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.

CHETCO RIVER—The river came up enough to let the kings in, but was not high enough for them to get into the tributaries, so they’re kegged up at the mouths of tributaries, so the ODFW has kept the river closed to protect them. Most likely will open after the next rain, but remember, only two wild kings are allowed per angler per season, according to Dave Pitts of the Chetco Outdoor Store and WON Field Reporter.

ELK, SIXES RIVERS—Both the Elk and Sixes rivers have king salmon in them, but they’re dropping out quick and low and clear, making for tough fishing. Guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers said he and clients caught a dozen including chromers, and some jacks, but it will get better with the upcoming rain.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Very slow here, although they are still seeing a very few Chinook and a few early steelhead, but don’t really expect anything until the next rain hits. Usually Thanksgiving is when it starts going again.

RUSSIAN RIVER—The mouth opened up again on Monday and a healthy push of salmon came in. There are some good runs of kings this year, up in numbers from past years. A lot of 2- and 3-pound halfpounder steelhead all over the river. River still really low, but upcoming rain might be enough to bring in some adult steelhead. Salmon are still off limits.

SMITH RIVER—Low and gin-clear, although there are kings in the river. Some being caught from the Sand Hole and Piling Hole, a few chromers but mostly dark fish. Rain needed badly as of this writing on Sunday, but a storm was on the horizon, so could be excellent by the time you read this.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—A few salmon continued to trickle into the mouth of the Klamath, providing some surprisingly decent fishing for the very few anglers on the water. Most have headed home, to other waters or are targeting steelhead, which has also been productive. The best stretch for steelies has been from Blue Creek to Johnson’s Riffle.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Fishing for steelhead has been rapidly improving. Most fish being caught so far are small, from 10 to 17 inches, but more and more adults are starting to show. They’re taking a variety of offerings—nightcrawlers, roe, and Glo-Bugs drifted on the bottom, backtrolled small plugs, and dead-drifted nymph/egg pattern combinations under indicators. Fishing pressure was very light.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City—Steelhead fishing continued to be somewhat challenging with lots of anglers, especially on weekends, and relatively few fish. Good guides are producing up to three steelies per outing for their clients, on good days. Some days the score is closer to one. Back-trolled small plugs have scored their share of strikes, but flies like egg patterns, copper Johns, and Prince nymphs, fished under indicators have done just about as well.

TRINITY RIVER, Hoopa—The pressure was very light at the lower end of the river, but success seemed to be a bit better around Hoopa than farther upstream. Anglers there not only have a shot at fish heading all the way up the main river, but also at fish that will turn off at the numerous tributaries along the way, like the South and North forks.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—The fish ladder opened last week and the first batch of about 300 salmon were spawned last Thursday. Not a banner start, but a lot more encouraging than last year. A few steelhead were being caught throughout the open portion of the river down to Howe Avenue, but not many.

FEATHER RIVER—Steelhead fishing improved, especially in the main part of the river above Yuba City. Glo-Bugs seemed to work the best, but flies and spinners also enticed a few strikes. Fishing in the Low Flow Section was still somewhat slow, but should be picking up as fish move in from downstream. Strikes were spread pretty evenly among Glo-Bugs, nightcrawlers, flies and spinners.

FOLSOM LAKE—The lake is still slowly dropping, and, while anglers have it all to themselves, fishing is anything but fast for either bass or salmonids. Fish channel edges or drop-offs where bass can escape to deeper water as water levels drop. Look for concentrations of bait. Spoon and crankbaits might score a few, but plastics worked deep and slow are better day in day out. Salmon and trout fishing continued to be slow.

Mc CLOUD RIVER—The river closed to fishing on Nov. 15.

SACRAMENTO RIVER—The Port of Sacramento was still producing schoolie striped bass, mostly to trollers and boaters drifting minnows. Bankies had a decent shot at some larger bass along with the schoolies off Marshall Street soaking mudsuckers and bloodworms at high tide (now around the middle of the day). The limited salmon opener on Monday saw big crowds, especially at Knight’s Landing and around other boat ramps in the open stretch of river.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Fishing was fair, and most salmon spawning has ended. Small nymphs were getting more grabs than drifted egg patterns, but spin fishermen were also scoring some bites on backtrolled tiny Hot Shots. Afternoon to evening fishing has been better than early morning.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—The river is in good shape and fishing has been good with light crowds as more anglers start heading over to the Trinity to try of steelhead. Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymph imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.

NORTH SALTWATER

BENICIA—Shoreline action for small bass continued with 9th Street the latest hot spot for anglers soaking bullheads. Sturgeon fishing has been generally slow, but Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait did get out to Big Cut and release two keepers he hooked while using eel for bait. The bigger stripers have been coming from around Roe Island for night anglers using cut bullheads, but the area around buoys 23 and 24 has been hot for numbers of bass. Again, bullheads are the top bait.

BERKELEY—Scott Sutherland at Berkeley Sportfishing reported good crabbing with limits the rule. Half-day boats scored a fish around on the bay trips targeting halibut and striped bass, while the sanddab efforts found few fish. The boats are running both trips daily.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported a hit on his first giant squid trip of the season, with a group of mostly first timers and families getting 162 squid despite rough ocean conditions. Big one went 62 pounds. One angler caught 17.

CROCKETT—Captain Gordon Hough reported the Morning Star’s first sturgeon since live bait season ended, the 52 incher taking grass shrimp in San Pablo Bay near the Pumphouse. Also hitting the deck were leopard sharks to 53 inches, and striped bass, mostly small keeper sized fish.

EMERYVILLE—Looks like a good crab year so far for the combo trips, with the New Seeker reporting limits every trip out this week. The sanddabs were a disappointment, perhaps due to the big swell, the anglers on board couldn’t find them. Trips later in the week switched to striped bass and crab combos, with good action on the linesides resulting in limits some days. The landing ran its last live bait trip on Saturday, the Captain Hook finding one halibut and 15 stripers for 17 anglers.

EUREKA—Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center said there are plenty of crabs, but not all are filled out, so check them before you box them. A good spot is north of the North Jetty in 100-plus feet of water. Trinidad may have more filled out crabs, crabbers there aren’t complaining. Otherwise, the only salty action is for brant, and it’s been the best season ever for many hunters. The big swell caused many birds to move into the bay, where decoying them has produced limits daily.

FORT BRAGG—Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar said that the crab pot results bode well for future years, and while his passengers didn’t get 10-crab limits on the weekend trips, his trips earlier in the week found limits. “We threw back 360 crabs on Saturday that were too small, plus a few females and soft shelled crabs,” said Thornton. Looks like Dungeness are back on their cyclic upswing after the last two low years.

HALF MOON BAY—The fleet battled bad weather the last few days that could have offered action where the bottomfishing was still open south of Pigeon Point. Crabbing has produced mixed results, but limits for those with enough pots.

MARTINEZ—Striped bass were the top attraction with plenty of limits coming from the Mothball Fleet. Bullheads were the top bait, said Lisa Rezentes at Martinez Bait and Tackle. A few sturgeon weighed in, but mostly, it’s all about the linesides.

SAN PABLO BAY—Mostly striped bass and leopard sharks on the menu, although a few sturgeon are starting to show up. Bait choice is all about what you want to catch; for stripers, use bullheads, for sharks, mudsuckers, for everything else, grass shrimp. Top spots have been around the Pumphouse.

SUISUN BAY—Striped bass fishing has been good around buoys 23 and 24, and for shore anglers, along the Benicia shoreline. Sturgeon are showing up in a few spots randomly, but one area producing best is Big Cut in the deeper water, as long as the tides are slow.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE— Lake is down to 21-percent capacity. The water level is too low for trailer boat launching, so cartoppers have the advantage. Fishing has been great up at the inlet for mostly rainbows and some browns, 16 to 24 inches. Successful anglers are using nightcrawlers, Power Bait and white lures. Outside the inlet area, juvenile mackinaws are still hitting Krocodile and Kastmaster spoons in firetiger.

CAPLES LAKE— The Resort is closed until just before Christmas and they will be open for winter lodging until mid April to take advantage of the nearby Kirkwood Ski Area and ice fishing. Fishing reports are hard to come by even for Woodfords Station. The lake should be producing for shore anglers and cartop boaters. Lots of anglers were seen fishing off the dam this past weekend by an Alpine County deputy sheriff.

CARSON RIVER (East)—The East Carson will remain open all winter from Hangman’s Bridge downstream to the Nevada Stateline for trout fishing with barbless artificial lures, catch-and-release only. The last weekend of the regular season produced fish up to 27 inches.

DAVIS LAKE— Lake is down to 49-percent capacity. Fishing is still good for trollers using copper/red Dick Nites and dark colored wooly buggers at 6 to 12 feet. Shore fishing is getting better with the die-back of the bottom weed growth at Fairview and Mallard Cove on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Fly fishing has been excellent on nymphs under an indicator on the northeast end of the lake. Some fly casters are catching 40 to 50 fish for a whole day’s fishing.

DONNER LAKE— Lake is at 36-percent capacity. Fishing has been good off the public piers for rainbows and smaller mackinaws on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. The macks seem to be hitting more often when the rig is being reeled in for another cast. Try silver or gold Krocodile or Kastmaster spoons for bigger macks up in the shallows looking for planters. Boaters can launch at their own risk due to the low water levels.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Trout fishing was good for the last weekend of the season in the Feather River. Butt Valley Reservoir trolling is just about done according to Dick Mason at Dick’s Guide Service. Jigging with white grubs will start up soon. Meter for schools of pond smelt and drop the jig down off the bottom for good rainbows and browns.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—Lake is at 37-percent capacity. Good reports are still coming in despite the cold. Anglers are catching limits of 15- to 18-inch rainbows, weighing 1 to 1 ½ pounds each. Shore anglers have been doing well with nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers are using a threaded nightcrawlers, small spoons and olive or black wooly buggers.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—Most of the resorts and Bassetts Station are closed until December, so no reports were available. Fishing should be pretty good if it isn’t too cold.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR— Lake is at 66-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 planter rainbows a day toplining flashers, Needlefish, and grubs.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR— An Alpine County trout plant is scheduled for the near future. Fishing has been slow for shore anglers using Power Bait, nightcrawlers or a ¼-ounce silver Kastmaster spoon. A thin layer of ice has been forming around the edge of the lake in the morning, so it has been COLD.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR— Lake is at 51-percent capacity. Trollers going up into the Middle Yuba arm or along the dam are finding some good rainbow action. No word on any big browns though the spawn seems to be over and the fish are moving back into the lake.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—The lake, which was added back on to the DFG “Stocking List”, was planted last week with 10- to 12-inch rainbows. Locals are catching smallmouth up to 2 pounds up in the Narrows on worms and jigs. Trollers are still picking up some smaller mackinaw along the east side of the lake near the second dam at 30 to 50 feet, but some of the bigger macks may be moving into shallower water to feed on the newly planted rainbows.

LAKE TAHOE—The trolling for mackinaws has been good for both Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters and Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing. Both are finding bigger concentrations of fish in deeper water, 200 to 370 feet. The better fish are running 4 to 8 pounds, with smaller fish being released. Self has been trying the rainbows later in the day with fair results. He also reported a strong rainbow bite for shore anglers on the West Side using inflated nightcrawlers. He reported that numbers of 2- to 5-pound rainbows are hitting for those who have the patience to wait for the bites. The rainbows are in less than 25 feet of water.

LOON LAKE— Lake is at 63-percent capacity. Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 fish a day toplining just about anything you want to try. The fish are running 10 to 12 inches.

PROSSER LAKE— Lake is at 33-percent capacity. The water is too low for boat launching unless you have a cartopper. The Prosser Creek inlet area has been the best spot for shore anglers working the points with nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, or a 1/8-ounce Kastmaster. The average fish are 10 to 14 inches with some measuring up to 16 inches. Smallmouth bass are still hitting at the dam on crawdad and minnow imitations.

PYRAMID LAKE—Windy weather chased most of the boaters off the lake this past week. Cutthroat Charters made it out on Sunday and caught 12 fish, with limits of 17 to 20 inchers. Trollers are using Apex and Flatfish. Shore anglers casting spoons and flies are all doing pretty well along the west side of the lake.

RED LAKE—The Alpine County Sheriff that stopped by Woodfords Station reported no fishermen here this past weekend when he drove past.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR— Lake is at 49-percent capacity. Boats can still launch here and boaters are running up to the Little Truckee inlet area and trolling with a Rapala for nice rainbows and browns. Smallmouth bass are active from Davies Creek to the dam and hitting brown jigs and small crawdad Rapalas. Mackinaw, 2 to 4 pounds, are hitting trolled or jigged spoons at 20 to 40 feet at the dam.

TRUCKEE RIVER—The regular season closed on November 15. The main river from Trout Creek to the Nevada Stateline is open to barbless artificial lure, catch-and-release fishing only. The Little Truckee River between Boca Reservoir and Stampede Reservoir is open with the same restrictions.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—Trollers are catching fair numbers of rainbows on top and experienced kokanee fishermen are able to pick up some of the “next year” kokanee in deep water.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—Minnows are by far out-producing artificials. The upper end of the lake, in 3 to 8 feet of water you can still see bass chasing silverside minnows on the surface towards the shoreline cover. In these areas of activity, most baits will work. The center portion of the lake has been getting hit pretty hard from Highway 20 through Kono Tayee and the State Park to Shag Rock. From mid-lake to the south arms most fish have been coming in deeper water from 15 to 25 feet

LAKE BERRYESSA—Duh spoons in 1 3/4-ounce morning dawn color was the best all around producer as bass, trout, salmon and even catfish went for it. For salmon trollers, pink hoochies dropped to the 35-foot mark brought up a few small fish by the Narrows. The Vineyard area had trout, using a Renegade lure at the 25-foot depth.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Trout limits were taken off docks and by trollers. Fishing seemed best from daylight until 10:00 and then picked back up around 2:00 p.m. Dockers used a slip bobber and Power Bait about 12 feet down, while trollers fished from 12, 20, and 30 feet down depending on the time of day with Ford Fenders behind a Kastmaster or Needlefish with a chunk of worm. The lake should be planted this week.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—The action slowed with water in the high 40s now and only a few caught fish. Geritol Clove and the Rec. 2 areas provided spawner browns and a few rainbows along with new planters. A small piece of roe on a No. 12 hook, or smelt imitation either jigged horizontally or vertically will be worth a try.

BAUM LAKE— Fishing continues to be steady, as it has all year, and will continue to improve as we move towards the winter. The next few months will also see a lot of trout plants. BWO’s are a good bet, as are sparse PMD’s, midges, and mahogany duns. Olive nymphs are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice, while Kastmasters seem to be the lure of choice.

EAGLE LAKE— The Spalding ramp has reopened with dredging complete. Fishing continues to be great. Work the shallow rock piles inside Pelican Point in Spalding Bay, the fish are abundant here and will bite throughout the morning

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA— Season closed November 15.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— Season closed November 15.

KESWICK RESERVOIR– The boat ramp is closed until December 20, 2009.

LEWISTON RESERVOIR— A few fish spotted no great action. Most productive fishing has been nymphs with indicators and a splitshot where there is current. In the flats try woolly buggers or streamers on a clear intermediate line.

MANZANITA LAKE–The roads into Lassen Park and Manzanita Lake were still open earlier this week and the most recent reports have been fair, with the best fishing coming under nymphs and indicators drifted slowly and patiently during the warmer midday hours. Winter storms will likely block access in the coming weeks.

McCLOUD RESERVOIR— Troll slowly and limits should be easy, with a Sep’s kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.

MEDICINE LAKE—As most lakes right now, trolling slowly should be easy limits with a Sep’s kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub.

PIT RIVER—The Pit is now open year round from Lake Britton down. The most consistent access has been in Pit No. 4 and No. 5, with good numbers and some big fish. Pit No. 3 has been hit-or-miss depending on construction in the area, but if you can get in there it has been good.

LAKE SHASTA— Trout are in the top 10 feet and in some areas you can see them rise, if not, track them down with your electronics. Trout fishing has been good as fish feed up for winter. If browns are your target, head for the McCloud arm for a shot at a fish the size of a small salmon. Bass anglers have been doing very well but the fish have been all on the small side, 1 to 1 1/4 pounds mostly. Fish are as deep as 40 feet but with finesse gear and you’ll get bit.

LAKE SHASTINA–Lake is very low.

LAKE SISKIYOU—Try a Sep’s kick dodger and a worm or watermelon grub trolled slowly here before the snow shuts it down.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Anglers fishing this last weekend had a good closer, picking up rainbows 15 to 19 inches in the Cash Rock area. The river upstream of Hwy 49 is closed for the season.

BULLARDS BAR—Reports have been coming in about wide open spotted bass fishing down by the dam. Bass have been hitting topwater baits and swimbaits. 4- to 5-pound spots have been reported. Emerald Cove Marina reported that there have been a number of trollers on the lake, but there haven’t been any anglers reporting success on trout.

CAMP FAR WEST—Anglers fishing up in the river arm have reported good action on largemouth bass. Ken Proble picked up a 17-pound striper upriver, also.

COLLINS LAKE—Fishing pressure has been very light here with few fishermen out on the lake. Only one fish was reported all last week, a 5 3/4 –pound catfish caught by Natalie Crosswhite of Paradise on an anchovy.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—Colder nights have slowed the action for trollers and bait drifters, but there have been 10 to 12 boats on the lake everyday, so there must be enough success to keep people coming back.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—It has been getting very cold up here and few anglers are visiting the lake. Those making the trek are still catching a mix of browns and rainbows up at the inlet end of the lake trolling flasher/worm combos, small spoons and Rapalas.

FULLER LAKE—No current reports coming from this lake and it’s getting cold here at night. Anglers can try the dam or day-use area with bait from shore or boaters can troll flasher/worm combos on the upper end of the lake at the inlet.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—The few boaters venturing up here are still picking up browns and rainbows at the inlet and macks at 60 feet near the dam. The trollers at the inlet are using flasher or dodger/worm or spoon combos and Rapalas. The mack trollers are using silver Kastmasters and Rapalas.

