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.

COOS RIVER, Coos Bay, Ore.–Kings are right on track this year for fishing the mouth of the Coos River, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. Boat traffic has been heavy at times, and with a derby coming this weekend expect some areas to be plugged with traffic. Anglers should target behind the Mill Casino, Marshfield Channel and directly in front of Sause Brothers. Cut plug herring and plain spinners work well on this system.

COQUILLE RIVER, Bandon, Ore.–This river is still going strong for Chinooks, according to WON Field Reporter Curtis Palmer of River Secrets. There’s more pressure now due to guides leaving the Rogue. Bear creek downstream to the 101 bridge has been the most effective. Plug cut herring trolled behind a flasher is a good offering. A few more coho moving in now.

ROGUE RIVER, Estuary, Gold Beach, Ore.-Frustrated guides are leaving the river and fishing elsewhere, like the Coquille, as fishing has been dismal here for some weeks. The kings just seem to have lockjaw. September is when the hatchery fish from Indian Creek return, but it’s too early to know if it will be a large return or not, according to WON Field Reporter Curtis Palmer of River Secret’s Guide Service. Current average here is 24 salmon for 100 boats, three anglers per boat-not good.

ROGUE RIVER, Middle, Agness, Ore.-Fishing for Chinooks has bee fair to good here for boats working from Agness downriver, but it’s still been tough for most with a lot of anglers and not many biting fish.

ROGUE RIVER, Upper, Foster Bar, Ore.–The upper Rogue from Foster Bar to Whiskey Creek is closed to the take of kings, but steelheading is still an option.

RUSSIAN RIVER-River use was at an all-time high over the holiday weekend, but things should start quieting down a little now, leaving the river to smallmouth bass fishermen. Temperatures are still high enough for good activity levels on the smallies. Toss Rooster Tails or small minnow-imitating plugs.

UMPQUA RIVER, Reedsport, Ore.–Trollers are seeing some catches of mid-range kings to the big guys between 25 to 38-plus pounds, although fishing is just at the fair mark. This time of year also marks the return of Coho, which at this time are beginning to show in small numbers. Anglers should also bring the crabpots, as success on Dungies has been worthwhile in Winchester Bay.

UMPQUA RIVER, South, Lawson Bar, Ore.-Smallmouth bass fishing, as always, is world class, but the specific area around Lawson Bar has an angler alert for toxic bue-green algae.

UMPQUA RIVER, Roseburg, Ore.–Chinooks have showed up to the confluence of the south and north forks. One angler Thursday caught two adult Chinooks and a jack while plunking from the bank with roe at Forks River Park. A Oregon State Police Fish and Game officer told WON Field Reporter Curtis Palmer that he had checked large catches of salmon all of this last week from the Tyee area upriver to Forks River Park.

TRINITY-KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Fishing for adult salmon was great at the beginning of the week, but then it rained, the water cooled off, and the salmon and steelhead that had been packing the lower end of the river jetted upstream leaving the Lower Klamath almost bare of fish for most of the week. But, it’s still early in the fall run.

KLAMATH RIVER, Weitchpec-Tom Wilson of Spey-Ghee Guide Service said that some nice steelhead moved through just below Weitchpec later in the week, likely those that had been bending rods in the lower end of the river. They were taking big Blue Fox spinners.

TRINITY RIVER, Weitchpec-Salmon fishing remained slow in the lower end of the Trinity according to Ed Duggan of “D” Guide Service, and fall fish had yet to turn up in any great numbers. The good news was that air and water temperatures were cooling, and fall fish should be moving in at any time.

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City-Some big salmon moved into the upper Trinity last week, but the consensus was that these were a late run of spring salmon rather than fall fish. No matter. They are big fish in good shape and hitting Kwikfish and roe. No steelhead yet, though.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-Some big fish being caught up at the inlet-Stefan Macleod of Truckee landed a 32-inch Mack on a fly rod casting a nymph. Fishing is best early or late. The brown trout fishing at the dam has been slow.

