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 close, and others change to artificial/barbless only on, March 31 and others on April 25.
Trouble identifying salmon or steelhead? Go to: http://www.swr.noaa.gov/fmd/identify.htm.

ROGUE RIVER, Ore., lower-The spring run is definitely slowing, and it’s sporadic schools of fish entering the river now, but some big ones in the 30- to 40-pound range along with the more average fish of 12 to 20 pounds. June 7 was top day, when a dozen salmon were caught in the lower river by about twice that many boats, according to WON Field Reporter and guide Curtis Palmer of River Secret’s Guide Service. Friday it took over 9 hours to boat a 37 1/4-inch fin-clipped springer for him.

ROGUE RIVER, Ore., middle/upper: The Middle and upper Rogue are seeing the major part of the spring run now, and they’re boating them with roe and Kwikfish. The limit is now 2 salmon, regardless of whether hatchery or wild. Some summer steelhead showing up now, too, according to angler Greg Glossup in the upper river area.

RUSSIAN RIVER-According to Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport and Tackle, the river is running at 400 cfs, about 150 cfs more than normal this time of year, and the summer dams are going in beginning the 15th. Weather has been near 80 degrees, and most anglers are catching shad, while those who work at it are beaching up to 30 fish at times. The shad are still moving, and you have to find them and then follow them. All the normal good spots are working, but you might have to fish before and after the swimmers and rafters due to the commotion they create.

UMPQUA RIVER, North Fork, Glide, Ore.–Reports are coming in of lots of springer’s rolling in the pools and holes above Glide. Early morning and late evening’s have been the most productive periods for catching a fish. Although most of the reports are indicating that there are very few angler’s carting out salmon with them. “I did take a ride up the river the middle of the week and saw for myself that there are large numbers of salmon in most of the better known holes,” said WON Field Reporter and guide Curtis Palmer of River Secret’s.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City- Flows in the upper river continued to drop slowly toward 2,000 cfs, which is considered the level at which fishing for spring run Chinook salmon becomes more practical, though still high. The most productive water is between Junction City and Lewiston, but in that stretch of river, only a few brown trout were reported last week.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam-The release from Iron Gate Dam dropped a bit, but the upper river continued to be too high to fish.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Flows went up and dirtied up the river, and filled it with debris, making it nearly impossible to work a spinner without it becoming quickly fouled. But some nice spring run Chinook salmon were caught before the river became unfishable. It was clearing a bit and dropping over the weekend, so it should become fishable again this week. Hopefully, the good springer fishing will pick up where it left off.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-Fishing has been good due to the recent DFG plant, mostly from shore with Power Bait, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. The browns have moved out of the inlet toward the steeper points. The holdover fish moved deeper away from the inlet. Boaters can drive around the lake to the ramp or launch off the shore along the east side.

CAPLES LAKE-Caples Lake Resort reported that there was a big section of open water at Wood’s Creek and water showing at the dam and the spillway. The lake will most likely take three more weeks to thaw.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-The East Fork, West Fork and Markleeville Creek were blown out by heavy runoff triggered by the warm weather that finally arrived this past week-flows were high and muddy and came up 1 1/2 feet in four days. Some fish are being caught in the calm pockets along the bank on bait.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is at 89-percent capacity. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Guided Fishing reported picking up easy limits of 15- to16-inch rainbows trolling firetiger Sockeye Slammers and red-dot frog Needlefish at 6 to 15 feet deep from the Honker boat ramp to the island. Shore anglers found mixed action depending on location. One angler limited out in an hour at Mallard, while another took two hours to catch a limit at Honker on orange Power Bait.

