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, Lower, Ore.-Salmon coming into the river now (still classified as “spring salmon”) are moving straight up the river due to the cool water temperatures of 60 downriver and as cool as 51 upriver. By removing the upriver dam, flows may stay cool enough this year so the fall kings won’t hold in the Bay, and may head straight up without staging-only time will tell. Several guides are still getting spring salmon currently, but they’re only fishing the short window from daylight until 9:30 when the Mail Boats go upriver, dislodging tons of moss that clog up fishing lines after that.

ROGUE RIVER, middle/upper-Summer steelhead are beginning to show up on the middle and upper Rogue, according to local angler Greg Glossop. Most fishermen are getting them from boats side drifting roe and yarnballs. Spring salmon fishing continues to be good, but is starting to taper off.

RUSSIAN RIVER-The summer crowds took over the river during the holiday weekend and it was more about fishing when the water was undisturbed than anything else. Shad run is over with the dams in, although you might run into a stray or two below the dams, but barely worth the effort. It’s now “summertime” on the Russian, which means smallmouth bass and some schoolie stripers 14 to 18 inches behind the dams early and late on white Rooster Tails or white grubs.

UMPQUA RIVER, Sutherlin, Ore.—Smallmouth Bass fishing is in full force with a variety of conditions to fish them in the river. From slow, deep pools, broken shelves near the shore edge and the shallow faster currents. The summer steelhead are taking advantage of the cooler waters this year and are more active in the middle of the day, according to WON Field Reporter and guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service.

UMPQUA RIVER, North Fork, Roseburg, Ore.-“With well maintained trails for hiking, fishing and camping at streamside, rafting and my favorite fishing,” said guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets. “The spring Chinook season is coming to an end at the end of July. Although in past years July and August have been prime months for catching steelhead. I floated the river on June 30 from Whistlers Bend Park to the Page Road take out. We caught 2 steelhead and lost one other steelhead on our drift. We had a few other bites during the day that didn’t amount to more than a missed opportunity. The river was full of life, with otters playing and trout stealing our baits. The skies were filled with birds of prey hunting for a meal and an eagle nest had its young hopping to nearby limbs. On shore we could see deer, otters, turkey and many other interesting activity moving around. This is a refreshing trip on a river.”

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City- Flows in the upper river continued their slow slide downward, but the drop was interrupted and reversed with the 3 inches of rain that fell last week. The river was dropping back to its scheduled 1,500 cfs over the weekend on its slide to 450 cfs by the end of the month. The outlook for catching some bright spring run Chinooks is excellent. In the meantime, anglers have continued to catch some big brown trout.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam-Heavy rains dealt another blow to the already high Klamath throughout its length last week.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Flows went up after heavy rains last week, but they were dropping fast, and fishermen working the lower river from near the mouth nearly to Johnson’s Riffle were back to catching nice spring run Chinook. Some steelhead were also being caught, which is a good indicator for some great steelheading as the river continues to drop.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-Running high but clearing. There are lots of rafters out that make fishing difficult on some of the bigger pools.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 99-percent capacity. The lake was slammed by the recreational boaters over the July 4 weekend and fishing reports were non-existent, according to Emerald Cove Marina. Kokanee were biting for trollers up in the river arm at Garden Point.

CAMP FAR WEST-The lake has dropped about 10 feet from full. Recreational boaters controlled the lake over the holiday weekend. One boater picked up limits of bass trolling Kastmaster spoons along the shore. Fishermen need to hit the lake in the morning during the week for the best chance of success.