CAPLES LAKE-Trollers working the middle of the lake and in Emigrant Cove are picking up fish to three pounds on flasher/worm combos and Rapalas. Shore anglers are getting a few fish off the spillway, dam and the Wood’s Creek inlet on Power Bait and worms.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-East Carson still kicking out easy limits, with lots of 2 to 5 pounders showing on salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. Biggest trout weighed this past week were a 6 1/4 pounder by Robert Lutrell of Sacramento and a 6 1/2 pounder for Jim Fernandez. DFG planters are running 9 to 16 inches, with most people catching-and-releasing the smaller fish and keeping a big limit.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is at 60-percent capacity. According to Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Fishing Guide Service, the bite is picking back up to a pace of 10 to 20 fish in four hours of trolling. Needlefish in yellow watermelon, red dot frog, and fire tiger are all working from 10 to 20 feet deep. The rainbows are averaging 14 to 15 inches, with big fish hitting the 18-inch mark. Shore fishing is picking up. with one couple reporting catching three fish in two hours at Mallard Cove. The nights are getting cooler and the bite will get even better as fall arrives.

DONNER LAKE-Since the recent plant, fishing has been good from the boat ramp and public piers on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and salmon eggs.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-The North Fork was finally planted by the DFG this past week and fishing has been fantastic using salmon eggs and worms. One pair of anglers reported catching their limits in 30 minutes. The rainbows are running 14 to 15 inches-nice fish, according to Mike Hanson at Caribou Crossroads Resort.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is at 42-percent capacity. Trolling is still the best bet for picking up four or five fish to 19 inches. Flasher/worm combos and a Thomas Buoyant spoon are both good choices when trolled at 25 feet in the main body of the lake or at 10 feet off Lunker Point.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Bassetts Station reported good action at Sardine, Salmon, and Gold Lakes and fair fishing at Packer. Worms and Power Bait are working off the shore. Trollers are having much better luck using flasher or dodger/worm combos.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-Despite recent plants by the DFG, the fishing is rated poor.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-Campgrounds are open, but the lake water is too warm for good fishing. Alpine County won’t plant the lake until at least mid-September.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR-Fishing is okay, but not as good as it has been in the past for this time of year. From the dam to Pass Creek and up at the Yuba River inlet are the best areas to fish, according to Mountain Hardware and Sports.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-The cooler weather triggered an improved bite for trollers. The Narrows has been kicking a mix of rainbows and small Macks on spoons and spinners.

LAKE TAHOE-Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing reported good action for 2- to 10-pound Macks at Crystal Bay and Tahoe City. The fish are schooled up at depths from 140 to 220 feet deep. Trollers are using spoons, Rapalas, and flasher/minnow combos. Jiggers are picking up fish on Crippled Herring and Gibbs Minnows. Kokanee are still active on the south end of the lake at Camp Richardson and Baldwin Beach. Fish are “turning” as the spawn approaches. Dodger/hoochies rigs in pink and red will do the trick at 50 to 70 feet. Jigging works well, too.

LOON LAKE-The best bet in the Crystal Basin. Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Guide Service recommends trolling a Sep’s brown grub, with or without a Sep’s watermelon Side Kick, for a mix of rainbows and browns.

PROSSER LAKE-Consistent producer using 1/12th – and 1/8th -ounce Kastmaster spoons off the dam and at the inlet for rainbows. The smallmouth bite at the dam has been sporadic and uncharacteristically slow this year.

PYRAMID LAKE-Sacramento perch action has slowed but Joe Mendes at Eagle Eye Charters is still picking up good numbers of cutthroats while perch fishing-all the trout must be released since the season is closed until October 1. 1/8th- and 1/4-ounce crappie jigs work well on the perch if you can find a concentration of fish on rocky structure at the Needles, Hell’s Kitchen, or the Pyramid.

RED LAKE-Still a lot of algae, according to Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station, but anglers have been able to fish and are picking up a few brookies and cutthroats on worms.

