NORTH COAST RIVERS

North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG’s Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.

COLUMBIA RIVER, Ore.—Too many sturgeon were being caught in one section around Rooster Rock State Park, so it closed April 29 but will reopen on July 31 between Sand Island and two markers on the Oregon shoreline. Sturgeon fisherman targeting the 100-mile stretch of the Columbia from Bonneville Dam downstream to the Wauna power lines will continue through July 31 and take up again again during October-December or until 4,835 sturgeon have been taken. Close to 1,700 sturgeon have already been recorded in this section of the river since January first. Sturgeon fishing was slower this past week compared to the week before, but it will climb. The Marker 82 to Bonneville Dam is now closed as of May 1 and will remain so until September 1, Pitts said.

ROGUE RIVER, Gold Beach, Ore.—Blown out big time by four inches of rain, but salmon came pouring in, and anglers were hammering them just days later, fishing the edges and close to the bank, anchored up with favored spinners and baits. Best spring salmon run in recent memory, according to WON Field Reporter and Chetco Outdoor Store manager Dave Pitts. River is high and off color, but dropping quickly, according to guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets “I believe the lower section of the river will be in prime shape on Tuesday,” he said. Friday, the April 30 was surprisingly productive for many anglers that took advantage of the first nice day since the massive rainstorm that hit at the beginning of the week. High dark waters means that you want to anchor close to the banks and bank fisherman won’t need to cast their baits more than a few feet off shore.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Shad season is on over here, and a brief window last week opened the door for shad anglers, who were averaging about three fish a rod, according to King’s Sport and Tackle in Guerneville. The last rain blew it out again, though, and it was still high and unfishable on Sunday. But should be a wide-open bite when the river clears and drops out.

UMPQUA RIVER, Main stem, Elkton, Ore.–River levels are extremely high with fast currents, according to guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service. There are a couple boats still fishing the muddy waters as close to the banks as possible. “I have not heard of any salmon being caught this last week,” he said.
 
UMPQUA RIVER, North Fork, Roseburg, Ore.–The river is in good condition for fishing from a boat or the bank. “Anthony” at Idlewyld Trading Post reported that 6-8 spring Chinook a day are getting weighed on their scales out front of the store, according to guide Curtis Palmer.  “Now the river is high, so I suggest when fishing the upper section of the North Umpqua river from the bank that anglers use bobber’s and roe in any one of the three popular pools,” he said.

TRINITY-KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate—This is just about the only fishable water on either the Klamath or Trinity rivers, but the cold storm of last week suppressed both any signs of insect hatches or much in the way of feeding trout.

TRINITY RIVER—The Trinity River release at Lewiston Reservoir peaked 6,000 cfs, and fishing is pretty much out of the question until sometime in July when flows return to fishable levels.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that a group of guys hiked into the Middle Fork, camped for four days and caught a lot of nice rainbows and browns, 16 to 20 inches, on worms and spinners. With no DFG plants, the easy roadside fish will be far and few between, so put on your hiking boots and go find them.

BULLARDS BAR—The lake is at 84-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina reported that there was a slow-down in the number of anglers launching out at their ramp and said that more anglers appeared to be going out of Dark Day. The bass action has slowed down a little as the spots are hard into the spawn and the females have already come off the nests and are trying to recuperate. Trout trollers are picking up some fish up in the North Fork arm of the lake. No word on kokanee action

