plowed. Sunny weather forecast will hopefully improve access.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Trailerable boats are not able to get to the ramp because of the snow. 4-wheelers with a car topper can get to the water and launch. Trollers are using small silver spoons on top to connect with trout to 14 inches. Shore anglers are snow-shoeing to the north side of the dam for both trout and catfish. Trout are eating Power Bait and worms while the cats like chicken livers.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Minnow drifters are still catching a few steelhead, 4 to 5 pounds, as well as some bass. The action has slowed down some with the cold, but sunny weather is forecast for the next week, so action may improve at Wilbur Rd. and the Hwy. 162 Bridge.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
ALMANOR,LAKE--Lake is icing over fairly rapidly now. Mark Jemenez, with Big Meadows Guide Service, said about the only fishing now would be in the afternoon when the skim ice has melted off the surface. He said there is likely too much ice out in front of the dam for fishing now.
BAUM LAKE--Trout action has been hot here. Rainbows and Browns running 12 to 20 inches hitting bait, lures and flies. After getting their limits, then catching and releasing, anglers have been getting 10 to 15 fish per day.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Little to report from here. Steve Vaughn at Vaughn's Sporting Goods in Burney said the lake is only accessible by snowmobile now and he's not had any reports from anyone making the trip.
LEWISTON LAKE--Mornings have been pretty frosty, according to Louise Bigham at Pine Cove Marina, but she said most afternoons have been near spring-like. Folks fishing off the dock have been catching some trout on Power Bait, the fish running 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. For trollers she recommended a really slow troll, less than 1 mile per hour, working the area from the marina to Frog Rock.
PIT RIVER--Fishing has been tough here due to snow on the ground. Few fishermen even trying. Winter fishing regulations limit fishing to catch-and-release, with artificial lures and barbless hooks.
SHASTA LAKE--Trout action continues better-than-normal due to warmer surface water temps. Try Cripplures and HumDingers, top-lining for fish down to 20 feet. Bass action has been good for anglers throwing swim baits, rip baits, spinner baits, and jigs. Bass up to 2 and 3 pounds being caught.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- The large tides and heavy water movement slowed down the sturgeon and striper bite during the past week. The best action has been at the top or bottom of the tides or on the outgo in shallow water from 7 to 15 feet. Ghost shrimp, grass shrimp and salmon roe have been the top baits for the diamondbacks with fresh shad or mudsuckers working for the occasional striper. The once-hot bullhead bite has cooled down with the cold water. Flounder continue to plague anglers to the delight of bait shop owners with many of the flat fish stealing bait from Martinez all the way upriver to Rio Vista.
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DELTA--SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side--Stripers are back on the move in the San Joaquin system despite the cold water temperatures with flocks of birds are working the shad boils as far upriver to the Turning Basin in downtown Stockton. 1-oune Hopkins Spoons in green or the Berkley Hollow Belly swimbait in 1-ounce are working, and the Persuader jighead has been productive for stripers in 3 to 12 feet of water, with larger bass landed on the swimbait. Largemouth bass fishing continues to require downsizing tackle and slowing down your presentation. "Dead-sticking" the 5/8o-ounce black/blue or brown/purple Persuader E-chip with a Chigger Craw trailer or the IMA Flit in shad patterns in 7 to 8 feet of water is working on 12-pound fluorocarbon line for less stretch and more sensitivity to keep in contact with the bottom.
CAMANCHE LAKE--Great action on big trout for both trollers and shore anglers. Minnow imitation lures like Rapalas and Smithwicks worked on the biggest fish for trollers, the lures toplined in the top five feet of water finding fish to 10-plus pounds. Shore anglers also found lunkers tipping the scales over 10 pounds, the top action coming from the Northshore side on the sand bar near the low water launch ramp on Power Eggs.
EEL RIVER, South Fork--It's dropping and now fishable throughout its length as of Sunday, although the section below Garberville was still a little high. It should be perfect by the time you read this. Even better, according to Darrel Brown of Brown's Sporting Goods in Garberville, fishing was pretty darn good with newly arrived steelhead being caught side-drifting and boondoggling roe. There were still some silver salmon being caught, as well.
