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.-The salmon opener here was a bit of a letdown with cold water conditions shutting down the bite at the Bonneville area, but bankies still found success by working the traveling corridors nearer the bank, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. “The Tree Hole near Bonneville Dam is one area where bank anglers can fish with success,” Pitts said. Successful boaters will have to look at fishing a water column between 4 to 6 feet, and even then many anglers and guides are coming up with blanks for the day at times.

ROGUE RIVER, Estuary, Gold Beach, Ore.-The unique, new “sea lion patrol” has been getting a start on training those salmon thieves to stay out of the bay, reported Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service. Sea lion patrol season officially started July 1st. “We should start seeing a lot of anglers trolling the bay 4th of July weekend,” he said.

ROGUE RIVER, Lobster Creek, Ore.-Springers are still being caught up here, mostly early and late in the day, even though it’s pretty late in the springer season. Guide Curtis Palmer said he’s been anchoring in faster water or just above it in a tailout where the water is more oxygenated.

RUSSIAN RIVER-“There’s about 400 or 500 kayaks going down the river right now,” said Steve Jackson, owner of Kings Sport and Tackle in Guerneville, but as far as fishing, the shad run is over except for a few stragglers, and the smallmouth bass bite is coming on. Throw crankbaits, Rooster Tails or other minnow-imitating artificials for the smallies. Vacation Beach dam is expected to be in by the 4th of July. Flows are still at 300 or 350 cfs.

UMPQUA RIVER, Main Stem, Roseburg, Ore.–The main Umpqua River is in prime shape for almost every species, including smallmouth bass, summer steelhead and a few late spring Chinook. Pick up a fishing guide book with all those boat ramps marked in it, along with a description of the water conditions of each stretch and go have fun, said river guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service.

UMPQUA RIVER, North Fork, Glide, Ore.–Spring Chinooks are still being caught in good numbers from the bank. The number of late rainstorms and snow up high in the mountains has kept these fish in nice shape. “On a hot summer day, the cool wind blowing off of the river while casting a line can be what the doctor ordered,” said guide Curtis Palmer. There were a couple reports of summer steelhead being caught this week. It is usually excellent steelhead fishing starting the third week of July.

WILLAMETTE RIVER, Lower, Oregon City, Ore.-The shad action on the lower river has been very good on firecracker jigs and small spoons in greens and chromes, especially on bright, sunny days.

TRINITY-KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-Salmonflies are now hatching in full swing, but fish are still keying on nymphs and are holding in deeper water. So, the most effective approach is to fish nymphs, live salmonflies or nightcrawlers. The water is warming rapidly so the hatch-and trout bite–only has a short time left before ending.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-The river is still in great shape for salmon, but the bottom dropped out of the bite last week, and the average was now around 1 fish per boat-“if you are lucky.” However, more steelhead are showing up. Around Blue Creek is one of the better spots to find them. The best bet in still-high water is to toss No. 4 Blue Fox spinners.

TRINITY RIVER-Trinity River flows are now dropping. They will be at 1,600 cfs on the Fourth of July and down to 500 cfs by August 1. Salmon fishing should be excellent as the river drops into fishable shape. The area above Junction City will be easiest to fish and productive, but bright salmon are already coming from the Falls area on tuna balls and roe.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The Berkeley Sportfishing fleet had some good news on the salmon front, with the New Easy Rider scoring good counts of kings three days running, starting out up off of Rocky Point and Duxbury on Thursday, then moving up to Point Reyes on Friday, and down at the Deep Reef on Saturday. The score was 19 for 12, 22 for 18, and 29 for 20, with fish up in the 20-pound class. Plenty of shakers and silvers also. Bottomfishing was good along the Marin Coast when the boats couldn’t make the islands, but in bay fishing was tough. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker made the most of it in the main bay, finding some striper action at Mel’s Reef (he claims the first two keeper bass off Mel’s this season) at Blossom Rock, Alcatraz, Blunts Point and managed some halibut in the Berkeley Flats.

BODEGA BAY- Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported on trips both north and south of the harbor, finding limits of rockfish both directions, but the best lingcod counts to the north around Fort Ross. His one effort at salmon fishing found four kings in about two hours of trolling off of 10-Mile Beach.

EMERYVILLE-The boats had a tough time finding halibut and bass, instead running to the Farallon Islands when possible, and up the Marin Coast when the wind was up. The Marin action offered some good lingcod counts, but the islands were best for rockfish limits. The Talisman had a great day shark fishing, finding leopards, sevengill cow sharks and even a 45-pound soupfin.

EUREKA-Salmon action was good early in the week, then went to hit and miss. “There is no pattern on these fish,” said WON subscriber Lonnie Dollarhide. “They will be in on place one day, then in another place the next!” Bottomfishing was great for the boats that fished near the Cape, with the occasional Pacific halibut a bonus. Captain Tim Klassen on Reel Steel scored limits of rockfish, two lings and a 72-pound halibut on a recent trip. Some big ones started showing up on Sunday, with one 27 pounder and another going 28 pounds caught south of the jaws in 130 feet of water.