DONNER LAKE-The recent plant by the DFG has rainbows showing at the west end docks and piers for bait anglers who bring a little patience along.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-PG&E notified the Caribou Crossroads Resort that heavy flows in the North Fork would persist until August. Not much word on Butt Valley, but with trolling tough on Almanor this might be a good alternative.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is full for the first time in 6 years. Fishing has been slow due to the big influx of cold, muddy water. Trolling is slow, but bait fishermen using nightcrawlers have been picking up some 12- to 14-inch rainbows at Snallygaster and Salmon Egg Shoals. These two spots haven’t had water on them in years and fish have moved up into these shallow areas to warm up. Some big browns have been caught-and-released in Little Last Chance Creek below the dam on flies. All the campgrounds are open except Big Cove, and now Cottonwood campground has showers.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Only Sardine Lake is accessible.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Guide Service reported that one troller he knew fished the lake this past week and landed 19 rainbows to 14 inches, 16 of which were holdovers. J-5 Rapalas and a Sep’s brown grub behind a watermelon Side Kick dodger on a 10-inch leader were the two best set-ups. The trout hit from the top down to 25 feet deep.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-The Alpine County Fish and Game Commission planted 800 pounds of 3- to 9-pound rainbows this past week. Fishing was good for one Carson River Resort guest who did well on fish to 5 pounds on Power Bait from the shore.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-The recent DFG plant kept campers pleased catching rainbows at the first dam on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Some macks, 19 to 21 inches, hit for one troller working the channel between the second dam and the island at 90- feet deep.

LAKE TAHOE-Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters, Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing and Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Top Liners all reported limit action for macks trolling 60 to 220 feet. The fish are shallow before sun-up and drop deeper as the sun gets higher in the sky. The fish were running 2 1/2 to 9 pounds.

PROSSER LAKE-The DFG plants this past week made the local osprey population very happy. With the heavy flows coming into the creeks, holdover trout are moving up into the creeks out of the lake. The planter fish had not dispersed yet and were hitting near the boat launch where they were dumped into the lake. After they disperse, smaller groups of fish will be moving around the lake-you just have to be in the right place at the right time when they come by your location.

PYRAMID LAKE-Lots of cold water running in from the Truckee River has slowed the bite for trollers. George Molino at Cutthroat Charters had 9 fish from 12 to 21 inches on his last trip; another troller reported picking up 11 fish to 25 inches. Shore anglers were still doing okay, 8 or 9 fish instead of 20 to 25, on nymph/indicators. One fly fisherman reported picking up a couple of trout and a perch on a Copper John/indictor

RED LAKE-Still frozen but ice is getting thinner. No current reports available on fishability.

SILVER LAKE-Still frozen with some open water showing at the dam.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. Warmer weather and heavy fishing pressure have slowed the bite for trout and kokanee, according to Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports. The kokanee are deeper, 25 to 55 feet deep with a good number of fish coming from 35 to 45 feet. Stay on active groups of fish and change colors and depths when the bite slows. Shore fishing was fair for rainbows. Some smallmouths have been hitting jigs and spinners at the dam.

TOPAZ LAKE-Trout action slowed as lots of recreational boaters and watercraft converged on the lake with the warm weather. Trout action was best on nightcrawlers drifted off the mouth of the inlet on the south end of the lake. Bass fishing has been good with the warmer water temp.

TRUCKEE RIVER-The Little Truckee is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The heavy runoff has pretty much blown out the fishing. Trout are bunched up in the slower water along the banks in the pockets and eddies. Large nymphs and streamers will draw a strike in the slower water, just stay out of the fast current which makes up 3/4’s of the river right now.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. The lake was accessible and the campgrounds were open this past week. Some macks have been hitting for trollers, but action was only fair at best, according to Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle and Guide Service.

WEST WALKER RIVER-The heavy runoff has the river blown out, but a DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week-go figure!

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The river is running high, but still clear. Locals in the Georgetown area have been picking up some nice rainbows and browns in the Middle Fork. The Forest Service reported that most of the people seen at the Hwy 49 crossing were just sunbathing and not fishing.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 97-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina reported that a 16-year old boy caught a 10-pound bass from the shore at Dark Day on a nightcrawler. Most bass boaters and trollers have stayed off the lake due to the heavy influx of recreational boaters and personal watercraft, especially on the weekends.