CROCKETT-- Surprisingly good sturgeon fishing on the Morning Star, with most of the action coming from San Pablo Bay in the flats around the Pumphouse. Captain Gordon Hough reported three trips, every one scoring at least one keeper plus decent action on shakers and non-target gamefish. Whopper of the week was a 65 incher caught by a Martinez angler.
GENERAL
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures, and you should always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed by low flows. The DFG's Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886.
CHETCO RIVER-- The river was dropping back into prime side-drifting shape by the weekend, according to Rowland Robertson of Chetco Outdoor Store, and anglers were finding some decent fishing, especially in the lower reaches which had been the exclusive domain of plunkers recently. Side-drift from Miller and Redwood downriver to the South Water Tower with roe and yarn or pink worms.
EEL RIVER, Main Stem--It's still unfishable, but with no rain predicted for the near future, keep checking in with Brown's Sporting Goods or Mark Nimitz of Pipe Creek Outfitters, because fishing the Main Stem is a rare treat for steelheaders when it's fishable.
GARCIA RIVER--Since flows on the Russian are too low, and that's the gauge for the other smaller coastal rivers, the Garcia will be closed to fishing this week due to low flows, barring any unforeseen water flows. Very few reports, but it was expected that some were fishing it this weekend.
GUALALA RIVER--Flows on the Russian dropped below 500 cfs at the Hacienda Bridge on Sunday, actually to 350 cfs, so this river should be closed by the weekend. It went up to 550 cfs on Sunday, but is expected to drop out quickly, according to Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport & Tackle in Guerneville. It was open for 3 or 4 days last week and there were some steelhead caught, but not many. The high water during Christmas would have been the best time, but the DFG was closed and didn't open it.
MAD RIVER--A few fish were being caught, and the river is fishable, but results have continued to be meager and there still have not been many fish to arrive at the hatchery.
ROGUE RIVER, Grants Pass--The Rogue above Grants Pass dropped back into fishable shape over the weekend, and anglers were back on the water scoring a few steelhead side-drifting roe.
ROGUE RIVER, Agness--The river is still high and off-color, but some nice steelhead were being caught around Agness, the mouth of the Illinois River, Coyote Hole and Huntley Park according to Larry Cody of the Rogue Outdoor Store in Gold Beach. Go big and bright like bright orange or Fire Tiger Spin-N-Glo's in the off-color water.
RUSSIAN RIVER--The river was very low and with no prospect of rain this week, anglers have to go light and small to have a chance at getting a bite. Fish were scattered, and fishing tough, but a few fish were being taken, including one near Healdsburg that weighed nearly 18 pounds. Big tide swings have brought in some new fish, so it might be a good idea to concentrate your efforts downstream toward Guerneville, according to Nick Wheeler of King's Sport and Tackle.
SMITH RIVER--The river has come back into beautiful shape. Only one problem: fishing's tough. Phil Desautels of Smiling Salmon Guide Service said good anglers have been working hard for 1 or 2 fish per boat side-drifting roe and yarn, with an occasional "top dog" for the day. One bit of good news for those used to "take-a-number" drifts this time of year: boat traffic is way down.
UMPQUA RIVER--Amy Grieves of Grieves and Sons Guide Service reports that both forks are fishable, and producing "decent" steelheading. She said the North Fork was particularly good, with most steelhead ranging from 12 to 15 pounds and occasionally approaching 18 pounds. Side-drifting roe is the way to go.
CEN CAL SALTWATER
CAPITOLA--Once the weather settled down, the fishing action improved on the wharf and for the few boaters going out. On tap now, said Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait were barred surfperch, pile perch, starry flounder and a few sand sole. There were a couple striped bass hooked on the pier, but both eluded capture. Some leopard sharks showing also, with one regular reporting a 4 footer and a few mackerel on a recent trip.
