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-Big sturgeon continue to bend rods with steady action, Longview bank anglers scored on 9, while 61 boats with 148 anglers connected on 19 legal, 161 undersized released and 3 oversized diamondbacks, released. Troutdale Boats report 3 undersized. Bonneville American shad numbers are climbing daily. More than 2,300 shad have been crossing the dam daily; with the major part of the run ahead, anglers should get out there and catch these fierce fighters on some ultra light rigs. They are great smoked and are used for old growth sturgeon action, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts.

ROGUE RIVER, lower, Ore.-Both Oregon WON Field Reporters, Dave Pitts and Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service, have reported the spring Chinook fishing has slowed this last week in comparison to the last month. As of May 22 anglers can harvest 2 native Chinook salmon from Gold Rey Dam downstream to the mouth of the river at Gold Beach. Palmer fished it Saturday at Elephant Rock and said that out of 26 boats, there were about 20 salmon caught, and they all came early and on the tides. Pitts said there was a big spike in water temperatures up to 62 degrees in the Agness area, although a few kings were still caught. Still one more push of springers is expected, but fishing success will be largely dictated by cooling water temperatures.

ROGUE RIVER, Grant’s Pass-Anglers are scoring on the spring kings in the upper river, mostly on plugs, spinners and drifting eggs by backbouncing. Remember, steelhead cannot be kept on the Rogue above the dam, reminds WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts.

RUSSIAN RIVER-River flows are now down to 790 cfs which is a “little high but definitely fishable” according to Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport and Tackle. Visibility is 4 or 5 feet, but the problem is water temperature. When the temperature goes up the shad bite, when it cools the bite is off. On sunny, warmer days some good anglers are getting 15 or 20 fish, but the next day might be overcast and cool, and it might be two fish if you’re lucky. Keep an eye on the weather: when it warms ups, grad the rod and jigs and hit the river.

TILLAMOOK BAY, Ore.–There is fair to good spring king fishing in the Tillamook area for those trolling whole, treaded blue-label herring or cut plug along the deeper cuts next to jetties. Anglers here face the same situation that other coastal anglers see with significant jetty systems. Swells and surges carve long slots that will hold fish as they come into a system. Trollers should target these slots at least one hour prior to high tide hitting the entire outgoing tide.

UMPQUA RIVER, Main, Sutherlin, Ore.-According to guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service, shad season is off to a good start. There have been a few slow days fishing for them due to foul weather conditions and the rising river. Spring Chinook fishing has been slow as well, but it is expected to turn around as the weather stablizes and the river begins to drop.

UMPQUA RIVER, North fork, Glide, Ore.–The North Umpqua River is 55 degrees and running at 4.9 feet. The spring Chinook fishing has been slow the last week. ODFW is reporting good numbers of springer’s going over the Winchester Dam on the lower end of the river. There have also been summer Steelhead moving up the river. These fish average a solid 10 pounds and are an explosive action fish from start to finish, according to Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service.

TRINITY-KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-The river is in great shape, color-wise, but the weather has continued to be lousy. Rainy, cold, and windy. Significant hatches, especially the salmonfly hatch, were still largely on hold.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-As predicted, salmon were starting to be caught more consistently last week. Not a lot, but in ones and twos per boat. Anchor up in a traveling lane with a CV-7 spinner twirling behind the boat.