LAKE OROVILLE—Good weights were brought in at a tournament this past weekend. Pre-fishing anglers anticipated some big weights and a good reaction bite. The winners had 16.01 pounds with a 6.82-pound largemouth kicker. Most anglers reported catching lots of small coho salmon during the tournament on shad colored plastic worms. Once you got through the schools of salmon, the bass were below them.

LAKE VALLEY RESERVOIR—Shore anglers fishing with worms near the boat ramp were picking up lots of rainbows 12 to 16 inches. Trollers should be doing even better with a Crystal Basin Wild Thing/nightcrawler combo.

ROLLINS LAKE—The lake is at 90-percent capacity and fishing has been good for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Trout action is reported to be improving but should get much better once the DFG resumes the trout plants.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—Fishing has been slow here with few reports of success being posted. The lake is only at 66-percent capacity. The DFG has said it will start plants here by the end of the month.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Slow, slow, slow! Just waiting for the DFG plants to resume.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—A local angler was surprised to catch a 2-pound bass and some nice trout from the shore this past week. He was using an inflated nightcrawler with a single salmon egg along the bank from the launch ramp to the campground and caught a couple of small browns and several rainbows up to 16 inches. This lake is also waiting for the DFG trout plants to start up again, but at least there are still a few holdovers left.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—All the cold water running through the Afterbay has shut off the bite on the bass and the steelhead are far and few between.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—The Oregon DFW kept the river closed due to low flows to protect the kings in the lower river. It could open at any time, depending on increased flows and the ability for fish to move upstream and away from historic snagging and “lining” holes, according to WON Field Reporter and Chetco Outdoor Store manager Dave Pitts.

ELK RIVER—Most of the guides on the Rogue are now fishing Oregon’s Elk River for salmon, but the size of the river really limits the number of boats that can fish it. Curtis Palmer, River Secrets Guide Service, said the Elk is where people want to be, as of Sunday, he went up there and said “lots of fish being caught” a friend of his caught a 48 pounder on Saturday. “This is it…” he said,  but the water is low.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Dead, dead, dead…and over with for the year, according to Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service.

He said they did some test netting and came up with a winter steelhead, but it’s really early for those.

ROGUE RIVER, Middle—The Central Rogue is redhot steelhead fishing right now, “probably the best in years,” said guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service. The salmon are dark and not being targeted, but everyone fishing for summer steelhead is finding nice adults from 6 to 11 pounds or so. 

RUSSIAN RIVER—There’s been reports of a half dozen steelhead caught here so far, but conditions are low and clear, and the season really hasn’t started yet. Wait for the next big rain.

SMITH RIVER—The river opened up, as did the south fork and main, and fresh kings again poured into the river. Anglers did well on chromer Chinooks in the high teens to the mid-20s and even some in the 30-pound range. Target the Cable Hole, Early Hole just below the Brundeen and Peacock. Guide Phil Desautel said he and his two clients hooked 29 salmon and landed 20 just fishing at the Water Tower, and that they saw 50 to 75 fish caught.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—Fresh salmon, including some fish weighing in the mid-20-pound class were being caught on roe and a Puff Ball (Kwikfish for the larger fish) all the way up to Johnson’s Riffle by the very few anglers still on the water. Steelhead fishing has been good, too, on roe, nightcrawlers, and spinners, as well as flies. 

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Some dark salmon were still around, but fishing for steelhead was a better bet all the way from Orleans to Iron Gate Dam.  It’s a mix of halfpounders and adults.  

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City—Salmon were essentially non-existent, and almost all anglers have switched to steelhead fishing, which was only fair with the typical catch per boat a couple of fish.  Back-trolled small plugs like Wee Warts and Hot Shots, as well as flies like egg patterns and copper Johns fished under indicators were producing most of the fish. 

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—The river is in good shape, even its lower reaches, and steelheading has been good down around Salyer Bridge, especially for fly fishermen.   Few salmon were being caught.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—It appears that there are a few more salmon than last year coming up the river so far this, judging by kings being observed banging their heads against the fish screen at Nimbus Hatchery and fish that can be seen preparing to spawn in the shallow riffles at upper Sailor Bar Park.  It’s still a far cry from the swirling dark red clouds over large swaths of river representing hundreds of spawning salmon concentrated in a small area in years of yore.  An occasional steelhead was being hooked on riffles downstream of the closure at Ancil Hoffman Park.  However, fishing was slow. 

FEATHER RIVER—Steelhead fishing was poor, and wading challenging during the time when flows were jacked up in the Low Flow Section last week.  However, when flows stabilized back at the usual 600 cfs, the bite improved.  Glo-Bugs, nightcrawlers and spinners were working for spin fishermen, and nymphs under indicators proved best for fly fishers..  A very few striped bass were being caught at Shanghai Bend on jigs, soft swimbaits, jerkbaits and minnows. 

FOLSOM LAKE—The lake is still dropping slowly, and bass fishing continued to be challenging.  Bass have moved off the flats, which are running out of water in many places.  Steep rocky shores and channel edges proved the best of a not-so-great lot.  Tracking down suspended and at-the-surface bait balls has been less than a sure-fire bass finding method, but worth a shot.  Spoon and throw crankbaits when bass are spotted working bait.  Drop-shotted and Carolina-rigged plastics have also been working at times.  Salmon and trout fishing continued to be slow.   

Mc CLOUD RIVER—Fishing was fair, and a few larger trout showed at the lower end of the river last week.  Remember the river closes to fishing on Nov. 15. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER—The Port of Sacramento was about the only place where striped bass of any size were being caught with some consistency, and that was primarily by trollers using  Fish Traps on a spreader with Mann’s and Yo-Zuris.  Even catfish slowed.  A few steelhead were being caught above Butte City on roe.  A limited salmon season opens on Nov. 16.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Fishing was up and down, possibly because of the full moon  last week.  Salmon spawning has tapered off, so small nymphs were getting more grabs than drifted egg patterns.  Afternoon to evening fishing proved best.  

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—The river dropped and cleared and fishing improved to fair to good from Dunsmuir all the way to the lake.  Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymphs imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—Shiner anglers are fishing their baits on drop-shot rigs or fly-lining a small circle hook with a light splitshot for weight. Look for this bite to hold up for the next several months. Artificials are also producing with several bass in the 2 1/2- to 4-pound class found on jerkbaits, a Lucky Craft LV 500 lipless crankbait, and the drop-shot. Currently fish are being caught on every technique except topwater. It’s a mixed bag, but the plastic worm rigged on a drop-shot rig is still the best bet to catch fish. Channel cats from 7 to 14 pounds have been surprising bass anglers by taking a crankbait, spinnerbait, swimbait or shiner.

LAKE BERRYESSA—This Saturday Spanish Flat Country Store & Deli will start up their winter monthly trout and salmon derby. Anglers can sign up prior to the event at the store, located on the lake at 4318 Berryessa Knoxville Rd., by calling (707) 966-1600 for more information or by email at either guidesvc@inreach.com or marciaritz@lakeberryessa.net. The Nov. 14 event will be at the Country Store with a 1 p.m. weigh-in deadline. Spoons still dominate here for bass; with a few drop-shot 4-inch Basstrix Flashtrix minnows in the smelt color also getting their attention.

LAKE SONOMA—A minnow imitation or small Apex produced near limits of steelhead by the dam and down in the Warm Springs area. While still slow, bass were caught on spoons in 40 feet around submerged trees in the north creek arms. Drop 1-inch Hopkins spoons or try off rocky points with jigs by the dam.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Recently stocked twice, fishing has been excellent with little angling pressure and limits for trout trollers. Troll in 30 feet with Artic Fox flies in black with green flecks or a flasher/worm. Kastmasters and Needlefish have not been as productive as fish are still deeper than usual due to warmer waters.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR— You can start to switch back and forth between lures and vertical jigging or bait fishing as the fish are slowing down with the cooling water, especially in the early mornings. The Rec. 2 area, Almanor West Flats and the jetties were all good areas to target.

BAUM LAKE—Nightcrawlers and mealworms were good bait choices, while Kastmasters seemed to be the lure of choice. BWO’s did well, as did sparse PMD’s, midges, and mahogany duns. Olive nymphs were a good bet for nymphs.

EAGLE LAKE— Trolling from a foot below the surface to 6 feet deep in 5 to 10 feet of water with Sep’s 2-inch orange grubs brought in limits by the weekend. Work the area inside Pelican Point in Spalding Bay or outside Pelican Point in the northern portion of the south basin and along the Youth Camp shoreline. 

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA— Check the regs! Most streams close Nov. 15 (Sunday) except for those in the “Special Regulations” section of DFG’s Regulations. Some will continue to stay open for use with barbless hooks and artificial lures. Trout fishing has been good here using BWO’s, PMD’s, woolly buggers. Wiggletail zugs have been good for nymph users.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA—Check the regs! Most streams close Nov. 15 (Sunday) except for those in the “Special Regulations” section of DFG’s Regulations. Some will continue to stay open for use with barbless hooks and artificial lures.

PIT RIVER— Check the regs! Most streams close Nov. 15 (Sunday) except for those in the “Special Regulations” section of DFG’s Regulations. Some will continue to stay open for use with barbless hooks and artificial lures. Water is colored due to heavy runoff from the north but should clear soon if the weather holds. Prior to that, the catching was very good with rubber leg nymphs.

LAKE SHASTA— Shad hatches are abundant, with boils found from Holiday Harbor to Hertz Bay in the McCloud arm. Find surface activity and you’re bound to find trout. Top-line HumDingers, Cripplures, Kastmasters, Needlefish, or Apex’s from 10 feet to the surface and switch up your trolling speed. The trout are there!

NORTH SALTWATER

BENICIA—Lots of striped bass in the area, willing to eat bullheads and live anchovies, if you can get them. Benicia Bait had plenty until about 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The shore anglers are going through the bullheads because the crabs are still hanging around. That will be the case until some big freshwater comes down the system and pushes them back out. One angler scored a big striper weighing 40 pounds, plus a 58-inch sturgeon on the weekend while soaking eel at the Mothball Fleet.

BERKELEY—Crabbing was likely out of the question on the weekend, so that could explain why the landing didn’t submit a report.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler cancelled his squid trips that he had scheduled for the weekend due to the big swell, but he’s got more trips scheduled for the coming weeks. Sport crabbing on the private fleet out of Bodega Harbor reported good numbers of Dungeness. “Everyone I talked to, no matter where they had their pots, reported limits of crabs,” said Powers. “They weren’t necessarily big, but there were plenty.”

CROCKETT—Captain Mike Shimel ran the first trips on board the Morning Star out of this port, and found good action on Saturday, and slower action on Sunday. Captain Gordon Hough relayed the reports for both days, noting that Saturday’s group of seven anglers caught near limits of 13 striped bass and six leopard sharks on a combination of bullheads and mudsuckers. Sunday’s group of 16 anglers had half limits of bass and three sharks. Most of the action came from off the Mare Island Rockwall.

EMERYVILLE—The weather nulled the opening weekend crab combos, but a couple of the boats got out on bay trips. The Captain Hook did well on striped bass with a couple halibut to boot from main bay and North Bay, while the Wet Spot scored a pair of halibut and a big leopard shark from South Bay.

EUREKA—With the beach surf topping 30 feet on Friday, there was very little crabbing. Some tried the mouth of the Eel at Crab Park with very little success. “About the only thing we had going on was beach erosion,” said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center.

FORT BRAGG—Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reported another banner squid effort with a light load of dedicated locals on Tuesday really slamming them. Just four anglers whacked around 900 pounds of squid, a total of 34 jumbos in the 30 to 40-pound class. The Telstar crew is figuring out how to best find, hook and draw up the big Humboldts, then how best to prepare them for the table. Crab combos were cancelled for the weekend, but will start on Wednesday.

HALF MOON BAY—The crab opener met with huge swells and while Captain Tom Mattusch of the Huli Cat reported an effort to check pots on Saturday, he said the results were definitely weather affected. After trying for rockfish below Pigeon Point and finding an extremely tough bite, his group of 20 pulled the outside string for 83 crabs, then turned to the inside string to finish with limits.

MARTINEZ—Captain Jeremy Kangas on Stickem reported good action on shaker bass and sturgeon, with a nice 20-pound linesides caught on a bullhead near the Mothball Fleet. At Martinez Bait and Tackle, Nicole Zachary reported good action on both sturgeon and striped bass over the weekend, the big fish caught a 27-pound striped bass weighed for the month-long Police Derby that finished Friday. Bullheads have been best for catching the stripers, although Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker still has anchovies and they are working even better.

SAN PABLO BAY—Still some good striped bass fishing for anglers using live bait, or for those fishing on the anchor with bullheads. The best action seems to be along the south shoreline up into Suisun Bay.

SHELTER COVE—Crab season opened, but there was no launching on the beach at Shelter Cove due to the big swell. The ocean is supposed to lay down by Tuesday, so crab reports should start rolling in about mid-week. Everything else is pretty much closed here except abalone diving.

SUISUN BAY—Good action on stripers throughout the system, but particularly around Benicia, Crockett and Rodeo. The Mothball Fleet produced a 40-pound striped bass, and some good sturgeon, but the biggest sturgeon came from off the PG&E station, where a 300 pounder was rumored released.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—The Middle Fork below the Ellicott Bridge has been good for browns and rainbows in the deeper pools.  The Middle Fork below French Meadows dam is still productive for rainbows if you put forth the effort to hike down to the deeper pools.

BULLARDS BAR—Lake is at 60-percent capacity.  Only a few fishermen on the lake according to the Emerald Cove Marina store and none are reporting any success.  There are a lot of spotted bass here and fishing should be good for experienced anglers using worms, jigs and reaction baits.

CAMP FAR WEST—This lake is down to 5-percent capacity.  There have been very few reports coming in according to the North Shore Resort.  Bass fishing has been good at the dam.  Watch out for navigational hazards, especially along the shore.

COLLINS LAKE—This lake is holding at 45 feet down from full.  Threadfin shad hatches have fish feeding heavily near the surface.  Fishing pressure has been light but shore anglers and trollers are catching a mixed bag of species including trout, catfish, bass and redear sunfish.  Trevor Azadian and grandfather, Mica Fish, caught a 5-pound rainbow, 9-pound and 7-pound 10-ounce catfish and several big readears.  Bass are hitting crawdads on rocky banks and at the rock pile on the island up to 5-pounds 2-ounces.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—Lake is at 92-percent capacity.  Trollers are still catching a few 9- to 10-inch rainbows on flasher/worm combos in the Skippers Cove Marina.  The Army Corps is still doing some work on the launch ramps but the ramps are now open.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Lake is at 55-percent capacity.  Trollers are still catching rainbows on flasher/worm or spoons in the lower section of the lake in front of the ramp.  Browns are staging at the inlet for the spawn and are hitting flasher combos and Rapalas.

FULLER LAKE—DFG is done planting here for the season but there should still be some holdover fish available for shore anglers and trollers.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—Lake is at 57-percent capacity.  Browns are still hitting for trollers at the inlet.  Macks are hitting for experienced trollers at the dam using Kastmasters at 60 feet.

LAKE OROVILLE—Lake is at 36-percent capacity.  The launch ramp at Lime Saddle is now closed and the ramp at the Spillway will most likely close soon leaving only the new extended ramp at Bidwell.  Bass fishing has been good for anglers throwing worms and jigs on the rocky points down to 35 feet.  Some catfish are still hitting anchovies and mackerel at Dark Canyon and anywhere water is running into the lake.  Newly planted coho should be allowed to grow up.

ROLLINS LAKE—Lake is at 89-percent capacity.  None of the resorts at the lake are answering calls with all of them on winter hours of operation.  The boat ramps and campgrounds are open and fishermen are waiting for DFG to resume trout plants

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—Lake is at 66-percent capacity.  One troller reported hooking a big brown trout up in the Deer Creek arm but lost it near the boat.  Fishing pressure has been light and anglers are waiting for DFG to resume trout plants.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Anglers are just waiting for the DFG to start planting here again now that the reservoir has been put back on the stocking list.  Fishing has been very slow with few anglers coming here.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Lake is at 70-percent capacity.  No reports were available from the Georgetown Ranger Station; anglers are waiting for the DFG to start trout plants again.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Bass fishing has been pretty good along the tules, either along the shore when the water is up or off-shore clumps when the water level is down.  Watermelon Senkos have been the lure of choice.  A few steelhead are showing up on inflated nightcrawlers or minnows at Wilbur Rd.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE—Lake is down to 21-percent capacity.  Water level is too low for trailer boat launching, cartoppers have the advantage.  Fishing has been great up at the inlet for mostly rainbows and some browns, 16 to 24 inches.  Successful anglers are using nightcrawlers, Power Bait and white lures.  Outside the inlet area, juvenile mackinaws are hitting Krocadile and Kastmaster spoons in firetiger.

CAPLES LAKE—The Resort is closed until just before Christmas and the will be open for winter lodging until mid April to take advantage of the nearby Kirkwood Ski Area and ice fishing.  Fishing reports are hard to come by even for Woodfords Station.  The lake should be producing for shore anglers and cartop boaters.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—Alpine County planted both the West and East Carson this past week.  With flows better in the East Fork, fishing has been excellent and big limits are coming in.  Limits of fish averaging 3 pounds have been weighed in at the Carson River Resort according to owner, Todd Sodaro.  With flows in the West Fork back to seasonal lows, fishing has been pretty good as there are plenty of fish.  Dave Kirby reported a local boy catching a 3 ½-pound rainbow.

DAVIS LAKE—Lake is down to 49-percent capacity.  Fishing is still good for trollers using copper/red Dick Nites and dark colored wooly buggers at 6 to 12 feet.  Shore fishing is getting better with the die-back of the bottom weed growth at Fairview and Mallard Cove on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait.  Fly fishing has been good on nymphs under an indicator on the northern end of the lake.