MONTEREY--Great action on the combo trips in the sanddab and mackerel department, but the squid bite slowed down. Todd Arcoleo said the Checkmate has had no problem finding mackerel and sanddabs fishing outside Carmel Bay. The sanddabs are down in about 200 feet of water, while the mackerel are up in the water column. Both are hitting sabikis, the sanddabs like them tipped with squid. Squid counts dropped to 1 or 2 per trip on the weekend.
SANTA CRUZ--Captain Ken Stagnaro on the Velocity reported another successful half-day sanddab and mackerel trip, with anglers reporting at least 25 of each species per rod. The action came from the Soquel Hole in 200 to 250 feet of water.
NORTH COAST LAKES
CLEAR LAKE-- Live shiner minnows have been the top producer in the cold water. The key is to work the minnow at the bottom with a very slow presentation. Artificials are producing less action with a combination of jigs, plastics, rattle baits, and swimbaits at depths from 4 to 8 feet at the upper end of the lake around both the outer ends and in between docks and from 15 to 25 feet in the lower end of the lake. Once again, the key is to "dead-stick" the lure. Crappie and catfish action is slow.
LAKE BERRYESSA-- The spotted bass are in their typical winter pattern holding in deep water from 15 to 30 feet along points with with Carolina-rigged plastics in shallower water and with jigs or spoons in as deep as 60 feet around structure being the top producers. A recent trout plant boosted action with shad-patterned Needlefish, ExCel's or Kastmasters trolled at depths from 15 to 25 feet near Spanish Flats. King salmon haven't shown up yet, but they should be found in the next few months.
LAKE SONOMA-- Most fishermen have been heading up to nearby Clear Lake to enjoy better quality and quantity. As a result, fishing pressure has been minimal.
NOR CAL SALTWATER
BERKELEY--Still very quiet, with no reported trips on the sportfishing boats. The pier would be a good place to catch some kingfish, jacksmelt or pile perch if you don't have anything else to do.
BODEGA BAY-- Squid fishing slowed, and crabbing is just about pointless, with most sport crabbers giving up. Perch fishing should start picking up on the local beaches this month, and rockfish are still fair game for shore anglers.
EMERYVILLE--No trips out, but the landing is offering giant squid and sturgeon fishing on the Captain Hook and New Salmon Queen.
EUREKA--One dedicated local put some time in fishing from the jetty and scored a couple big black rockfish. He said seas were confused, and the fishing was pretty tough. Crabbing is even tougher, with one commercial crabber reporting only 60 crabs for 80 pots. Everything else is pretty slow, but redtail surfperch fishing should start picking up on the ocean beaches this month, and night surfsmelt should start running by the end of the month, said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center.
FORT BRAGG--Crabbing is slow, and while shore anglers can target rockfish, not many are trying. No reported trips on giant squid in some time.
HALF MOON BAY--Captain Tom Mattusch reported on the Huli Cat's trip on Sunday, his substitute skipper running the boat while he went to the San Mateo ISE show. "They caught 7 giant squid," said Mattusch. "The wind made getting down in the deeper spots tough." They were pulling crab pots, but he didn't have a tally at deadline. "We've been lucky to get half limits," he said.
MARTINEZ--Lisa Rezentes at Martinez Bait and Tackle said not too many fish were weighed in, but they did have a 55 incher from the Martinez Pier, and another 55 incher caught by a boater fishing near the Ozol. Grass shrimp was the best bait for sturgeon, while stripers were eating mudsuckers best.
SAN PABLO BAY--Sturgeon action may be picking up, with Captain Bob Monckton on Reel-lentless doing a recon trip and hooking up a 70 incher for a Sacramento man.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY--Captain John Badger on the Barbarian traveled south with a top-notch crew for a scouting run, finding four keeper sturgeon for the five on board, the action coming off the Oakland Airport on herring fillets. Ghost shrimp were also given some attention. Badger said top action came on either side of maximum current.
SUISUN BAY--Slow for both sturgeon and striped bass, with most anglers now looking downstream in San Pablo Bay or up in the Delta for better action. Most blame cold water temperatures for the lockjaw.