CAMP FAR WEST-The lake is still full. The North Shore Resort reported that bass fishing was good on small plastic worms and crankbaits all around the lake. The crappie bite has fallen off sharply.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake is 1-foot from full. Lots of trout were caught by shore anglers and trollers this past week. The great weather brought out big crowds and everyone was catching at least a couple rainbows on Power Bait and worms at the dam, marina, and campgrounds. Trollers are now working deeper, 15 to 40 feet, with flasher/worm combos, dodger/hoochie combos, Rapalas, and Kastmaster spoons. The biggest trout of the week, a 5 3/4 pounder, was taken by Adam Hicks in Elmer’s Cove trolling a gold Kastmaster.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is at 102-percent capacity and spilling. Skippers Cove Marina reported that boaters were picking up some big browns and rainbows, 3 to 4 pounds, fishing with nightcrawlers while tied to the bank at Buck’s Beach.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that the lake was spilling over the dam for the first time since the 1980’s-flows into the Rubicon River are high and dangerous. The water temp is still on the cold side, 48- to 49-degrees. The road to the lake is in good shape. Trollers have been picking up some browns and macks. The kokanee have been small, less than 12 inches. One boat reported catching 3 rainbows in 1 1/2 days of trolling a Crystal Basin Wild Thing and a worm.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is at 99-percent capacity. Bass fishing is still good, especially for “slot fish”. A weekend tournament was won with 12 pounds, with a 3-pound big fish. Mike Hanson at Caribou Crossroads Resort said that the Tuesday evening turkey shoot out of the Spillway was won with a 19 1/2-inch spot. Hanson said he hooked a much bigger fish on a fluke in the North Fork. Larry Hemphill guided clients to 40 and 28 fish days this past week using Roboworms in the Middle Fork at 5 to 30 feet deep. According to Don Reighley, a well-know local bass pro, some spots were still spawning. No current word was available on the coho trolling, but the Green Bridge area is a perennial favorite this time of year with a Sling Blade/hoochie combo.

ROLLINS LAKE-The lake is full. Lance Engelstad at Long Ravine Resort reported that 11-year old Mike Marlar of Colfax caught three 2- to 3-pound largemouth bass and a 2-pound crappie off the shore near the boat ramp on worms. Shore anglers are also doing well on 12-inch rainbows using worms at the dam.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Two big browns hit for trollers this past week. Early in the week, Sean Bottomley of Nevada City caught a 7 1/2-pound brown trolling a Rapala. Later in the week, Tim Young of Auburn picked up a 6 1/2 pounder, also on a Rapala. Smallmouth bass fishing has been productive for some. Kyle Newman at the Scott’s Flat Lake Resort marina reported that shore anglers were doing well on 1 1/2- to 2 1/2-pound trout while using Power Bait and worms at the dam and in the marina.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-DFG plants should have improved the trout bite. Shore anglers using Power Bait and worms should be catching plenty of rainbows. Trollers running flasher/worm combos should be scoring.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that shore anglers were picking up rainbows averaging 12 to 14 inches with a few to 16 inches on Power Bait and worms.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-Warmer weather was beginning to raise the water temp, so bass fishing was improving. Still need to see a reduction in releases from Oroville coupled with some hot weather to get the bite in high gear on frogs and swimbaits.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The fleet finally started to make some headway with a few breaks in the weather. Salmon fishing showed promise when the New Easy Rider found 8 kings for 12 anglers, all the fish over 10 pounds, and the jackpot fish weighing 26 pounds. In-bay trips produced about 2 fish per rod overall, with 60 percent stripers and 40 percent halibut, with some hog ‘buts including a 34 pounder boated on the El Dorado.

BODEGA BAY- The wind plague returned, changing conditions daily and making finding a consistent salmon bite very tough. There were salmon caught every day, but no one had a sure thing bite going. Bottomfishing opened, so now anglers from this port can try for kings, then salvage the day with rockfish if necessary.