TRINITY RIVER-The river continued to drop, but is still too high throughout its length to fish. Fishable conditions are still a couple of weeks away.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-The wait is back again as the weather shut down the bite, even for minnow anglers. A warming trend in the next few weeks will hopefully improve the bass bite again. Water clarity and temperatures both went down while the winds came up. When the wind allows, try Konocti Bay and the middle portion of the Redbud arm with Senkos, frogs and buzzers in Clearlake Oakes Keyes, or Lakeport, Nice, and Lucerne, which all had their days.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Grubs and Carolina rigged worms fished on points in the Narrows and the main body produced bass to 3 pounds on days when anglers could get out. Most of the fish are falling to plastics, as they are in the spawn and post-spawn mode and fish are guarding beds in the back of coves. Despite bad weather, the few koke trollers that fished found a few from the Ranch House to Big Island with fish from 14 to 17 1/2 inches long.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-The bass were a good bet with drop-shotting still being the most productive method, but with good trout action, few were targeting them. Limits to 7 1/2 pounds were taken as many of the trout were holdovers, but 17- or 18-inch fish were the average. Woolly buggers and an action disk caught most of the fish. The lake was also planted last week. The Narrows Resort is the onsite inspection station for quagga mussels here as all boats in Lake Co. must have the June sticker and inspection before launching.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-More cold and nasty weather kept anglers inside. Fishing in the snow, one guide reported good trout and salmon action from Almanor West and Rec. 1 to the tip of the Peninsula on hand painted Speedy Shiners in red/gold, in the top 10 feet. Benton House Cove and Rocky Point also produced fish. It’s been so cold that even the hatches have been delayed.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-There is no access to this area at this time due to deep snowdrifts. 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-Kastmasters and Panther Martins are taking trout here as are large nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. Pheasant tails, callibaetis cripples, PMD’s and caddis were also showing.

BRITTON LAKE- Crappie are showing up for boat fishermen, but there were no reports of fish by the docks.

BURNEY CREEK-Salmon fly nymphs and perhaps some dries should give fly fishermen results below the falls here.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and lures were all working well and helping anglers find good results. Fly fishermen did well on PMD’s, callibaetis and caddis while pt’s and copper Johns were favorites for nymph fishermen.

EAGLE LAKE-Opens this Saturday. Check your favorite ramps for launching conditions here. Trout will still be shallow and most will be using Sep’s grubs or other 2-inch grubs in watermelon, amber or orange colors. Starting at10 feet down, troll from just below the surface down to 8 or 9 feet deep in the usual area as fish have been marked at all of them.

FALL RIVER-Callibaetis cripples will be a good bet and reports of hatches should see good numbers of PMD’s coming off as well.

UPPER HAT CREEK-Snow fell on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but the fishing was great despite the cold weather, as Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery continued to do heavy plants of rainbows and brookies at least twice a week. Memorial Weekend should be busy. as usual but DFG typically plants three times including around 1000 pounds of big brooder trout in the 3- to 6-pound range. Cooler temperatures won’t impact the bait fishing much and keeps the spring runoff moderate, which keeps the creek flow at a very fishable level. This past week salmon eggs, worms, and spinners all worked well. Limits were more typical than not and a few big fish are still coming in. Fly fishing on the upper creek slowed due to the weather but fishing deep can still produce. Fish bead-headed nymphs and streamers to take more fish.

HAT CREEK (wild)-Below Baum Lake the best fishing was in the riffle sections at Powerhouse No. 2 and above the weir at Lake Britton. Nymphs under indicators and dries with dropper rigs were most productive, especially with stoneflies and PMD nymphs.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR-The lake is back up and anglers indicate it is fishing very well.

KESWICK RESERVIOR-The boat ramp into Keswick is closed again for dredging efforts on the reservoir, scheduled to re-open this summer. Most anglers are avoiding the lake until the ramp re-opens in June.

MANZANITA LAKE–The lake has broken up and is now fishable. Fishing this past week was slow due to snow, wind, and very cold (40-degree) water temperatures. A few sunny days and warmer temperatures is all it will take to turn the bite on in this catch and release lake. Manzanita is a single, barbless hook, artificial bait only lake. No motors of any kind may be used on watercraft and float tubing is the preferred method of fishing this lake. This early in the year, brassies, prince nymphs and crystal buggers tend to work well. Remember to heed the special restrictions on this lake.

MCCLOUD RIVER-Flows came up a bit earlier in the week with storms and snowmelt (up to about 373 cfs at Ah-di-Nah) but it is running clear throughout and mostly good fishing reports came in. Some early golden stoneflies and even salmon flies are hatching sporadically throughout the river, along with a mixed bag of mayflies (midday through afternoon) and caddis in the evening. Nymphing the pocket waters and riffles produced during the day, and there were dry fly opportunities in the evening. The Upper McCloud near Fowler’s camp is fishing well; anglers there have been reporting good fishing with either nymphs under indicators or dry flies with 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 PMDs.