MOTHERLODE LAKES
AMADOR LAKE--Mixed reports on the trout action, with some good action on power Worms. Other good bets are Power Bait and Power Eggs fished in the top 3 feet. The bright sunny conditions tend to put them off. Bass reports are slow, but not many are trying. Small worms and jigs on main lake points are the best bass bets.
DON PEDRO RESERVOIR--Bass fishing was slow for the inaugural tournament for the Christian Bass League, 12 teams fishing but only one limit caught weighing a little over five pounds. Small worms worked best. Trout fishing remained excellent for shore anglers fishing around Blue Oaks, and for trollers hugging the shoreline or using sideplaners to get gear next to the bank. Small spoons, bead spinners, Rapalas and threaded nightcrawlers all worked.
LAKE McCLURE--Great for trout trollers and shore anglers, with the area around the low water ramp at Barretts Cove a good bet for trouters. The trollers are launching there and fishing any direction for limit action. Top depth zone was the top 15 feet, with Ex-Cel spoons, Sockeye Slammers and Uncle Larry spinners working.
LAKE McSWAIN--Great action for trollers and shore anglers alike, with limits caught from near the Marina, at the Handicap Dock and the brushpile. Power Eggs, Power Bait and nightcrawlers all worked for shore anglers, while .
NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR--Warmer temperatures triggered some striper action for anglers trolling jointed Rebels and anchovies. Some small fish reported on cut baits fished from shore. Lake level remains pretty much stable at 25 percent of capacity.
NEW MELONES RESERVOIR--While trout fishing is still the main attraction, some local bass experts proved that the lunker largemouths are available for those slinging swimbaits. Joe Bruce and John Chiarpotti caught bucketmouths to over 13 pounds and spotted bass over 6 pounds. For trout, shore action is still best with many limits reported by anglers fishing Glory Hole Point, Angels Cove, Tuttletown and under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge. Power Bait or marshmallow and nightcrawler combos were best.
TULLOCH RESERVOIR--Lake level was supposed to reach ground zero for the dam maintenance this week, but no reports on whether boat launching was impacted. Trout fishing had been great for planters and some nice holdovers for trollers using spoons and shad.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
BASS LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Launching is difficult with no courtesy docks on top of low water levels. Bass action is rated slow for most anglers as only a few 1 to 1 1/2 pound spots are coming out of 30 to 40 feet of water on drop-shot worms. Trout anglers are doing much better, both trolling and bank fishing. Trollers are flatlining flashers and spoons for 13 to 15 inch rainbows. Shore anglers are working the Sheriff's dock and the public ramp with Power Bait or marshmallow/worm combos for their share of planters.
EASTMAN LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Lake is still very low and the anticipated swimbait bass bite brought on by the trout plants has not materialized. One local has only been catching one 4 to 5 pounder a week while fishing every day after work. Trout fishing is pretty good for shore anglers on Power Bait and worms.
HENSLEY LAKE--Trout planted by DFG this week. Still very low but trout anglers are taking advantage of the bi-weekly plants from the shore with Power Bait and worms.
HUNTINGTON LAKE--Too much snow at the lake for boaters to get in, so it's pretty much just accessible to shore anglers. Best to wait until spring or just hit the slopes at the ski area instead.
MILLERTON LAKE--Fishing has been slow for bass and stripers. A recent club tournament only saw 6 to 6 1/2 -pound limits. A 2 pounder would be a lunker right now. The bass are scattered from the bank down to 70 feet. Some stripers are being caught incidentally on worms by bass anglers in the Finegold, Winchell's Cove area.
O'NEILL FOREBAY--Striper bite has slowed here with better action in general at San Luis. Try spooning near the Twin Islands for linesides working on deep balls of shad or trolling a Shad Rap or X-Rap at 30 feet.
PINE FLAT RESERVOIR--Trout planted by DFG this week. An 8 boat tournament was won with 9 pounds, but action is tough with 5 to 6 pounds the norm. Drop-shot worms are the best choice for bass right now. Trout action is good up in the powerlines to Trimmer section of the lake. Trollers are working Needlefish, Thomas Buoyants, Rainbow Runners and Rapalas on top for 13- to 16-inch rainbows. A 6 1/2-pound trout was recently caught in the Kings River below the dam by an angler casting a spoon.