COLLINS LAKE-The water temp is 76 degrees and bass, catfish, and panfish action is on the rise. Bass, crappie, and bluegill have been hitting in shallow water near the brush and trees. Bass to 2 1/2 pounds and bluegill to 1 1/4 pounds were weighed in this past week. Trout action was good for one Esparto family who caught 16 trout to 4 pounds trolling dodger/spinner combos tipped with worms and Power Bait from the 5 mph buoy line at the ramp toward the power lines over 75 to 100 feet of water.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is at 102-percent capacity and spilling. Trout fishing has been good on both ends of the lake. Trollers and bait drifters have been catching lots of planter rainbows in the marina. Boaters heading up above the “No-Ski” buoys have been catching some 3- to 4-pound rainbows drifting nightcrawlers in 10 to 15 feet of water at Missouri Bar. Lots of 2- to 7-pound bass were cruising the banks according to Dillon Davis at Skippers Cove Resort. The recreational boat traffic is very heavy on weekends; anglers would do better to come out during the week.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week. All the campgrounds are open but a water system snafu required campers to boil the water before consumption, according to the Foresthill Ranger Station.

FULLER LAKE-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week-the first of the season.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The lake is full and spilling. Boaters need to be aware of heavy debris floating in the lake. Kokanee bite was non-stop in the early morning for Ken Mathis of Ken’s Custom Tackle and Guide Service. 13-inch kokes were 25 to 35 feet deep and hitting purple/pink spinners or hoochies. The Mackinaw bite was good 10 feet off the bottom all over the lake on Ken’s Double Flutter spoons, dodger/herring rigs, and Rapalas. The biggest mack Mathis landed was 5 pounds, but lost one in the high teens. Another troller had one that weighed 12 pounds. Middle Meadows campground was not open yet for the holiday weekend. The Rubicon River above the Upper Hell Hole campground produced a 5-pound brown for one lucky bank fisherman. Bears and rattlesnakes are out in large numbers and campers and boaters need to use caution!

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is at 99-percent capacity. The lake is full of big trees and debris-boaters need to use extreme caution when running. The bite on brown/purple jigs was great for Bruce Gibson at the Paradise Tackle Company. The Senko bite on wacky-rigged baits was only fair. Topwater action is good early and late in the day. The smallmouth bite is good way up the North Fork and Middle Fork. Spots are sitting in 20 to 40 feet of water, especially on transition areas between grass and rock. Recreational boat traffic has been very heavy, so stay in the coves until the traffic subsides then get out and fish the mud lines in the late afternoon.

ROLLINS LAKE-The lake is full. According to Long Ravine Resort, the bass fishing has been the most reliable for fish to 3 pounds. Shady coves have been the most productive. One nice brown trout over 16 inches fell for a Rapala trolled in the Bear River arm, according to John Wadden at Will Fish Tackle in Auburn.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-The lake is full. Fishing was slow this past week according to Joe Robinson at the Scott’s Flat Lake Marina. Some trout were caught drifting worms, or casting Rooster Tails and Panther Martins at the inlet. Boaters have been catching lots of little smallmouth bass on plastic worms in the coves.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-The campgrounds were full over the holiday weekend, according to the Foresthill Ranger Station. The DFG trout plant made this past week should have helped the fishing.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The lake is full. The campgrounds were jammed over the July 4 holiday. The lake was planted this past week and lots of 10- to 14-inch rainbows were caught by trollers and shore anglers.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-The lake is at 83-percent capacity. Bruce Gibson at the Paradise Tackle Company reported that the water temp here was still in the 60’s and the bass were holed up deep in the tules. Fishermen need to use the Wilbur Rd. ramp to avoid the madhouse created by the recreational boaters and jet-skiers at the Monument Hill ramp. Watch out for jet-skiers, Gibson almost had a jet-skier collide with his bass boat this past week. Bass can be caught flipping the tules, but the water needs to warm up before the frog bite turns on.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-The lake is at 96-percent capacity. Planted this past week and fishing has been good at the north end. Access from Prosser to the west side of the lake provides a bit more solitude.