DONNER LAKE—Lake is at 36-percent capacity.  Fishing has been good off the public piers for rainbows and smaller mackinaws on nightcrawlers and Power Bait.  The macks seem to be hitting more often when the rig is being reeled in for another cast.  Try silver or gold Krocodile or Kastmaster spoons.  Boaters can launch at their own risk due to the low water levels.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Butt Valley Reservoir is at 80-percent capacity.  Butt Valley has been producing good catches of quality rainbows to 5 ½ pounds trolling Excel spoons on 3 colors of leadcore at the north end of the lake along the buoy line.  The North Feather has been kicking out limits of rainbows to 18 inches on Panther Martins.  The Caribou Powerhouse produced fish to 3 pounds this past week.  Both the Feather River and the Caribou Powerhouse close on November 15.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—Lake is at 37-percent capacity.  Fishing for shore anglers and trollers has been excellent all week.  Brian Weber of Fremont caught a limit of 18- to 20-inch rainbows near the dam from shore with marshmallow/salmon egg combos and orange Power Bait.  The areas around the boat docks seem to be providing excellent results.

GOLD LAKES BASIN— Fishing pressure has been light but those coming up are finding pretty good action on all the lakes using worms from shore.

RESERVOIR—Lake is at 66-percent capacity.  Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 planter rainbows a day toplining flashers, Needlefish, and grubs.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—An Alpine County is scheduled for the near future.  Fishing has been good for shore anglers using Power Bait, nightcrawlers or a ¼-ounce silver Kastmaster spoon.  Fly fishermen working the channel from the ramp to the dam with olive and black wooly buggers are doing very well.   

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—Lake is at 51-percent capacity.  Trollers going up into the Middle Yuba arm or along the dam are finding some good rainbow action.  No word on any big browns though the spawn seems to be over and the fish are moving back into the lake.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—Lake is at 73-percent capacity.  Locals are catching smallmouth up to 2 pounds up in the Narrows on worms and jigs.  Trollers are still picking up some smaller mackinaw along the east side of the lake near the second dam at 30 to 50 feet.

LAKE TAHOE—Mickey Daniels at Mickey’s Big Mack Charters described the fishing as “fantastic” with 17 hook-ups on Sunday.  His clients kept 7 or 8 fish, 5 to 7 pounds; he tagged 2 or 3 more macks 2 to 3 pounds, and they lost 6 or 7 more fish.  He was back at the dock by 9:30 a.m.  Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charter Fishing reported that rainbow action is still strong with lots of shallow activity.  The water temp hasn’t dropped enough for the good brown trout fishing yet.

LOON LAKE—Lake is at 63-percent capacity.  Trollers are still catching 30 to 50 fish a day toplining just about anything you want to try.  The fish are running 10 to 12 inches.

PROSSER LAKE—Lake is at 33-percent capacity.  The water is too low for boat launching unless you have a cartopper.  The Prosser Creek inlet area has been the best spot for shore anglers working the points with nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, or a 1/8-ounce Kastmaster.  The average fish are 10 to 14 inches with some measuring up to 16 inches.  Smallmouth bass are still hitting at the dam on crawdad and minnow imitations.

PYRAMID LAKE—George Molino at Cutthroat Charters reported that fishing was good for smaller fish, 17 to 24 inches, on Apex lures trolled at 20 to 30 feet.  Red frog, watermelon and firetiger are good colors to try.  Molino said the secret lately has been to cover a lot of water. The biggest fish weighed in this past week at the Pyramid Lake Store was an 8 ¼ pounder caught by a fly fishermen.

RED LAKE—Reports were hard to come by for Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station.  He said that fishing was pretty good for rainbows and brookies on worms.

SILVER LAKE—Fishing reports are hard to come by but there were a lot of fish planted here last season and there should be productive toplining with flashers trailing worms or a Needlefish.  Shore angling should be good with Power Bait, bobber/worm combos and spinners or heavy spoons.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—Lake is at 49-percent capacity.  Boats can still launch here and boaters are running up to the Little Truckee inlet area and trolling with a Rapala for nice rainbows and browns.  Smallmouth bass are active from Davies Creek to the dam and hitting brown jigs and small crawdad Rapalas.  Mackinaw, 2 to 4 pounds, are hitting trolled or jigged spoons at 20 to 40 feet at the dam.

TRUCKEE RIVER—The upper reaches of the river in the General Section are extremely low, 11 cfs.  The fish are all concentrated in the deep pools. The General Section closes to fishing on November 15 as do all tributaries to the Truckee.  The Special Section has been fishing well early and late when the sun is off the water.  Streamers have been productive.  If you can find active fish, try a size 18 to 20 BWO.  Small nymphs have been working, too, like a silver copper john or PT.  The Little Truckee between Boca and Stampede and the main Truckee from Trout Creek to Stateline are open all winter to barbless artificial, catch-and-release fishing.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—Lake is at 56-percent capacity.  For the time being it appears that the gate to the Sunset ramp has been reopened, but this is not the normal practice.  Trout action is good near Sunset toplining worms, spoons and grubs.

WEST WALKER RIVER—The river closes for the season on November 15.  Fishing for the few anglers visiting the area has been good with salmon eggs and worms for fish up to 2 pounds.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—Salmon are still being caught in the bay, and the upper river is supposed to open up Nov. 7, but whether it stays open or not will depend on how kegged up the kings get, and how much unethical fishing pressure is being put on them, according to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife

COQUILLE RIVER—Anglers at the mouth of the Coquille out of Bandon were picking up combos of wild coho and bright king salmon. Fishing from the Lightouse upriver to the bridge on the south side of the river was a producer, as fish were coming on both spinners and cut plug baits. Other areas to try where it seems fish have moved into is the stretch between the town of Coquille and Seven Mile Slough for hatchery kings, spinners seem to out do baits here, according to WON’s Field Reporter Dave Pitts.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Kings have moved off the flats in the estuary and are now holding off the mouth of Indian Creek waiting for more rain to get to the hatchery. They’re also upriver. The run is slowing down currently.

ROGUE RIVER, Middle– Fishing for summer steelhead has been fair on the middle section of the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Ore., according to guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing.  Summer steelhead are holding below spawning fall Chinook salmon, eating salmon eggs. Marint and clients spent a few days fishing the middle river, side-drifting tiny roe clusters, and they scored on ocean caught silver salmon using Pautzke’s Borx O Fire (natural color).  Anglers can keep hatchery steelhead, which are making up the bulk of the catch right now. Some anglers are drifting single Pautzke salmon eggs with good success. There also are a lot of mallards along the river, creating excellent cast-and-blast opportunities.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Nothing new to report here. Not enough rain yet to bring anything much in.

SMITH RIVER—Guide Phil Desautel of Phil’s Smiling Salmon Guide Service said that fishing on the Smith River is fair with fish being taken at Serena Rd, the Sand Hole and at the Mouth.  The river remains closed due to low flows. The fish are being caught using all the traditional tide water and estuary methods, including bobber fishing, sandshrimp, anchovies or roe.  Throwing spinners and spoons, trolling Kwikfish and fishing on the bottom with all the above baits using marshmallows or Fishpills to float the bait also work. 

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—It’s hard to get reports because so few fishermen are on the water, but a few anglers have been focusing on steelhead between Blue Creek and Johnson’s Riffle and hooking a few adults along with some half-pounders on roe, nightcrawlers, and spinners, as well as flies. 

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Fishing for salmon has been good below Iron Gate Dam, but numbers tapered off last week, and it appears the run is tapering off.  However, steelhead numbers are increasing. 

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City—Salmon continued to trickle into the upper river, but, given the spotty fishing, angler effort is increasingly switching to steelhead. Not a lot of fish are being caught yet, but fishing has been improving.  Pressure on the weekends has been heavy, but during the week, anglers have been finding a large swaths of  river to themselves. 

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—The river is in good shape even its lower reaches, and steelheading has been good down around Salyer Bridge, especially for fly fishermen.   Few salmon were being caught.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—You have to keep moving until you find a concentration of  bass, but when you do chances are they will be anywhere from 6 feet to 25 feet down. The minnow bite has been very good but jigs, drop-shots, and jerkbaits in the smaller Lucky Craft 78 series, as well as swimbaits such as the Basstrix rigged on a weighted jig head are all catching fish. Catfishing, especially at night can also be very good.

LAKE BERRYESSA—Most anglers are focused on the bass and spoons still dominate here, although a few drop-shot 4-inch Basstrix Flashtrix minnows in the smelt color also got their attention. Catfishing continues with areas along the edges where water runs in, channels, and under docks and structure good places to target.

LAKE SONOMA—While still slow for bass, the landlocked steelhead were biting for trollers from 40 to 60 feet down. A minnow imitation or small Apex produced near limits by the dam and down in the Warm Springs area. A few bass were caught on spoons in 40 feet around submerged trees in the north creek arms. Drop 1-inch Hopkins spoons for 1- to 3-pound largemouth or try by the dam for smallies off rocky points with jigs.

UPPER BLUE LAKE— The lake was recently stocked and will be stocked again this week. Fishing has been excellent with little wind and limits for trout trollers, although the banks have not produced as well, a 9 to 10 pounder was lost at the dock at the Narrows Resort this past week, witnessed by other anglers. Most trout are between 12 to 16 inches. but fat and healthy. Troll in 30 feet with Artic Fox flies in black with green flecks or flasher/worms. Kastmasters and Needlefish have not been as productive as previous years, but then the fish are still down deeper than usual due to warmer waters. One good cold rain should bring them closer to the surface.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR— Rainbows averaged from 1 1/2 pounds up to 5-pounds on Speedy Shiner in the Almanor West Flats area from the surface down to 10 feet. As water temperatures get cooler, switch from lures to vertical jigging or bait fishing. As the fish slow down, so should you, especially in the early mornings.

BAUM LAKE— BWO’s are a good bet, as are sparse PMD’s, midges, or mahogany duns. Scuds are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice.

EAGLE LAKE—Fish are in great condition and fishing has been excellent for trout. Fishing in waters 4 to 10 feet deep, troll orange flies and grubs, brown grubs as well as Arctic Fox flies behind the boat 150 feet. Just below the surface down to a foot off the bottom, grubs have worked best before the sun hits the water, and then switch over to Artic Fox flies.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA—Trout fishing has been good here using BWO’s, PMD’s, woolly buggers. Wiggletail zugs have been good for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— Finally, good reports for the past few days, with caddis the dry fly of choice. Try an elk hair caddis in sizes 16-18 or an orange stimulator in size 14 for an October Caddis. There were also good reports at the riffle and at the lower end by the dam.

PIT RIVER— Nymphing seems to be doing best with rubber leg princes or stones in size 14 and larger. There are continued excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches; however the construction is making access difficult there.

LAKE SHASTA— Limits are being taken all over the lake; just find trout actively feeding on top. Rainbow trout are being targeting these days in the upper arms, the main lake and the dam area. The average size is 16 inches, but trout in the low 20 inches (3 pounds) can also be had on UV Cripplures and Hu Dingers run 150 to 200 feet behind the boat.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Reports are far and few between with fishing pressure very light according to the Forest Service.  Anglers willing to hike down to the river below French Meadows dam should find good rainbow action.  Cash Rock and Rock-a-Chuck near Georgetown are two other areas worth a look.  The season will end above Hwy 49 on November 15.

BULLARDS BAR—Very few fishermen out on the lake, so reports are hard to come by.  Trout and bass action should be good with the lower water temps bringing on the fall feeding binge.

CAMP FAR WEST—One angler who fished from 8:30 until 5 late this past week down by the dam reported catching bass from 5 to 8 pounds on artificials.  He did not specify what lures he was using.  Launching is off the old gravel ramp and only aluminum boats are recommended.

COLLINS LAKE—There has been very little pressure here lately and reports are far and few between.  Not a lot of fish are being caught but the ones that are seem to be good ones.  June McClain landed a 4-pound 10-ounce rainbow on Power Bait from the shore at the Open Area.  Some trollers are catching a few trout at 20 feet down by the dam.  Catfishing has been good for some anglers in Elmer’s Cove using sardines at night.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The Army Corps of Engineers had both boat ramps closed down for most of last week for repaving.  The ramps should re-open this week.  With few boaters able to get on the lake, reports were hard to come by.  Some trollers have been doing pretty well in the marina with a toplined Ford Fender and a nightcrawler.  The fish have been small rainbows up to 10 inches.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Good brown trout action was reported by Will Fish Tackle.  Trollers using a watermelon dodger trailing a nightcrawler or a Rapala have been connecting on fish to 16 inches up in the inlet area as the browns stage for spawning.  Rainbows have been hitting in the lower sections of the lake on Rainbow Runners, Needlefish, and Kastmasters.

FULLER LAKE—Few reports available about the fishing here but there should be holdover fish from the DFG plants made earlier this summer.  Shore anglers usually do well from the dam or the day-use area with Power Bait and worms.  Trollers can score with flasher/worm combos and Rapalas.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—Georgetown Ranger Station reported success for trollers on macks and browns.  The macks have been hitting a silver or gold Kastmaster at 60 feet in front of the dam.  The browns, up to 23 inches, are staged up at the inlet and hitting Rapalas. 

LAKE OROVILLE—Bass action has been good for anglers fishing topwater early and worms during the day down to 35 feet.  Catfish have been hitting live minnows and chicken livers in the Dark Canyon and Lime Saddle area.  The coho salmon planted at Lime Saddle a couple of weeks ago are dispersing out into the lake and should be left alone long enough to grow.

RUBICON RIVER—The Georgetown Ranger Station reported good action on browns one mile below the Ellicott Bridge off Eleven Pines Rd.  Use the Lawyer Trail to access the bigger pools holding the fish.  Try nightcrawlers and Panther Martins or Rooster Tails in dark colors.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—The DFG has announced that it will try to start trout plants here by the end of November.  Fishing has been slow with little pressure on the lake recently.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Very little action here.  Everyone is just waiting for DFG to resume the trout plants.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Water levels and launching are good here but no one is fishing.  Like at Sugar Pine, everyone is waiting for the DFG to resume trout plants.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—When the water level is up in the tules along the shore, throw a Senko.  If the water is down, work the off shore tule patches and deeper channels with worms and jigs.

NORTH SALTWATER

BENICIA— Tony Lopez at Benicia Bait said the hot spot was near Chain Island for both striped bass and sturgeon, with both the Lucky Strike and Barbarian scoring fish there, along with several private boaters. Bullheads worked for the bass, and grass/eel or grass/ghost shrimp baits worked for the sturgeon.

BERKELEY—Deck assistant Dave Marquardt said the last Happy Hooker trip to the Farallones found great action on the lingcod plus many quality rockfish. They ended with limits of lings, and near limits of rockfish. The Happy Hooker moved to Martinez to fish sturgeon and stripers for a couple months and may move back to fish sturgeon in South Bay.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported an excellent finale for the rockfish season, with trips both to the north at Fort Ross and south to Point Reyes. The action was back with limits of jumbo rockfish on the final days of the season. He is now switching to squid, and said that while their will be six-pack boats offering crab only trips, he’s not going to on the New Sea Angler.

EMERYVILLE—With rockfish closed, the landing will be quiet until the crab opener. The final trips targeting bottomfish did well, particularly on Friday when many lingcod boosted bag weights. There were a couple octopus caught, odd enough, and a couple Pacific halibut, those caught on the C Gull II. .

EUREKA—Ocean options continued to decline with the closing of Pacific halibut on Saturday, Oct. 31, and the last of the day surfsmelt runs. Now, about all the guys have to look forward to is crab season opening on Nov. 7, and bay fishing for rays and sharks. Most saltwater anglers are switching to river fishing and hunting.

FORT BRAGG—Giant squid are on tap and the Telstar ran their second squid trip with success, a total of 14 big squid for 11 anglers. Big squid was a 35 pounder. The action came from 11 miles out in 1,100 feet of water. Captain Randy Thornton said he’s planning regular trips for the squid and will also target Dungeness crabs after the Nov. 7 opener.

HALF MOON BAY—Weather killed trips mid-week, but Friday’s efforts bounced back with calm seas helping out the shallow water rockfish action. The final day was again challenged by weather. Next up, crabs and squid.

POINT SAN PABLO—Captain Frank Miller on the Fury ran three sevengill trips and a bass trip, finding good action on the sharks with limits every day (one per angler). Some of the effort was for a study group, but the biggest caught by a sport angler weighed 35 pounds. The bites came from the deep water off of Yellow Bluff.

SAN FRANCISCO—Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky finished the rockfish season at the Farallones, finding an excellent grade of big rockfish, including some big bocaccio rockfish. The bite was solid, but a few of the anglers on board were focusing on the lings so the boat didn’t limit until a little later in the day. 

SAN PABLO BAY—Striped bass fishing has been a little less intense, with the fish spreading out and taking bullheads for bait off of China Camp, Rodeo, and Mare Island. No real positive sturgeon reports yet, but that will come with rain. 

SHELTER COVE—Pacific halibut season is now closed, crab season opens Saturday, Nov. 7. Abalone season is open until the end of November, but shore rockfish is open all year.

SUISUN BAY—While the striped bass seems to be the top action, there are already sturgeon reports filtering in. Eel, ghost and grass shrimp are the top baits. The Mothball Fleet and the northern shoreline has been the favorite spots.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—The river has closed to fishing upstream of the power lines at Ancil Hoffman Park to Hazel Ave. Bridge between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1, 2010.  A few—very few– steelhead were being hooked on nymphs under indicators and on the swing, as well as on drifted nightcrawlers, spinners and spoons.  The occasional striped bass is being caught along the color line at the mouth of the American.  Some salmon are starting to show as they throw themselves against the weir blocking their upstream progress at Nimbus Hatchery.   

FEATHER RIVER—The Low Flow Section continued to offer poor steelheading but success was better below the Outlet down to the Gridley Bridge.  Both steelhead and salmon.  Steelhead were being caught on Glo-Bugs, nightcrawlers and spinners.  The occasional striped bass, which were also being taking at Shanghai Bend, was taking jigs, soft swimbaits, jerkbaits and minnows. 

FOLSOM LAKE—Not much change. The lake level continued to gradually drop, keeping bass on the move with the best success on rocky drop-offs and channel edges. Occasionally they could be spotted chasing bait balls out on open water.  Fish Carolina-rigging plastics, jigs, and  Senkos. Spoon and throw crankbaits when bass are spotted working bait.  Salmon and trout fish was only fair, but a few were being caught on Neeedlefish, Apexes, hoochies and slow-rolled shad.  

McCLOUD RIVER—It was pretty much the same story as last week with fair fishing using soft hackle nymphs. An occasional larger brown has been starting to make an appearance in the lower river.  The river closes to fishing on Nov. 15. 