SILVER LAKE-Trollers are doing much better than shore anglers. One angler at Plasses Resort reported picking up a limit of 12- to 14-inch rainbows including a 2-pound big fish on flasher/worm combos fished in the middle of the lake at 30 feet. Joyce Harrison picked up a 4-pound Mack on a flasher/worm.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-Kokanee still suspended over the humps out near the island at 40 to 80 feet and hitting a dodger/Radical Glow Tube combo. UV colors are working best. Working a tight trolling pattern around the schools once they are located is the most productive. Trout are hitting at 30 to 40 feet deep and Macks are hitting for jiggers down near the bottom. The brown trout are moving up toward the inlet of the Little Truckee where they will feed on kokanee spawn and then prepare for their own spawning run this fall. The smallmouth bite has been slow and sporadic, though there are 5-pound smallies here.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Fly fishing is good for those that can keep their nymphs down on the bottom with the heavier flows. Big stones and rubber legs in size 6 with a smaller Prince or Copper John dropper work well in the faster current-use 4 or 5 splitshot to get to the bottom. Near dry grassy banks, a hopper/dropper nymph is working well.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-Still some 14- to 17-inch kokanee being caught at the dam at 50 to 75 feet deep on Orange Crush dodgers and orange hoochies, according to Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle. The kokes are starting to turn red.

WEST WALKER RIVER-Water level is great and lots of limits are coming out of the river for both fly fishermen and bait/lure throwers. Most of the fish are 10- to 14-inch DFG planters. Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel said there are a “zillion 9-inch browns” driving everybody nuts that will make for good fishing this next season when they are bigger.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The final week of salmon fishing produced from zero to 12 fish per boat. Halibut efforts found mixed results with up to 15 fish per boat. The weekend weather was too rough for bottomfishing outside. Boats out of Berkeley Sportfishing are planning their November crab opener, and this season, they are adding prawn/shrimp traps to the string.

BODEGA BAY- Windy conditions came up and shut down the action on the final week of salmon season. Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler did salmon combos with mixed results, salmon counts ones and twos, and limits of rockfish.

EMERYVILLE-The fleet chased rockfish, halibut, lingcod and salmon, with rockfish limits the rule unless the weather bumped up. The main bite was at the Farallon Islands, and most trips produced a few bonus lingcod also. The Talisman also managed a few halibut. “The halibut are coming from the North Bar,” said Frank Salazar at Emeryville Sportfishing Center. A couple salmon efforts that produced a half dozen fish to 22 pounds finished the ocean season.

EUREKA-The boats got out for tuna before the weekend weather came up and found albacore within 25 miles of shore. WON reader Lonnie Dollarhide fished with Reel Steel and his group caught 12 fish, eight over 20 pounds. Four were live bait fish, the rest all jig fish caught on the troll. Earlier in the week, he tried for Pacific halibut, but got blown out, ending up finishing the salmon season .

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar put a little more time on the water the final week of salmon fishing, and one day was a wide open king bite with limits for five anglers, plus one limit for the captain. “The fishing was awesome,” said Thornton. The very next day, same place, and his 10 anglers were skunked. The rest of the week was a scratch bite with a fish here and one there. He’s starting Pacific halibut and giant squid combo trips, and will offer abalone diving trips if enough interest drives a trip.

HALF MOON BAY-Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat reported solid local rockfish action, with most of the effort staying close to home. “We only went farther than Tunitas one day,” said Mattusch. The longest run was a research trip that looked for chilipeppers out at the dump site in 350 feet of water. On the Queen Of Hearts, the bite was best down south around New Years, where lings to 13 pounds and cabs to 6 pounds were caught.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported improving halibut action with slow tides, his groups on Tuesday and Wednesday putting nearly one around on flatties from Alcatraz and Angel islands and the Raccoon Straights. “On Wednesday, they were biting, but we couldn’t get them to the boat,” he said. Still, his 11 anglers managed 8 keeper flatties. Both trips also had bonus rockfish from Bonita Point, about 6 or 7 per rod.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported a tough weekend of fishing, with Saturday’s trip slow, and Sunday’s blown out. “We’ve got trips scheduled for both halibut and sevengill sharks this week,” he said.

SAN FRANCISCO-Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky reported slow, spotty salmon action on the final days, but, at least on the weekend, no boats were skunked. One of her anglers caught a 30 pounder, and another a 25 pounder, from up along the Marin Coast.

