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.

CHETCO RIVER, Ore.-The first king salmon was landed here in the estuary on Sept. 10 as the fish begin to stage, and the early “Bubble Season” opens for 12 days beginning Oct. 1, according to guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. In-river fishing opens Nov. 5, but the run is based on rains.

COOS RIVER, Coos Bay, Ore.-“Coho season is open for one native coho a day and these fish run larger on this river than other river I fish,” said guide Curtis Palmer of River Secret’s Guide Service. The Chinook Fishing has slowed down over the last week. Anglers are having to put in long days to find one or two grabs on bait. This is most likely just a phase in the conditions and fishing will be good soon again.

COQUILLE RIVER, Bandon, Ore. –Fishing for Chinook’s was RED HOT during the beginning of the week. Many boats were showing up to the cleaning station with 4-7 adult salmon after a day of having fun. Although the tides turned Friday with most of the fish running upriver and the bite slowing on top, there being fewer fish in the Rocky Point area. “The tides appear to favorable next week and I am sure that the fishing will be back to exceptional,” said Curtis Palmer. “The Coho season opened on the 15th of September and I suggest grabbing a lighter rod for fishing them if the king’s are not on the bite.”

ROGUE RIVER, Gold Beach, Ore. –Fishing has been slow in the bay with some moments of hope that it will become consistently good again. Monday was a very good day of trolling for large Chinook’s with a few hatchery silver’s in the mix at the cleaning station. Fishing up river around the Lobster Creek area remains to be good with chrome king’s being caught by many different techniques. A 52-pound king was caught this week, and the lower river Indian Creek fish are arriving.

RUSSIAN RIVER-It’s still summer smallmouth bass fishing, and while the crowd’s have thinned out a lot from the water-sport crowd, the fishing won’t change until the first rains hit.

UMPQUA RIVER, Roseburg, Oregon –The most upper section of the Umpqua river has been full of Chinook’s. Evening and early morning are the best times to fish for these salmon. “I received reports of exceptionally bright fish being caught at River Forks Park area,” reported WON Field Reporter Curtis Palmer. The higher water conditions with the cooler waters in the lower sections of the river are most likely responsible for these fish being in such good condition this season.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City-Fishing for Chinook salmon was good, but most of the fish fish being hooked above Junction City are spring run salmon, and are past their prime. Brighter fall fish have yet to arrive in any great numbers. The best fishing continued to be early in the morning.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek-Big numbers of fall run Chinook salmon and steelhead continued to come into the mouth of the Trinity at Weitchpec, and fishing for them has been good on roe and big spinners. Some nice steelhead are showing up, as well.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam-Only a very few salmon have shown up yet in the upper Klamath, but there continued to be some decent trout and steelhead fishing on nightcrawlers, back-trolled Hot Shots, and streamers swung on fly rods.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Fishing on the lower end of the Klamath River continued to be outstanding, and more and more adults are showing up. Unfortunately, the fishing is so good, the quota of adult salmon that can be taken below the Highway 96 Bridge is likely to be reached this week. Call the DFG hot line number at 1-800-564-6479 for the most up-to-date info.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The fleet found halibut, striped bass, bottomfish and salmon, with the salmon action really picking up late in the week. On board the Happy Hooker, Wednesday’s trip found 12 salmon to 26 pounds for 17 anglers, plus a thresher shark. Saturday’s trip focused on bottomfish, with 26 limits of rockfish and 35 lingcod topped by a 25 pounder. On Sunday, 22 anglers caught rockfish limits and 15 lingcod to 18 pounds, plus 4 salmon to 12 pounds.

BODEGA BAY- Great action on the combo trips, with some salmon limit days, and every day a rockfish limit day. Highest lingcod count was 29. On the New Sea Angler, Captain Rick Powers reported salmon limits on Thursday for nine anglers who caught fish to 22 pounds while fishing off of Salmon Creek. Saturday’s trip with 31 anglers scored rockfish limits and 29 lings to 17 pounds, 3 cabezon to 8 pounds, and on the way home, the group caught 2 kings trolling off of Salmon Creek.