CAMP FAR WEST—The lake is full and spilling. Bass action was slower this past week with the cold winds. Let it warm up this week and the bass, crappie and bluegill bite will be back on in the Bear River and Rock Creek arms. Check out the brush and trees in the water now that the lake is full.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is only one foot from full, the highest level in at least 4 years. Trout action is phenomenal!! Lots of rainbows were being caught by both shore anglers and trollers up to 8 1/2 pounds this past week. Power Bait has been working very well for the shore anglers at the dam, beach, and Open Area. Trollers have been doing well on Rapalas, flasher/worm combos and spoons, like the Needlefish, Kastmaster and Cripplure. Catfish and bass action is picking up also. Chuck Brooke of Suisun picked up a 9 ¾-pound cat at the dam.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The lake is at 95-percent capacity. Trolling an F5 blue/silver Rapala or a flasher/ Humdinger combo from Black’s Ravine up to the inlet is producing lots of nice rainbows averaging 14 inches. Lots of holdover trout in this lake despite the lack of DFG plants.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Anglers should be able to get into this lake, but the Forest Service had not heard of any recent reports of fishing success.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—The lake is accessible on Ralston Road from Foresthill. No reports were available from the Georgetown Ranger Station.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake is at 60-percent capacity, up 13 feet this past week. Bass action is very good as the fish continue to spawn in shallow water all around the lake. Worms, spinnerbaits, and minnows accounted for some good catches this past week for fish up to 3 3/4 pounds in the Middle Fork, South Fork and Lime Saddle area. Coho action has slowed down with no reports coming in to Feather River Outfitters this past week.

ROLLINS LAKE—Lake is almost full and was planted by the DFG this past week. Trollers working the dam are picking up some nice rainbows in the 14- to 15-inch range on Rapalas and flasher rigs.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Trout have been “hitting like crazy” here. Lots of rainbows, 14 to 17 inches, have been falling for Power Bait fished from the shore or drifted by boat at the dam. Catfish and smallmouth bass are hitting too. A 3 1/2-pound catfish was caught off the dam on chicken livers and bass to 3 pounds have been hitting brown/red plastic worms.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Lake has been planted three times by the DFG so trout action should be good for anglers using Power Bait from shore. The lake has a 10 mph speed limit so trollers don’t have to worry about skiers and jet skis ruining their day.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The concessionaire is still working furiously to get the campgrounds open and should be done by this weekend. Trollers have been catching some of the DFG plants put in a month ago and some nice holdover fish on flasher/worm combos.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Nobody’s talking, but the bass are up on the beds in the tules and anglers are taking turns trying to entice the big females to hit a tube, Brush Hog, or a lizard. Practice catch-and-release.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE—The lake is at 57-percent capacity. Still good shore angling for rainbows at the dam and the inlet.

CAPLES LAKE—This area received 24 to 30 inches of new snow this past week. There were only two fishermen on the lake this past Saturday but fishing success is still good. Most anglers are much more content to fish the streams that are now open at lower elevations.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—Crowds were way down from opening weekend, but there were still a bunch of fish caught on the East Carson by bait fishermen, lure tossers, and fly casters. The water is still clear and cold with the runoff delayed because of the recent storms. A 2 3/4-pound brown was caught by John Peters of Carson City on a nightcrawler in the West Carson near the Woodfords Station store. There’s no snow along Hwy 88, but still snow in Hope Valley. The West Carson is running a little high, but clear.

DAVIS LAKE—The lake is at 64-percent capacity and is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The ramp is clear at Honker and the dock was installed this past Wednesday. The lake is getting some run-off and the water is a little murky. Fishing has been a little slow. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Fishing Guide Service will start trips on May 12.

DONNER LAKE—Rainbows are still being caught off the west end beaches, piers and the boat ramp area on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Call Keith Kerrigan at Sierra Anglers Guide Service for a chance at a good sized Mackinaw.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Caribou Crossroads Resort sold out of worms and crickets to anglers working on the native trout population in the North Fork and the East Branch this past week. Still, fish are being caught, but if the DFG does not resume plants, the summer could be pretty tough. Butt Valley Reservoir smallmouth action is good as the fish start to move toward the shallows to spawn.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—The lake is at 49-percent capacity. The weather was great for the stream opener and lots of fish were caught in the creek below the lake. Lake fishing is very good with trollers and shore anglers both doing well. Trollers are using a silver Needlefish and the shore anglers are doing best with nightcrawlers.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—Topline rainbow action is good. Keep flasher/worm combos, threaded nightcrawlers and Sep’s grubs in the top 10 feet for limit action on 12 to 15 inch fish.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—The campgrounds will open on May 8. No current reports were available from Woodfords Station store.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—Still snowed in and only reachable by snowmobile.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—Rainbow trout action is good at the inlet area in the Narrows. One 2-pound brown was caught on a Kastmaster trolled along the east side. No Macks have been caught lately.