SAUSALITO-Some lunker kings were caught on the final week of salmon season, including a 30 pounder on the Blue Runner, and 25 pounders on both the New Ray Ann and Salty Lady. There was a nice 40-pound limit caught on the New Ray Ann also.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Not much change from last week. Anglers caught a few halfpounder (12 to 18 inches long) steelhead and striped bass depending on what they were concentrating on. Steelhead hung in faster riffles and the striped bass in slower deep holes, except for brief forays into the shallows to hunt very early and late. Fly fishermen were drifting prince nymphs, birds’ nests, Foxes pupa, and egg flies for steelhead while spin fishermen drifted nightcrawlers and swinging spinners. Striper fly fishermen swung Clouser streamers, spin fishermen cast soft plastic swimbaits, Pencil Poppers and jerkbaits in addition to soaking sardines and soft shell crawdads. A spawning gravel augmentation project started at Sailor Bar on Sept. 4 and will continue for the next three weeks.

FEATHER RIVER-In a word: Dead. Fishing, or at least fishing reports both in the river below the Outlet and in the Low Flow Section. There are lots of spring run salmon in the Low Flow Section, but wardens are watching closely to insure that angler methods are clearly to catch steelhead, not salmon. Unfortunately, little catching of any kind was being made. There weren’t even any reports of striped bass caught in the lower end of the river.

FOLSOM LAKE-You have to work at it, but there are some bass being caught around the main body, around the Peninsula and toward Dike 8. Work rocky structure and points around 20 feet deep where there is a drop-off to 25 feet. Fish Robo-Worms in Aaron’s Magic Carolina-rigged or drop-shotted. And, most important, get on the water very early because recreational boat traffic puts the fish down by mid-morning.

MCCLOUD RIVER-No change. Trout fishing continued to be good in the McCloud, and anglers could expect half a dozen trout in the 10- to 15-inch range on Mayfly and caddis nymph patterns under indicators, with the occasional hatch allowing some dry fly action in the evening.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Fishing for salmon on Saturday’s opener was slow, although lots of people were trying, as expected. However, some lucky and good fishermen managed to score some nice kings, with the mouth of the Feather River at Verona being the hot spot, relatively speaking. To put things in perspective, the average catch was about one fish for every five boats, and that was in the area putting out the most fish. Still, that’s worth a trip in many anglers’ eyes, given they’ve had so few opportunities to fish for salmon the past few years. Anchor up or troll Kwikfish and Silvertron spinners. The early season on the Sac runs through Oct. 3 from the Highway 113 Bridge near Knights Landing to the Carquinez Bridge.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Fly fishing for trout was excellent last week from Redding to Red Bluff. Dry fly action was especially good with the drop in flows to 8,500 cfs and cooler weather. From Bonneview down to Balls Ferry, dead drift small caddis nymphs under indicators and drift nightcrawlers and crickets. Fish caddis and baetis imitations in the evenings to get in on the hatches.

UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER, Dunsmuir-Trout fishing was better with the cooler weather and water, and some nicer-sized trout were working their way up from Lake Shasta. High stick or indicator fish pockets with Prince nymphs, rubberlegs, and Foxes’ Poopahs.

YUBA RIVER-Trout fishing continued to be good with hopper imitations still getting as many bites or more than nymphing. More fun, too. Hike upstream and down from the Highway 20 Bridge or driftboaters to Sycamore Ranch above the Daguerre Dam. It’s private and a fee is required to take out there.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-There still isn’t a consistent bite. What works today may not tomorrow. Successful anglers are covering a lot of water for their bites and fishing their strengths. Bass were caught on crankbaits, drop-shot worms, shaky head worms, chatter baits, spooks, and small swimbaits, in depths from four feet to 28 feet. One tip is to not give up on a spot because you hit it and had no results. Keep checking, a spot that doesn’t produce at 8 a.m. may produce at 11 a.m. Catfishing continues at the state park, Horseshoe Bend and the deeper mid lake areas.