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reported sparse salmon action despite mostly good conditions; that is, the water appears mostly perfect with good brown plankton blooms, lots of bait. The only glitch is that temperatures are down to 46 degrees! Bottomfishing saved trips, with the shallow kelp beds the best bet for grass and china rockfish and the occasional lingcod. “There was a private boat fishing Caspar Bay for rockfish, and they caught a 45-pound Pacific halibut!” said Thornton.

HALF MOON BAY-The top local salmon bite reported on the North Central Coast was down off the Deep Reef, where some of the boats scored limits. Lots of silvers released, so some of the boats mooched their limits. The New Mary S II had limits of kings on Sunday. Bottomfishing was much improved with limits the rule, plus some nice lings as bonus. The Queen Of Hearts focused on bottomfish finding limits for a Friends of Rollo kids trip on Friday. Thursday’s salmon efforts produced six salmon to 12 pounds for eight anglers.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury said the tides made fishing tough, and he tried fishing everywhere in the bay. As this issue of WON arrives in mailboxes, the tides will be nearing perfect for halibut and stripers, so prospects were much improved for the coming trips.

SAN FRANCISCO-Captain Erik Anfinson on the Bass Tub reported tough fishing in the bay due to the tides and wind. He ran Codzilla for his brother on Saturday, finding two halibut to 12 pounds, then Aaron ran the Bass Tub for him on Sunday for two halibut and five stripers. The salmon boats found some fish along the Marin Coast and then went down to fish the Deep Reef, with some good numbers of kings, but more shakers and silvers. Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing moved outside after the tides got big, and got into some jumbo Bolinas rockfish up near Duxbury, along with a few lingcod. His halibut and salmon efforts on the outside were in vain, but he said the ocean around Duxbury looked excellent with lots of bait, pelicans and muir birds.

SAUSALITO-Things are starting to come alive in the salmon scene, with a 19 pounder coming on the New Ray Ann at Duxbury Reef and an 18 pounder down at the Deep Reef. When the boats aren’t salmon fishing, their tapping rockfish and lings at the Farallones, or halibut and bass in the bay.

SHELTER COVE-Salmon, rockfish and Pacific halibut are all fair game, and now the landing has a working tractor launch for individuals. Abalone season closed for July, and will reopen on Aug. 1.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-The average angler worked hard and came up with four to eight fish in the 3-pound range. Guides did better averaging 14 to 20 fish a day with fish sizes the same, although with one in the 5-pound range. If you can get to the docks, some of them are holding fish. Weightless worms, drop-shot and light dartheads in 1/16 to 1/32 ounces, fished on light lines will be your best bet. The catfish bite picked up, as did the crappie bite, although not by much.

LAKE BERRYESSA- The Big Island area produced steady action early in the day for kokes, including some big ones from 30 to 50 feet. There was also a good to fair topwater bite early in the day for bass. Plastics fished from 10 to 30 feet later in the day on points and rock piles off shore rounded out the rest of the bite.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-DFG should plant this week, making for some good trout action. A flasher and a nightcrawler should produce in the east basin.

DELTA REGION

SACRAMENTO RIVER side-Sturgeon were the best bet, on grass shrimp from the Power Lines at Rio Vista on down. Sturgeon were holding consistently in waters from 20 to as deep as 40 feet.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side-The Cosumnes River produced a few good striper bluegill runs for fish to 1 or 2 pounds, though the fish were not eager to commit to the baits. The smallies did well on Senkos in both Motor Oil and also in the watermelon.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Crankbaits in green pumpkin 4-inch Power Worms and 5-inch Senkos caught bass by the dock ladders that are now in the water. The dam and Rocky Point produced some browns while the area from Rec. 1 to the tip of peninsula produced a mix of mostly browns and a few rainbows to 4 pounds with Speedy Shiners and Red Magic Needlefish.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-Access to the lake is now possible to the campground and the dam road has been plowed as well. Although this lake will probably not be planted by DFG this year, there are still holdover fish from years past. Fish were seen working the surface off the points and the deep waters off the shoreline. Site fish the shoreline for cruising fish looking for a quick snack. Worms, Power Bait and Kastmasters are favorites on this body of water. Fly fishing with crystal buggers, PMDs and callibaetis nymphs are taking fish. Mosquitoes on the shoreline are also working well.

BAUM LAKE-Lots of rainbows being caught but also a few browns and brookies. Lure fishermen seemed to prefer Kastmasters or Panther Martins. Mini nightcrawlers were the choice for bait fishermen, although salmon eggs were doing well also. Fly fishermen mainly used pheasant tails, wiggle-tail Zugs, callibaetis, PMDs, little yellow stones and caddis.

BRITTON LAKE- Crappie are biting, as are the smallmouth bass and a few big bluegill. Good bets include crappie jigs, crappie nibbles, and crappie magnets. Colors didn’t seem to be an issue at the present time. 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-Try caddis and callibaetis above the falls. Below the falls, try a pheasant tail, copper john, bird’s nest or hares ear.

BUCKS LAKE- Browns, rainbows, mackinaw and kokanee are all on the bite at Bucks Lake even though it is still cool up here. All the launch ramps are snow free now and the campgrounds will be open soon. The lake is full and most of the snow is gone around the lake. Try jigging by Rocky Point or head up into the creek with your Kastmasters here.