LAKE TAHOE—Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters was off the water by 8:30 Sunday morning with limits for his clients. They also tagged three fish and lost three or four more all in about three hours. The keeper fish were all 5 to 6 pounders. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing has been doing pretty well in the morning until 9:30. There is a lot of activity on the meters and things look very good for improved action. Mike Neilsen at Tahoe Top Liners was doing very well at South Shore for rainbows, browns, and Macks in the top 25 feet fast trolling Rapalas, Bombers, and AC Plugs. Rainbows to 5 pounds, browns to 7 pounds, and Macks to 5 pounds came in this past weekend.

PROSSER LAKE—The lake is at 53-percent capacity. Rainbow trolling is still wide open on small Rapalas and Cripplures for 12- to 14-inch fish.

PYRAMID LAKE—The shore anglers are doing much better than the trollers. The fish have moved into very shallow water and the trollers can’t get in that shallow without running into a shore caster on a ladder. The Pelican Beach, Wino Beach, Sand Hole, south of the Nets areas have all been very productive for fish up to 14 pounds. Shore casters are using woolly buggers, a copper John under an indicator, 1/4-ounce marabou jig, or a spoon. Trollers have been having a much harder time, especially when the wind comes up which has pretty much been a daily occurrence. George Molino at Cutthroat Charters at the Pyramid Store was doing pretty well on fish averaging 18 inches, on up to 7 pounds, in the Warrior Point area north of Pelican.

RED LAKE—Not ice-free yet, but too thin for ice fishing. If the weather stays warm, the ice should break this week.

SILVER LAKE—The channel along the south side of the lake by Plasse’s Resort was open pretty far this past week, but the rest of the lake is still frozen over.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Rick Kennedy at Tight Lines Guide Service fished this past week and found a very early Mack bite for fish up to 4 pounds on Rapalas. He finished out the day picking up limits of kokanee, 12 to 14 inches, trolling the surface with Sep’s watermelon dodgers and pink spinners tipped with red corn run 50 to 75 feet behind the boat.

TOPAZ LAKE—43 people from Art’s Foods in Modesto held their 27th annual fishing trip and everyone caught limits for two days this past week. The fish ran from 1 1/4 to 2 pounds and hit flasher/worm combos at 20 feet on downriggers or four colors of leadcore. Skiers and jet skis are already on the lake, so watch out!

TRUCKEE RIVER—Still cold water with increased runoff flows. With the season open, anglers have been catching a few fish on Panther Martins, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. Fly casters are doing best on nymph patterns.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—The lake is at 74-percent capacity. Rainbow trout bite is good for topliners trolling less than 10 feet deep with flasher/worm combos, threaded nightcrawlers, and Sep’s grubs. The Mack bite has been slow but the fish are showing signs of increased activity, according to Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle.

WEST WALKER RIVER—The upper section of the river is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Anglers were frustrated this past week by fish they could see, but couldn’t get to bite. Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel reported that water conditions were beautiful but cold weather has delayed the runoff and is keeping the fish lethargic.

NORTH SALTWATER

BENICIA—Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait reported a big striper caught by a troller using a Rat-L-Trap right off the Ninth Street Pier, the 24 pounder creating a run on the lure in the shop. Some nice keeper sturgeon were weighed, some from the Mothball Fleet, and one angler had a banner day off Ninth Street where he caught and released one oversized sturgeon, a 60 incher, and three undersized, all on grass shrimp. Shore anglers working the Benicia shoreline are catching some small stripers, and plenty of starry flounder on pile worms.

BERKELEY—Bad outside weather kept salmon efforts in, but the bay bite didn’t salvage efforts this time due to the big minus tides that muddied up the bay. The few trips that went out with frozen anchovies or live shiners found four to eight fish per boat, with highliner the California Dawn on Saturday with an eight halibut and two bass count. They used live shiners. “It’s been two weeks since a salmon boat went out,” said Scott Sutherland of Berkeley Sportfishing.