LAKE BERRYESSA-The koke bite continues, look for three more weeks. By then the kings should take over. The Skiers Cove Skiers Cove area from 75 to 90 feet deep produced a mixed bag of fish that included fish that had lost their scales and some bigger dime bright fish.

LAKE SONOMA-They are marking plenty of steelies on electronics between 45 and 65 feet, but they were gorging heavily on the shad. It was a hit and miss deal and fish are also moving around. One was caught weighing three pounds though. Bass were up in the Cherry Creek arm and the bite was considered “fair.”

UPPER BLUE LAKE-Bass will continue to be a better bet until the lake is planted, no word on when that will be. Warm water and weather has trout deeper and the bite slow.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-Not much change here. Lots of people were out enjoying the river over the Labor Day weekend according to the Georgetown Ranger Station. Few anglers reporting any success, but the deeper holes are holding the fish if you’re willing to hike down to the water either near Georgetown or below French Meadows Reservoir.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 68-percent capacity. There was no answer from Emerald Cove Marina when WON called on Sunday. A call-back later revealed that power and communication lines were all destroyed by the fire, but the marina was not damaged and is back in operation. No one has been fishing with all the chaos, so no reports were available.

CAMP FAR WEST-The lake was overrun with “Hot Boats” over the holiday weekend and anglers stayed off the water. Before the holiday crowds showed up, bass anglers were doing well on fish to two pounds. Catfish anglers were picking up a few fish to five pounds at night on chicken livers and sardines.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake is down to 19 feet from full, but the water temp has dropped five degrees. Still lots of catfish being caught, including a couple 12 1/2 pounders this past week. One boat picked up 18 nice crappie at the dam on minnows. Bass are hitting crawdads along the east side in 25 feet of water. Trout action was good for experienced anglers trolling wobbling spoons at 25 to 30 feet in the main lake and near the dam. Some trout are still coming off the dam for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is at 92-percent capacity. Trollers are picking up rainbows to 15 inches in the marina using flasher/worm combos. The main lake has been too overloaded with recreational craft for safe fishing.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-According to Will Fish Tackle in Auburn, the fishing is slow but anglers putting in some time are still able to pick up a few trout.

FULLER LAKE-No recent reports, but the heavy DFG plant made a couple of weeks ago should still be providing good action for shore anglers at the dam and trollers working up the lake.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-Pretty much the same as last week–kokanee and trout at the powerhouse, browns at the inlet, and Macks deep at the dam.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is at 57-percent capacity-down another 8 feet just last week. The bass fishing was described as “butt ugly” by one source. The water is dropping so fast that the fish are suspended out over 300 feet of water and difficult to locate. Some coho trollers have been catching an occasional bass at 70 feet deep. Coho to 4 pounds are still hitting Sling Blade/ Needlefish or Koke-a-nut combos at 40 to 60 feet on the main lake from the Bridge to Potter’s Ravine. Moochers can pick up some coho at the buoy line at the dam using minnows and nightcrawlers.

ROLLINS LAKE-Fishing was reported to be good, according to Daris Bullock at Long Ravine Resort. Trout, crappie and bass are coming off the docks. One woman landed a 24-inch rainbow using worms off the dock. Catfish are hitting at the “sand bar” between Long Ravine and Greenhorn on hot dogs-a 10 year-old boy landed an 8-pound cat there. Boaters are picking up bass to 2 pounds on the shady banks on plastics or nightcrawlers

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Lots of smallmouth bass, one to 2 1/2 pounds, hitting plastic worms, minnows, and jigs on the rocky banks between the two campgrounds and at Cascade Shores from the boat ramp up toward the inlet.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Not much happening here-few reports available and the lake hasn’t been planted by the DFG for two months. Try late afternoons at the steeper banks near the dam with Power Bait and worms. Bass might be interested in a topwater plug in the evening.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The Pilot Creek inlet is still producing rainbows, 11 to 12 inches, on small spinners.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-If the water is up in the tules for a day or two, there is a good frog bite in the late afternoon for bass up to five to six pounds.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

ALMANOR, LAKE-Numbers picked up this past week, and sizes should soon, as the fall bite gears up. Keep a rod set up with a lure while you’re trolling, the lake’s in transition and there may be some surface activity. Troll midway on the east shore past the “Rock” by the Dorado Inn to the Benton House. Bass were also found in these areas.