CASSEL FOREBAY-The forebay will continue to see crowded conditions throughout the summer with a bit less activity mid week. Worms, eggs, and Power Bait tend to be the most productive, but don’t overlook lures. The fishing was good last week and should be even better this coming weekend. A few large brookies were taken. Morning and early afternoon tend to be the most productive for the bait fishermen. Fly fishing has improved but can still be a bit tough to figure out as hatches are smaller and a bit more varied than usual. Sizes No. 18 and 20 in olive or black midges seemed to draw some interest.

EAGLE LAKE- From 5 to 8 a.m. has been the best bite. There has been very little fishing pressure here and the fish are healthy and getting larger each week. Fish are schooling up and feeding in the shallows before the waters warm up. Work the early morning nightcrawler bite under a slip bobber setup, fishing 6 to 7 feet deep in 10 feet of water past Shrimp Island towards Wildcat Point. Or try trolling with a No.1 frog Needlefish.

FALL RIVER-The hex hatch is on! Reports show good hatches, which should improve with the sunny skies. Good numbers of PMDs coming off. Black caddis a good bet before the hatch starts. Wiggle-tail Zugs are a favorite for nymph fishermen
UPPER HAT CREEK- The creek is still running high but the water remains clear. The fishing was very good this past week and should be great for the upcoming weekend. Worms and salmon eggs fished along the bottom was the way to catch more fish in fast moving water. Expect DFG to plant three times during the week with at least one plant of 3- to 6-pound broodstock. Creek activity is in summer mode so you can expect great fishing and less pressure mid-week as compared to the very busy weekends. Fly fishing continued to be a challenge with water levels so high but fish can still be taken on weighted streamers, buggers and nymphs.

HAT CREEK (wild)-Little yellow stones, callibaetis cripples and PMDs were a good bet. Nymph anglers did well on hare’s ear, birds nest, and pheasant tails.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR-Currently reports show fish are spread out and hard to find.

MANZANITA LAKE–The warmer weather has improved the fishing but the fish have yet to turn on strong. Fish the edges with streamers and terrestrials to tempt the cruising browns and rainbows looking for easy food after a long winter. If you fish the deeper sections use a sinking line with buggers and weighted nymphs like princes or brassies to catch more fish. Ants are starting to show as well as dragonflies so keep these patterns in you arsenal just in case. Pheasant tail, callibaetis and PMD patterns are a perennial favorite so have these on hand as well. Remember to heed the special restrictions on this lake.

PIT RIVER- Good reports using rubber leg nymphs and prince nymphs.

LAKE SHASTA-Target the dam first if you’re looking for salmon, between 60 to 85 feet trolling Paddle-Tails and white Wiggle Hoochies early before the crowds. Then head over to the Pitt River’s plankton bloom, troll through that and head up to the “no ski” zone once the skiers show up. Target bass with brown worms or Senkos worked from 5 to 30 out.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-A 19-inch koke came out of here this past week, but 16 inches is not uncommon, but the average has been 14 inches. There aren’t as many big ones as there used to be in here. Best areas fished were the main body in the channel towards Brandy Creek and then trolling down the channel 1/2 mile or so. The curtain has not been as good a producer as it has in the past. Between 30 to 60 feet was the dept range with 40 feet being the best average. Best time lately has been after 10:00 so you can sleep in.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-This lake is fishing well from the dam to the inlet for bait anglers in the early morning or late afternoon. Heavy recreational boat and watercraft traffic during the day makes for much slower fishing success. Trollers are using Needlefish, Krocodiles, and flasher/worm combos at 25 to 40 feet for mostly 12- to 14-inch planters with a few 15- to 16-inch holdover rainbows. Schools of rainbows can be seen cruising the banks and shore anglers can really get into them if a school comes by their spot. Lure casters can do well with a 1/8-ounce Kastmaster or a Panther Martin.

CAPLES LAKE-This lake is almost full and scheduled for a 4000-pound DFG trout plant this week. Some limits are being caught, but most anglers are only picking up 2 or 3 small rainbows and browns on worms or Power Bait. Wood’s Creek inlet is the hot spot so expect a crowd. The EID ramp opened this past Friday, but public launching is still available at Caples Lake Resort, as are canoe, kayak and 12- or 14-foot aluminum boat rentals.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-Alpine County is scheduled to plant 1800 pounds of 2 1/2-pound rainbows and 14-inch browns into the West Fork, East Fork and Markleeville Creek this week.
Fishing has been very good in Markleeville Creek, due to clear water, with fish to 4 1/2 pounds caught this past week. The East Carson is still high but just off-color-a nice milky green. Fishing has been good for planters. The West Fork is still running high, but the clarity is good and the river is very fishable, especially in the canyon. Rainbows up to 3 pounds have been hitting nightcrawlers in the bigger pools.

DAVIS LAKE-This lake is holding at 68-percent capacity and scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Fishing Guide Service has been catching 20 to 30 fish per trip running 14 to 18 1/2 inches. The copper/red Wee Dick Nite trolled at 8 feet near the island has been the best producer. Fly fishing was good in front of the weeds in Foreman and Mosquito Coves with a beaded Pheasant Tail, midge, or damsel nymph pattern fished under an indicator.