SAN LUIS RESERVOIR--Bite has slowed down but fish are still being caught near the pumps on drifted anchovies and butterflied shad. Trollers are doing well with a Shad Rap or X-Rap at 35 to 40 feet.
SHAVER LAKE--Trollers are doing well on quality trout, 14 to 17 inches on flashers and spoons. Capt Jack was out this week and landed 17 fish on his pink hoochies on a dodger at 1 1/2 to 2 colors, so the fish are right on the top. Access is pretty good at the lake with the last snow pretty wet and not sticking. The warm weather forecast for the next week should improve access even further.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
AMERICAN RIVER--Not many new steelhead are moving up the American yet, so anglers are working hard to get a bite or two an outing. And, most of the fish being hooked have been in the river awhile. Still, as Chuck Campana of Kiene's Fly Shop said, "It still beats staying at home. Fish are scattered throughout the river above Watt Ave. and no one spot outshines another--except perhaps in Nimbus Basin, which is the upstream dead end. Fishing pressure is highest there, too, but has dropped off for much of the rest of the river as anglers get discouraged. Go small and light in the low flows--AND LEAVE SPAWNING STEELHEAD IN PEACE TO DO THEIR THING.
FEATHER RIVER--A few small steelhead were being caught in the Low Flow Section, mostly on nightcrawlers, and down below the Outlet, but fishing was only so-so. King mealworms were working, too.
FOLSOM LAKE--Bass, trout, and even king salmon provided a variety of action last week. A few king salmon and trout were being caught in the main body toplining nightcrawlers, J-9 Rapalas, and Kastmasters. Bass fishermen were finding their quarry both shallow and deep, with most of the bites coming on dartheaded, Carolina-rigged and drop-shotted plastic worms. Planter trout around the Granite Bay boat ramp were small but plentiful. It's a bit of a cross-country trek, but boats are being successfully launched at the Granite Bay ramp.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento--Some schoolie striped bass were being caught on soft swimbaits at the mouth of Prospect Slough, while bank fishermen were getting a few sturgeon along South River Road across Miller Park.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale--There are more skunks than fish, but a few sturgeon were being caught between Tisdale and Grimes on ghost shrimp/pileworms in combination.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Low releases at Keswick Dam have meant good fishing conditions for native rainbows between Redding and Anderson. Fly fishers are using small baetis imitations, egg imitations, and alevins. Spin fishermen were side-drifting Glo-Bugs.
KLAMATH/TRINITY RIVERS
KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate--It was very, very cold, once again last week, and fishing for steelhead remained about the same, as well--pretty good for a mix of half-pounders and adults to around 5 pounds. There was little pressure on the water, and anglers backtrolled Hot Shots with a worm trailer or side-drifted roe for best results. Dead-drifted copper Johns and golden stones under indicators also caught a few.
TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek--The river below the South Fork was dropping and with no rain in the near term forecast, it's starting to provide some good fishing opportunities, mostly on side-drifted and boondoggled roe, and, if there are no storms in the next couple of weeks, even better opportunities for the derby at Hoopa on January 31.
TRINITY RIVER, Junction City--It's been extremely cold, and ice forms in the guides in the morning, but anglers have been scoring from 3 to 5 steelhead between 5 and 10 pounds an outing. That's pretty good winter steelheading. Golden stones, copper Johns, and micro-prince nymphs fished under indicators have been working for fly fishers. Spoons, spinners, roe, and nightcrawlers have been scoring for spin fishermen.
DELTA
SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS
BOCA LAKE--Ice fishing good here. Lake completely covered with thick ice. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake is frozen all the way to the inlet, thick enough that two small airplanes landed on the ice briefly, then took off again. He cautioned anglers that any water still open at the inlet is moving and under winter stream fishing regulations--zero limit, artificial lures only, with barbless hooks. Jigging little white jigs, worms and eggs has been working through the ice in 6 feet of water at the dam.