ANTELOPE LAKE-No current report this past week but nothing has changed in a week. Trolling Rapalas, a flasher/worm, or different colored Needlefish in the top 15 feet produced a lot of trout. During the week there have been fewer boats, but go early on the weekend and they shouldn’t be a problem, either.

BAUM LAKE-As usual, Power Bait, Power Eggs and nightcrawlers have been favorites. Things will only get better with cooler nights; fish will start to move back up. Fly fishermen have been doing better with the cooler temperatures, too, and the hatches in the evenings have been fairly good. Red copper john’s or brown or olive colored wooly buggers, Panther Martins and Kastmasters were productive as well.

BRITTON LAKE-No change here, good bets continue to be crappie jigs, crappie nibbles and crappie magnets for crappie. The bass bite should start to pick up some with cooler weather also cooling the water.

BURNEY CREEK- The upper Burney Creek was well planted for the holiday weekend and easy limits were the found. The bite here has been consistent all summer on caddis and callibaetis above the falls or attractor patterns. Below the falls a pheasant tail, copper john, bird’s nest or hares ear worked best.

CASSEL FOREBAY- The forebay was also hopping, and although the pressure was heavy, lots of fish were caught on worms, eggs and Power Bait. Reports indicated that both the morning and evenings were productive. Jigging the grass off of the bottom with pearl or rainbow colored jigs was also working well. Fly fishing continues to be a bit slower with the a.m. showing more activity than the evenings. Callibaetis, copper johns and leaches all were taking fish.

EAGLE LAKE-Fishing remained good this last week even with the rise in temperatures, which affected the bite. Fish Traveler Guide Service reported the west shorelines south of Pelican Point in waters eight to 12 feet deep being best for trolling. That bite lasted all morning with cooler waters from 5:30 to 10:00, but as waters warmed up the depths went to down to 17 to 20 feet deep from 6 to 10 feet deep in the same areas.

UPPER HAT CREEK-Fishing was phenomenal with low pressure and lots of fish, including lots of large brook trout in the 3- to 6-pound class. DFG ramped up the plants preparing for the upcoming Labor Day. The typical catch was mostly brookies with a few rainbows. Quite a few 3-pound plus brookies were caught as well. Worms and Panther Martins were the baits to use but salmon eggs also did well.

HAT CREEK (wild) – Nymph fishermen did best on hare’s ear, birds nest and pheasant tails. Nymphing was the best, but callibaetis cripples also yielded some good results.

MANZANITA LAKE– Fish were active but hook-ups were a bit tough. Activity was decent both mornings and evenings but the fish were a bit picky. Midges and small bead head brassies were working with some takes on emergers like callibaetis cripples. Morning temperatures felt more like late September. If this pattern continues some big fish should start becoming much more active in the coming weeks. Remember to heed the special restrictions on this lake.

PIT RIVER-Downsize your flies and target the faster white water. The fish push up into those areas because there is more oxygen for them. Adding another splitshot or two is a good idea and will help you get down to the fish. The road to Pit No. 3 will be open for this holiday weekend only. Then it will close for more repairs until October but the flows will be increased.

SHASTA LAKE-With the arrival of baitballs, trout trollers and bass anglers will both see improving results. Working west from Bridge Bay all the way to Digger Bay along the shoreline was a good bet for trout holding between 40 and 60 feet and even a few salmon. Topwater baits such as Zara Spooks in Oaky Shad patterns worked both early and late in the day produced a few bass up to 2½ pounds. In the middle of the day try shad patterned Texas-rigged worms in deeper waters out to 30 feet. But do this were you are graphing baits.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-There’s probably two weeks left for kokes as they are turning gray, losing scales and the males jaws are getting hooked over. The smaller ones will still be found at 30 to 40 feet but the big ones are almost finished for the season. This has been the best koke fishing in at least the past 3 years. Hopefully the lake is starting to return to the trophy koke hatchery of the old days. As always, the curtain and bridge areas produced limit as did the channel in the main lake.