DONNER LAKE-This lake is FINALLY scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Small Macks, 2 to 4 pounds, have been active in the shallow water for shore anglers using nightcrawlers and Kastmaster spoons. The kokanee bite has been very sporadic for small 8- to 10-inch fish. The DFG plant will no doubt perk up the bite and get some of the bigger Macks into shallow water to feed on the planters.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-Some nice rainbows, 17 to 20 inches, are coming out of the Caribou Powerhouse and the deeper holes in the North Fork below Caribou. Caribou Crossroads Resort has been selling out of worms each week, so that should tell you something!

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is at 51-percent capacity. According to Wiggins Trading Post, the fishing has been good for shore anglers and trollers. Shore fishing has been good from Big Cove to Turkey Point on Power Bait and worms. Trollers have been picking up 1 1/2- to 2-pound rainbows on Dick Nites along the channel off Lunker Point.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-All the big lakes-Sardine, Packer, Salmon, and Gold-are all open and fishing is fair. There is still a lot of snow here and the smaller hike-in lakes are inaccessible. Lots of cold, heavy runoff has all the creeks high and unfishable, according to Bassetts Station. The store is selling lots of worms, the favorite bait in the area, but anglers are only picking up two or three fish, 10 to 12 inches-no limits.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-According to Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Fishing Service, the wideopen bite of a couple of weeks ago has slowed down to a crawl. Most of the better fish have already been caught, and only the 8- to 10-inch planters are left.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-Very good weekend for fly casters using Copper Johns just under the surface under an indicator or the Sierra Bright nymph in deeper water for rainbows running 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. One angler caught and released seven off the surface and three deep after the wind came up and rippled the surface of the water making the fish more active.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR-The Yuba River inlet area is fishing well. Pass Creek has been inconsistent with a slower bite than a couple of weeks ago when the roads were first opened. Trollers are doing better than the shore anglers for 16- to 18-inch rainbows, according to Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-Lots of planter rainbows are keeping campers busy from the shore. A 5-pound Mackinaw was caught by a local troller this past week.

LAKE TAHOE-Fishing was tough for most guides over the weekend, with a very early morning flurry followed by hours of dead water. On the north end of the lake, the fish are stacked up on the meter but reluctant to hit a lure. Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters had a good bite at 4:30 to 5 a.m. at 100 feet, than didn’t catch fish until 8 or 9 o’clock when he was 350 to 400 feet deep. The Macks he caught ran from 3 to 9 pounds. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing had a tough time too with the fish coming for only 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the early morning, but ran 7 to 9 pounds. Mike Neilsen at South Shore had to jig Macks out of 170 to 220 feet of water with 3-ounce Crippled Herring to salvage his last trip and landed six fish from 2 to 5 pounds. Earlier in the week he had some good shallow action on rainbows to 6 pounds and browns to 9 pounds trolling No 12 or No. 14 Husky Jerk Rapalas.

LOON LAKE-Campgrounds are still not open, but the camp host is there to collect the $7 launch fee. WON staffer Bill Karr visited the lake on Sunday morning and didn’t get a hit trolling a Rapala, Thomas Buoyant, flasher/worm combo and dodger/grub combo, fishing until 9 a.m. during a medium wind. Late this past week though, fishing was good for both boaters and shore anglers according to the campground host, when the wind wasn’t blowing.

PROSSER LAKE-Schools of rainbows are cruising the shorelines and keeping things interesting for shore anglers who just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Power Bait and nightcrawlers are working well in the Alder Creek arm and the Prosser Creek arm is best from the mouth out into the main body. Trollers are doing well on flasher/worm combos, and Needlefish. Smallmouth bass are hitting a No. 14 Para-Adams or small poppers for fly casters. The bass are running up to 16 inches and putting up a great fight. The dam area has been unseasonably slow for smallies.

PYRAMID LAKE-The cutthroat season closed on June 30, and local guide Joe Mendes will switch over to Sacramento perch fishing where 30 to 50 fish days are not uncommon. These crappie-like fish are excellent eating. The cutthroat trout action was good this past week with Mendes landing 112 fish in four outings from 17 to 25 inches. The cutts all came from 17 to 25 feet of water and were hitting frog Apex and Flatfish. A local closed out this last week with a 10 pounder caught off the Nets at 28 feet deep over 120 feet of water.

RED LAKE-Anglers are catching mostly carp and whitefish. A few cutthroats have been caught, but the brookies are playing hard-to-get, according to Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station.

SILVER LAKE-This lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The lake is full and runoff flows are heavy coming into the lake making for cold water temps. WON staffer Bill Karr fished the lake this past Thursday and found the best action on a J-5 Rapala along the steeper, rocky banks. Karr hooked browns up to 3 pounds while trolling and saw fish taking flies off the surface along the southern shoreline later in the day.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-This lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Kokanee action is still good for experienced trollers, but the fish have dropped down to 45 to 65 feet. The best area appears to be from the mouth of the Little Truckee to the outside of the island. One local angler picked up one kokanee that measured 17 1/2 inches at 62 feet on the front of the island, trying to avoid the traffic jam.