CAPLES LAKE-Caples Lake Resort opened on July 1-lodging, marina store, and boat rentals. The EID/USFS Boat Launching Facility was scheduled to open also. Fishing has been good at the Wood’s Creek inlet. Justin Brown of Santa Clara caught an 8-pound Mackinaw and a 4-pound rainbow trolling a black/silver Rapala 15 feet deep at Wood’s Creek.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-The West Fork flows slowed a little and the water color was a nice green. The East Fork was still flowing high and off-color, but not muddy by the July 4 weekend. Silver Creek and Markleeville Creek were in good shape. Most anglers were catching 2 or 3 fish from slower water pockets along the banks on Power Bait, worms, and salmon eggs after the big DFG trout plant this past week. Nicholas Olsen of Martinez landed a 5-pound, 5-ounce rainbow in the East Carson on Power Bait.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is at 88-percent capacity. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Guided Fishing reported good trolling action north of the island at 18 to 20 feet deep on copper/red head Dick Nites and firetiger Sockeye Slammers, and a watermelon Needlefish for rainbows running 15 to 17 inches. Boaters anchoring in front of 5-Trees in 20 to 25 feet of water were catching fish off the bottom with Power Bait. Shore anglers have been doing well at Eagle Point, Catfish Cove, Coot Bay, and Fairview Point on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Fly fishermen were picking up some rainbows on damsels, PT’s, Sheep Creek nymphs, blood midge pupa, woolly buggers, and wiggle tails along the west side of the lake from Eagle Point to Freeman Creek.

DONNER LAKE-Hasn’t been planted for a couple of weeks and fishing was only fair, but it’s the best choice for a family outing. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait fished off the docks on the west end will produce a few fish.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-PG&E finished work on the Caribou Powerhouse sooner than expected and reduced flows into the North Fork for the holiday weekend. After a heavy DFG trout plant made this past week, Mike Hanson at Caribou Crossroads Resort reported excellent action for 14- to 16-inch rainbows on Power Bait, worms, and spinners. Some catch-and-release anglers were picking up 15 to 20 fish per day. Some nice rainbows to 16 inchers were being caught at the Powerhouse. Butt Valley Reservoir was full.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is full. Shore anglers were doing well on 15- to 20 inch rainbows at the Frenchman’s Campground using salmon eggs. Trolling was good on the north end and east side of the lake on Dick Nites and Needlefish. Fly fishermen did well on woolly buggers, Prince Nymphs, PT’s, and leeches.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-All the lakes were open for the holiday weekend. Only Upper Salmon and Lower Sardine have been planted by the DFG.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 88-percent capacity. Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Guide Service fished the lake this past week and his clients landed 10 fish and lost a bunch more. They did best on a Sep’s brown or frog pattern grub behind a Sep’s watermelon Strike Master Dodger in the top 15 feet of the water column. The lake is full of fish after 5 DFG trout plants so far this year.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-The DFG planted 3000 pounds of rainbows here this past week. Eric Scheffel of Lemoore caught easy limits of 14- to 16-inch rainbows this past weekend on Needlefish and lost a 7 to 8 pounder at the net. David Valdez of Placerville picked up a 3 1/2-pound rainbow on a flasher/worm combo.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR-The lake is ice-free and full. The campgrounds and ramp were officially open by the Forest Service for the holiday weekend. We need another week before fishing reports get back to our sources.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-The lake is still full and spilling. Campers were catching lots of planter rainbows in the Narrows by the old boat ramp. Boaters reported picking up some nice browns, some to 5 pounds drifting nightcrawlers at the island. The recreational boat traffic was very heavy over the holiday weekend.

LAKE TAHOE-Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters reported good action trolling shallow at 100 to 120 feet deep with J-plugs for 4 strikes on Sunday and found multiple hookups at 240 to 340 feet deep ending up with 8 fish to 7 pounds on Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut and Sling Blade/minnow combos. Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Top Liners said mack action was good trolling Storm ThunderSticks at 160 to 170 feet deep and jigging with 3 1/2-ounce Williamson Benthos and Vortex jigs at 200 to 220 feet deep for 3 to 7 pounders. Jigging produced better fish, 6- to 7-pounds. Nielsen also picked up 3 rainbows, 14 inches to 3 1/2 pounds, trolling a 3/4-ounce Krocodile spoon tipped with a minnow. Kokanee trollers got an early start on the season picking up four to six 11-inch fish on dodger/hoochies rigs fished 35 feet deep over 1000 feet of water off Camp Richardson.

LOON LAKE-According to the Georgetown Ranger Station, the boat ramp is open for launching. The campgrounds are still not open.