EMERYVILLE-Frank Salazar said the boats really found the salmon starting Friday, with over one around to limits. Saturday’s salmon action held the line, with salmon limits on the Talisman, Sundance, and New Salmon Queen, and 25 fish for 25 anglers on the New Seeker. The other boats fished bottomfish, finding rockfish limits and up to 27 lingcod.

EUREKA-Albacore were on tap for the weekend, with Sunday’s efforts running to numbers reported by Reel Steel’s Saturday’s trip, which found 9 tuna. “The fish didn’t want the trolled stuff, only live bait, but there were plenty of birds working and jumpers,” said WON subscriber Lonnie Dollarhide. On Sunday, the boats slammed ’em, finding up to 50 fish per boat. The fish were a little more accepting Sunday, hitting trolled jigs, dead and live bait.

FORT BRAGG-With rockfish season closed, Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar tried for giant squid on Monday, but no takers. A light load on Saturday found one keeper king and some shaker action off of Virgin Creek.

HALF MOON BAY-The nearshore rockfish action is off the hook and limits are the rule. On Friday, the Queen Of Hearts had limits of rockfish and cabezon, 4 lings and a halibut. Thursday was almost identical with rockfish limits for 14 and 3 lings to 15 pounds. The Connie O found albacore on Wednesday, but the big bite didn’t happen until the weekend, when the tuna chasers got into the fish about 10 miles past the buoy.

SAN FRANCISCO-Salmon fishing was the big attraction, particularly towards the weekend, with Friday and Saturday offering high action along the Marin Coast. Even the Bass Tub got into the salmon action, finding limits for a crew trip on Tuesday after they couldn’t muster enough anglers for a tuna effort. Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky said the salmon bite died on Sunday, the fish scattered, possibly due to all the boater traffic.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury tried a salmon mooching trip on Sunday after Friday and Saturday’s off the hook salmon reports, but the action fizzled. The switched to halibut at the North Bar around noon, and managed one around topped by a 15 pounder.

SAUSALITO-Some great salmon action this week with the jackpot fish topped by some big fish, like the whopper of the week on a private boat launched here, the fish going 41 pounds. The New Rayann had a couple in the 20-pound class, and the Hog Heaven had a 22 pounder.

SHELTER COVE-Salmon and Pacific halibut are all still fair game in local waters, while the bottomfishing is only open above the 40’10 line and salmon below Horse Mountain. The charter boats count on limits when they get up to the open waters. Halibut fishing has been hit and miss, with some big flatties caught.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-Even with all of the tournaments going on, anglers still found a good bite as the topwater action on spooks, poppers and frogs have all gotten better, especially with cloud cover. Sunny days, many found the action better, deeper with Senkos.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Saturday October 15, Casting For Kids will hold their annual kids fishing event for youth 5 to 16 years old. Boaters are still needed to volunteer for this event. If interested contact Jason at 707.966.2111, ext. 143 or send an email to jgjordan@usbr.gov. The action is shifting to bass now and with shad starting to ball, the spoon bite is getting better. Blade Runner spoons in 1 3/4-ounce, 1-ounce Morning Dawn and shad seem to be the best by the Putah Creek Bridge and the deep creek channels leading into coves.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR- Smelt patterns such as Needlefish in the Real Image No. 2, gold Speedy Shiners, or Pin minnows behind a dodger will all be good setups to start trying as we move into the fall bite. The east shore and west side of the peninsula have been the best trolling lanes.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR- Rim Rock Ranch reports water levels are being brought down, which makes access more difficult but the fishing could actually improve. Pressure is almost nonexistent. Lures have done well this time of year as have hoppers. Fly fishing has been poor but will improve if you can slosh through the mud to get to the water. Buggers do well this time of year as do fry patterns. There are some big fish in this lake so give it a go.

BAUM LAKE-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney reports a warming trend which should definitely help the fishing and hatches. Nightcrawlers and floating baits are still doing well, as are two-toned Kastmasters and Panther Martins. Nymphs of choice are copper Johns in red or pt’s. For dries, best luck seems to be with PMD’s and callibaetis and d few tricos are finally showing.