BODEGA BAY— Despite nearly unbroken bad weather, there were a couple small windows in the windy week that allowed some effort for salmon. “We fished on Monday and had three salmon for 11 anglers, then on Wednesday when five anglers caught one short of limits,” said Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler. “We didn’t have a fish on the boat until noon, then found a spot of fish at the 57 fathom line off of Carmet and put nine to 32 pounds on board in 1.5 hours.”

EMERYVILLE—Only two trips out, both focusing on bay halibut and bass. On Saturday, the New Huck Finn had one 11-pound halibut for 10 anglers, and on Sunday, the Captain Hook had three halibut to 20 pounds for 15 anglers. Both boats were trolling.

EUREKA—Wind plagued ocean anglers nearly all week, but some shore anglers fishing the north jetty scored some action with one regular bringing in eight rockfish. “Most of the guys out there fishing caught fish, about six to eight each,” said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center.

FORT BRAGG—Glen Reindahl at Pacific Outfitters said the shoreline action has been good for anglers catching cabezon, black and blue rockfish, when they can get out of the wind. Top spots have been around the jetty at Noyo and up along the Mackerrigher area. Abalone divers mostly missed out on the minus tides due to the rough ocean, but a few experienced divers were able to get limits. Salmon fishing has been tough to fair, with up to one around reported on the boats.

HALF MOON BAY—Wind kept the fleet in nearly all week. Captain Bob Ingles on the Queen Of Hearts tried to fish the opener, but the wind was worse than the forecast, and he had to turn back without fishing. Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat has been running crab only trips at times, and will do combos when the weather permits.

LOCH LOMOND—Captain Gordon Hough ran his first halibut trip on the Morning Star, practicing for the real action that will kick in this week as the tides subside and the bay waters clear. “We ended up with one halibut and one bass for nine anglers,” said Hough. “We searched mostly in vain for some clear water. The tides are much better this week, and we have some fish killing regulars coming out, so things will definitely improve.”

SAUSALITO—The fleet stayed in the bay when they had enough anglers to run, and due to the poor water clarity and high winds, results were slim.

SHELTER COVE—Glen Reindahl at Pacific Outfitter in Ukiah said salmon fishing has been good when the boats are able to get out, the most recent report was that six boats that managed to self-launch scored 10 kings. Shoreline fishing was good for anglers targeting surfperch. The tractor launch is not working yet, rumor has it the tractor is broken.

SUISUN BAY—Still some good sturgeon action showing for anglers fishing the Mothball Fleet and Big Cut, and there was another big sturgeon caught from the Martinez Pier. A troller caught a 24-pound striped bass right off the Ninth Street Pier in Benicia also, so there are still a few bass around.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—Some schoolie-sized striped bass are being caught on jumbo minnows in the lower river up to the college. The bigger news is that the first shad of the season have shown up. Fishing for them is still slow, but should really take off as the water temperature rises. Flows have increased to over 3,500 cfs, and are likely to go up further since Folsom Lake is approaching its capacity and inflows are greatly exceeding outflows.

FEATHER RIVER—Fishing for striped bass slowed considerably last week as flows increased due to big inflows from the Yuba and Bear rivers. A few were still being caught on bait and lures. Fly fishing, both wet and dries were fooling some nice trout and steelhead (to 4 pounds) in the Low Flow Section, producing strikes for fly fishermen. Keys to success are not to stick around in one spot or one type of bait if no action is occurring. Fish might be anywhere from Shanghai Bend down almost to the mouth. Anglers can catch all the smolts they want in the Low Flow Section and the occasional larger trout/steelhead to a couple of pounds in the Flow Section on small nymphs fished under indicators.

FOLSOM LAKE—The lake is within 10 percent of its capacity of nearly 1 million acre-feet, and bass, some anyway, have continued to move up and into newly-flooded brush and trees. It’s been a mixed bag, however, since some bass are still on spawning beds, and others have finished and are cruising deeper water. So, fishing might be good close to shore with such lures at weightless Senkos and minnows or nightcrawlers under bobbers, or out in deeper water on crankbaits and jigs. Fishing for king salmon and trout has slowed, but some continue to be caught on trolled small Rapalas, Yo-Zuris Needlefish, Apexes, and hoochies tipped with anchovies on the main body in front of the dam.