PROSSER LAKE-The lake is at 99-percent capacity. The lake was planted this past week and fishing was good at the dam and the inlet on Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or a Kastmaster.

PYRAMID LAKE-The trout season ended with a bang for Joe Mendes at Eagle Eye Charters when a client landed a beautiful 9 1/2-pound cuttbow taken on a Flatfish in the Hell’s Kitchen. Mendes said he hasn’t found big enough concentrations of Sacramento perch to warrant scheduling any guide trips yet but will be going out weekly to test the waters. When the perch action picks up, expect to see lots of 1 1/2- to 2-pound perch hitting small 1/8- to 1/4-ounce crappie jigs on 4-pound spinning gear. Mendes usually catches a number of cutthroats that must be released while fishing for the perch-great fun on light tackle.

RED LAKE-The lake is ice free. Fish are anxious to feed and are hitting everything thrown their way-a mix of cutthroats, brookies, and rainbows.

SILVER LAKE-The lake is ice-free and the resorts all opened this past weekend.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-The lake is full. Trolling is more difficult with the kokanee down at 65 to 80 feet deep-change colors often and stay on top of active schools of fish. The macks are below the kokanee at 80 to 90 feet deep and hitting trolled Rapalas, Trophy Sticks, P-Line Predators, and similar stick baits.

TOPAZ LAKE-The lake is full and rising. Despite heavy holiday boat traffic, boaters did very well on nice sized rainbows either trolling or using bait. Two boats tied up to the trees at the inlet and caught twelve 2 pounders on Power Bait. Reynold Capps of Smith Valley, NV trolled mini-flasher/worm combos in the middle of the south end of the lake out from the inlet and scored 7 rainbows that weighed 2 to 2 1/2 pounds apiece. Hats off to the Douglas County Sheriff Marine Patrol who volunteered their time for the holiday weekend duty at the lake.

TRUCKEE RIVER-The flows along Hwy 80 were beginning to slow down especially in the early morning and the water was getting fishable with PMD’s, yellow stones, green drakes, and March browns-afternoons tend to get blown out with more run-off. From Tahoe City to Truckee along Hwy 89, the flows are much more fishable and some good fish were being caught.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The lake is at 94-percent capacity. Kyle Neeser of Crystal Basin Tackle and Guide Service reported that 4 boats with 9 anglers all limited out on kokanee trolling in the Sunset area. Crystal Basin Tackle Kicker dodgers with El Diablo and Green Monster spinners tipped with corn fished 20 to 30 feet deep did the trick for Neeser. The kokes ran 13 to 15 inches. Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle and Guide Service caught limits of kokes and a 16-pound, 3-ounce mack. The mackinaw came on a dodger/herring combo trolled 90 feet deep over 120 feet of water.

WEST WALKER RIVER-The West Walker and Little Walker are both scheduled for DFG trout plants this week. The flows were dropping but fishable for those who knew what they were doing-dropping a nightcrawler or big gob of salmon eggs into the slower pocket waters along the banks. If the water continues to drop, Mono County and the North Mono Chamber of Commerce will make trout plants by July 15. The “How Big is Big” Trout Derby started July 1 and runs until July 31. For more info, call Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel at 530-495-2281.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-Bass are feeding up after the rigors of spawning and are aggressive and hungry. Senkos, topwater and jigs have been the way to go. Work areas where you knew there have been concentrations of spawning fish and where the weed growth is just under the surface and have not yet popped out of the water. With the crowds increasing, some are opting for the catfish at night being caught shallow all around the lake.