DAVIS,LAKE--Ice fishing has started here and ice is reported to be 5 inches thick in the dam area. So far only one out of three groups of ice fishermen have reported success, catching 3 rainbows up to 1 1/2 pounds. Extreme caution on the ice is essential for safety while ice fishing.
DONNER LAKE--There's open water and fishing has been fair at the west end. A few browns are being caught, but the bite is mostly small rainbows
FRENCHMAN LAKE--Lake mostly covered with ice, with open water still in the middle of the lake. Ice is much too thin to be safe to walk out on, and fishing through it is still not even close. Roads past the dam are reported icy and condition is unpredictable from day to day.
JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Access only by snowmobile now, according to Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee. No word on what fishing conditions might be like once there.
JENKINSON LAKE(SlyPark)--Generally, fishing has been fairly slow despite good weather conditions. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said there was one fishermen who caught 2 Mackinaw, 20 and 18 inches, trolling a Rapala. He said there was a report of another fisherman catching a nice mack from shore, but no particulars were available.
PROSSER LAKE--Lake iced over now and anglers have been fishing far away from inlets. Worms have been producing through the ice better than jigs. Be careful out there.
PYRAMID LAKE--Cutthroat action has slowed a bit, with anglers picking up fewer fish than a week ago. George Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe said they did weigh in one nice fish, a 9-pound, 15-ounce cutt that was caught by Reno fisherman John Klipp. He was trolling, but didn't say what with.
STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Access by snowmobile only now. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said while some people may be able to get to the lake, it is unknown what fishing conditions might be, or how thick ice might be.
LAKE TAHOE--Overall, Mackinaw fishing has been pretty good. Fish can be all over the place, shallow in the morning and going deeper after the sun comes up, hitting anywhere from 20 feet in the shallows to as deep as 300 feet during the day. Macks are feeding some on baitfish, but mostly on brine shrimp.
TOPAZ LAKE--Lake continues to kick out plenty of good sized rainbows, many running between 2 and 4 pounds, along with a few 5-plus pounders. Shore fishing reports are scarce, but trollers have been doing well with black/gold Rapalas and Cripplures. Some fishermen have said the fish seem to be willing to hit almost anything thrown at them.
TRUCKEE RIVER--Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the river from Trout Creek to Boca Dam is pretty low. He recommends using dry flies like baetis and midge imitations. He said the best fishing time is between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--At least one report indicates a pretty good rainbow bite here. Launch at the dam and try trolling night crawlers behind dodgers. Limits of 'bows have been caught over the past week.
NORTHERN FOOTHILLS
AMERICAN RIVER--North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork in the Sierra District (Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Alpine counties) is open to catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures with barbless hooks only. No reports of any success coming in to local bait shops.
BULLARDS BAR--Not much going on here, with very few fishermen visiting the lake. The water is at 48-percent capacity and launching is only a problem because of a sharp bend in the ramp for those backing a boat in.
CAMP FAR WEST--Water level has come up enough that the personal watercraft restriction has been lifted. Small boats are still able to launch on the old dirt ramp and several boats were out over the weekend but no one is reporting any success, so fishing in general is slow.
COLLINS LAKE--Not much happening here. Only one fish was brought in for weighing, a 3-pound rainbow caught off the bank in Elmer's Cove. Lake level is up 5 to 6 feet since the last big rain with launching available at the main marina ramp. Weather forecast calls for a week of sunny weather so fishing should improve.
HELL HOLE RESERVOIR--Access is difficult but those with a snowmobile or chained up 4-wheelers are getting to the lake. Those hauling a car topper boat in are catching trout and kokanee down to 30 feet, while shore anglers are picking up some nice trout.