TOPAZ LAKE-The lake is full and the water coming in from the Walker River is clear. The debris on the lake has dispersed and boaters are having an easier time running on the lake. The best action is coming from the east side for still fishermen using Power Bait and worms. Some boaters are even running up into the inlet and catching a few fish. The rainbows have been very nice quality, 2 to 2 1/4 pounds.

TRUCKEE RIVER-The flows are dropping and clarity is good. The water temp is rising and the green drake and March Brown hatches are coming off early and late in the day when the sun is off the water, or sporadically all day when it is overcast-shade is the key. These big insects attract big fish and Brian Nylund from Mountain Hardware and Sports got a chance to get out this past week for a short trip and caught two rainbows, 18 and 20 inches.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-Kyle Neeser of Crystal Basin Tackle and Guide Service got out this past week and caught limits of kokanee to 14 inches by 10 a.m. The kokes were hitting a proto-type orange spinner 18 inches behind a Wild Thing dodger at 25 to 35 feet. A pink prawn hoochie rigged 8 inches behind the dodger worked also. Neeser caught a total of 15 fish, 10 kokanee and five 12-inch rainbows, in the Yellowjacket area of the lake.

WEST WALKER RIVER-The warm weather has the river completely blown out with heavy runoff and the Alpers trout plant scheduled by Mono County has been postponed until the flows are slower. The “How Big is Big Trout Derby” starts on July 1, but the river will be too high to fish for awhile longer. Call ahead for current river conditions.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Flows are now at a nearly ideal 3,500 cfs, and fishing for shad really improved last week. Stripers, too, which entered the river in good numbers during high flows to chase suckers, shad, and baby steelhead. Wading is much more doable now, but it’s still important use caution and not to become complacent. A 28-pound striper was caught around the Highway 160 Bridge according to Yee Vang of Broadway Bait Rod and Gun, and anglers getting to the river at first light have a decent chance of getting a blowup or two on Pencil Poppers. It doesn’t happen every time out, but when it does, the adrenaline sure does flow.

FEATHER RIVER- Lots of shakers, plus a very small keeper stripers were being caught by Live Oak. Some new shad have shown up at Shanghai Rapids, and Craig Bentley of Huntington
Sports said it’s a tougher bite in the Low Flow than it’s been, because of warmer water, but trout are still taking small nymphs under indicators.

FOLSOM LAKE-Some trout were still being caught on nightcrawlers up the South Fork, but fishing has definitely slowed. Bass fishing has become more challenging, too. Don Paganelli of Bass Fishing Experience said that there’s a bit of a topwater bite early in the morning around flooded trees, then the action comes on drop-shotting Robo-Worms and dragging Carolina rigged grubs in smelt patterns over grasses that are now 20 to 30 feet deep around the Peninsula.

RANCHO SECO LAKE-Fishing success has continued to decline as the air and water heats up. Restrict your fishing to early morning and late in the evening before the park closes. Some bluegill were still being caught on worms under bobbers. Bass mostly have clench mouth.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Not much going on. A few shaker striped bass at Bryte Beach on sardines, pileworms and bloodworms, and some catfish in Lisbon Slough.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa-Bob Bradbury of Johnson’s Bait and Tackle said that there are still lots of striped bass being caught, almost all on sardines plus a few on plastic worms and streamer flies. Nothing big though. It takes 10 shakers to catch one keeper more than 18 inches long.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Big trout are being caught in downtown Redding. More but smaller trout are being caught farther downstream. Some in the Redding area weigh up to 4 pounds. Side drift Glo-Bugs with maybe a bit of roe. Fly fishers are drifting small nymphs under indicators.

UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER, Dunsmuir-Flows were still too high to fish, according to Bob Grace of Ted Fay Fly Shop, but, are coming down fast and the river could be in good, but high, fishable shape by July 4. Fish the lower half of the river with bigger than normal prince nymphs and rubberlegs.

YUBA RIVER-The shad that were in the Feather have largely moved into the Yuba all the way to Daguerre Dam.

MOTHERLODE

AMADOR LAKE-This is the fun fishing time of the year for this lake, with lots of sunfish in the shallows and night and day action on catfish. Laurie Lockhart at the Lake Amador Store took her kids fishing and they hooked eight bluegill while soaking mealworms under a bobber. A 10-pound catfish hit for an angler fishing from the dam. Bass fishing was tougher, with a weekend night tourney producing light weights. Top bet is jigs and worms fished off the main lake points.

CAMANCHE LAKE-Lunker catfish in the headlines, with a 21 pounder caught on chicken liver in the Camanche Arm. Bass anglers reported good action with lots of spotted bass in 15 to 20 feet of water willing to hit Senkos, drop-shot rigged worms and tube baits. Trout are still a good bet, with fish to nearly 9 pounds caught in the main lake, that one hitting a worm under a bobber.