PIT RIVER-Rubber leg stone nymphs did well, along with some golden stones and stimulator patterns. A few salmon flies were also reported.

LAKE SHASTA-The salmon bite is improving around the dam and Dry Creek while the trout bite was found in the Pitt and Sac arms. Get to ramps as early as possible this holiday weekend. Antlers Marina ramp, Packers Bay, and Bailey Cove may be good launch sites. Then head to either of the “no ski” zones and work the shallows with floating debris pockets and the hundreds of flooded willows in those areas pitching weightless Senkos in baby bass or natural shad in 5-inch sizes or topwater baits such as Zara Spooks in Oakie shad pitched early and late if it’s not too windy.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-The bass bite is improving and spotted bass were caught here recently on Senkos and swimbaits off humps and main lake points in the shallows. Trolling up the channel towards the bridge and on the south side of the 299 Bridge, kokes to16 inches were found. Fishing 60 feet down with a UV Sling Blade and a UV Apex behind it found kings in front of the dam.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-It was quality over quantity once again last week as anglers continued to work hard for their shad. But the ones they were catching were mostly large females, some of which exceeded 4 pounds. They’re taking pink or red headed jigs with pink, white, or chartreuse curly-tail grubs and splitshot to get deep enough in the 5,000 cfs flows. Some striped bass are being caught behind Cal Expo, but mostly on bait since the water is too cold for good lure action.

FEATHER RIVER- Fishing for shad was very good once again at the mouth of the Feather and at the rapids at Shanghai Bend. Some striped bass were being caught in the lower river, as well. But, the most newsworthy fishing action to report is the excellent dry fly fishing for big rainbow trout/steelhead in the Low Flow Section. Not only are fish to 6 pounds being hooked-and mostly broken off given the light tippets that must be used–but they’re taking dry flies-and there is hardly anybody fishing for them.

FOLSOM LAKE-They’re still catching some trout and king salmon, mostly up the North Fork on nightcrawlers trolled “naked” (without dodgers or flashers). The bass spawn has about ended and bass are cruising for food. Given the unsettled weather, it’s been hard to find a pattern, so some days low and slow, shaking and dragging soft plastics might be the way to go, and on others, tossing crank- and jerkbaits is more productive. Drifting minnows and crawdads is an even surer way to hook up.

RANCHO SECO LAKE-Fishing has definitely transitioned to warmwater species and fishing early and late in the day. Worms and crickets under bobbers for panfish, and drop-shotting, jigging, and topwater for bass early and late.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Most anglers continued to target shad last week with the color line where the American River hits the Sacramento as the hot spot. Verona is good, too. They’re taking shad darts in red and green and red and pink. A few small striped bass were being caught around Garcia Bend, Bryte’s Beach, and the Virgin Sturgeon, mostly on sardines and bloodworms.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale-The center for striped bass action moved upstream last week as the water rose again. Halfway between Tisdale and Ward’s Landing was particularly good, although, overall, striper fishing slowed from a week earlier, possibly because of the stormy weather. Lots of stripers have spawned and moved out, but fresh fish continue to appear in their wake. Shad were not a focus for anglers except around Colusa.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding- The river rose again, and some days were wet, cold and windy making for difficult fishing conditions, but trout fishing continued to be very good for both fly fishers and spin fishermen when the weather cooperated. Fly fishers were scoring on golden stonefly, caddis, and small Mayfly nymph imitations under indicators. Spin fishermen have been drifting Glo-Bugs and backtrolling small Hot Shots.

YUBA RIVER-The river was high but clear, and flows on the Feather were high enough that shad should be able to get over Shanghai Rapids and move into the Yuba. However, there were no reports of shad being caught just yet.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-The lake is at 67-percent capacity. Rainbow trout action has been fair at the dam and the inlet on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, Panther Martins, and Kastmasters.