BRITTON LAKE-According to Vaughn’s Sporting Goods, little has changed here. The crappie bite is still on, with some nice stringers reported. Try crappie jigs or mealworms for best results around structure. The smallmouth bass also continue to bite.

BURNEY CREEK–Vaughn’s Sporting Goods reports no changes in technique here. There’s still good nymphing at the base of the falls with green copper Johns. Bait and lure fishermen are still catching trout above the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Rim Rock Ranch reported fishing has slowed a bit, but the fishing is still good with very low pressure compared to the norm. Salmon eggs and floating baits are the way to go at present with spinners a close second for effectiveness. Some good limits are still coming in for the persistent fishermen. Fly fishing has slowed a bit with fewer hatches. PMDs and blue wing olives are a good bet this time of year. Fishing deeper with fry imitations can pick up some nice fish as well.

FALL RIVER-According to Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney, anglers have been mainly nymphing, but there has also been some dry activity. There has also been some good dry fly action on PMD’s and a few tricos and BWO’s are starting to show.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR-According to The Fly Shop, the fly fishing should be good here since the reservoir turned over, trout loving the water piped in from McCloud Reservoir, although there have been no new reports. While some lakes and reservoirs are warm and weedy by September, Iron Canyon remains cold and clean. Expect hatches of callibaetis and midges. Bring a Clouser Minnow and a deep 7 sinking line to find aggressive rainbow and brown trout.

UPPER HAT CREEK-Rim Rock Ranch reported the weather has settled down a bit with less thunder activity and warmer days in general. Fishing remains excellent with plants twice a week and very few fishermen midweek. Weekends have had moderate pressure so lots of fish are being caught right now. Worms and Panther Martin spinners are doing very well on the creek. Crickets also worked well this past week. A few 3- and 4-pound brook trout are still coming in, so a chance at trophy-sized fish is always a possibility. Fly fishing on the upper creek slowed a bit with fewer stone fly hatches and cooler temperatures. Copper Johns and crystal buggers are still your best bet.

HAT CREEK (wild trout section)-Vaughn’s Sporting Goods reports nymphing was best with fishermen doing okay on the stretch just below the powerhouse. Anglers found good results with pt’s and copper Johns. Callibaetis cripples were working, with a few PMD’s picking up fish.

KESWICK RESERVOIR-No new reports here, Greg Dean from The Fly Shop said the fishing has been good, but demanding. Flows out of Shasta Dam are erratically causing levels to change near the dam and fluctuate up to 8 feet. Dean has been using sinking lines to find rainbows holding at depths of 10 to 15 feet on recent trips.

MANZANITA LAKE–Rim Rock Ranch said fishing remains fair but should pick up any day now as the weather cools, and the bigger fish will begin to feed up for winter. October caddis, callibaetis and bugger patterns should work well as temperatures lower. There are some monster browns in this lake and now is the time to start going after them. Remember to check the special regulations on this catch and release lake.

McCLOUD RIVER-The Fly Shop reports this is a perfect choice for this time of year because wading conditions are perfect, crowds are light and insect hatches are returning. To find the best fishing, get on the water between 9 and 10 a.m. You should find fish that will eat a No. 18 black micro mayfly or a No. 16 pheasant tail nymph through 1:00 p.m. Fish the shady spots in the afternoon with a dry and dropper set up. Cool, shady late afternoons through early evening can get the fish out from under the rocks, logs and cut banks.

PIT RIVER-Fishermen are doing best with black stones, copper Johns in red and birds nest in larger sizes fished on the bottom. There have been good reports from the few fishermen braving the increased flows. Be extremely careful of slippery rocks here. There are road work and improvements along the Pit River. Road closures of two plus hours are possible between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The road will be open over Columbus Day weekend and Veterans Day weekend.