SACRAMENTO RIVER—A few keeper stripers were being hooked at Sand Cove on chicken livers and sardines, but the best bet continued to be in the Port of Sacramento and a few miles downstream of the Turning Basin.  Downstream try spooning over concentrations of shad.  In the Port, troll Fish Traps on a spreader with Mann’s and Yo-Zuris.  Drifting minnows from the bank or boat has also been effective. Catfish continued to be caught at night off Elverta Road, Virgin Sturgeon, and Bryte Beach.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Fishing was good last week in flows that made for good accessibility.  Drift egg patterns in the shallow water behind spawning salmon.  

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—The river dropped and cleared and fishing improved to fair to good from Dunsmuir all the way to the lake.  Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymphs imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.

YUBA RIVER—No change.   Fish caddis nymph and egg patterns and under an indicator for trout to around 15 inches and the occasional steelhead.  Fishing is restricted to downstream of the Highway 20 Bridge this time of year. 

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Few have reported any success at Blue Lakes, but the road is open and fishermen were in the area over this past weekend. 

BOCA LAKE—It’s still good at the inlet for rainbows and browns feeding on the last of the eggs from the kokanee spawners or the first from the spawning browns.  Macks, 2 to 4 pounds, are hitting big Roostertails and Countdown Rapalas a little further out in the lake (and deeper) from the rainbows and browns at the inlet.

CAPLES LAKE—Caples Lake Resort is closed for the fall and will open back up in December around Christmas until April for ice fishing.  Shore anglers are still able to access the dam and spillway area but boat launching will be limited to cartoppers that can be carried down to the shore.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station reported that the water level is back down to where it was before the rain.  There are still plenty of fish in the West Carson but you have to be sneaky to get to them as they hold in the deeper pools.  Water levels are higher in the East Fork which makes for easier fishing.  Lots of fish are being caught here with some big fish still coming in from the Alpine County plants.  

DAVIS LAKE—Ed Dillard said he was done guiding for the season but continues to “fun fish”.  Trolling has been about the same with 30-plus fish days the norm pulling copper/red Dick Nites and black or cinnamon wooly buggers from 8 to 20 feet deep.  Shore fishing has improved considerably.  Dillard’s brother was out at Fairview when WON called and had 9 fish to 20 inches on Power Bait and inflated nightcrawlers.  Fly casters working the shallows near the creek mouths are picking up better average sized fish, 16 to 21 inches.   Those casting PT nymphs and damsels under an indicator are doing very well.

DONNER LAKE—The public piers are still kicking out some planter rainbows on Power Bait and nightcrawlers.  The Donner Creek Outlet still has some kokanee dumping eggs and the rainbows are cleaning up the last of the spawn; try a single salmon eggs as the kokanees attempt to spawn dwindles.  Some smaller macks, 2 to 4 pounds, have moved up shallow are hitting baits thrown off the piers for rainbows giving some anglers a pleasant surprise.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON— The Butt Valley Reservoir bite is improving for browns as they move up toward the inlet on the north end of the lake to spawn.  Trolling a threaded nightcrawler is still producing rainbows and browns, 2 ½ to 4 pounds, with an occasional 6 pounder.  The North Fork between Caribou Crossroads and the powerhouse is producing limits on Panther Martins.  The Caribou Powerhouse is still kicking out some big rainbows when the powerhouse is running.  The North Fork and the Caribou Powerhouse both close on November 15.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—Wiggins’ Trading Post reported excellent fishing for shore anglers, trollers, and fly fishermen.  Shore anglers are doing well at the dam and the Frenchman’s Campground with nightcrawlers and Power Bait.  Trollers are connecting with Dick Nites and Needlefish.  Fly fishermen are catching limits with black or olive wooly buggers.  It’s been very cold at night so dress warmly.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—Ice House Resort will close for the season November 1 and will reopen in April with the trout season.  Fishing at the lake has been wide open with 40 to 50 fish days common.  Trollers are toplining “anything” for small rainbows, 10 to 12 inches.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—Fly fishermen in float tubes are still doing well for limits of fish on olive or brown Wooly Buggers.  Indian Creek is scheduled to receive a plant is the next week or so.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—Trollers are still doing well at the dam and up in the river arm for rainbows, 12 to 14 inches, with an occasional fish to 18 inches.  Not big browns reported this week.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—Very few anglers were on the lake this past week.  A couple of guys did catch-and-release some keeper smallmouths up in the Narrows, but not much action on the browns or macks to report.

LAKE TAHOE—Shallow rainbow action is picking up as the water temp drops toward 54-degrees when the browns will get into the equation.  The rainbows are hitting a flasher/minnow combo very well right now.  The mack bite is still good early and deep, with multiple hook-ups coming for Mickey Daniels on the Sling Blade/minnow and Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut.  Sunday he landed 7 and lost as many.  4 rods went off at once on a pass through the 300-foot level.

LOON LAKE—Trolling is wide open here with 40 to 50 fish days the norm.  Topline a spoon, grub, or nightcrawler for small planters, 10 to 12 inches.

PROSSER LAKE—The lake is low and the trout are stacked up in the deeper creek channels, especially Prosser Creek.  Power Bait and nightcrawlers are a reliable choice.  The smallmouth action continues to be good as the fish feed heavily in preparation for winter.  Crawfish and minnow imitations thrown along the dam are producing some nice fish.

PYRAMID LAKE—Beautiful weather over the past weekend made for great fishing with a 15 pounder coming out of Red Bay and a 10 pounder caught at Hell’s Kitchen, both on Lyman Lures.  Lots of 17- to 24-inch cutts are hitting trolled lures, jigs and wooly buggers for the fly casters.  Some of the slot fish that have to be released, 20 to 24 inches, are weighing 5 pounds.

RED LAKE—Not much pressure here and few reports were available at Woodfords Station.  The water temp is perfect and the algae are long gone, so worms and Power Bait should be catching rainbows, brooks and cuts.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The kokanee are finishing up their spawning duties in the Little Truckee and this has attracted an armada of rainbows and browns to feed on loose eggs.  As the spawn dwindles, use a single light colored salmon egg.  Some nice macks and rainbows are still hitting for trollers down in front of the dam.  Meter first for the activity level and then drop a Rapala or Krocadile down to greet the feeding trout. 

TRUCKEE RIVER—Flows are low and will most likely stay that way all winter, Truckee 24 cfs, Boca 151 cfs, Farad 172 cfs. In the Special Reg Section during mornings and late afternoons when the sun is off the water, streamers have been quite productive.  The most success has come on small dark nymphs in sizes 16 to 20, especially when used in tandem. During the day, try a large stone, cased caddis or October caddis trailed with a small beaded nymph in water with good current.  In slower water, look for fish rising for BWO’s and Beatis duns in size 18 and 20.   

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—Few reports available for this lake.  Trout action should be good for toplined spoons and threaded nightcrawlers.

WEST WALKER RIVER—All the DFG and Mono County trout plants are done for the season.  Trout fishing is still producing limits for the few anglers still visiting the area.  The river will close for the season on November 15.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—Still closed to fishing until at least Nov. 7 above the Hwy. 101 bridge, although some action is coming from the estuary by boats trolling bait and spinner. There were five boats fishing yesterday, according to guide Harvey Young of Fishawk Guide Service said on Sunday, and all five caught fish over 20 pounds.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Slow fishing the four days preceding Sunday, but fish were trolling all over the sand bar in front of Indian Creek. Not many boats working the area, and not very many fish, but there are still some big, bright kings, and guide Curtis Palmer put an 18-pound Chinook in the boat using one of his homemade spinners. Bank anglers casting both spoons and spinners are also connecting on kings and coho, said WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. “When it is rough and the bay is slow, head upriver and get into those deep slots where an offering of roe or a sardine-wrapped Kwikfish will entice a fish. Try Lobster Creek and above.  Take your time, come down slow and go back up and do it again,” he said. Larry Prestininzi of Lex’s Landing on the Rogue said, “this season is not over yet!”

RUSSIAN RIVER—The next rain should see some fish come into the system—at least everyone is hoping so.

SMITH RIVER—A lot of fish came in on the rain and are still holding in the lower end where fishermen are finding good success from shore and boat. Anglers are doing really well using spoons and using roe with a bit of shrimp under a slip bobber, keeping it just two feet up off the bottom. The DFG is writing a lot of tickets for those “lining” kings that are stacked up in holes like the Sand Hole, so keep it legal. The kings are running big.

WINCHUCK RIVER—Totally closed for the take of salmon all year.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—There are still some salmon, as well as steelhead entering the river, but, while a few anglers are trying for steelhead, especially around Blue Creek and Johnson’s Riffle, very few anglers are trying for the salmon.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Lots of salmon are jammed up between Interstate 5 and the dam, but they are dark, so are best only for catch-and-release fishing. More steelhead are showing up, mostly small fish, so far, but they are providing ever increasing action on a variety of lures, bait and flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City—There are a fair number of fish in the river, a mix of fall run salmon bright and dark, coho salmon, and steelhead. Very few bright salmon were being caught, however, and it appears the fall salmon run is turning into a “bust” compared to the optimistic predictions. There is way more Indian netting going on in the Trinity this time of year than in the past. Steelhead numbers do appear to be increasing, however, and there are quite a few silver salmon in the river providing some good catch-and-release fishing. Smolts have continued to be a problem requiring the use of larger baits and hooks than normal.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—An occasional bright fall run salmon is being caught, but catching them continues to be a challenge, as is being experienced by anglers upstream.  Fly fishers have been scoring a few steelhead, but, again, pesky smolts have been harassing anglers.   

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—A reminder: The river closes to fishing upstream of the power lines at Ancil Hoffman Park to Hazel Ave. Bridge between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1, 2010. A few steelhead—mostly halfpounders–were being hooked on nymphs under indicators and on the swing, as well as on drifted nightcrawlers, spinners and spoons. Still not many signs of salmon.

FEATHER RIVER—Fishing continued to be poor. As one long time angler commented: ” Now you’re seeing the result of the fish kills from the warm water years that you (guides) were all complaining about.. they, (DWR) have wiped out two, maybe three, returning runs of salmon for who knows how many years?” A few small steelhead were being caught early in the morning in the Low Flow Section before the sun hit the water.

FOLSOM LAKE—The lake level dropped a couple of feet last week, and pushed bass off the flats. Fish might be on rocky drop-offs, channel edges, or even chasing bait on the surface (bring along a pair of binoculars). The best bet has been Carolina-rigging plastics, jigging, and even Senkos, but there are times when crankbaits score, too. Trout and king salmon fishing has improved, too. Not so much for numbers, but the fish being caught are quality, and even catching only one fish, if it’s a 4-pound king, makes for a very pleasant day on the water.

Mc CLOUD RIVER—The river has cleared, but fishing was only “fair” compared to some past years. However there are 3 weeks left before the river closes to fishing (Nov. 15).

SACRAMENTO RIVER—It’s still almost all shakers on the main river all the way to Colusa. However, the Port of Sacramento offered a bright spot. Trollers used Fish Traps with a jig and worm trailer, Mann’s 15’s and 20’s to catch stripers to 8 pounds. Bank fishermen drifted jumbo minnows, bullheads, and mudsuckers. Catfish were being caught in good numbers at night at various places along the river off Elverta Road, Virgin Sturgeon, and Bryte Beach.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—The river has cleared and fishing has improved. Flows are 5,800 cfs below Keswick so boaters can drift below the Cypress Ave. Bridge. Drift egg patterns in the shallow water behind spawning salmon.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—The river dropped and cleared and fishing improved to fair to good from Dunsmuir all the way to the lake. Use larger rubber leg nymphs plus a small dropper nymph imitating the large October caddis hatch under indicators or high stick in the small pockets.

YUBA RIVER—No change. Fish caddis nymph and egg patterns and under an indicator for trout to around 15 inches and the occasional steelhead. Fishing is restricted to downstream of the Highway 20 Bridge this time of year.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—The campgrounds are closed but the road is still open to the lakes. There is very little pressure on the fishing here, but some people are still camping off the side of the road, according to Woodfords Station.

BOCA LAKE—Water level is low but fishing has been good, especially at the inlet. Big spinners and CD Rapalas are picking up some 2- to 4-pound macks below the inlet and some nice rainbows and browns, 16 to 20 inches, are still staged at the inlet.

CAPLES LAKE—Caples Lake Resort and boat ramp will be closed for the season as of October 26. Last week more big EID trophy rainbows were landed. A 9 pounder was caught trolling on the south side of the lake with a Rapala at a depth of 7 feet in 15 feet of water. Dan Soria of Rescue and Curt Hayes of Cameron Park caught 7 1/2 and 11 1/2 pounders on green Power Bait off the dam this last Tuesday. Most trollers were catching limits of 12- to 14-inch planters on flasher/worm combos at 10 to 15 feet.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—Last week’s rain is still evident with improved flows in the West Carson and limits of 2 1/2- to 3 –pound rainbows from the Alpine County plant being caught. The East Carson is still kicking out big fish. Joe Valentine of Minden, NV, caught a 4 1/2- pound, 24-inch rainbow last week and a 21-inch, 3 1/2 pounder on Sunday along with numerous smaller fish. Judy Dlugosh of San Leandro landed a 4 pounder on salmon eggs on Saturday.

DAVIS LAKE—Trollers are still landing 30 to 50 fish a day. Ed Dillard has been using a cinnamon or olive wooly bugger/leech fly early in the morning and then switching over to the copper/red Dick Nite. Most of the rainbows are 12 to 13 inches with an occasional good fish up to 19 inches. Fish are hitting from 8 to 20 feet deep. Shore anglers have been doing better at Mallard Cove on Power Bait and worms for fish up to 23 inches. Fly fishing has been hit or miss on the northeast corner of the lake with a nymph under an indicator for fish 14 to 22 inches.

DONNER LAKE—Public piers are kicking out 12- to 14-inch rainbows and 2- to 4-pound macks on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. At the outlet into Donner Creek, kokanee with nowhere to go are spawning and the rainbows are feeding on the spawn, so try a salmon egg. The DFG planted small rainbows in Donner Creek at the park below the lake.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Butt Valley Reservoir and the Caribou Powerhouse kicked out 100 fish over three days for two fly casters in float tubes stripping nymphs. They didn’t catch anything bigger than 3 pounds. The North Fork below Caribou Powerhouse is producing easy limits of native fish on small Panther Martins.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—Shore fishing and trolling has been good all week. Float tubers fly casting near Frenchman Campground boat ramp were picking up 10 to 12 fish each on black and olive birds’ nest nymphs, 12 to 16 inches. The Snallygaster area has been producing limits of 16- to 20-inch rainbows on Power Bait.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—Fish are being caught at Gold, Packer, Sardine and Upper Salmon. The resorts are closing at Packer and Sardine for the season.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—The fall feeding frenzy is in full gear and the bite is WIDE OPEN with 20 to 30 fish days the rule. Topline any lure (Needlefish, Dick Nite, Rainbow Runner) before the sun hits the water then switch to a threaded nightcrawler or a green grub after the sun gets up. The rainbows are running 11 to 15 inches.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—The cooler water temps have brought the fish to the surface and a husband-wife team of float tubers caught 10 fish averaging 2 ½ pounds on wooly buggers this past week.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—Trollers have been doing the best here up in the Middle Yuba arm and at the dam for rainbows averaging 12 to 14 inches with some bigger fish, 16 to 18 inches. A big 29-inch brown was caught last week in the Middle Yuba on a Rapala.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—Mackinaw, brown trout, and bass are all active. Smaller macks are still hitting for trollers along the east side of the lake near the second dam. Browns have been hitting bait around the resort. Kayakers have been doing well on the bass up in the Narrows.

LAKE TAHOE—Mickey Daniels reported that the fishing had “busted wide open” with big numbers of macks from 3 to 7 pounds. One day this past week he kept 7 fish, tagged 7 more fish and lost 7 or 8 fish from 7 to 11 a.m. Daniels is using the Sting King lure and a Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut combo at 300 feet for multiple hook-ups. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charters said the rainbow activity is picking up with lots of fish seen jumping and cruising in the shallows. He’s doing best on the ‘bows with a flasher/minnow combo for fish up to 18 inches.

LOON LAKE—WIDE OPEN trolling action here with 30 to 40 fish days the norm. Like at Ice House, topline any lure before the sun rises and then switch over to a threaded nightcrawler or a brown grub after the sun hits the water. The fish are all 11-to 12-inch planters.

PROSSER LAKE—The lake is getting very low and smallmouth bass action is very good at the dam on minnow imitations: Rapalas, white jigs, silver spoons and spinners. The trout are grouped up on the points in the creek channels, especially Prosser Creek, and hitting Power Bait and nightcrawlers.

PYRAMID LAKE—Trollers are doing the best on a red or chartreuse U-20 FlatFish for fish running 17 to 24 inches. No big fish were checked into the Pyramid Lake Store this past week. Fly fishermen are picking up a half-dozen fish casting copper johns from a float tube or off the ladders, but no big fish have been reported.

RED LAKE—No current reports available from Woodfords Station but fishing should be good for rainbows, brookies and cutthroats on worms along the south side of the lake, as it was last week.

SILVER LAKE—No current reports were available from Woodfords Station or Caples Lake Resort but there should be plenty of fish caught by trollers using a flasher/worm combo or Power Bait, worms, spoons and spinners from the shore.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The dam is producing some nice macks and rainbows for trollers and bait fishermen. The macks are running 2 to 4 pounds and the rainbows are up to 20 inches. The kokanee spawn is still occurring at the Little Truckee inlet and rainbows and browns are stacked up to feed on the loose eggs. Drift a salmon egg for a chance at a good fish.

TRUCKEE RIVER—Water flows are very low through the system. In the General Section in Truckee, concentrate on any pool with some flow for easy fishing for 10- to 12-inch browns and rainbows. There are some 14 to 16 inchers lurking around. Fly casters in the Special Reg Section are having success early or late (no sun on the water) with streamers. A Sofa Pillow with a bead nymph dropper is good in the pockets with some fish to 20 inches being seen.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—Trout are hitting here but not in the numbers seen at Ice House or Loon. Topline a spoon early then switch over to a threaded nightcrawler for planter rainbows. The main ramp at Sunset is closed; launching is available at the dam.