EMERYVILLE-Some good scores building on the potluck trips, and now rockfish and lingcod will be added to the repertoire (weather outside permitting). The counts have see-sawed between striped bass and halibut, with the stripers dominating much of the week as tides picked up along with wind. One of the top days was on Wednesday when the New Huck Finn returned to port with 28 striped bass to 14 pounds and 3 halibut to 12 pounds, 15 anglers on board. Thursday’s trip dropped off, and by Saturday, the wind was making things very tough so the boats headed out of South Bay to find more sheltered water to the north.

EUREKA-Great but spotty salmon fishing for the fleet, with boats heading south for limits on the weekend. “We must have caught 150 fish on Sunday,” said Ben Williams who fished with the Pacific Outfitters Store crew. “We ended with 10 nice fish, all from 10 to 16 pounds.” He said the better grade of fish hit later in the morning. Saturday’s action was even better with several boats scoring early limits of king salmon. WON subscriber Lonnie Dollarhide said the charter fleet is still picking up Pacific halibut, with a 57 pounder boxed on the Sea Weasel. Earlier in the week, there were flatties to 65 pounds caught.

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar has been offering combo trips, targeting salmon when the conditions are likely, rockfish and crabs. On Saturday, his group started after salmon, then switched to crabs, then to rockfish. The 16 on board went home with 92 crabs and limits of rockfish, along with a couple lings to 9 pounds. Sunday’s trip to the same area found salmon water moved in, slowing the rockfish bite, but his group caught crab limits, near limits of rockfish and 5 lingcod to 10 pounds. Private boaters found the salmon willing on Sunday, with some big fish boated, and some boat limits caught.

HALF MOON BAY-The local waters opened for rockfish, a welcome change. “Instead of running 1.5 hours to get to the fishing grounds, we can now have our lines in the water in as little as 30 minutes after leaving the dock!” said Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat. Weather impacted Friday and Saturday trips, but on Sunday, the weather was much better. Rockfish limits have included Bolinas, olive, china, vermilion and blue varieties, with bonus lings sacked. Crab combo season is winding down, with the Huli Cat crew planning to pull pots soon.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported some good potluck action and opportunities, but the bite tapered off by the end of the weekend. Wednesday proved the fish are at Angel Island, where his anglers caught 3 topped by a 14 pounder. On Saturday, they found windy conditions in the main bay, so they moved to the Red Rock area and found 9 halibut and 1 bass, and many missed opportunities. Sunday’s effort in the same area scored only 2 keepers out of 20 fish released. He’s flipping to sturgeon this week as the tides grow large.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury had a great day on Thursday, targeting close-to-home flatties and bass, with four anglers boating 4 ‘buts and 2 bass. On Saturday, he started after sevengills, but the bite was slow, so his group opted to switch to halibut and they caught 3 at the spot at Red Rock. By the weekend, the word was out and the rest of the fleet moved north to target the new hot spot.

SHELTER COVE-Captain Trent Slate of Shelter Cove Sportfishing said the windy conditions have kept his efforts local, but that wasn’t too bad for Sunday’s group from Laytonville. They found a hit and miss bite, but when the fish turned on, they were worth the wait. “We ended up with 9 salmon from 20 to 32 pounds,” said Slate. “We had about 14 opportunities in a long day of fishing.” The fish are ranging between the Old Man south to the Hat, targeting big sardine baits.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE- Best bet is sight fishing in the areas where you can see the bottom well enough. Many anglers are using white baits, tubes, lizards, and jigs to tempt and tease the bass to attack. Anglers who must throw reaction might consider a little topwater early and then late if you stay on the water for a full day.