SHASTA LAKE-With all of the heat, the trout have gone deeper so try Packers Bay, by No Name Island or out in front of Digger Bay at depths starting at 25 feet and as the day progresses go down to 45 to 60 feet with white Wiggle Hoochies. The salmon bite has been slow, fish will be deeper and in front of the dam. Bass fishing had been slow.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Flows continued to yo-yo between 4,000 cfs and 2,000 cfs throwing fish and fishermen off-balance negatively affecting fishing for striped bass, salmon and steelhead. Fishermen were working Nimbus Basin, however, especially on the concrete wall immediately below the dam. On the south side of the river, anglers must now walk in from the top of the hill because California State Parks and Recreation, which has jurisdiction over the area, has locked the gate at the top of the hill and has no plans to reopen it.

FEATHER RIVER–Salmon fishing improved on the Feather with trolled spinners like Blue Foxes and Silvertrons getting bites around Boyd’s Pump. Kwikfish have been attracting hits above the rapids at Shanghai Bend. Steelhead fishing has been good in the Low Flow Section, with spinners, roe, and nightcrawlers scoring for spin fishermen, and egg patterns and small nymphs working for fly fishers. The river below the Outlet was running at 5,500 cfs.

FOLSOM LAKE-Fishing continued to be slow with a few strikes coming on jerkbaits and topwater lures early in the morning. Most of the action has been on dart-heading and drop-shotting plastic worms either in lighter smelt- or darker crawdad-imitating patterns.

MCCLOUD RIVER– The upper McCloud above the lake continued to see lots of pressure but continued to produce fish. Smaller trout were being caught on nymphs on the Lower McCloud.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Salmon fishing continued to be very good for anglers putting in their time and knowing that there would be periodic dead periods between schools passing through. The mouth of the American River at Discovery Park, and the mouth of the Feather at Verona have been two of the most consistently good spots around Sacramento. Anglers fishing out of Veriera’s around Freeport, and Miller Park have also been good-at times. Remember, the bite can come on as likely at noon as at daybreak.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Salmon fishing continued to be outstanding, and good anglers have been limiting virtually every day. While back-trolling plugs like Kwikfish and FlatFish seem to attracting bites from larger adults, some big kings are being caught on roe, as well, along with the plentiful jacks and small adults.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Trout fishing was excellent, once again. Rainbows from 12 inches to 3 pounds continued to be caught on drifted Glo-Bugs and nightcrawlers, as well as dead- drifted egg patterns, caddis and Mayfly imitating nymphs under floats on the long rod.

UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER-The water is cooling down as nights get longer, and some of the best fishing of the year is getting underway. It’s being augmented by the big plants of large rainbows in the stretch of river through Dunsmuir city limits. The stretch below Gibson is continuing to produce some larger rainbows on nymphs dead-drifted under indicators. These are native trout coming out of Lake Shasta.

YUBA RIVER-Trout fishing on the Yuba River continued to be very good, with anglers scoring on caddis and Mayfly nymphs under indicators, as well as dry flies. Steelheaders were scoring some nice steelies along Hallwood Road and Walnut Ave. Trout fishermen were walking up and up- and downstream of the Highway 20 Bridge.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-The lake is at 86-percent capacity. Inlet flows have been fluctuating wildly and the fishing was up-and-down with the current. The bite is better when the flows are higher at the inlet, though the coves have been producing, too. Night time temps are dropping into the 30’s making for good angling in the early morning with bait, lures, and callibaetis flies.

CAPLES LAKE-The lake was planted again this past week so fishing should be good at the dam, spillway, Wood’s Creek, and Emigrant Cove for boaters and shore anglers.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-The West Fork and East Fork are both scheduled for DFG trout plants this week. Alpine County might be planting 1800 pounds of 3-pound average rainbows this week in the West and East Carson. Fishing is still “spectacular” with limits coming in quick and easy. Lots of big fish were checked in at the Carson River Resort this past week. Bait and lure fishing is just too easy, but fly fishermen weren’t doing quite as well. Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters found decent action on small dropper nymph combos and hopper/droppers in both forks.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is at 80-percent capacity. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Guided Fishing reported slow action for trout while trolling from Honker to the island. Weeds can still be a problem depending on the wind. A Dick Nite, Sockeye Slammer, or Needlefish were all working at 10 to 12 feet deep. The water temp was 67-degrees this past week; a 10-degree temp drop will make for wide-open action.