WEST WALKER RIVER—Fishing is still good for bait tossers and fly fishermen. Limits of fish are common with the better fish running 2 to 3 pounds. A woman out with her husband hooked and lost a fish estimated at 5 pounds this past week, so there are still some good fish to be caught.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—The one thing anglers fishing the FLW Series last week found is that the bite is inconsistent but the bass average 3 pounds. Two primary areas to concentrate on include the deeper rocks of the southern arms in 15 to 20 feet of water and the shallower off shore grass beds on the north end that are sitting in 5 to 9 feet of water. Jigs and trailers in contrasting colors, translucent patterns of rip baits, craw colored crankbaits, and paddletail and talon swimbaits are good choices. There has been a bite on rattle baits depending on the day but it is a rough way to fish spending a lot of time pulling through weeds and picking them off the baits on most casts. The bite on live bait is also picking up. Look for catfish in on the edges of incoming waters and under docks.

LAKE BERRYESSA— A few trout and king salmon can be found from 40 to 110 feet down with salmon on the deeper end. Most of the bass are spots with some smallmouth mixed in up to 3 pounds on spoons. Catfishing should be kicking in, but no reports of anglers working that bite yet.

LAKE SONOMA– Trolling for steelies from 40 to 60 feet down with a minnow imitation or small Apex produced near limits between 3 and 7 pounds by the dam and down in the Warm Springs area. Bass were caught on spoons in 40 feet above submerged trees at the north end in the creek arms by dropping 1-inch Hopkins spoons for 1- to 3-pound largemouth, or try over by the dam for smallies off rocky points with jigs.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—A fresh plant of trout will spread fish into both basins. Kastmasters were used without flashers or leadcore pulled out 5 to 6 colors. Fishing has been fair to good but will only get better with cooling conditions spurring them on to feed up for the winter.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—The landing was pretty quiet, with live bait availability starting to decline. The boats are still chasing halibut and striped bass in the bay, or rockfish and lingcod outside. Crab combos start on Nov. 7, but since rockfish closes on Oct. 31, the boats will have to do halibut and crab combos, or sanddab combos.

BODEGA BAY— As rockfish season winds down (ends Oct. 31), the party boats are planning new adventures like crabbing and giant squid fishing. The bottomfishing has been mostly great until late in the week when a plankton bloom south of Tomales slowed the bite there. North side action remained good with limits on the weekend for the boats trying.

EMERYVILLE—The New Seeker had a good day early in the week, with a light load of 10 anglers catching rockfish limits and eight lingcod to 27 pounds, plus a bonus 37-pound pacific halibut. The bottomfishing was good until the weather came up on Saturday, then the boats had less than limits. A few striped bass and halibut caught on some of the boats that tried the bay’s waters on the way home.

EUREKA—Weather killed the outside action most of the week, but the bay is still an option for anglers who want to bend a rod on sharks and rays. Most like to fish the low tide where the fish are concentrated in the channels. Squid is the cheap and easy bait.

FORT BRAGG—Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar ran a squid trip for a special harbor commission meeting; they’re trying to find something to draw more business to the region, and the squid seem a reasonable option. His four anglers caught eight squid, all jumbos, from 1,100 feet of water about 10 miles out. Biggest was around 35 pounds. “It’s hard to tell because the scale hooks pull out when they get that big!” said Thornton. He’s looking at running crab and squid combos.

HALF MOON BAY—Weather once again played havoc with the fleet, but when they could, the boats got out for rockfish and lingcod. The season ends Oct. 31.

LOCH LOMOND—Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star is back on the water after performing some annual maintenance, but didn’t get out before deadline. He’ll be targeting leopard sharks, stripers and halibut, then on to sturgeon.

SAN PABLO BAY—Striped bass and leopard sharks are the main grab, with trollers reporting good numbers of linesides, mostly small. A few rumors of sturgeon, but nothing confirmed.

SHELTER COVE—Pacific halibut is open until Oct. 31, and crab season opens on Nov. 7. Abalone season closes Nov. 30. Rockfish still open for shore anglers and spearfishermen. Not much activity at the port though.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR— Speedy Shiners and three colors pulled out on leadcore took fall trout feeding from the surface down to 10 feet. Smallmouth bass have slowed with the cooler waters.

BAUM LAKE— BWO’s are a good bet, good patterns are sparse PMD’s, midges, and mahogany duns are appearing. Scuds are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice, but no reports on which lures are doing best.

EAGLE LAKE—Trollers were hooking and releasing 10 to 12 fish per day from a foot below the surface to 6 feet deep in waters five to 10 feet deep. Sep’s 2-inch grubs in the brown color pattern, Pearl white, watermelon, and orange grubs have also begun to take fish regularly. Fish early!

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA—Fishing reports have been good with BWO’s, PMD’s, woolly buggers, and wiggletail zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA—Reports indicate fishing has been slow but the riffle is best fished with pt’s, birdsnest, or hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, and callibaetis.

PIT RIVER—Continued excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches, however the construction is making access difficult. Nymphing seems to be doing the best with rubber leg prince or stones in size 14 and larger.

LAKE SHASTA—Dragging Rapalas and Speedy Shiners found lots of trout takers for trollers from Centimudi to Dry Creek and the dam area. From the shoreline near the Centimudi ramp Kastmasters and nightcrawlers were good for trout. Brown trout were up in the McCloud Arm, and found while trolling blue/silver Krocodile spoons on the surface. King salmon were also showing in the same area, though they’re running 40-80 feet deep. Troll with shad, small anchovies, spoons, and body baits for them. Spotted bass are holding from 10 to 40 feet down, hitting on crankbaits and jigs with either a twin tail or Hula Grub trailer.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Very few reports are available as the trout season winds down to the last two weeks. Middle Fork anglers can try at Cash Rock or below the French Meadows dam.

BULLARDS BAR—Emerald Cove Marina has been slow to provide reports but bass fishing should be good as the fall feeding frenzy kicks into high gear. Trout should be hitting upriver on drifted salmon eggs. Trollers should try a flasher/worm combo or dodger/spoon as baitfish gather near the surface.

CAMP FAR WEST—Crappie and bass are still hitting for anglers fishing near the dam and around the exposed stumps along the shore. Crappie to 2 pounds are falling for mini-jigs and worms. The bass have been hitting worms and jigs, but try a crankbait early in the morning.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is down 45 feet from full. Fishing has been slow with a little bit of everything being caught, just not in big numbers. Trout to 4 pounds have been caught on Power Bait from shore and trolling flasher/worm combos near the dam. Jerry Freeman of Live Oak caught more whiskerfish, 3 3/4 to 6 1/4 pounds, on sardines in Elmer’s Cove at night. He’s been throwing back the cats over 10 pounds because they don’t taste good.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—Good action for trout trollers using flasher/worm combos, dodger/spoon combos, and Rapalas at the dam and up toward the buoy line. Bait drifters are doing well up river from Buck’s Beach to the inlet with Power Bait and worms. The trout are running 12 to 13 inches.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Boaters making the trek to the lake are still catching good numbers of small rainbows trolling flasher/Rainbow Runner or Needlefish combos. Orange has been the best color for lures.

FULLER LAKE—Though the lake has not received any more DFG trout plants, holdover fish should still be available for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms off the dam or trollers working a flasher/worm combo.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—Very little pressure here, according to the Georgetown Ranger Station, but browns should be staging at the inlet and falling for a trolled Rapala. Macks should be at the dam and hitting jigging spoons.

LAKE OROVILLE—The water level has remained stable and the bass bite has been pretty good. Larry Hemphill had a good day this past week, guiding his clients to 20 fish to 2 pounds on shady banks and rocky points in the South Fork. The fish came primarily on Flashtrix minnows drop-shot at 30 to 40 feet or on a splitshot Roboworm. Feather River Outfitters reported catfish to 15 pounds coming out of Dark Canyon on live minnows. Newly planted cohos are hitting minnows in the Lime Saddle Marina for houseboaters.

ROLLINS LAKE—Will Fish Tackle reported good keeper bass action on frog Hula Poppers near Orchard Springs. John Wadden also said that catfish, up to 5 pounds, were hitting chicken livers in the Freeloaders Cove area.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—A marina employee went out trolling near the dam and bait fishing at the inlet and got skunked in both areas. The lake really needs a DFG trout plant now that it has been put back on the planting list.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—No reports of any success came in from the Foresthill Ranger Station. The lake could sure use a DFG trout plant now that it has been put back on the stocking list.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Very few anglers are giving the lake a try. Everyone is waiting for the DFG to resume trout plants since the lake was put back on the stocking list.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—A kayaker had a great day this last week, catching 16 bass to 7 pounds on Senkos on the tule banks. If the water drops, the fish move out to the weed beds or the deeper channels.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—The Chetco River remains closed to fishing until at least Nov. 7.

EEL RIVER, main stem—Opened up to fishing from the mouth to the confluence of the South Fork, but it was running mud, according to Darrell Brown of Brown’s Sporting Goods in Garberville.

EEL RIVER, South Fork—The rains brought the river way up and turned it to mud, but it dropped back out just as quickly. Still closed due to low flows.

MAD RIVER—The lower river opened from the mouth to the Hammond Trail Bridge, but that really doesn’t’ mean anything to fishermen…they need the river open higher up to really bring anything in.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—The fish are scattered, but most boats are still getting a wild coho or two or three each trip, and kings are being caught in the estuary and in the slots upstream. Action is still good here.

RUSSIAN RIVER—The river came up and the mouth blew open, but no reports of any changes in the fishing by deadline on Sunday. There were reports of two steelhead caught before the mouth opened, but there’s no accounting for that.

SMITH RIVER—The Smith got hit with rains big time on Tuesday and opened up for fishing above Rowdy Creek. Wednesday was very mossy and tough to fish, but on Thursday, fishing was wide open for kings to 40 pounds and above, according to Phil Desautel of Phil’s Smiling Salmon Guide Service. Guide Gary Hix took Tommy Bono of Arcata to a 47-pound king on a plug. Some boats had 10 fish days, but everybody got limits. Desautel had limits by 9 a.m the next day.
Guide Tony Sepulveda confirmed the good action and said “big chrome kings were hitting just about anything you wanted to put in front of them, but it looks to be short-lived as the water is dropping out fast.”

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—The river was high most of the week and most anglers have left, but there were still some late fall salmon moving upriver, plus a few steelhead.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Salmon fishing continued to be excellent, and the number of fish hooked depended more on the effort put into the endeavor than luck. Some very large fish for the Klamath were being caught, mostly on roe, with Kwikfish also accounting for a few. Small steelhead are starting to show, and they’re being caught mostly on Glo-Bugs.

TRINITY RIVER, Del Loma—Some salmon were being caught and the river is back in good shape after the storm, but the big numbers of bright fish that anglers have been hoping for have not materialized. A “gazillion” of bait-stealing smolts are still causing problems for anglers, especially fly fishermen.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—Bright salmon can be seen in the holes and moving through riffles, especially around Red Rock and Tish Tang, but they’ve been difficult to catch. The river is in good shape however, with 5 feet of visibility.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—The American River produced a few steelhead and a few striped bass last week, but fishing was slow, especially with the stormy weather. Unlike years past—at least before last year—no salmon were observed at the base of the fish screens at Nimbus Hatchery and the salmon spawning riffles a few hundred yards downstream. A clarification on the upcoming salmon closure is in order. The American upstream of the power lines at Ancil Hoffman Park to Hazel Ave. Bridge will close to fishing between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1, 2010.

FEATHER RIVER—Fishing was very poor on the Feather last week with only a few small steelhead being caught in the Low Flow Section, mostly on nightcrawlers and a bead.

FOLSOM LAKE—Last week’s storm brought cooler temperatures and helped stabilize the lake level, perking up bass fishing. Almost any method worked: spooning, crankbaits, jigging and drop-shotting as bait moved closer to the surface. Look for flats adjacent to creek channels going into coves such as 5 Percent and Beals Point. This is a short term phenomenon and bass will soon be hunkering down in deeper water as the lake continues to cool, so strike while the iron is hot. Second hand reports only, but the cooler water has apparently brought trout and king salmon shallower, too, and perked them up as well. Troll Apexes, Needlefish, hoochies and slow roll shad in front of the dam.

McCLOUD RIVER—Heavy rain brought the river up and chased off fishermen, but the river was dropping back into shape by the weekend. No reports on the fishing.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—In a word—poor. Fishing for striped bass, except for the Port of Sacramento where striped bass to about 8 pounds continued to be caught trolling Mann’s 15’s with a white plastic worm trailer, drifting jumbo minnows, and soaking pikeminnows, bloodworms and mudsuckers from the bank.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Knight’s Landing—The river was still high and murky by the weekend and fishing for striped bass was poor.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Trout fishing got blown out even all the way to Keswick Dam, but water had cleared and become fishable by the weekend. Fishing hadn’t returned to the levels before the storm, but trout were being taken mostly on Glo-Bugs down to Anderson.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—Trout fishing was temporarily taken off-limits by the storm, but flows had dropped back to fishable condition by the weekend, although very few anglers were back on the water and reports were non-existent. The recommendation to fish close and deep with lots of weight is even more important now with somewhat higher flows.

YUBA RIVER—It should be noted that fishing is restricted to downstream of the Highway 20 Bridge this time of year. Fish caddis nymph and egg patterns and under an indicator for trout to around 15 inches and the occasional steelhead.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—Deck assistant Dave Marquardt on the Happy Hooker reported for Captain Bob Wright on Saturday’s excellent action at the Farallon Islands. The 20 anglers on board caught 177 rockfish and 37 lingcod to 17 pounds. Bocaccio to 12 pounds and vermilion to 8 pounds were sacked. “Sack weights were like the old days when it took two hands to lift them,” said Marquardt. The action came from 150 to 155 feet of water outside the Pimple.

BODEGA BAY— Rockfish and lingcod are an option until Oct. 31, but the only trip reported was for tuna on Saturday on the New Sea Angler. Captain Rick Powers reported great conditions and lots of visual perks including a jumping marlin and bluefin tuna, and plenty of albacore jumpers out 55 miles due west at (38’07 and 124’10), but not many hookups. The anglers on board did manage two albacore to 35 pounds and a 15-pound yellowtail.

EMERYVILLE—Excellent action on the Farallon Island rockfish trips, with some good lingcod counts up to limits on one trip on the New Huck Finn. The New Seeker has added a few halibut to rockfish limits on a couple trips, and the Talisman had a good day fishing the bay, scoring seven leopard sharks and a halibut. With rockfish closing Oct. 31, the boat crews are planning their winter strategies. The New Huck Finn will offer bay potluck targeting halibut and striped bass, while the New Seeker is looking forward to sanddab and crab combos.

EUREKA—Before the big storm hit, the fleet got out for Pacific halibut and scored a few fish, including a 70 pounder caught on the Reel Steel. He had two big flatties. Day surf smelt are still running, and while surfperch action has slowed, you can catch them between the rough ocean periods.

FORT BRAGG—Another slow week with the weather complicating things mid-week, and the lack of options minimizing effort on the weekend. Crab opens Nov. 7, and some of the boats will offer crab only trips. Abalone season closes Nov. 30.

HALF MOON BAY—The week’s weather cancelled trips until Friday, then the boats were back out targeting rockfish for the weekend. The bite remained mediocre, but the boats that worked at it found rockfish limits and some lingcod.

LOCH LOMOND—The Morning Star was undergoing routine annual maintenance, and so was not in service. Captain Gordon Hough reported that the boat will be back on the water targeting sturgeon and striped bass out of Crockett.

POINT SAN PABLO—Captain Frank Miller on the Fury got into a hot striped bass bite in south San Pablo Bay, scoring limits on Saturday and Sunday for six anglers each day. He’s still using live bait, and reported a steady bite on schoolie bass around Point Pinole.

SAN PABLO BAY—Striped bass fishing started going off around Point Pinole, and leopard sharks are thick in north bay, all the way to the mouth of the Petaluma River.

SHELTER COVE—Still some time to try for Pacific halibut, the season closes Nov. 1. Abalone is open until Nov. 30, and crab season opens Nov. 7.

SUISUN BAY—Striped bass fishing has been good, and there was even reports of a big halibut caught on a bullhead at the Mothball Fleet.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—The bite continued to be all over the board as it settles into a fall bite. Cover a lot of water with rattle baits like the LV500 or Rat-L-Trap, small to medium-sized rip baits in basic colors, flukes, or smaller swim baits like the Basstrix or the Baitsmith. The bait bite is picking up; two methods of presenting live bait are either under a slip float or on a very light splitshot (free lined). Each day is different, so try them both until the bass show a preference.

LAKE BERRYESSA— The koke and king salmon action was from 60 to 110 feet down and a few fish are still being taken. Spoons and drop-shotting around the schools of bait has still been steady for bass up to 3 pounds. Cooler weather has been lowering the surface temperature and the bite will only get better.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Trout were taken in both basins with holdover trout at 35 feet, newly planted ones from the surface down, and the private stocked big boys holding in 40 to 45 feet. It is very easy to tell the broodstock fish on your graphics. Kastmasters were used without flashers or leadcore pulled 5 to 6 colors out.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Both lakes are now back on the DFG trout planting list, but the campgrounds are now closed. No current reports were available from Woodfords Station.

BOCA LAKE—Lake is low and trailered boat launching is no longer possible, car toppers, kayaks or canoes only. Fishing has been very good, especially up in the inlet area as browns stage for spawning. The rainbows are waiting for the browns to spawn so they can feed on the loose eggs. Anglers should release browns over 18 inches to protect the resource, take a picture! Macks are holding further out from the inlet and falling for large spoons cast into deeper water.

CAPLES LAKE—The lake came up a foot with the rain last week. Boaters are catching limits of 10- to 15-inch planters on flasher/worm combos, Kastmaster spoons and Rapalas. A 6-pound rainbow was caught off the spillway. Launching is still good off the gravel ramp and the resort should be in operation of at least 2 to 3 more weeks.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—Alpine County planted 1350 pounds of rainbows and browns in the West Fork and the East Fork this past week. The rainbows weighed from 3 to 7 pounds and the browns went 1 to 6 pounds. Two Sacramento anglers fishing the East Carson checked into the Carson River Resort with 10 fish that averaged 3 pounds each. They were all caught on salmon eggs. Dave Kirby at Woodfords reported similar action on the West Fork since the rain increased the flows. Anglers were coming in with limits of 2 1/2 to 3 pound rainbows caught on Panther Martins, Kastmasters and jigs.