CAPLES LAKE-Snow last week and more this week will postpone the thawing of the ice until at least late-June. There is 6 feet of open water along the dam but it is too shallow for fishing. There may not be any shore fishing available on Memorial Day weekend.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-The West Fork was plagued by poor weather including a white-out blizzard earlier this past week. Winds in the 80’s and very cold temps have kept most anglers out of the area. Alpine County is planting 1000 pounds of trout each in both the West Fork and East Fork this week for the Memorial Day weekend. The East Fork was producing lots of limits of 11- to 17-inch DFG planters and some Alpine County fish up to 4 pounds on worms and salmon eggs near the Carson River Resort.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is at 67-percent capacity. Trollers are doing well. Ed Dillard of Dillard’s Fishing Guide Service has been catching 20 to 30 fish per trip at 6 feet with Sockeye Slammers and No. 1 Dick Nite spoons by the island. The rainbows have been running 14 to 18 inches.

DONNER LAKE-With the poor weather, the fishing has been sporadic. Macks are hitting kokanee imitations at 50 to 90 feet. Some kokanee are hitting in shallower water.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-Butt Valley Reservoir is at 91-percent capacity. Weather has been lousy at best with rain and hail over this past weekend. Two kids came into Caribou Crossroads to use the laundry to dry their clothes and reported catching a 17-inch rainbow in the West Fork of the Feather below the resort.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is at 53-percent capacity. Shore fishing seems best using nightcrawlers and marshmallows. Fishermen were catching their limits all this past week, mostly on the east side of the lake. All the campgrounds are now open, boat ramp docks are in, and Frenchman’s is ready for the summer. Call Wiggins Trading Post for updates.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Unsettled weather last week and this week is delaying thawing and Sardine Lake is the only one open.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 69-percent capacity and is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Toplining for rainbows is still the way to go and trollers are catching multiple limits on flashers, dodgers, worms, spoons, and grubs–almost anything. Shore anglers are having a much tougher time. The Rites of Spring Family Trout Derby was attended by 54 contestants. The top adult angler was Tim Wilkerson of Sacramento with a total of 40.1 ounces; he also had the big fish, a 22.3-ounce brown trout. Wilkerson won two Shakespeare rod and reel combos. The top junior was 6-year old Abbi O’Neill, from the Sacramento area, with a total of 31 ounces. Abbi and all the other 12 junior anglers who weighed in were awarded Shakespeare rod/reel combos.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Bitter cold weather with gale force winds kept all sane anglers out of the area. Hopefully by the Memorial Day weekend, things will settle down, so people can fish.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-Apparently, the DFG planted this past week and the Mackinaw moved in shallow to feed on the planters. Jim Painter of Pollock Pines picked a 7 1/2-pound Mack on a big Rapala trolled along the north side of the lake. Rainbow trout fishing has been very good toplining a Kastmaster or a Thomas Buoyant. Smallmouth bass action has been picking up with Erin Davis checking in with a 3 pounder caught on a darthead worm.

LAKE TAHOE-North Shore action was good before the wind came in. Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters was doing well on 5- to 7-pound Macks in 300 to 350 feet of water. Daniels said the fish are right on the bottom, but was seeing fish suspended at 200 feet on the meter. Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Top Liners at South Shore has been doing well on browns, rainbows and small Macks in Meek’s Bay on Rapalas. The browns have been running 3 to 7 1/2 pounds, and the Macks to 5 pounds.

PROSSER LAKE-The lake is at 82-percent capacity. Fishing for rainbows and brown trout is okay at the inlet creeks on bait, spinners, and Kastmaster spoons. Smallmouth bass are hitting at the dam.

PYRAMID LAKE-Strong winds have kept most trollers off the water. Fly casters are still doing well either very early or very late in the day during low light periods in the shallows. The spawn is almost over and the cutts are starting to move back out to deeper water. Joe Mendes at Eagle Eye Charters reported catching 107 fish on six trips that measured 17 to 25 inches, trolling Flatfish at 17 to 25 feet.

RED LAKE-Cold weather is keeping the ice from thawing. The area saw winds from 80 to 100 mph this last week plus blizzard snow conditions that have kept most people out of the area.

SILVER LAKE-Very poor weather, with snow and wind, was keeping anglers at home. Thawing will be delayed until well into June.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 51-percent capacity. Early last week, Tight Lines Guide Service had no luck on browns or Macks in the early morning, but switched over to kokanee and quickly limited out using Sep’s Gold Starlite dodgers with an Uncle Larry’s Copper Pop, tipped with Pautzke Pink Fire Corn.