DONNER LAKE-Will Fish Tackle in Auburn reported that trollers were catching 14- to 15-inch kokanee on Sep’s chrome/blue dodgers trailing white hoochies tipped with corn at 40 feet deep.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-Butt Valley Reservoir is at 82-percent capacity. Mike Hanson at Caribou Crossroads Resort said that North Fork anglers were still doing well using worms. Trollers at Butt valley were doing well at the dam for nice rainbows.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is at 82-percent capacity. Wiggins Trading Post reported good action all this past week for trollers and shore anglers. The north end of the lake was good a Lunker’s Point and Nightcrawler Bay for trout and catfish on Power Bait and worms. Crawdad trappers are catching lots of the tasty shellfish, too. Trolling was good at the north end, off the dam, and east of the dam using Dick Nite and Kastmaster spoons, Mepps and Rooster Tail spinners, and Tasmanian Devils.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Bassetts Station reported good worm sales, which generally translates into good fishing in the area for those giving it a try. Fishing pressure has dropped since the start of the school year and many of the area visitors are motorcyclists who aren’t doing any fishing.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 71-percent capacity. Dale Daneman reported very slow action here. His fishing club fielded 27 anglers this past week and only 17 trout were caught total-he and 4 others in his boat only landed 3 fish; the top boat had 5 rainbows. The lake has been planted three times in past month and fishing is still inexplicably poor.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-Some evening fly action for float tubers casting to rising fish, though with the bite so good in the Carson, fishing pressure has been light.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR-Mountain Hardware and Sports reported that there was little fishing pressure here and few reports were coming in.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-Smallmouth bass action improved for bass boaters throwing crankbaits in the Narrows. Planter rainbows were still falling for shore anglers at the first dam using Power Bait.

LAKE TAHOE-Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Top Liners reported excellent action for both macks and kokanee South Shore. On Sunday he had limits of macks by 7:00, switched over to kokanee and had limits of salmon by 8:00-all jigging with Bomber Slab spoons. The macks ranged from 3 to 12 pounds; the kokes are turning, but still fun to catch. Mickey Daniels reported good action on macks while deep trolling at North Shore for fish running 3 to 6 pounds. Daniels was trolling Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut combos at 240 to 300 feet deep.

LOON LAKE-The lake is at 64-percent capacity. The bite for rainbows and a few browns was still very good for trollers working dodger/worm or grub combos from the top down to 20 feet.

PROSSER LAKE-The lake is at 73-percent capacity. With the lake level dropping, the fish are moving into the deeper channels and near the dam. Trout action is best in the early morning. Smallmouth bass action was good but there has been a lot of pressure on these fish. Smallies range from little dinks to 4 pounders, but the bigger fish prefer a downhill boat presentation of a jig or tube.

PYRAMID LAKE-The cutthroat trout season opens on October 1. Contact Eagle Eye Charters at 775-574-0900 or Cutthroat Charters at 775-476-0555.

SILVER LAKE-Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Guide Service fished here this past week and client Steve Smith caught 18 trout to 3 1/4 pounds on Sep’s watermelon Strike Master dodgers and Sep’s 2-inch brown grubs from the top to 27 feet deep.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 91-percent capacity. Planter rainbow action was good this past week for shore anglers working from the dam all the way into Sagehen with spoons, spinners, and bait. Fly casters have had luck using callibaetis patterns in the evening.

TOPAZ LAKE-Topaz Landing Marina reported very slow action for trout-only two anglers were out fishing over the weekend and no one caught any fish. The lake’s trout season will close on September 30. The CA DFG planted 10,000 fingerling rainbows recently and NDOW will begin planting sub-catchable rainbows on October 1.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Fishing has been good in the regulated section from Trout Creek to Nevada. Remember-BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY!!-the wardens are checking. Bigger fish are hitting crawfish and big, dark streamers. Most of the action comes on big dark stones with a size 16 dropper though there has been some fish rising to dries in the evening-caddis, PED’s, and yellow stones.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The lake is at 74-percent capacity. Kyle Neeser at Crystal Basin Tackle reported good kokanee trolling at the dam at 50 to 70 feet deep on Wild Thing dodger/Wee Tad combos-the fish are turning but still edible. Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle and Guide Service reported good Mackinaw trolling at 120 to 175 feet deep for fish running 20 to 24 inches. On his last trip he hooked two big trophy fish but lost them.