DAVIS LAKE—Trollers are still catching big numbers of rainbows. Ed Dillard’s last charter picked up 52 fish, mostly 12 to 13 inchers with eight fish in the 17- to 19-inch range. A size 10 black leech did very well early in the day and then the copper/red Dick Nite worked at 6 feet did the trick. Rick Kennedy at Tight Lines Guide Service was out Sunday in the wind and already had 30 fish when contacted by WON. He was catching them on copper/red Dick Nites and had kept three fish weighing 2 ½ pounds and was releasing the rest. There are a lot of weeds floating in the water, so trollers need to watch their gear to avoid fouling. The best area was from Honker to the island for both guides.

DONNER LAKE—Fishing has been good at the west end near the boat launch and at the east end at the outlet. The kokanee are stacked up at the outlet with nowhere to go to spawn and the rainbows and browns are feeding on the eggs. Macks are falling for big spoons cast in the early morning at the public piers and at the outlet.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—An 8-pound rainbow came out of Caribou Powerhouse this past week on a crappie jig. Trout fishing in the North Fork is still pretty good for the experienced angler. The season will close in the river on November 15. Butt Valley Reservoir is still kicking out nice rainbows and a few browns on threaded nightcrawlers. The browns should be staging up at the inlet providing anglers with a chance at a trophy fish. The trolling will only get better at Butt Valley.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—Cold water conditions have made fishing more successful later in the day. Shore anglers have been catching limits near Turkey Point and Frenchman’s on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers have been doing well on Dick Nites and Roostertails in the afternoon near the dam. The Frenchman’s Campground is now the only open campground.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—A group of four deer hunters reported all killing bucks and doing very well fishing the stream coming out of Gold Lake.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—Ice House Resort reported that the shore anglers were catching limits of small planters on worms.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—Fishing has really picked up here with a plant by Alpine County. One angler in a small aluminum boat reported catching and releasing 30 trout trolling a rainbow Kastmaster this past week. There were 25 to 30 float tubers from a Nevada fly fishing club on the lake on Sunday in the wind.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—The lake is low with shallow hazards near the boat ramp. The water temp is at 54-degrees and the trolling bite is red hot according to Rick Kennedy at Tight Lines Guide Service. His clients caught over 50 fish on Saturday. The best bite came toplining a watermelon Crystal Basin Wild Thing dodger or Sep’s Side Kick with an 18-inch leader and threaded nightcrawler. Most of the rainbows were 12-inch planters but several holdovers to 16 inches were landed.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—The lake has been removed from “No Stocking” list and DFG trout plants will be resumed. With the unsettled weather, including 6 inches of rain, not much has been happening this past week. There were some reports of a few macks being caught, but no one checked them in at the store for weighs or pictures. Browns should be staging up in the inlet and a Rapala on a dark, windy will get bit!

LAKE TAHOE—The unsettled weather over the past week made fishing a little tough but on the days when the wind laid down fishing was pretty good for macks. Mickey Daniels had a good day earlier in the week with 5 or 6 fish, all 6 to 7 pounds, caught trolling Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut rigs at 300 to 350 feet. Weather cancelled trips over the weekend. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Charters reported catching macks averaging 5 pounds on Flatfish and Wobbler spoons from 120 to 300 feet depending hour of the day– the higher the sun, the deeper the fish. Rainbows are hitting along the buoy lines and rocky points in 8 to 15 feet of water on flasher/worm or flasher/minnow combos. The rainbows are ranging from 12 inches to 4 1/2 pounds.

LOON LAKE—Browns are hitting for shore anglers and trollers with the fish running 14 to 18 inches. One troller reported doing well with a dodger/Uncle Larry’s spinner combo.

PROSSER LAKE—The lake is very low but full of fish. The creek beds as they approach the main lake are good for anglers using nightcrawlers and salmon eggs or casting Panther Martins and Kastmasters.

PYRAMID LAKE—14 1/2-pound and 10 1/2-pound cutthroats were weighed in a Crosby’s Lodge this past week. Both were caught jigging at Pyramid Rock. Fishing for smaller fish has been good with trolled Apex and Flatfish accounting for numbers and jigging picking up the bigger fish.

RED LAKE—Cold nights have improved the bite and shore anglers are picking up a mix of rainbows, brookies and cutthroats on worms.

SILVER LAKE—Lots of limits of planters being caught trolling flasher/worm combos at 10 to 15 feet.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—Fishing at the inlet of the Little Truckee River has been good for rainbows and browns. Again, the browns are staging here for the spawn and fish larger than 18 inches should be released to protect the resource. Smaller macks are holding out past the rainbows and browns further from the inlet and the bigger macks are being taken jigging at the dam at 60 to 90 feet. The smallmouth bite is good along the east side of the lake on jigs and spinners. Boat launching is now next to the main ramp on the gravel.

TRUCKEE RIVER—The General Section above River Ranch is fishing pretty well for small rainbows in the deeper pools and pockets. This section closes November 15. The Special Section got a little off color from the rain this past week but is still fishing well. Anglers are throwing streamers and crayfish patterns, black stones with a small Copper John on a dropper, or casting small Panther Martins. Remember to observe the barbless hook regulation on all lures in the Special Reg Section.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—With the only launching now at the dam, Ice House Resort does not see anyone going to the lake and had no report. No other reports were available by press time.

WEST WALKER RIVER—Rains brought a lot of badly needed water to the area and now the river is in beautiful condition. There are still plenty of anglers out. There haven’t been any plants recently but bait anglers are still catching limits of fish running 1 to 3 pounds on salmon eggs and worms, according to Pam Hamic at the West Walker Motel.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR— Troll from the surface down to 10 feet with a Speedy Shiner and three colors pulled. The fall bite is here and trout are feeding in the surface. Smallmouth bass limits were also reported. The west or east side (by Dorado Inn) are good areas to target both. If you’re not getting them where you are, watch for bird activity elsewhere and fish there.

BAUM LAKE— BWO’s are a good bet, good patterns are sparse PMD’s, midges, and mahogany duns are appearing. Scuds are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and meal worms seem to be the bait of choice, but no reports on which lures are doing best.

BRITTON LAKE—Nice crappie up to 13 inches were reported by hardy fishermen, as overnight lows are getting down into the low to mid 20s.

BURNEY CREEK—No reports but with cooler weather, watch for the October caddis to start hatching.

EAGLE LAKE— With the return of fall-like weather, the trout bite resumed and trollers were hooking and releasing 10 to 12 fish per day up to 3.5 pounds in 6 to 12 feet of water, trolling baits set from 5 to 9 feet deep. Sep’s 2-inch grubs in the brown color patterns or watermelon and orange grubs have also begun to take fish regularly in the transition areas of the lake from the south basin into the middle and north basins.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA—Fishing reports have been good with BWO’s, PMD’s, woolly buggers, and wiggletail zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— The riffle is best fished with pt’s, birds nest, or hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, and callibaetis. Reports indicate fishing/catching is slow.

PIT RIVER— Excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches, however the construction is making access difficult. Nymphing seems to be doing the best with rubber leg princes, hare’s ears, and birds nest. Try a size 14 or larger.

LAKE SHASTA— The trout are in a feeding frenzy all around, in the Bridge Bay area trout limits were very easy in the top 10 feet on UV Cripplures, and Hum Dingers in blue/silver. Water temperatures are holding at 64 degrees, and trout fishing will continue to be outstanding until it get’s too cold for them.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Season is winding down with fishing upstream of Hwy 49 ending on November 15. Cooler weather has improved the bite at access sites along the Middle and North Forks. The Middle Fork below French Meadows is still a good bet.

BULLARDS BAR—Few reports are coming in to Emerald Cove Marina. Try drifting a single salmon egg up in the river for trout feeding on kokanee spawn. Spotted bass action should be good with the cooler water. Try topwater early, then switch to worms and jigs on the points down to 25 feet.

CAMP FAR WEST—Lake is low and launching on the old ramp is getting more difficult. 4-wheel drive is recommended for small fiberglass and aluminum boats. Anglers are doing well on good-sized crappie around the exposed stumps on worms and mini-jigs. The black bass bite is still good for fish up to 4 pounds on plastic worms and jigs.

COLLINS LAKE—Fishing has been slow with little pressure on the lake this past week. Most boaters this past week were fishing for bass. Trout plants will not start until next year.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—Boaters are toplining Rapalas from Keystone Cove to the inlet for rainbows and browns, 10 to 16 inches. Fishing pressure has been very light.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Very few boaters are hitting the lake but those that make the trip are being rewarded with limits of small rainbows caught trolling orange spoons or threaded nightcrawler/dodger combos.

FULLER LAKE—No current reports available from the Foresthill Ranger Station but cooler weather should have turned on the bite for trollers using flasher/worm combos. Shore anglers should be catching fish off the dam and the day-use area on Power Bait and worms.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—Construction on Wentworth Springs Rd will cause delays getting to the lake from Georgetown. The upper and lower campgrounds are still open. Brown trout have been staging up at the inlet in preparation for spawning and are hitting Rapalas especially when the sunlight is off the water, early or late.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake came up over a foot with the recent rain. Bass action is still good and should improve more as the water cools. Bass are being caught all over the lake on a variety of lures from the top down to 30 feet. Anglers are reporting good action on topwater baits, especially buzzbaits, in the early morning and then switching over to worms fished on dart-heads, splitshot and drop-shot rigs. The SXE Shad Roboworm is the pattern mentioned most by worm fishermen. Catfish are hitting nightcrawlers and anchovies in the Lime Saddle area. A 7 1/2-pound salmon was reportedly caught during a recent major bass tournament, but no other coho action has been seen.

ROLLINS LAKE—Still waiting for the DFG to resume trout plants since it was removed from the “No Stocking” list. Angling pressure has been very light, but brown trout should be gathering at the river inlet in preparation for spawning and trollers toplining Rapalas should be doing pretty well.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—Still waiting for the DFG to resume trout plants since it was removed from the “No Stocking” list. Boaters are catching some of the holdover trout on nightcrawlers and Power Bait at the inlet. Brown trout should be staging at the inlet area and trollers using Rapalas should catch some good fish. Bass anglers have been picking up a few smallmouths, but pressure is very light.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Good News!! The lake has been removed from the “No Stocking” list and the DFG will resume trout plants. Fishing is still very slow.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Good News!! The lake has been removed from the “No Stocking” list and the DFG will resume trout plants. Construction on Wentworth Springs Rd is causing 30-minute delays getting to the lake, but the fishing has been very slow.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Feather River Outfitters reported a good bass bite going on here with fish to 5 1/2 pounds reported this past week. Bass have been hitting buzzbaits, frogs, worms and Senkos.

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.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—The king and coho bite is now stretching up from the mouth into the first couple of miles of river, and anglers are catching a lot of hatchery silvers as well as kings. Slow-rolling baits in the estuary is still the best bet. Time it with the tides, it’s good for about 2 hours each shift.

ROGUE RIVER, Upper—Access to the upper river just got a little easier for anadromous fish, as the Savage Rapids Dam, in existence since 1921, has been demolished. The dam was said to have impeded the movement of an estimated 58,000 adult salmon and steelhead from getting up the river past the obstruction.

RUSSIAN RIVER—No change until the rains hit, which should be this week. Might be too early for salmon, but who knows? They might show, since they’re not anywhere else down here.

SMITH RIVER—The river is still closed above Rowdy Creek due to low flows, but during the high tides there’s a bunch of kings staging in the estuary, and there’s been some limits of bright, ocean-run kings to 40 pounds or more caught recently. The upcoming rains will break it wide open, so be ready!

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—The mouth cycled between open and closed all week, and most fishermen left. But, the few hanging around did very well on big, bright king salmon, plus jacks and even coho salmon. Some of the best success was around Blue Creek, and most salmon were being caught on drifted roe with a Styrofoam bead. Rain is expected this week, and the river level is expected to rise, bring many more fish upriver, but also potentially blowing out the river.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Lots of salmon continued to head to the end of their journey at the base of Iron Gate Dam. Anglers were catching half a dozen salmon or more an outing, mostly on backbounced roe. This is mostly catch-and-release fishing now though, because most salmon are past their prime.

TRINITY RIVER, Del Loma—A combination of lots of bait-stealing smolts and relatively few salmon and steelhead resulted in another week of relatively poor fishing. A big change is in the offing, however, with the arrival of rain which will raise flows and bring lots more fish upstream.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—Fishing was rather slow, but anglers working the riffles around Hoopa were catching a steelhead or two a day on nightcrawlers, spinners, spoons and flies. Salmon were stacked up at the bottom of the Gorge waiting for flows to rise easing passage to upstream sections of the river.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE— Dave Brabec from Clearlake Outdoors said clearing conditions continued as the weather continued to cool off the lake. Successful anglers concentrated on the north end and the Redbud section of the lake where a lipless crank bite has picked up. Don’t put away the topwater yet either. Fish were caught on Spooks, dropshot, shakey-head, jigs, Senkos and crankbaits. No catfish reports, but you know they’re out there under docks and up in the channels.

LAKE BERRYESSA—The spoon and drop-shot bite around the schools of bait has still been steady for bass up to 3 pounds. Cooler weather has been lowering the surface temperature and the bite will get even better soon. Kokes and king salmon action was from 60 to 110 feet down.

UPPER BLUE LAKE— The lake was planted this past week and the bite has been good, with one regular there catching and releasing 25 trout. Trout were taken in both basins with holdover trout at 35 feet down, newly planted ones from the surface down, and the private stocked big boys holding in 40 to 45 feet. Kastmasters without flashers with leadcore 5 to 6 colors out has been a good place to start.

LAKE SONOMA—The staff at the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park said they’re hearing more reports on landlocked steelhead but the bass bite has been tough. Hit or miss steelies are still deep but downriggers and Kastmasters, Needlefish, or hoochies have been producing for anglers when they find them in 60 to 80 feet of water. With the rain, they may come up to 40 feet.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—The lake has turned and with the change, trout have moved to the surface chasing bait. As they are in transition, anglers will still need to move around to find them. Troll from the surface down to 10 feet with a Speedy shiner and three colors pulled.

BAUM LAKE—BWO’s are a good bet when skies are overcast. Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney suggested other good patterns are sparse PMD’s, midges, and mahogany duns are appearing. Scuds are a good bet for nymphs. Nightcrawlers and mealworms seem to be the bait of choice but no reports on lures.

BRITTON LAKE—There have finally been some good reports on crappie this past week. Nice ones up to 13 inches were reported by hardy fishermen, as overnight lows are getting down into the low to mid 20s.

BURNEY CREEK—No reports but with cooler weather, watch for the October caddis to start hatching.

CASSEL FOREBAY—No report as the season winds down and few are reporting back. The canal above the Powerhouse No. 1 can provide some excellent fishing on spinners and Power Bait for some nice rainbow and brook trout. Fly-fishing can be excellent with black or olive crystal buggers or red blood midges. Topwater action is best early in the mornings and late evenings.

EAGLE LAKE— Bobber fishermen have also moved back to deeper water and are again anchoring in water 40-50 feet deep and dropping threaded nightcrawlers under a slip bobber down to the 25-foot level. Orange or white, No. 2 or 3 Sep’s Grubs trolled 125-150 feet behind the boat was the ticket here in water 10 feet deep or less, fishing 5 feet deep on the downriggers. The dredging operation at the Spalding launch ramp gets underway this coming week.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA— Fishing reports have been good with BWO’s, woolly buggers and wiggle tail zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— The riffle is best fished with pt’s, birdsnest or a hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, caddis, callibaetis. Reports indicate fishing/catching is slow. Watch for October caddis hatch to start up.

PIT RIVER—Excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches, Pit 3 is fishing well, however the construction is making access difficult. Nymphing seems to be doing the best with rubber leg princes, hare’s ears, or a birdsnest. Try a size 14 or larger.

LAKE SHASTA—UV Cripplures, UV HumDingers, and Wiggle Hoochies are doing the job here for trout. For those that prefer a fast troll, try Kazi Minnows in shad or rainbow trout, Flee Bittys or large HumDingers. Trout are averaging 16 inches, with a few hitting the 3-pound range. A few quality salmon were biting in the deeper water between 10 to 90 feet. Try the dam, Dry Creek, Waters Gulch, and Packers Bay with Sling Blades and Wiggle Hoochies or Paddle-tails.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—The section of the American upstream from the power lines at Ancil Hoffman Park to the USGS gauging station wire crossing the river below the weir at Nimbus Hatchery closes to all fishing Oct. 31. In the meantime, the very few anglers on the water have been finding fair fishing for mostly smallish steelhead plus striped bass—surprising given that years past, stripers have been replaced by salmon, which again—sadly—appear to be mostly no-shows. Fly fishers have been catching steelies on riffles up to Sunrise on small caddis and Mayfly-imitating nymphs under indicators, as well as on the swing. Spin fishermen have been drifting nightcrawlers, crawdad tails, and even ghost shrimp, as well as working spinners deep.

FEATHER RIVER—A few small steelhead were being reported caught in the Low Flow Section on nightcrawlers, egg patterns, and nymphs. The main river below the Outlet around the Gridley bridge has been producing a few steelies, too, for anglers drifting roe and nightcrawlers.

FOLSOM LAKE—Bass fishing has continued to be rather slow, and most of the fish being caught are rather deep, 15 feet and deeper. Although a few are being caught on crankbaits, most of the bites are by drop-shotting and dartheading Robo-Worms along the edges of submerged creek channels. An occasional trout was being taken by trolling between 40 and 60 feet deep in front of dam. A bit of good news—for fishermen anyway–is that the lake surface is very close to the level, 400 feet elevation, at which the boat speed limit will go to 5 mph.