?LAKE BERRYESSA-The hot depth for fast action for a wide open kokanee and king salmon bite has been from 50 to 57 feet deep using RMT dodgers in Hyper Plaid and Bahama with RMT squids glow pink, cotton candy and UV pink with a pink splatter blade. The best speed was 1.3 to 1.6 on the gps and don’t forget to use a herring scent on your corn.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Trolling will continue to score trout, but as the weather and waters warms up, the fish will go deeper. Fish will move below 30 feet and leadcore just won’t get you that deep. And the deeper you go the darker it gets down there. Attractors, like dodgers and flashers are often employed to help the fish find your stuff. Some anglers just troll and some just like to bait fish, but if you can do both, and know when it’s time to switch, you will have a better catch rate.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-DFG had the reservoir on their plant schedule for the weekend so some good fishing should be available here. Few reports yet, as this was the first full week that anglers had access to this body of water. There are lots of fish here with some real trophy opportunity. Brown trout were the planned plants which could improve and decrease the excess chub situation happening last year. Lures, floating baits and worms traditionally work well here. For the fly fisherman, mosquito, caddis and callibaetis hatches are the norm so start with these patterns when trying to match the hatch.

BAUM LAKE-According to Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney fishing is still a good bet here and the best luck seemed to be with little yellow stones, PMD’s and callibaetis. Nightcrawlers and floating baits did well, as did two-toned Kastmasters. Nymphs of choice were copper john’s in red or pt’s.

BRITTON LAKE-Little has changed here. Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney reported chocolate milk colored water again, but the crappie bite has been good, even though the water is still colored. 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. Crappie sizes have been a bit smaller but there are still some decent limits coming in. The smallmouth have spawned, so catching is quite good for them as well.

BURNEY CREEK–Vaughn’s Sporting Goods reports good nymphing at the base of the falls, try green copper Johns for results. Bait and lure fishermen are catching above the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Rim Rock Ranch reported fishing in the forebay was very crowded but a lot of fish were caught. This area experiences very heavy fishing pressure, but is still a great place to bring the kids as the fishing is more straightforward with the slower, more snag free flow. Salmon eggs and floating baits seem to work well most days and some huge trout are still being caught. Fly fishing activity has been good at times, but the hatches still are a bit sporadic with changing water flows. This should improve dramatically in coming weeks as summer has truly arrived with consistently warmer temperatures and less chance of adverse weather. Evening fishing has been the best with PMD, caddis and callibaetis hatches. Cast quickly and softly to rising fish and keep a tight line for more success.

EAGLE LAKE-Flying Eagle Guide Service has been leaving the Spaulding dock at 4:15 and heading down to the south side of Shrimp Island half way to Wildcat Point. Using threaded nightcrawlers they have been limiting out by 6 a.m. Their boat was anchored in 12 feet of water and the bait was down 6 to 8 feet.

FALL RIVER-The Fly Shop in Redding reported the hex hatch is starting up. Some anglers reported that they found a few hex’s coming off, but the fish were not keying on them. Water conditions are great and insect hatches have been fabulous. Fair to good evening caddis hatches are happening.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR-Water conditions are good and the lake level is up enough for boat launching but be careful. Callibaetis hatches are producing some good fly fishing for the rainbows, brown and brook trout that swim this body of water. Look for cruising, rising fish right in front of the boat ramp.

UPPER HAT CREEK-Rim Rock Ranch reported The 4th of July weekend was a success, not only related to the number of fish caught, but based on the number of families camping and having a great outing with friends and kids. Fishing was definitely good even though more challenging than usual as water levels remained high and fast. With tougher water conditions, salmon eggs, worms, and crickets were the best baits. The campgrounds were at capacity with lots of people taking advantage of the July 2nd free fishing day. Pressure was very heavy but should back off some after the holiday. DFG made several fish plants on Friday and will continue multiple weekly plants throughout the summer and fall. Many of the higher lakes have now opened and Lassen Park Hwy 89 will probably open around the 8th of July. Fly fishermen fishing deep continue to catch some nice fish as both rainbows and brookies were on the take. Flashy nymphs and buggers have been doing quite well.

HAT CREEK (wild trout section)-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney reported good reports with brookies to 2 pounds. Nightcrawlers seem to be the best bet, but Rooster Tails and other spinners can result in some decent fish. Salmon eggs and Berkley Power Eggs were also working.

KESWICK RESERVOIR-The Fly Shop reminds anglers that water conditions can fluctuate a great deal here. With warmer, summer weather finally here, good hatches of hydro psyche caddis, yellow sallies, golden stones and PMD’s should produce excellent fishing.