RANCHO SECO LAKE—Trout fishing has slowed as the water warms up, but a few were being caught, mostly from float tubes, kayaks, and pontoon boats on Woolly Buggers, leeches, and Kastmasters. Some bass and panfish were also being caught.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—The river was high, muddy and debris-laden up through Tisdale, and fishing for striped bass was slow. However, fishing was good before the river came up yet again. Not only for striped bass, but the first shad of the season were showing up and being caught on shad darts at Miller Park, Freeport and Discovery Park.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa—The river came up again, but fishing for stripers remained good. Bait like pileworms and sardines were working well during the highest, muddiest flows, but the bite was shifting back to minnows by the weekend. Stripers were being caught all the way up to Princeton, well above Colusa. The first shad of the season were showing up, and fishing should take off as flows continue to drop and the river warms up.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding— Flows out of Keswick Dam have risen to 7,500 cfs, and so boat passage is once again forbidden under the Cypress Ave. Bridge. Trout fishing continued to be very good, with the best action later in the day as the river warms just a bit. That’s when the bulk of the hatches are occurring. Try golden stonefly, caddis, and small Mayfly nymph imitations under indicators, but be ready to switch to dries if the occasion arises. Spin fishermen have been drifting Glo-Bugs and backtrolling small Hot Shots.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—All the conditions are lining up but the weather did not cooperate. The key to success with plastics was to fish painfully slow, successful anglers reported dead sticking baits. A full lake and spawning activity means you’ll have to get into the tules and pick apart the holes and areas around the flooded trees, and be very patient. As the spawn continues, look for the topwater bite to show signs of life. Frogs, buzzbaits, walkers, and poppers should all be on the minds of anglers approaching the lake in the coming weeks. A few anglers reported limited success with crappie by fishing the sloughs and canals, though no limits of crappie yet.

LAKE BERRYESSA—Large areas of algae and dead carp greeted anglers as they wait for waters to clear, but there should be some good bass fishing coming up soon after we get a few more days of warming weather for the water. As usual, kokanee were the hot topic here. The bite has been good in the mornings in the top 15 feet and then the fish move a little deeper to 20 or 25 feet as the sun hits the water. Skier’s Cove and the Big Island continue to find more fish with green Rocky Mountain Tackle (RTM) Hornet spinners and red Radical Glow Tubes pulled behind RMT’s Hyper Plaid and Bahama Mama colored dodgers.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Trolling in the east basin and the Narrows produced limits with a woolly bugger with the action disk. Find them at the Narrows Resort or Outdoor Pro Shop now in Cotati. The bass show also gets going here as the waters warm up, look for the topwater bite to pick up.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVIOR— This lake is currently on the “no plant” list but there are plenty of bass here as well as a few trout being taken. Spinner baits, jigs, and a variety of other presentations worked for bass on this lake, which sees very little pressure. Catfish can also be found here.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR— The water temperatures dropped 8 degrees with bad weather and the bite turned off from what was a good afternoon bite. The east shore was good for a few good brown trout before the storms. Even with the storms, the blood midge hatches were trying to come up and a matter of a few warm days will activate the fish and hatches. Look for stump flats if you are targeting bass, but they are spawning so be gentle with them. Gould Swamp (Catfish Beach) was good for bass, as it is one of the first places bass will stage. Goose Bay to the mouth of the river (Carp Factory) was also a good area to target.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR–No access to this area at this time due to deep snow drifts. It may be several weeks until the road is plowed by P.G.E. The lake is likely still frozen in any case. 

BAUM LAKE— Fly fishermen mainly used pheasant tails or callibaetis cripples here but lots of trout (to 6 pounds) are being caught. Lure fishermen seemed to prefer Trout Magnets and Panther Martins. Large nightcrawlers were the choice for bait fishermen, although salmon eggs were doing well also.