LAKE OROVILLE--Lake level has remained the same at 27.5-percent capacity despite the recent rains. Launching is still only available at the Spillway on the old road. Bass and coho action is good for those getting on the lake. Bass anglers are working the North Fork and Middle Fork at 30 to 35 feet with jigs, tubes and spoons for spots and largemouth bass to 3 1/2 pounds. Joe Hinkle of Oroville won a tournament last weekend with 17 pounds topped by a 10-pound largemouth caught in the Lime Saddle area on a Senko. Coho are still hitting for trollers and minnow drifters. Carl Aldridge of Willows caught a limit of coho to 2 1/2 pounds trolling the Bridge area with dodger/KokoNut combos at 50 to 60 feet. Steve Hadley of Paradise drifted minnows, 20 to 25 feet deep, in the Lime Saddle area for 4 coho to 4 pounds.
ROLLINS LAKE--Trollers have been doing pretty well up in the Bear River arm near the powerlines with a No. 9 rainbow or brook trout pattern Rapala worked fast close along the shore at 9 to 15 feet. Rainbows and browns are running 12 to 14 inches.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE--Brown trout trollers are using a fast pumped Rapala for good fish up in the river arm close to shore. Bass are hitting drop-shot worms and jigs on the points at 30 to 35 feet. Holdover rainbows are hitting flasher or dodger/ worm combos in the middle of the lake down by the dam in the top 20 feet of water. The snow has melted and access is good with a week of sunny weather forecast.
SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR--Access to the lake is difficult because the roads to the parking lot and the ramp are not plowed. Sunny weather forecast will hopefully improve access.
STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR--Trailerable boats are not able to get to the ramp because of the snow. 4-wheelers with a car topper can get to the water and launch. Trollers are using small silver spoons on top to connect with trout to 14 inches. Shore anglers are snow-shoeing to the north side of the dam for both trout and catfish. Trout are eating Power Bait and worms while the cats like chicken livers.
THERMOLITO AFTERBAY--Minnow drifters are still catching a few steelhead, 4 to 5 pounds, as well as some bass. The action has slowed down some with the cold, but sunny weather is forecast for the next week, so action may improve at Wilbur Rd. and the Hwy. 162 Bridge.
NORTHEASTERN AREA
ALMANOR,LAKE--Lake is icing over fairly rapidly now. Mark Jemenez, with Big Meadows Guide Service, said about the only fishing now would be in the afternoon when the skim ice has melted off the surface. He said there is likely too much ice out in front of the dam for fishing now.
BAUM LAKE--Trout action has been hot here. Rainbows and Browns running 12 to 20 inches hitting bait, lures and flies. After getting their limits, then catching and releasing, anglers have been getting 10 to 15 fish per day.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Little to report from here. Steve Vaughn at Vaughn's Sporting Goods in Burney said the lake is only accessible by snowmobile now and he's not had any reports from anyone making the trip.
LEWISTON LAKE--Mornings have been pretty frosty, according to Louise Bigham at Pine Cove Marina, but she said most afternoons have been near spring-like. Folks fishing off the dock have been catching some trout on Power Bait, the fish running 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. For trollers she recommended a really slow troll, less than 1 mile per hour, working the area from the marina to Frog Rock.
PIT RIVER--Fishing has been tough here due to snow on the ground. Few fishermen even trying. Winter fishing regulations limit fishing to catch-and-release, with artificial lures and barbless hooks.
SHASTA LAKE--Trout action continues better-than-normal due to warmer surface water temps. Try Cripplures and HumDingers, top-lining for fish down to 20 feet. Bass action has been good for anglers throwing swim baits, rip baits, spinner baits, and jigs. Bass up to 2 and 3 pounds being caught.
DELTA REGION
SACRAMENTO RIVER side-- The large tides and heavy water movement slowed down the sturgeon and striper bite during the past week. The best action has been at the top or bottom of the tides or on the outgo in shallow water from 7 to 15 feet. Ghost shrimp, grass shrimp and salmon roe have been the top baits for the diamondbacks with fresh shad or mudsuckers working for the occasional striper. The once-hot bullhead bite has cooled down with the cold water. Flounder continue to plague anglers to the delight of bait shop owners with many of the flat fish stealing bait from Martinez all the way upriver to Rio Vista.
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