DON PEDRO RESERVOIR-Guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing reported continued good action on trout and kokanee with limits for his clients. Top tactics were trolling Uncle Larry bead spinners behind a Vance’s dodger between 40 and 55 feet near Big Oak Island. “The water temp is around 77 degrees, and the lake is 98-percent of capacity,” said Smith. “This lake is healthy and we’ll see a great fall fishery!”

LAKE McCLURE-The bite is still a little slow for trollers, the best bet trolling Slim Fins and shad between 30 and 100 feet. Kokanee are down in the 30 to 40-foot range, hitting Uncle Larry spinners behind a dodger. Rainbows are hitting Ex-Cel spoons, Slim Fins and wiggle hoochies. The lake is 92 percent of capacity.

LAKE McSWAIN-Marilyn Kemper at the marina reported another trout plant on Thursday that boosted catches on Friday and Saturday, with a slower bite on Sunday. Power Bait products ruled for the shore anglers, while the boaters used flasher/worm combos to get their fish. The heat on Sunday made for more beach activity and fewer anglers, but the fish cleaning table was busy on Saturday.

LAKE PARDEE-Fred Dorman of Lake Pardee Recreation reported good action on rainbows, some more brown action, and a lunker largemouth landed weighing 9.69 pounds. Trollers are using small spoons tipped with a bit of ‘crawler, grubs or Power Worms behind a small set of flashers. The browns are hitting for trollers fishing the rock wall and face of the dam with jointed minnow imitation lures. The big bass hit a Magnum Shad Rap up the river arm.

NEW HOGAN RESERVOIR-Lots of bankies chasing the stripers, with the bite now rated fair to good, reported outdoor writer William Heinselman. The stripers are hitting at night, while the evening hours are top time for black bass, which are hitting worms and spinnerbaits in green and white. Trollers are also getting linesides, with guide Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing reporting mixed action; one day while scouting he and his dad scored nine hookups, five landed. On Thursday, the bite turned tough, and his client only caught one, lost one, and missed a few strikes. Shad worked best for bait.

NEW MELONES RESERVOIR-Top bet for action is black bass, with good topwater action early and late. For non-stop spot action, the river arm is best. The largemouths are hanging around the mouths of coves in the main lake. The shallows are full of redeye bass, which rarely get larger than 10 inches, but are very aggressive biters and offer fast fun for beginning anglers tossing small worms and mini-jigs. For big fish, try catfish; one angler beached a 16.12 pounder and another hooked a 10 pounder.

TULLOCH RESERVOIR-Debbie Odom at the campgrounds said bass and crappie are good bets for anglers fishing the docks with jigs and worms. Kokanee overflowed from New Melones were another good bet, she caught some nice ones just drifting in the boat, dropping her bait straight down.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The Middle Fork is still running too high for good fishing though a couple of local Georgetown anglers spent two days along the river and caught a few rainbows up to 18 inches this past week. They reported that there were LOTS of rattlesnakes!!

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 97-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle in Auburn reported that trollers have been picking up 10- to 12-inch kokanee on white/red Dick Nite spoons on a dodger at 40 to 45 feet deep in the Garden Point area.

CAMP FAR WEST-Heavy recreational boat traffic is making it tough on fishermen on the weekends. Bass action has been good along the rocky banks in the mornings during the week before the jet-skiers take over in the afternoons. North Shore Resort reported good action for bass, 3 to 4 pounds, on plastic worms. Catfish are hitting chicken livers from shore at night.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake has dropped to 4 feet from full. Fishing has been good for trout, bass, crappie, redears, and catfish-pretty much everything swimming in the lake. The trout, up to 5 pounds, are in deeper water off the docks, dam, power lines, and the bridge where they’re hitting Power Bait and worms. The catfish have been hitting chicken livers and sardines at the sand beach, Open Area, and Elmer’s Cove. The biggest cat weighed 6 1/2 pounds this past week. Lots of crappie and redears are up shallow spawning and are hitting worms and minnows. Bass to 3 1/2 pounds were caught this past week on nightcrawlers.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake has dropped 3 feet and the debris has dispersed. A 10-pound largemouth bass was caught by Matt Urban of Nevada City in Keystone Cove on a bluegill swimbait. 10-to 13-inch trout are being caught trolling 40 to 45 feet deep with flasher/worm combos from Black’s Ravine to the dam. Weekends are heavy with recreational traffic, so come up and fish during the mid-week in the mornings before it gets hot.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-According to the Foresthill Ranger Station, all the campgrounds are now open. The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week.

FULLER LAKE-This lake is scheduled for another DFG trout plant this week, so fishing should be good near the boat ramp and off the dam.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-Trout action has been good for trollers using an F13 vampire Rapala at the power house and the inlet for nice rainbows and browns. Kokanee are still hitting at the dam on dodger/hoochie combos. According to the Georgetown Ranger Station, some 12-inch kokanee are being caught from the shore on bait. Some Macks are prowling around the kokanee schools at the dam.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is holding at 76-percent capacity. The evening bass bite has been good. There is a good topwater bite throwing Spooks just before dark for spots running 14 to 16 inches. Earlier in the afternoon, the fish are hitting Flukes and tubes off the points up in the river arms where the water is cooler. Main body points are loaded with small spots that will eat any drop-shot worm put in front of them. Coho are hitting for anglers heading all the way up into the river arms where the current runs into the lake. The Bridge, dam, and buoy line at the pumps are all kicking out coho. Buoy line anglers are mooching brined anchovy tails at 20 to 40 feet. John Enos at Big John’s Guide Service was using Sling Blade/hoochie, Needlefish, or nightcrawler combos at 35 to 40 feet for silvers running 17 to 20 inches in the main body of the lake above the Bridge.