LEWISTON RESERVOIR–The Fly Shop in Redding reported fishing good one day, and nothing the next. Water conditions are good. Warmer weather should trigger callibaetis hatches that have been mostly absent for some reason. Look for rainbow trout gulping down carpenter ants about mid day. Lewiston should have great water conditions all summer long.

MANZANITA LAKE- Hatches are increasing but surface activity continues to be a bit slow due to windier conditions and kayakers chewing up the water. This being said, the October caddis hatch should happen any time and should improve activity in the weeks to come. Reports of good success on ant and beetle patterns are still coming in. As the summer progresses try smaller midge and pheasant tail nymph patterns to attract more strikes. Remember to check the special regulations on this catch and release lake.

McCLOUD RIVER-Nothing but continued good news here, the river is fishing great. Flows are 450 cfs and clear. You’ll find excellent golden stone hatches, caddis, baetis and PEDs. Anglers are finding fish on Pat’s brown rubber legs, black micro mayflies and HBIs. The big boulder that was blocking the road into the Nature Conservancy is gone and the fishing has been great according to The Fly Shop.

PIT RIVER-The Fly Shop in Redding reported waters still high and brown. Lake Britton is receiving a lot of dark, dirty water from the upper Pit 1. So, you’ll have to wait for the water to settle down, clear up and get fishing friendly. Every few days there are reports from anglers who do catch fish using San Juan worms, rubber legs or lightening bugs. If you really want to catch a rainbow now, it can happen. Just don’t expect the usual experience and watch those slippery rocks.

SHASTA LAKE-Things are still trying to settle down and so is the bite. Once the weather finally stabilizes the fishing will only get better. Trout will be in the top 25 feet in the morning and by afternoon you’ll be going down to 30 and 40 feet. Apexes and Hum Dingers produced mixed bag limits of salmon and trout. The bass haven’t settled in either. Try poppers or spooks early and late and toss Senkos during the day.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR- Anglers are still finding consistent limits of kokes from 16 to 18 inches on Sling Blades, Wiggle Hoochies and Apex’s in the main body and by the curtain.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The action has been up and down through the week, but on Sunday, the boats fishing the Marin Coast had a banner lingcod day. The California Dawn had a real quality mix of rockfish (142 caught), 38 lingcod and 4 halibut, most hooked in less than 45 feet of water. The Happy Hooker found similar action around Muir Beach where they caught halibut to 25 pounds plus a mix of lings and rockfish. Salmon remained a struggle, but one boat did report 6 kings, with fish in the 20-pound class. In bay fishing picked up on Sunday, when the El Dorado scored 18 halibut and 2 bass for 18 anglers fishing Alameda, and they were still fishing.

BODEGA BAY- Bottomfishing remained the main action, with northwest winds continuing to plague the salmon waters, but the inshore ocean still fishable. That’s where the New Sea Angler found rockfish limits all week, plus some good lingcod bonuses, in some cases, lingcod limits for lucky anglers. Captain Rick Powers has been fishing the north side, up near Timber Cove and Fort Ross.

EMERYVILLE-The fleet scored a real variety over the weekend, with rockfish, lingcod, striped bass, halibut and even sturgeon sacked. Sunday’s trips included potluck adventures on the New Huck Finn, C Gull II and Talisman that found 9 halibut and 27 striped bass for a combined total of 37 anglers, fishing in San Francisco Bay. The Superfish targeted rockfish outside on the Marin Coast, reporting in with 150 rockfish and 21 lings for 23 anglers.

EUREKA-Salmon fishing was back on top with some limits and some real trophies showing up, and a red hot bite the first part of the week. The Shellback had 22 kings in 2 days, the fish weighing from 8 to 25 pounds. Captain Tim Kassen on Reel Steel scored a couple Pacific halibut early in the week, one weighing 41 and the other 49 pounds. The king bite returned for the weekend, a weather window Sunday offering anglers another chance at the fish. WON subscriber Lonnie Dollarhide fished on Reel Steel for limits of kings. Dollarhide said he lost a monster at the boat, the fish easily going 30-plus pounds.