BRITTON LAKE—Increasing water temperatures should bring the crappie up. Regulation changes now includes bluegill and perch in the 25-fish limit on crappie, so be sure to count them in your total catch.

BURNEY CREEK—Water flow through Burney Falls is colored, causing some problems. Try the lower end where it dumps into Lake Britton for the best bet using nymphs. Could be some salmon flies also starting this week.

CASSEL FOREBAY–Lots of fishermen, with good results here. Nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, as well as lures were all working well. A few reports of some nice fish were taken on worms and Kastmasters specifically. This area should also experience moderate fishing pressure in the coming weeks. Fly fishing activity will improve as the weather warms.   

FALL RIVER—Now open, and the fishing is great as long as the wind isn’t blowing. Weed growth is excellent, and the PMD hatch is just getting started, with the peak of the dry fly action in the middle of the day between 11:00-2:00. In the morning before the hatch starts, and in the afternoon/evening after the hatch, fishing remained good subsurface, either swinging wet flies and nymphs or nymphing under indicators. Last year the Fall River fished “off-the-charts” for the early season in May, with epic hatches of PMD’s and some of the best dry fly fishing in decades. It looks like we’ll see a repeat again this spring. Reports show good hatches, which should improve with the sunny skies predicted. Should be good numbers of PMD’s coming off, but callibaetis cripples are usually a good bet also.

UPPER HAT CREEK—Large numbers of limits were taken this week with many fish in the 3-pound class. Most of the fish were brook trout and taken on a variety of baits such as worms, salmon eggs and spinners. 

HAT CREEK (wild)—Fly fishing was good in the riffle sections at Powerhouse No. 2 and above the weir at Lake Britton. Nymphing under indicators and dry/dropper rigs were most productive, with stoneflies and PMD nymphs especially. Salmon flies should be showing in fairly good numbers this coming week in the section between the County Park and the barrier with the warm weather, as the nymphs were already showing on the rocks.

IRON CANYON—Fishing can be outstanding with sight-casting opportunities for rainbow and brown trout podded up and feeding near the surface. Fishermen have indicated Iron Canyon is fishing very well, with lots of limits.

KESWICK RESERVOIR—The boat ramp at Keswick is closed again for dredging efforts, scheduled to re-open this summer.

MANZANITA LAKE–The lake is still frozen and unfishable at this time.

MCCLOUD RIVER—Open although access to Ash Camp and Ah-di-Nah was difficult over the opening day weekend due to mudslides and heavy snowpack, but reports have come in that the roads are now open. The Bollibokka sections closer to the lake, although high, were running clear and fishing fair to good for the opener, with fish taking streamers, dry flies, and nymphs in the deeper pools. The Upper McCloud near Fowler’s camp still had a lot of snow, making access difficult. Still, a few hardy anglers toughed it out over the opener and reported good fishing with either nymphs under indicators or dry fly with a dropper rigs. Salmon flies are beginning to hatch right now, along with a few golden stoneflies and smaller winter stones, caddis in the afternoons, and some PMD’s.

PIT RIVER—Fishing very well, depending on the location. With snowmelt coming in from some feeder streams and inconsistent releases from the dams, certain sections are fishing better on certain days. Be willing to check out different accesses in different sections of the Pit between Pit 3, 4, and 5. When you find a section with good conditions, the fishing should be very good. There has been a combination of nymphing the pocket water with some dry fly action midday on warm days with caddis, March browns, some PMD’s, golden stoneflies, and even salmon flies. A few salmon flies reported, with rubber leg stone nymphs doing well, along with some golden stones and stimulator patterns. With the warmer weather, salmon flies should really take off.

LAKE SHASTA—Trout fishing has been good in the Pitt arm when clear, as well as the Sacto and McCloud arms where a few nice brown trout have also been taken. Salmon have been deeper by the dam and also the Dry Creek arm where the bite is improving. Spotted bass are busy spawning deep, so there is no sight fishing for them here, but when they come off of their beds topwater baits like a Sammy or a Zara Spook will be good tackle to toss at them. During the mid-day back off to deeper water, in 15 to 25 and toss worms. Senkos, spinner baits, rip baits are also options here.