McCLOUD RIVER—Trout fishing continued to improve as water temperatures cooled. However, storms and colder weather expected this week could very well turn the bite off, at least until nice weather returns. Ash Camp, Ah-Di-Nah, and the Nature Conservancy waters were all producing fish.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—About the only good reports up and down the river came from the Port of Sacramento where striped bass to about 8 pounds were being caught using a variety of methods. Drifting jumbo minnow from boats seemed to work best, but bankies were also caching a few by soaking pikeminnows, bloodworms and mudsuckers. Trollers were also scoring on Mann’s divers in the Dr. Death pattern.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Butte City—Fishing for steelhead wasn’t red hot, but there were a few being caught up to 5 pounds by drifting roe. A storm is expected to bring water levels up this week, but it should also bring more fish upriver, too—especially steelhead. Lots of catfish continued to be caught at night around Knight’s Landing.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Trout fishing continued to be excellent from Redding to Red Bluff. Egg flies and Glo-Bugs have been particularly effective because of spawning salmon. Storms are expected to dump mud into the river from tributaries, so trout fishing might be restricted, for awhile anyway, to the stretch around Redding.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—Trout fishing continued to improve last week as temperatures—air and water—continued to drop. Storms this week might put a literal damper on the fishing, at least until the sun comes back out. Almost all the action is on nymphs fished deep in pocket water close to the rod tip.

YUBA RIVER—The river has been fishing pretty well. Most of the activity has been around the Highway 20 bridge, because that’s the easiest access for waders. Some salmon are in the river so egg patterns have been effective. Caddis nymph patterns have been the most productive, although there’s been some dry fly fishing in the afternoon, and even a bit of a hopper bite. A few steelhead have started showing up, too.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—Captain Bill Clapp of Bill’s Sportfishing and Guide Service has had some great trips lately, scoring white seabass and halibut, plus a few leopard sharks. On the Happy Hooker, the hot bite was at the Farallon Islands, where 12 anglers found excellent conditions and a wide open bite on Saturday that produced limits of both rockfish and lingcod. Big ling was a 14 pounder.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported continued excellent action on bottomfishing trips down around Point Reyes. On Wednesday’s trip, his group found large, quality reds including vermilion, copper and Bolinas rockfish. Lingcod continued scarce, but each trip did find one or two, most of the time. Some skiffs tried for tuna on Sunday, finding 60 degree water at 40 miles, but no reports until after deadline.

EMERYVILLE—Farallon Island rockfish trips ruled the week, with limits the norm plus some good numbers of lingcod. Examples include Wednesday’s trip on the New Seeker when 29 anglers caught rockfish limits and 14 lingcod. On Saturday, top ling count went to the C Gull II with 18 lings (plus one lucky angler caught a Pacific halibut).

EUREKA—A consistently rough ocean and and even worse forecast has anglers hanging up their saltwater gear. Pacific halibut season will close the end of this month. Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center said the only options lately have been for bay sharks and rays and for day surf smelt.

FORT BRAGG—Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar did what he could, that is, fished for what was open, Pacific halibut. After catching some sanddabs, the 11 anglers on board soaked the mini-flatties for the big ones, and while they didn’t boat any Pacifics, they did manage some skates, spiny dogfish, and even a 20-pound Humboldt squid. Diving conditions were great, with a low swell and good visibility. Dungeness crab season opens next month, and will add a new dimension to the party boat trips.

HALF MOON BAY—The ocean laid down for the weekend, offering some great bottomfishing opportunities that produced rockfish limits and a few lingcod. Captain Tom Mattusch ran his first squid trip of the year on Huli Cat, finding pretty poor results the first part of the trip, but salvaging the day by trying a new spot that produced 23 squid.

POINT SAN PABLO—Captain Frank Miller on the Fury only ran on Sunday, starting outside the Golden Gate on the North Bar where one angler caught a 14-pound halibut. Then the south wind started, and he ran back into the bay, but no more halibut hooked until he finished up by drifting outside the harbor.

SAN FRANCISCO—Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing had some good action off of Treasure Island, with two of his anglers catching white seabass. Then his next trip targeted combo halibut and shark with two flatties to 24 pounds and several leopard sharks to 55 inches caught and released (one was kept to try out for the table).

SHELTER COVE—Pretty quiet now that Shelter Cove Sportfishing has finished their season. Pacific halibut will be fair game until the end of the month, and abalone season will be open through November. After that, sport Dungeness crab season will open.

SUISUN BAY—Sturgeon fishing is going strong for the few boats getting an early start to the season. Top spots are the Mothball Fleet, Montezuma Slough and Big Cut. Grass shrimp and ghost shrimp worked best. Stripers are also in the system in good numbers, and bullheads are working best for the bigger ones.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Very few anglers in the area so there were no reports available from Woodfords Station. Deer season in the X zone was over on Oct. 11 and weather is forecast for mid-week that could bring snow to the area.

BOCA LAKE—The lake is at 27-percent capacity. With the low water levels, boaters are confined to the main lake area. Browns and rainbows are grouped up at the inlet to feed on kokanee spawn. Most of the fish being caught are the planter rainbows.

CAPLES LAKE—The cooler weather has brought the fish up to the 10- to 15-foot range for trollers working dodgers or flashers trailed with a 2-foot leader and a worm. Shore anglers are doing better now that the trout have moved shallower. A simple worm and bobber off the spillway has been very productive. One family did well trolling Rapalas off the Wood Creek area for limits of rainbows and browns.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—The West Carson is low and clear but experienced anglers are still able to catch some of the Alpine County planters. The East Carson is fishing very well with one 15-year old coming in with a 7 pounder one day and two 4 pounders the next day. More Alpine County plants will be made before the end of the month. The fish are hitting spinners and nightcrawlers.

DAVIS LAKE—The lake is at 50-percent capacity. Ed Dillard and Brett Brady are both doing very well with 20 to 30 fish days. Most of the fish are 12 to 14 inches with a few to 16 inches. Small boaters able to get into 2 to 6 feet of water along the weeds are picking up some fish running 20 to 22 inches. Both guides are trolling Needlefish and wooly buggers or grubs at 8 feet on downriggers or top lining 150 feet back.

DONNER LAKE—The lake is at 54-percent capacity and launching is difficult for anything larger than an aluminum boat. The recent DFG plants have bolstered the rainbow bite at the public piers and the boat ramp for anglers using salmon eggs, worms, and Power Bait.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Dick Mason reported that the rainbow trolling is still good for limits of 2 1/2- to 4 pound fish on threaded nightcrawlers at Butt Valley Reservoir. The bite will get better as it gets colder and the browns move up to the inlet to prepare for spawning. The North Fork of the Feather is still good in the late afternoon for fly fishing. No word on Caribou Powerhouse but it was kicking out some big rainbows the week before last and if the powerhouse is running so are the trout.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—The lake is at 37-percent capacity. Cold weather this past weekend slowed the fishing but limits of 16- to 20-inch rainbows are still being reported. Shore anglers at the dam and Frenchman’s Campground are using nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers are doing best by the dam with flasher/nightcrawler combos.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—Bassetts Station reports that all the lakes are fishing well especially Gold Lake. Rainbows and macks to 15 inches are hitting worms at Gold. Salmon, Sardine, and Packer are good with worms too.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—The lake is at 74-percent capacity. Ice House Resort reports that lots of planters are being caught by trollers using a threaded nightcrawler, but there were no specifics available.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—Woodfords Station reports that fishing has been very good here with limits coming in for both shore anglers and small boaters/float tubers. Rainbows to 2 1/2 pounds are showing up in the limits. Shore anglers are doing well with a worm/marshmallow combo. The campground was closed as of Monday, Oct. 12

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—The lake is at 60-percent capacity. Shore anglers are doing well from the dam to the campgrounds on worm/marshmallow combos or Power Bait. Kayakers getting into the shallower coves are doing well casting Kastmaster and Krocodile spoons and Rapalas.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—The lake is at 78-percent capacity. The macks and browns have been active. Mitch Bringhurst caught an 8 1/2-pound mack trolling a Cripplure along the east side at the second dam. Browns are showing up for trollers on Rapalas in the Narrows as they stage for spawning. The browns are running 22 to 24 inches.

LAKE TAHOE—Mickey Daniels is getting multiple hookups on 3- to 5-pound macks in 300 feet of water on Sling Blade/Koke-a-nut combos. The bite has been lasting about 1 1/2 hours from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Chuck Self reported that a Capt. Chris client picked up an 18-pound mack this past week, but no specific info was available on the catch. Self is getting limits of macks up to 12 pounds on trolled spoons with the best action from 6:15 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Brooder stock rainbows from Tahoe City are moving into the lake and hitting for trollers just outside the buoy line on the north end of the lake

LOON LAKE—The lake is at 60-percent capacity. Ice House Resort reports that anglers are catching lots of planter rainbows from shore and trolling. North Shore Campground is still open. The rest of the campgrounds in the area are closed.

PROSSER LAKE—With the DFG plants over the past couple of weeks, the lake is loaded with rainbows. Shore anglers are picking up 3 to 4 fish per hour on salmon eggs, Power Bait and worms. The cooler temps have slowed down the smallmouth bass bite but fish are still being caught up in the Prosser Creek area at the campgrounds on Rooster Tails.

PYRAMID LAKE—The cutthroat bite has been excellent with trollers catching dozens of fish using Apex and Flatfish. Most of the fish are in the 17- to 20-inch range for the smaller keepers and some big fish 7 to 8 pounds are coming in for the over 24-inch keeper size. Darlene Cummings from CA picked up an 8 ½ pounder on an Apex in the Hell’s Kitchen area.

RED LAKE—The cold nights have cured the algae problem, but anglers are still hiking off the dam to the south side for limits on worms.

SILVER LAKE—No current report was available. The cooler water should be moving the fish shallower, 10 to 15 feet, and trollers should be catching rainbows and browns on flasher/worm combos. The shore fishing should be improving with the cooler temps also. Power Bait, worms, spinners and spoons should all be working.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The lake is holding at 49-percent capacity. Boat launching is still good. With the kokanee spawning in the Little Truckee, browns and rainbows are following the salmon up into the inlet to feed on the spawned eggs. Trout are being caught casting or trolling a Kastmaster and drifting nightcrawlers for fish to 19 inches. Mack fishing has been tough but a few are still being caught jigging near the dam and the back side of the island.

TRUCKEE RIVER—Flows in the upper section are down to 118 cfs. In the General Section, the fish are concentrated in the deep pockets and pools. The Special Section from Trout Creek to Stateline has been better with the colder weather. The best times to fish are in the mid morning or late afternoon until dark. A hopper or stimulator with a beaded nymph on a dropper is good during the day along the pockets and undercuts where there is a grassy or brushy bank. Golden stones with a caddis nymph trailer are good also. Some dry fly activity early and late, but the main river is better nymph water. Remember to pinch down your barbs, DFG will check you!!

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—The lake is at 63-percent capacity. Ice House Resort reported that little is happening here. All campgrounds but Camino Cove are closed.

WEST WALKER RIVER—Trout action is still good for anglers using worms and Panther Martins with limits common.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Very few reports are coming in for the river. As reported before, the Middle Fork below Frenchman Reservoir has been producing some great catches of rainbows for the hardy angler who can hike down to the river.

BULLARDS BAR—The lake is at 63-percent capacity. Brett Brady at Bare Bones Guide Service checked out the lake this past week and only found small groups or pairs of small, skinny kokanee 1/2-mile up in the river spawning. Normally there would be huge schools of fat 12- to 14-inch fish. There should be some rainbows following the kokanee up river to feed on the spawn, so drift a single salmon egg up in the river. Bass are reported to be all around the marina.

CAMP FAR WEST—The lake is way down to 8-percent capacity. Two anglers reported catching 70 bass in a single half day trip this past week. They said that the better fish weighed 3 to 7 pounds and were caught down by the dam on worms and jigs.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is down 45 feet from full. The surface temp has dropped down to 62-degrees and the lake is beginning to ‘turn over’. The threadfin shad hatch has put the trout, bass and catfish into the start of the fall feeding frenzy. Some big fish were caught this past week including a 7 ¾-pound bass, 16 1/2-pound catfish, and 4-pound trout.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The lake is at 94-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle reported that two customers caught limits of rainbows, 12 to 14 inches, trolling Rooster Tails and Needlefish upriver from the no-ski buoys to the river confluence. A Loma Rica angler caught a 6-pound brown casting a Rapala from the launch ramp this past week according to Dillon Davis at Skippers Cove. Others trollers are doing well up above Buck’s Beach toplining Rapalas for browns up to 16 inches.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Local angler, Bruce Decker, reported hitting the lake this past week and found non-stop action all day on small rainbows trolling “anything orange” including Rainbow Runners and Needlefish off a downrigger at 12 feet. A single worm or a Sep’s watermelon dodger with a worm trailer also produced on two colors of leadcore line. Decker caught 30 fish. Water levels are higher than normal and launching is good. There were only two other boats on the lake so fishing pressure is very light.

FULLER LAKE—This lake has not been planted for a couple of weeks now, but there should still be some fair action off the dam for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms. Trollers should be doing pretty well with the colder temps on flasher/worm combos.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that the campgrounds are closed for an upgrade on the water system and restrooms. Fishing pressure has been very light due to road construction on Wentworth Springs Rd, the main access to the lake. Browns should be gathering up at the inlet for the fall spawn and Rapalas should attract some good fish.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake has dropped a little to 37-percent capacity. All the main launch ramps are still operational. The bass bite is turning on as the water temps drop and the lake starts ‘turning over’. Guide Larry Hemphill reported excellent fishing, in the early part of the week, very early in the day. There was a good topwater bite first thing in the morning and then the fish were hitting worms and jigs from the top to 40 feet in the Middle Fork later in the morning. His best five fish went 11 to 12 pounds. Later that week he said the bite slowed down and dragging a worm or spooning the trees produced the best action. Feather River Outfitters reported a good bite in the evening on topwater and spinnerbaits.

ROLLINS LAKE—The lake is at 77-percent capacity. With the colder water temps, trolling Rapalas for browns should be picking up in the river as they start to stage for the fall spawn. Very few reports were available from Long Ravine Campgrounds.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—The lake is at 69-percent capacity. With the marina closed, fishing reports are hard to come by. Bass should be getting very active as the water temps drop with a chance at a good early morning bite for smallies.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Unless the DFG reinstates this lake on the planting list, fishing will remain dismal except for a chance at a bass or some bluegill.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—The campgrounds will close this week for work upgrading the water system and the restrooms. There has been very little pressure here due to road construction on Wentworth Springs Rd, the main access to the lake.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Some bass are still being reported but Roy Hilton caught a 6 ½-pound steelhead on green glitter Power Bait at the Wilbur Rd. canal.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—Salmon fishing is looking dismal here, and even though the Oregon Fish and Wildlife is expecting fewer than 700 wild salmon to return, they’re allowing anglers to kill two adult kings a day, including one wild fish per day, two per year. That’s ridiculous! Even so, Carl Johnson caught a 58-pound fall king Wednesday last week, but it might have been 65 pounds before being bled. This salmon run peaks in November after the first rains, then it’s steelhead.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Kings and coho still being caught in the estuary and up to Agness by trollers and drifters using bait and spinnerbaits. A lot of kings in the 20s, and some bigger, and some smaller, like jacks. Sidedrifting roe is taking a big place here now, too, as the fish spread out up the river.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Still summer activity until the rains bring the river up, and that might not happen until the lakes fill up…stick with the smallmouth or go elsewhere until the rains.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—A sand bar formed to block the mouth of the Klamath, but there were still some nice fresh kings being caught—big ones up to 40 pounds. Not much pressure, and fishing should be great when the mouth breaks open again, which should any day.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Not much change from last week. Lots of salmon are still being caught, sometimes more than 20 hookups in a day’s fishing with Kwikfish early then switching to back-bouncing roe later on.

TRINITY RIVER, Del Loma—After a spurt in the action the week before, fishing slowed last week with some summer fish being caught, but fall fish scarce. Not many steelhead showing last week. either. A bunch of bait-stealing smolts released to the river weren’t helping matters.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—Quite a few salmon can be seen finning in holes and swimming through riffles, but driftboaters working downstream of Willow Creek were finding slow fishing. Lots of fish still to come though, both salmon and steelhead.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—Flows did a bit of a yo-yo last week, increasing to 2,000 cfs. Hopefully that will encourage salmon, what few there appear to be again this year, to start making their move upstream. Remember, fishing for salmon is prohibited. Water temperatures have to decline below 60 degrees before spawning will be successful. That’s not expected until around the beginning of November, though. Another spawning gravel replenishment project was recently completed, this time on riffles at the lower end of Sailor Bar. As for fishing success, there wasn’t much change from last week. A few steelhead were taken, but lots of hours put in for each one. A few striped bass were still being caught, as well, but that action, already slow, is tapering off as the water cools.

FEATHER RIVER—A few small steelhead were being reported caught in the Low Flow Section on nightcrawlers, egg patterns, and nymphs. Flows below the Outlet continued to be very low, and reports of striped bass being caught around Shanghai Bend were few and far between.

FOLSOM LAKE—Aside from a few bass being caught deep over submerged creek channels and rocky humps on spooning, drop-shotting, and dart-heading, and even fewer trout being caught between 40 and 60 feet deep in front of Brown’s Ravine and in front of the dam, the lake was pretty quiet. Trollers should be mindful of the dropping water level in order to avoid hazards just below the surface, as well as losing expensive downrigger gear deeper down.