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reported a good salmon and crab combo trip on Saturday, his group of six anglers boating 7 keeper kings plus 47 Dungeness crabs. The crabs came from the 10-Mile Beach area, while the kings were caught in 170 feet of water off the beach.

HALF MOON BAY-The bottomfishing action was best mid-week when the weather was nearly perfect, but limits off rockfish continued through the holiday weekend. On Tuesday, the Queen Of Hearts reported limits of rockfish plus one cabezon and 5 lings to 15 pounds, the top mixed score of the week. The lingcod count dropped off with the return of northwest wind, but rockfish limits were still the norm. The Queen Of Hearts started offering afternoon trips on Saturday, the trips departing port at 3:30 p.m.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported good action on potluck efforts in the midweek, with rockfish, lingcod, halibut and striped bass caught. On the weekend, the faster tides prompted another sturgeon effort that found one keeper sturgeon, plus 8 striped bass and

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury fished halibut and bass early in the week, then switched to sturgeon when the tides got ripping on the weekend, finding good action but only shakers and green sturgeon that had to be released, along with a few striped bass.

SAN FRANCISCO-Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky reported hit and miss king salmon action at Duxbury. Her Wednesday group had some chances, but couldn’t get the hot fish in the boat. Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing has been doing the live bait thing, finding a mix of rockfish, striped bass and halibut. He said his Monday group hooked around 80 fish in just an hour fishing.

SAUSALITO-The New Rayann found some salmon action that included a couple big kings weighing 22 and 18 pounds. The fish hit near Duxbury off the Marin Coast.

SHELTER COVE-Early in the week, the ocean was flat and fishable, but the wind was up by the weekend. When the boats can, they ran north targeting Pacific halibut, rockfish and lingcod. When the weather is up, they stay closer and load up on rockfish and lings from the closer hot spots. Salmon has been hit and miss, with some great days, but some blanks.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER- River flows were dropped over the Fourth of July weekend-ostensibly to reduce the risk to rafters, and anglers did well on shad, especially around Sunrise Blvd. Some stripers were caught, too, on swimbaits and jerkbaits. Salmon season opens on the American River on July 16. Be sure to check the DFG regulations for details.

FEATHER RIVER, Yuba City-Fishing for striped bass continued to be excellent around Boyd’s Pump, and shad were being caught from below Shanghai Rapids to Gridley. Lots of salmon were observed rolling around Gridley, whetting the appetites of anglers anxious to get on the water for the opener on July 16. Be sure to check the regs for details.
FOLSOM LAKE-Bass have taken to hunkering down in the canopies of submerged trees, and it’s necessary to get at them by working through the branches with Senkos in green pumpkin or smoke, or dart-headed 3-inch grubs in smoke. If you are not too proud to use bait instead of artificials, drifted minnows have been enticing bites from smallmouth bass to 3 pounds. In any event, it’s mandatory to get on the water at the crack of dawn, since recreational boaters take over the lake by mid-morning. Salmon and trout continued to be largely no-shows.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Some stripers continued to be caught-not many, and mostly small, but a 13 pounder was taken at Miller Park on a sardine. Lots of small catfish were being caught on the west side of the River in the Port of Sacramento by bank fishermen. They aren’t large-averaging about a pound-but they provide loads of fun for the kids. Salmon season opens July 16. Be sure to check the DFG regulations for details.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Ward’s Landing-Fishing for stripers was quite good for anglers drifting minnows. It was pretty easy to pick up a limit of schoolie-sized stripers. From Colusa to Tisdale.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Some guides continued to do well by combining a trout trip early around Red Bluff and then switching to fishing for shad which continued to be productive. More of the larger females are now showing, too. Drift curly-tail jigs in chartreuse and champagne.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Trout fishing continued to be outstanding due to big hatches of pale morning duns and caddis. Dry flies were even providing nice action on many evenings. Flows continued to be holding a little over 11,000 cfs, and dead drift nymphing under floats provided the most consistent action. Spin fishermen were doing well drifting Glo-Bugs and crickets.