WEST WALKER RIVER-The Little Walker and West Walker are both scheduled for DFG trout plants this week. The big North Mono Chamber plant has been producing limits weighing 15 to 20 pounds-that’s for 5 fish!! Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel said that the fishing was just phenomenal and that Mono County would be planting this week-150 pounds of 3-pound and 250 pounds of 1- to 1 1/2-pound Alpers trout. The bite has been better mid-morning rather than early.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that the river was running low and clear. Several anglers were seen fishing at the Hwy 49 crossing-deeper pools should be holding rainbows and browns, especially away from the crowds.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is at 74-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina reported that the spotted bass bite was improving with cooler water temps. Robert Towers of Lincoln landed a 5 pounder while fishing a nightcrawler 20 feet deep.

CAMP FAR WEST-The lake is down to 55-percent capacity and still dropping fast. There are a lot of unmarked shallow hazards along the shore and up in the river that boaters should be aware of-use caution while running! Fishing has been slow with the dropping water level-this usually keeps the fish suspended over deeper water and difficult to locate and catch. Night fishing for catfish might be the best choice.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake is down 18 feet from full. Trout fishing was pretty spotty this past week with only a few rainbows checked at the store. One troller caught three 1- to 1 1/2-pound trout on flasher/worm combos at 35 feet deep in the middle of the lake over the channel. Night-time catfish action has been good with lots of 3 to 5 pounders coming in from all over the lake.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is at 91-percent capacity. Boaters have been picking up largemouth and smallmouth bass on minnows in the marina around the houseboats. The reduced recreational boat traffic has improved the chances of catching trout while drifting nightcrawlers on the upper end of the lake at Boston Bar and Buck’s Beach

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The lake is at 67-percent capacity. The Lewis campground is now closed. Campers need to be aware that firearms are prohibited at the lake and campgrounds because they’re in the middle of a State Game Refuge. The Foresthill Ranger Station reported lots of people were fishing but didn’t have any fishing success stories to tell.

FULLER LAKE-The lake is scheduled for a DFG trout plant this week.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 79-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle in Auburn reported that one boat caught 10 fish-a mix kokanee, rainbows and a nice mack while trolling 30 to 40 feet deep at the dam and the powerhouse with Sep’s Half-Fast watermelon dodger and a threaded nightcrawler combo.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is at 90-percent capacity. Bruce Gibson at the Paradise Tackle Company reported good action on brown/green pumpkin/purple jigs fished 18 to 30 feet deep on steep wall in big coves and pockets off the main body. The best action came on transitions between rock and mud where boaters meter a lot of bait. There was a very early topwater bite along the same steep walls. Swim jigs in shad colors were still working on surface boils before sunrise for guide Ron Gandolfi. Berry Creek is loaded with slot fish back near the inlet.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Fishing was slow here this past week with only light pressure as the season winds down. The marina reported one angler coming in with three 14- to 16-inch rainbows taken at the inlet on Kastmaster spoons. Marina services are now on an “on-call” basis during the week-check in at the office for boat rentals or fuel.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-The lake hasn’t been planted in weeks, so the fishing is slow.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that there were still some planter rainbows coming in for shore anglers and trollers. One boater reported catching a limit of 12- to 14-inch rainbows on a flasher/worm combo.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-The lake is at 95-percent capacity. Cold water pouring out of Lake Oroville has dropped the temp in the Afterbay by 20 degrees and shut off the bass bite. Trout fishermen are catching some nice rainbows in the Wilbur Rd area drifting big nightcrawlers under a couple of small blade attractors-a willow leaf and a Colorado blade separated by a couple of beads with a 3 foot leader below, according to Bruce Gibson of the Paradise Tackle Company.