LAKE BERRYESSA- Kokes scattered all over the main lake, troll from Skiers Cove to the Big Island in the 20- to 45-foot range. RMT hyper plaid and Bahama Mama dodgers seemed to be doing well teamed with Apex spoons in orange, pink, green and Uncle Larry’s spinners in Pink Tiger, Blue Tiger, Too Hot Tiger Copper Pop and Copper Blue Pink and scent on everything. The topwater bass bite has been on and off, just like the weather, but with nice weather it should pick up. Reaction baits should also pick up as the fish have spawned and are starting to feed.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Almanor Fishing Adventures suggests trolled baits, and slip bobbers tipped with nightcrawlers or floating baits off the bottom. Bailey Creek inlet has been good and it should hold solid until hatches have peaked and the shallow water begins to warm.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR- Still no reported access at this time. The road is only open for approximately 1.5 miles of the 7-mile drive off of Highway 44 and 89.

BAUM LAKE-According to Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney, anglers still had their best luck with Kastmasters, olive woolly buggers and nightcrawlers or floating baits. Expect some midges ad caddis, but pt’s and copper Hohns in red always seem to get a few fish.

BRITTON LAKE-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney reported chocolate milk colored water again, but the crappie bite has definitely been good, even with the colored water. The smallmouth are in spawning mode, so action is quite good for them as well. The best results have been in the areas where water is coming into the lake and fish do not seem to be particular yet on colors of jigs. There was a 3-plus-pound crappie taken here recently.

BURNEY CREEK–Lower Burney Creek in the state park area should be good, according to Vaughn’s Sporting Goods, but otherwise, the water is muddy above the falls and this includes town and the upper Burney Creek, but with some dry weather it will clear quickly.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Rim Rock Ranch reported excellent fishing. There are some very large trout in this section, but the average catch is usually pansized, from 12 to 14 inches. Salmon eggs and floating baits have been working the best but lure fishermen catch some good fish as well. The fish have been active most of the day, but tend to slow a bit in the evenings. Pressure has been fairly heavy and will likely increase as the holiday approaches. Fly fishing activity is improving daily as the temperatures warm. Morning and early evening hatches are increasing and the topwater bite is fair. Pale evening duns and Adams have been catching fish consistently.

EAGLE LAKE- Fish Traveler Guide Service said the entire west side of the lake from Pelican Point south to Wildcat Point held fish. Fish shallower early before the sun hits the water and then move deeper as the morning progresses. Sep’s watermelon grubs, trolled J-Fair flies and bobber fishing worked well. Remember, it’s a 2 fish per day limit here with a total of 4 in your possession and fishing hours are from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

FALL RIVER-The Fly Shop in Redding reported conditions are great and insect hatches have been fabulous. There have been good evening caddis hatches when the days are sunny and warm.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR-No new reports. The reservoir has come up a little, expect to find difficulty launching still. Water conditions are great and fishing when last reported was good.

UPPER HAT CREEK- Rim Rock Ranch reported DFG has been making generous plants so the fishing has been good. Much better weather and some big fish made for a lot of smiles. Weather looks like it has broken into pre-summer temperatures at last. Salmon eggs, nightcrawlers and floating baits were all working well and limits including some huge rainbows were caught. For the lure fishermen, Panther Martins continue to be the preferred spinner. Most add a little 4- to 6-oz. weight above in order to get down to the fish. Pressure is moderate but will increase incrementally toward the Fourth of July holiday. Fly fishermen have been doing better as long as they fish deeper with nymphs and streamers. Brown crystal buggers were working as were prince nymphs.

HAT CREEK (wild trout section)-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney reported nymphing was best, with fishermen doing okay on the stretch just below the Powerhouse. There have been good results with pt’s and copper Johns. Salmon flies are showing in the riffle above the lake with stone nymphs catching quite a few.

KESWICK RESERVOIR-No current reports as water conditions are going to be too variable through the rest of June. Fishing will be mostly fair at best. You may want to wait until mid July.

MANZANITA LAKE- Some surface activity has begun as the temperature has improved. Ants, blue wing olives and mosquitoes are all working well. The bite should only get better in the weeks to come. Remember to check the special regulations on this catch and release lake.