ROLLINS LAKE-Rainbow trout action was reportedly good at the dam, up in the Bear River, and in the first cove on the right coming into Long Ravine, according to Jessie at Long Ravine Resort. Lots of small bass are cruising the shallows. Recreational traffic is insane on the weekends, so fishermen should come up during the mid-week in the mornings before it gets hot for the best chance at success.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Lots of little smallmouth bass have been hitting plastic worms, but one angler checked in with a 5-pound largemouth. Trout action has been good for planters up at the inlet for boaters using worms and Power Bait.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-This lake is scheduled for another DFG trout plant this week. The bite for small planter rainbows has been good near the boat ramp and this next plant will sustain this good action for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Planter rainbows are falling for both shore anglers and trollers according to the Georgetown Ranger Station, but the bite has been slow.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-According to Feather River Outfitters, some bass are still hitting jigs and frogs along the tule banks. If the water level drops, head out to the channel edges with a crankbait.

CEN CAL SALTWATER

CAPITOLA-Good action on the small boat fleet and the wharf, with a couple big striped bass caught in the surf line, and halibut showing up regularly. The bait moved back in, helping bring in the bigger game. Small boaters are working the kelp for grass rockfish, and the Capitola Reef for a variety of rockfish. Some limits reported.

MONTEREY-Bottomfishing was the top draw with a slow salmon bite. The charter fleet fished locally most of the week for quick limits of rockfish and lots of small lingcod. On Saturday, the Chubasco headed south to Point Sur with 16 anglers, finding limits of quality yellowtail, widow and vermilion rockfish and some short lingcod released.

MOSS LANDING-The Kahuna got in a good day of fishing with limits for 20 anglers with a mix of vermilion, copper and school fish, plus a couple lingcod.

SANTA CRUZ-Afternoon winds have kept the action close to home, but there were some good halibut and bottomfish caught. Captain Ken Stagnaro on Velocity reported good local action on his Friday twilight trip producing near limits of rockfish, while a full day trip on Saturday to the north side produced reds and browns in the 3- to 5-pound class, and one lingcod. Captain Jim Rubin on Becky Ann reported some bonus halibut in the 10- to 15-pound class and the occasional lingcod supplementing mostly limit rockfish trips. Sunday’s weather was tougher, but the anglers on Becky Ann still had a 14-pound halibut along with near limits of smallish rockfish.

BAY AREA LAKES

BON TEMPE RESERVOIR- A few bass were being caught on jigs in oranges and browns, but fishing was slow.

CONTRA LOMA RESERVOIR-Trout fishing has all but ended for the season. Well, maybe not fishing, but certainly catching. Warm water fish, especially catfish have cornered most of the bites. Try anchovies and chicken livers at Channel Point and the launch area. A few bass are still being seen in the shallows but they mostly have lockjaw.

LAFAYETTE RESERVOIR-A few trout were still being caught, but very few and most of those are coming from the South end on bait. The catfish bite continues to improve and will get better and better as more and more catfish are dumped into the lake (trout plants have ended for the season) East Cove and near tules in South Cove have been two of the better spots for anglers using chicken livers and worms.
LAKE CHABOT-Trout fishing success has tapered off, and the action has shifted to bass and catfish, although a few trout are still being pulled out around Coots Landing and Alder Point. One new thing for boaters to contend with, along with the hot weather, is the strong afternoon winds that often come up and make it advisable to get off the water before they pick up. Bass were being caught mostly on soft plastic lizard imitations like Brush Hogs. Fishing for catfish was improving, too at the first dock on the West Shore Trail.

LAKE DEL VALLE-Fishing came to almost a screeching halt toward the end of the week. Not just trout, but almost everything. However, fishing for striped bass and catfish should perk up, while trout fishing is pretty much done until the weather cools back down this fall. Swallow Bay, the dam, and the Narrows have been two of the better spots for striped bass.

LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR-Fishing for trout was fair, not great, but a few were being caught past the end of the Rock Wall to the end of Sunken Oak Cove. Boaters did okay in the backs of Sunken Oak, Cox, Howden and Peninsula coves. A few striped bass were caught on anchovies, nightcrawlers and swimbaits and bass were biting Senkos in purple, black or watermelon colors. Fishing for catfish was good, too.

PARKWAY LAKE-It’s kind of a broken record, but fishing for catfish was very good again last week, A few trout continued to be caught early and late. Fish the Back Cove and off the Peninsula for an occasional trout, and the tip of the Peninsula with stinkbaits and nightcrawlers for catfish.