TOPAZ LAKE-Strong, cold winds have played havoc on trollers with most people staying at home rather than risking their lives on the water.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Heavy runoff has pretty much blown out the river for awhile.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The lake is at 84-percent capacity. Kyle Neeser at Crystal Basin Tackle and Guide Service hit the lake earlier this past week before the weather settled in and caught rainbows, 12 to 14 inches; kokanee to 16 inches; and Mackinaws to 2 1/2 pounds. The rainbows and kokanee were hitting dodger/hoochie combos in the top 20 feet. The Macks were at 35 feet. The bite overall was slow.

WEST WALKER RIVER-Section 2 is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Poor weather has kept anglers out of the area and local resorts are hoping for a break in the weather before the Memorial Day weekend.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-Anglers willing to hike into the North Fork and Middle Fork are finding good action on rainbows and browns up to 20 inches using worms and salmon eggs. Be careful of swift water as the runoff picks up-check with the Ranger Stations in Forest hill or Georgetown for river conditions.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 91-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina is open full-time for boat rentals, houseboat rentals, and services. Bass fishing is still holding up, but there is little word on any trout or kokanee action. Trollers should try up in the North Yuba arm for rainbows.

CAMP FAR WEST-Wind and rain during the week cooled the water and the bite-it was a slow week here. The weather needs to stabilize before the bass fishing will improve.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake is full for the first time in years. One more trophy trout plant is scheduled for this week and that will be the last one before the fall. Bluegill/crappie plants will be made this week to booster the spawning population in the lake. Trollers and shore anglers are still doing very well on the trout all over the lake. The biggest rainbow of the week was a 7 3/4 pounder caught by two kids on Power Bait. Lots of limits or near-limits of trout running 2 to 3 pounds are being weighed in. Trollers have been doing well on Rapalas and Kastmaster spoons. Bass and catfish are active with bass to 4 1/2 pounds and cats to 7 pounds.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is at 91-percent capacity. Still reports of good trout action for trollers using Rapalas and flasher/worm combos upriver from Boston Bar to Rice’s Crossing. Bass are still all along the bank in spawning mode-the cooler water temps require a slow presentation!!

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The lake is at 59-percent capacity. Trout action was good for trollers. Unstable weather this week may bring snow to the higher elevations. Check with Foresthill Ranger Station if there is a concern about the road conditions.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 63-percent capacity and rising 3 feet per day. Still only accessible via Ralston Ridge Road. Trollers are using custom painted Rapalas for browns from the top down to 30 feet. One group caught 25 browns to 5 pounds. A 15-pound Mack was reportedly caught this past week that was full of kokanee, trolling at 60 to 80 feet. Some snow this past week with more in the forecast. Check with the Georgetown Ranger Station for road conditions.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is at 68-percent capacity. John Enos from Big John’s Guide Service was doing well on 16- to 19-inch coho at the Green Bridge on Sling Blade/hoochie rigs at 15 to 20 feet. Some nice trout are being caught while trolling for the coho. Bass action is still good on plastics at 15 to 25 feet on the points as the fish go into post-spawn, though some fish are still in spawning mode due to the colder weather.

ROLLINS LAKE-The lake is full, and lots of planter rainbows and smallmouth bass are being caught. Shore anglers are fishing at the campgrounds in Long Ravine Resort and trollers are hitting the dam. Brother/sister, Daniel and Kristin Foran of Grass Valley caught a 2-pound bass and a 13 1/2-rainbow in the Long Ravine marina this past weekend.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Trout and smallmouth bass action has been holding up despite rain and snow this past week. Shore anglers are doing well using Power Bait or casting Kastmaster spoons. Trollers are using flasher/worm combos or flies along the Cascade Shores area. The trout are running 12 to 15 inches. Bass weighing up to 2 1/2 pounds are hitting brown plastics along the rocky banks.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Trout action is good for shore anglers and trollers.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Shore anglers and trollers are picking up planter rainbows and some holdover trout.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-When the weather warms up more consistently, the bass should be spawning in the backs of the coves in the tules. Jigs, Senkos, and lizards are worth a try, but the weather needs to stabilize first.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-Live bait trips ruled with some good action for halibut and stripers. The outside action was very limited due to wind, reported Scott Sutherland. The few trips that had fishable weather resulted in about five kings per boat. In-bay trips scored much better, with 20 fish per boat on the average. Dave Marquardt, reporting for the Happy Hooker, said they had good counts on all four trips, the highlight day, Friday, producing limits of striped bass for 11 anglers, along with 11 halibut.