PIT RIVER-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods reported releases have been increased throughout the Pit River below Lake Britton. Be extremely careful!!! Water is definitely high and colored, but has been fishable. Be extremely careful as the water volume is well above the normal flow and visibility is worsening as the snow melts.

McCLOUD RIVER-No news about the humongous boulder that was blocking the road between Ah-Di-Na campground, the Nature Conservancy entrance and parking area. You may still have to walk around the boulder or detour along the river. Driving to the hike-in point has been a real challenge, if not impossible. The boulder should be removed “soon” and the fishing has been fair.

LAKE SHASTA-Trout are still scattered looking for bait and can be caught from the surface down to 60 feet. Wiggle Hoochies, Humdingers or an Apex trolled behind Sling Blades have been effective for trout averaging 16 inches. Fish the upper areas of the river tributaries where shad seem to be holding. The salmon bite has been by the dam and in Dry Creek. Stabilizing conditions will find the majority of the bass that haven’t spawned move in after a few days of stable weather. When they do, fish shallow on sunny days, and target the brush for 20 to 30 bass a day. Sight fish along the banks until you find one on its bed and toss a white tube or a jig to it.

TRINTY RESERVOIR-Bass should be up and in on the spawn. There’s been a little topwater bite early and late and then midday a little slower. Throw reaction baits all day long for the bigger largemouth bass on the north end. Trout are on the surface everywhere to 3 and 4 pounds. Top lining should find these hungry fish.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-The cold water curtain produced the same results as at the 299 Bridge, limits within a few hours. There is absolutely no fishing pressure at the curtain as most of the other anglers are fishing the main body on both sides of the 299 Bridge. Kokes are averaging 15 inches with several 16 inchers per limit. Cover depths from 40 to 60 feet using an Apex or Wiggle Hoochie behind Sling Blades in pink or orange.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER- River flows were just getting into nice, fishable shaped, but high inflows to Folsom Lake and a nearly full reservoir necessitated raising flows to 10,000 cfs, quite high for effective fishing. Diehard spinfishermen were able to catch a few shad by working mini-jigs in softer flows below the insides of bends. Fly fishermen were mostly out of luck.

FEATHER RIVER, Yuba City-There are still quite a few stripers in the Feather, but they tend to be concentrated so it’s important to move around until you find them. When fishing pressure increases, the fish move and the bite stops, so it’s important to adjust tactics. Stripers were around Star Bend the beginning of the week, but the bite was better around Boyd’s Pump by the end of the week, and it may move again as flows are expected to increase this week. Quite a few steelhead continued to be caught, mostly by anglers fishing for striped bass with minnows and pileworms.

FOLSOM LAKE-Bass fishing was slow last week, as most bass have moved back into deeper water. Fish seem to be holding close to the bottom except for an occasional, but brief, early and late reaction and topwater bite. Most bass are being taken by drop-shotting or dragging plastics. Drifting live bait like crawdads and minnows is doing even better.

RANCHO SECO LAKE, MATHER LAKE-Bass are still available, but weeds are now providing new challenges. Work wacky-rigged Senkos, Carolina-rigged plastics very slowly. There is a bit of a topwater bite very early and late

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-The river came up even higher and dirtier last week, so striper fishing was challenging. A few were caught at the usual spots: Miller Park, Bryte’s Beach, Verona and behind wing dams south of Verona. It’s all a bait affair with bloodworms, pileworms, and sardines listed in the order of effectiveness.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale-Fishing for stripers was tough most of the week in the higher, dirty flows, but conditions stabilized by the weekend and the water started to clear so some stripers, mostly schoolies, came back on bite. It’s been almost all a pileworm, bloodworm, and sardine bite. The minnow bite should come back this week.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Shad fishing was pretty good from Red Bluff to Hamilton City in spite of high flows. The trick was to find stretches of softer current, use small curly-tail jigs in chartreuse and champagne, and move around as the bite tapers off.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Trout fishing around Redding slowed last week as releases from Keswick were increased.