QUARRY LAKES-Some trout were still being caught at Fisherman’s Row, the back side of Horseshoe, and on the Peninsula, but it’s important to get on the water very early or later in the afternoon and fish the deep holes which can be close to shore, or farther out. Fish Power Worms, Power Bait, Power Eggs, and nightcrawlers. A few nice catfish were being caught, too.

SAN PABLO RESERVOIR-Trout fishing has stayed pretty good, not in numbers, but in size, especially at Oak Point. One or two more plants are planned before the weekly plants switch to catfish. Not many are being caught yet, but one over 16 pounds was caught at the launch area. Bass fishing has been good in the Preserve, but only trolling motors or human power is allowed.

SHADOW CLIFFS RESERVOIR-Trout fishing has slowed but a few were being caught along the Stanley Shoreline and First Dock.

SOUTH BAY LAKES-It’s pretty much the same as the previous week. Small bass at Anderson on shad-patterned Robo-Worms fished across points and in the weeds. A few bass were being caught on frogs fished on the mats early in the morning at Calero, then switching to heavy jigs. Uvas was producing the occasional catfish between the dam and launch ramp at night.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LAKES/RIVERS

BASS LAKE- Bass fishing is picking up around the docks for spots to 2 pounds, tossing Senko’s early morning and evening. No big blacks reported yet. Kokanee are being caugt at 25 to 40 feet with some very nice trout to 3.5 pounds being taken on kokanee rigs.
About thirty percent of next year’s fish are maturing this year, a
year early and only growing to about 14 inches, but some 17 to 19 inches are being caught. Bigger fish are being caught on watermelon
apexes behind a R.G.T Signature Dodger, or a red on chrome Shasta tackle sling blade pulling a Murphy bug tipped with corn. Hot spots are from the Sheriffs Tower to Fawn Point, out in front of Millers Landing, Indian Cove, and in the dam area. The lake is holding at 76%.

COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR-The gate is open, the boat docks are in and anglers are hammering the holdover rainbows and brown trout. Flashers and nightcrawlers are a good choice, down three or four colors, and some of the browns are going 20 inches long. Try a Speedy Shiner or Excel for the browns, or the ol’ standbye Rapala. Shore anglers are catching fish, too, using inflated ‘crawlers or Power Bait.

DINKY CREEK-Fishable and the DFG is planting it, but the better fishing is away from the roads. Hike in and work the holes for browns and rainbows.

EASTMAN LAKE-Crappie bite is pretty good. Bass bite is okay but small fish, nothing of quality. Some catfish at night.

EDISON LAKE-Tough bite up here from the last reports.

HENSLEY LAKE-Crappie bite is pretty good and a few decent bass on topwater batis, but few and far between.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR-Finicky kokanee are on the bite up here at about 27 to 30 feet, and according to at least one guide, and you had to be trolling counter-clockwise and heading west to get hit. When he switched, he couldn’t get bit. Switch back, and it was game on. A lot of smaller kokanee 8 to 10 inches in the mix-release them and keep the bigger ones 10 to 12 inches long. Some rainbows also in the mix a bit shallower, and where Rancheria Creek comes into the lake.

MILLERTON RESERVOIR- Bass bite is pretty good and a tournament last week took almost 12 pounds to win. There was a bass tournament at night on Saturday, but no results at press time. A few stripers, incidentally caught while bassers fishing topwater for bass.

PINE FLAT RESERVOIR-Bass bite is stable, with quality fish and good numbers, and being caught on almost every technique available or imagined. The best action is from Trimmer on up. The trout bite is decent, but it’s dropped off some from past week, caused by the waterskiers.

SAN LUIS/O’NEILL FOREBAY-The Forebay is better than the main lake right now, although there are some bigger fish available on San Luis if you catch ’em up top. At either, use reaction baits like ripbaits, Rat-l-Traps or flukes. Look for baitballs and surface feeders and rock structure. A few fish to 12 pounds reported from the main lake, but the Forebay is better on lures of pileworms and jumbo minnows at the Trash Racks and Check 12.

SHAVER LAKE-Still wide open on kokanee to 15 1/2 inches, but slowed down a bunch on the trout bite, according to Dick Nichols of Dick’s Fishing Charters, and Paul Kalpakoff of Central Sierra Outfitters, both of whom found limits the days they fished. The kokanee remain at the island, Black rock, and the mouth of Dorabella Cove at 15 to 35 feet deep. Captain Jack’s pink Super Hoochie, salmon colored Apex and Trout Busters in red/green and orange/green continue, tipped with corn behind a Shaver Lake dodger or flashers are doing the trick. Trout Busters continue to be the hot trout lure with a tip of ‘crawler for trout at 12 to 15 feet in the same areas. Shasta Tackle attractors and lures are also working, according to Kalpakoff.

WISHON LAKE-Mornings are best here, and it’s slowed down a lot by noon, according to Chuck Crane at Wishon Village. The lake is still coming up and getting full. Flashers and a trailing nightcrawler, Excles or a Speedy Shiner are trolling choices at 3 or 4 colors, Downriggers going a little deeper are finding some nicer rainbows and browns to 19 or 20 inches. Shore anglers are doing fair, working Shorthair creek with inflated ‘crawlers or Power Bait. Some trollers are using a woolly bugger with a splitshot and doing well.