BODEGA BAY- Windy conditions all week kept most of the boats in. The New Sea Angler fished Monday outside of Elephant Rock, and while the small grade of kings they had tapped the day before were gone, they did manage four quality kings.

BROOKINGS, OR- WON field reporter Dave Pitts reported good action on lingcod and cabezon both north and south of the landing. “It’s just the weather you have to keep an eye on,” said Pitts. Top lures are Scampis and Twin Tails. Some big rockfish are showing up for anglers fishing the kelp beds, weedless black bass gear required. Surfperch are running large, with top spots at Winchuck and Burnt Ranch beaches, top bait chunked shrimp with ProCure shrimp oil to boost the scent appeal.

CRESCENT CITY- WON reader Joseph Yabu has been hammering the surfperch and managed to get out for bottomfish also. “Terry Hansen and I began fishing at 9:30 a.m., found a nice hole and the bite was continuous until we ran out of sandcrabs at 2:30 p.m.,” said Yabu. Total caught and released 46. Bottomfishing was generally slow, but a trip fishing from his driftboat scored 18 rockfish, two cabezon, and six greenlings on swimbaits and Buzz Bombs in the shallows.

EMERYVILLE-Live bait trips dominated the schedule with one around a basic average, but some pretty solid days also. Topping the action were trips later in the week, like Friday on the New Huck Finn when 18 anglers caught 26 halibut to 21 pounds and three stripers. Looks like the big ones are coming in the bay, with the New Huck Finn customer scoring a 31 pounder the very next day, the biggest of 14 halibut and 11 stripers caught by 15 anglers.

EUREKA-Storms roughed up the ocean again, but during the weather windows, anglers caught Pacific halibut outside, a very few California halibut inside, some night surfsmelt, and both rockfish and lings. “There are some crabs still around, a friend just brought me a limit of Dungeness,” said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center. WON reader Lonnie Dollarhide said Captain tim Klassen on Reel Steel fished combo-style on Tuesday, finding a 50-pound Pacific halibut for a Cloverdale angler, and rockfish limits for all on board that included coppers, quillbacks, and nine other varieties of rockfish. Salmon opens on Saturday, May 29.

FORT BRAGG-Weather kept the boats in all week, and the rough seas made shore fishing and diving difficult and even dangerous.

HALF MOON BAY-Peggy Beckett at Huck Finn Sportfishing reported tough weather conditions, but that didn’t stop the Ankenny Street from trying on Saturday. Seven anglers found sloppy conditions, but also found six keeper kings to 15 pounds, along with six that missed the 24-inch mark.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported a tougher bite due to all the heavy wind, but his anglers did catch some quality flatties topped by a 17.5 pounder caught at Treasure Island. Some nice stripers also boated, capped by a 12 pounder.

SAN FRANCISCO-Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Fishing reported some solid action on halibut from trips earlier in the week, as well as over the weekend. The top action has been in South Bay, near Alameda on the outgoing tide. Tuesday’s trip scored 15 fish, nine keepers with halibut to 12 pounds and bass to 10 pounds. On Saturday, plenty of action produced a total of 18 hookups for his group. A few lost fish and shakers aside, they ended up with nine topped by a 27 pounder. Live bait size continued to improve, with small to medium anchovies, a few large ones, and even the occasional sardine.

SAUSALITO-The fleet stuck with in-bay fishing for the most part due to the outside weather. The live bait efforts produced from half a fish per rod to about one around. Most of the boats are fishing south bay.

SHELTER COVE-Like the rest of the north coast, the boats were not able to get out. Shore fishing was possible in the protected areas, but not many tried due to the big winds, rain and other weather anomalies