Mc CLOUD RIVER—Trout fishing was pretty good, and improving as temperatures continued to cool. Smaller but more numerous trout were being taken in upstream stretches around Ash Camp, while some larger rainbows were showing down around Ah-Di-Nah, and the Nature Conservancy waters.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—Striper fishing last week regressed a bit from the success of the previous week, but there were some fish being caught at the Port of Sacramento and Clarksburg. Trollers were doing okay at the Port on Yo-Zuris and Manns with a white plastic worm trailer. There were a few being caught from shore, as well. Most fish were under 10 pounds. Bryte Beach was also producing a few keepers. Anglers fishing at night with whole sardines, mudsuckers, and pike minnows to stave off bait-stealing shakers were having the best success.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Knight’s Landing—Fish minnows around Ward’s Landing for lots of striped bass action. Most fish are under 10 pounds, but there are enough fish weighing over 15 pounds being hooked to keep anglers on their toes. Lots of catfish are being caught, too, especially at night, around Knight’s Landing.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Flows out of Keswick Dam went down again, now down to 6,000 cfs and trout fishing is outstanding with many anglers catching two dozen or more fat rainbow per outing from Redding all the way down to Red Bluff. Salmon spawning on riffles mean that in addition to using nymphs under indicators, egg patterns are increasingly effective. Spin fishermen are doing well on Glo-Bugs. Nymphing with caddis and pale morning dun imitations has been good, too. The occasional steelhead is providing extra excitement in downstream stretches.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—Trout fishing has perked up considerably in the past week with trout now feeding actively throughout the day, because of cooling temperatures. Smaller fish in greater numbers are being caught around Dunsmuir, and odds for hooking larger rainbows increase as one heads downstream. A few rainbows are taking dries at certain times, but most fish continue to be caught on nymphs fished deep in pocket water close to the rod tip.

YUBA RIVER—Trout fishing was fair last week in the low flows and they were taking stonefly nymphs, caddis pupae, and egg patterns around the Highway 20 bridge access. Anglers hiking upstream and downstream a good distance away from the highest pressure were doing best, as were driftboaters.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—The Rattlesnake and Redbud arms have been the more productive waters. Both arms offer a lot of rock bottoms with deep water nearby. Shaky heads, worms, drop-shot worms, jigs, and Carolina rigs have been used effectively. Jumbo minnows on a small hook with a small splitshot most anywhere also found fish. The sheriff’s boat patrol is stepping up its mussel inspections and will be checking all bass boats prior to blast-offs of upcoming tournaments. Any boat without a current quagga mussel sticker will be cited and ordered off the lake. The total fine (including court costs) will run over $500, the inspection and sticker are $10.

LAKE BERRYESSA—As the nights cool and help to bring the water temperature down look for the topwater and spoons bite to really kick in for bass. Salmon were found from Skiers Cove to the Narrows and trolling depths were from 60 to 80 feet for fish from 16 to 19 inches. White Hoochies and Uncle Larry’s Green Tiger with Pro-Cure’s anchovy gel were good choices.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Trout fishing was hit or miss but the west basin proved best in 30 feet, producing limits to 18 inches with a new deepwater black fly set-up behind a suction cup. Sounds strange, but ask at the Narrows Resort or go into the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park where the set-up can be found. Bass fishing was fair from shore with drop-shot or plastic worms for fish to 2 pounds. A trout plant is due this coming week.

LAKE SONOMA— The few anglers fishing here found bass on poppers, spooks and by drop-shotting the weed lines in 10 feet for bass from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. Crystal clear water has made fishing tough here but the Cherry Creek and other arms in the areas are producing for the persistent angler.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—Top bet was halibut inside the bay due to outside winds, and the boats continued to get about 20 or so fish per trip. Stripers made up more of the catch, with bass to 18 pounds caught. There was another white seabass boated on the New Easy Rider, this one a 42 pounder.

BODEGA BAY— Wind pretty much shut down the bottomfishing action all week. They don’t call it Blowdega Bay for nothing.

EMERYVILLE—The boats focused on in-bay halibut action due to outside wind, with tough fishing due to big tides. Before the wind came up, the bottomfishing was excellent at the Farallon Islands, with limits of rockfish, and on some trips, over one around on the lingcod.

EUREKA—Saltwater action continued to decline in interest due to the wind outside and the lack of action inside. Top bets were sharks and rays in the bay, and day surfsmelt on the beaches. The surf smelt don’t mind a big ocean.

FORT BRAGG—Very quiet, with only abalone diving, spearfishing and shore fishing allowed. Add the windy conditions, and you get very little effort.

HALF MOON BAY—The bottomfishing action was best on Thursday when the weather cooperated. Friday was fishable, but the weekend weather conditions were heinous, and most boats cancelled trips. On the Queen Of Hearts on Thursday, a light load of 8 anglers caught 80 rockfish and a 7-pound lingcod. No tuna efforts reported.

PITTSBURG—Captain Kevin Yost moved Lucky Strike back to Pittsburg to join the Lucky Strike Too for the sturgeon and striped bass action in Suisun Bay. He’ll be offering trips for sturgeon and stripers the rest of the season.

POINT SAN PABLO—Captain Frank Miller on the Fury is having a great fall, with the sevengill cow shark trips scoring yet again. Saturday’s effort produced limits topped by a 160-pound lunker. He’ll be back at the halibut this week with the better (slower) tides, and if the weather cooperates, he may move outside to fish the North Bar and Seal Rocks.

SAN FRANCISCO—Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing reported more good action on the Marin Coast, with one group of five anglers finding a good morning rockfish bite, then an even better halibut bite on the North Bar, boxing 12 flatties to 14 pounds. On Sunday, his six anglers caught 13 halibut, boxing seven, and a bass.

SUISUN BAY—Captain Jeremy Kangas on Stickem reported good action on both sturgeon and striped bass, with his two anglers on Saturday catching limits of schoolie sized stripers on bullheads in under an hour. A change up targeting sturgeon found one keeper willing, and another jumbo shaker released. The sturgeon hit ghost shrimp near the Mothball Fleet.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Both Upper and Lower Blue Lakes are scheduled for DFG plants this week. Lots of hunters in the area, since the deer season opened. Power Bait, worms and spinners should all be working for the planters. The area received a good layer of wet snow over the weekend, but it quickly melted off. The county does not clear snow from the road into the lakes and if more snow comes soon, PG&E will close the campgrounds and the gate into the upper lake.

BOCA LAKE—A DFG plant is scheduled for this week. The lake level remained stable this past week. With the cooler weather the fishing has been good up at the inlet. Browns and mackinaw are hitting Rapalas. The evening is best for the browns, but keep in mind that the browns are staging for the spawn and should be released to protect the resource. If you want to keep fish, save the rainbows. Shore anglers are doing well with Power Bait and nightcrawlers or casting small Panther Martins and Kastmasters.

CAPLES LAKE—A DFG plant is scheduled for this week. Trollers are still doing well on rainbow and brown trout planters with flasher/worm combos at 15 feet or toplining a Kastmaster. Shore anglers are catching some nice fish on a bobber/worm rig or casting Panther Martins and Kastmaster spoons.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—The West Carson is low and clear but the water temp dropped low enough for an Alpine County trout plant this past week. Fishing has been tough here because of the low flows. The East Fork is still fishing very well for fly casters and lure casters. Cliff Callis of Folsom came in with two 4-pound rainbows that he caught on a silver Mepp’s spinner.

DAVIS LAKE—The lake is at 50-percent capacity. Fly fishing is good with one angler landing 24 of 31 hookups. He was in a float tube in the NE corner of the lake using a double nymph 4 feet under an indicator. Dillard’s Guide Service is still doing very well trolling a red Rainbow Runner and the copper/red Dick Nite for multiple limits of mostly 12- to 13-inch rainbows, with bigger fish 17 to 20 inches. The fishing in October and November is usually excellent. Shore fishing is still only fair with a few fish being caught on inflated nightcrawlers and Power Bait at Mallard Cove and Fairview.

DONNER LAKE—The lake has been planted heavily the last couple of weeks and fishing is good off the public piers and the dam on Power Bait, worms and salmon eggs. Macks are hitting in the early morning on Krocodile spoons cast from shore. In deeper water, 80 to 10 feet, macks are being caught by jiggers using the BuzzBomb, Perk Minnow, and the Gulp! Minnow. The deep macks are running 8 to 12 pounds. The macks are schooling up in preparation for spawning and anglers should release these fish to protect the resource. Just take a picture!

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Caribou Crossroads Resort said that some anglers have been doing well at the Caribou Powerhouse on big rainbows. DFG has stopped planting the North Fork above the resort by the campgrounds, but native rainbows are still on a good bite for anglers casting spinners and dry flies in the evening in the North Fork above the campgrounds toward the powerhouse. Butt Valley Reservoir will only get better as the water cools more and the browns school up at the inlet in preparation for spawning.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—The lake has stabilized at 38-percent capacity. Shore anglers and trollers are all catching fish. Pierre Martin from Reno caught limits from shore in Frenchman’s Campground on rainbow Power Bait with the best bite around 9 a.m. Trollers are doing well from the dam to Big Cove with threaded nightcrawlers at 10 to 15 feet.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—Bassetts Station reported that action was pretty good for the few people who were in the area this past week. Angler pressure is way down, but shore anglers are catching some limits on worms.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—The lake level was stable this past week. The fishing from the shore and trolling is reported to be “wide open”. Power Bait and worms are catching a lot of limits for the shore anglers and trollers are doing well with flasher-dodger/ worm combos.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—The area received a bit of snow over the weekend but it melted off quickly. Alpine County made a trout plant this past week and anglers have been doing well on fish to 3 ½ pounds on red Power Bait. Cousins John and Steve Mandoki of Carson City teamed up for four rainbows and one brown that all ran 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—Very little fishing pressure here, but deer season is open and hunters are in the area. Trollers are catching some big browns, 8 to 9 pounds, on Rapalas near the inlet at Fir Top early and late in the day. Rainbows are hitting near the dam.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—The mackinaws are back on the prowl again. On Sunday morning, Mike Doyle and his buddy were trolling big spoons 20 to 25 feet deep along the east side of the lake from the second dam to the narrows and caught three good lakers. Their biggest was a 30-inch, 8.4-pounder. They caught another thirty incher that was skinnier, only 5 ½ to 6 pounds, and a 24 incher. A kayak fisherman picked up a 3-pound smallmouth up in the Narrows, but chose to keep the method he used a secret.

LAKE TAHOE—The kokanee fishing is over for the year as the kokes are heading up the streams to spawn. Most of guides have switched over to fishing strictly for trout, either deep for mackinaw or toplining for rainbows and browns. Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters reported that the fishing has been “real good” with 7 or 8 fish landed and 5 or 6 lost per trip. The fish have been running a healthy 6 to 7 pounds and are hitting Sling Blades and minnows at 300 to 350 feet. John Shearer at Tahoe Sportfishing echoed pretty much the same report with limits of 2 to 6 pounders coming out of 130 to 180 feet of water at Dollar Point and the Flagpole on the NW end of the lake. Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Topliners is done for the season.

LOON LAKE—The lake level remained stable this past week. It snowed here on Saturday night and it’s very cold, but the trout action is good for trollers working the dam. Ice House Resort could not give any specifics on what the anglers were using, but some trollers reported catching fish to 2 1/2 pounds.

PROSSER LAKE—This lake has been a sleeper. It doesn’t get as much pressure as some of the other lakes, but recent plants have improved the fishing and locals are having a great time using Power Bait and worms at the dam and the inlet. Boaters should concentrate on the channels in the creek arm with Needlefish or flasher/worm combos.

PYRAMID LAKE—The lake opened on October 1 and fishing has been very good with some boats landing 90 fish in a day. The biggest fish checked into the Pyramid Lake Store was a 10 pounder caught by Gary Warren on a Murphy’s Lure. There are big schools of chubs all over the lake and the cutts are healthy and aggressive. Fly casters are doing well from float tubes and ladders.

RED LAKE—The snow that fell over the weekend will probably take care of the algae. Anglers hiking off the dam to the south side of the lake are still doing well on a mixed stringer of rainbows, brookies and cutts on worms.

SILVER LAKE—Fish still being caught by trollers using flasher/worm combos. The water is much cooler now after the snow over the weekend and shore anglers are doing better with Power Bait, worms, spinners and Kastmasters on planter rainbows and browns.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The lake level actually came up a little this past week. Jigging for mackinaw is the best bet here from the dam to the boat ramp at 80 to 100 feet. Use BuzzBombs, Gibbs Minnows, Perk Minnows and Gulp! Minnows. The kokanee fishing is done and the kokes are schooling up at the inlet getting ready to run up the river to spawn. The browns are bunched up behind the kokanee waiting to feed on the spawn and then they themselves will spawn later this fall. Troll Rapalas for the browns. Rainbow fishing is sporadic in the Little Truckee arm with no recent plants.

TRUCKEE RIVER—The General Section flows are very low and the best area is above River Ranch in the deeper holes with salmon eggs, worms and small dark Panther Martins. The Special Section flows are better below Boca and small Baetis dries are working along with small Baetis nymph patterns in size 16 and 18. Midges in size 18 to 22 will work, too. The big size 6 to 8 orange caddis hatch is starting to develop. Dark streamers can be good early and late in the day.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—The lake level remained stable this past week. A little snow over the weekend, but there were a lot of boats here last weekend according to Ice House Resort. Lots of trout being caught with counts bolstered by the plants made recently. The kokanee are done for the season.

WEST WALKER RIVER—The last Mono County/North Mono Chamber Alpers trout plant was made this past week and consisted of 318 fish totaling 540 pounds. Lots of fish were being caught on worms, salmon eggs and silver spinners. There was no DFG plant this past week, but the Toiyabe Motel expects one this week. The Toiyabe Motel will shut down for the season starting October 12.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—A cool break in the weather helped to bring the fish up as the lake is turning. Look for a surface trout bite in the top 10 feet but don’t ignore your electronics as the transition from summer to fall begins. When you mark deep fish vertically jig or cast jig to them. Pulling leadcore outfits 2 1/2 to 3 colors out with a Needlefish or Speedy Shiner in a pond smelt imitation, or a small red/gold Rapala were good options for the surface.

BAUM LAKE— BWO’s are a good bet when skies are overcast; otherwise, green nymphs were anglers best options, with excellent results, try a copper John in green. Stick with small sizes, 18 or smaller in both dries and wets to have the best chance of hooking up.

BRITTON LAKE—Smallmouth bass bite continues to be the only fish taking offerings these days, try in the morning and evening.

BURNEY CREEK— No reports, but with cooler weather, watch for the October caddis to start hatching.

CASSEL FOREBAY—The season is winding down and few are reporting back, but above Powerhouse No. 1 can provide some excellent fishing on spinners or Power Baits for some nice rainbow and brook trout. Fly-fishing can be excellent with black or olive crystal buggers or red blood midges. Topwater action is best early in the mornings and late evenings.             

EAGLE LAKE—Troll orange or white, No. 2 or No. 3 Sep’s grubs in 5 feet on the downriggers in 10 feet or less. Arctic Fox in the bright orange pattern have also been producing fish when trolled in the same fashion. The best trolling areas have been the “structured” ridges and dropoffs on the west side of the lake between Pelican Point and Shrimp Island. Most bobber anglers are anchoring up in 10-15 feet of water and setting their threaded nightcrawlers at 5-10 feet deep.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA—With cooler nights the riffle is best fished with pt’s, birds nest, hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, caddis, and callibaetis and watch for the October caddis hatch to start up.

UPPER HAT CREEK–This is the last report for this season, although it goes until Nov. 15, few reports on the area as anglers head home. Fishing was fair but the days this past week was cool and had its first snow flurries. Fish and Game has discontinue plants here but October should still continue to produce some good fishing as the pressure is light and there’s a lot of holdover fish. Fish plants this time of year tend to be brook trout. so use worms or lures to catch more fish. Large and mini nightcrawlers worked best in the holes, so go deep for more fish.

LEWISTON RESERVOIR—Fishing continued to be slow but as it cools down trout trollers will be using salmon and white eggs in 10 to 15 feet while fly anglers may want to try woolly buggers or black/purple leeches for kokes.

PIT RIVER—There were some excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches, and the Pit 3 is fishing well however PG&E construction is making access difficult. Nymphing seems to be doing best with a hare’s ears, or a bird’s nest, try a size 14 or larger.

LAKE SHASTA—The topwater bite continues to improve. Water clarity is up to 10 feet and the water temperature is holding at 68 degrees. Fish from the bank out 20 or 25 feet for bass, with jigs, brown has been a good color. The average is still 1 1/2 to with a few 3 to 4 pounders. The lake is starting to turn over. Rainbow trout trollers caught fish in Diggers Bay and around Shasta Dam from the surface to 20 feet down from 2 to 2 1/2 pounds with UV Cripplures, orange glow Cripplures and black and silver Paddle Tail in blue/silver with Pro-Cure scent. 

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Very few reports are available according to Will Fish Tackle or the Georgetown Ranger Station. Nights are getting cold, but the Middle Fork below Frenchman Reservoir is good for those willing to make the hike.

BULLARDS BAR—The lake is at 63-percent capacity. Lots of bass reported hanging around the docks in the marina with fish running 3 to 4 pounds. The DFG is trying to figure out what has happened to the kokanee fishery and will plant more kokes until they can come up with a reason for the problem. There should be some trout action up river with the water temps dropping because of the cooler weather.

CAMP FAR WEST—The lake is very low, below 20-percent capacity. Launching of bigger boats is still good on the old gravel ramp. Bass action is reported to be good for anglers working worms and jigs at the dam or in the creek arms near the exposed trees. Bluegill fishing is good with the store reporting a brisk business for nightcrawlers.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is now down 41 feet and boat launching is no problem with ramp improvements made last year. Catfish are providing the most consistent action especially for those fishing at night off the docks or in Elmer’s Cove. One angler reported catching ten cats from 3 to 7 pounds on sardines in Elmer’s Cove at night from his boat over two days. Trout are still coming in with rainbows to 3 3/4 pounds weighed in this past week. A few bass and redear sunfish are also being caught off the docks.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The lake is up to 97-percent capacity. Trollers are picking up 9- to 12-inch browns and rainbows at the dam at 30 to 40 feet with flasher/worm combos. Boaters are also running up above Buck’s Beach near the waterfall and drifting off the bottom with Power Bait/worm combos for small brown trout. Fishing pressure is very low with only one or two boats a day showing up.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—According to the Foresthill Ranger Station, very few anglers are venturing up to the lake and there are few reports available. Deer season is open though and there are a lot of hunters in the area.

FULLER LAKE—DFG planted here two weeks ago and fishing should still be pretty good for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms off the dam and the day-use area. Trollers do well using flasher/worm combos.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that few reports were available because of the low numbers of anglers at the lake. Deer season is open and there are lots of hunters in the field.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake level has stabilized at 38-percent capacity. The new DWR low-water ramp at Bidwell Canyon Marina was opened and will provide launching to 675 feet of elevation. The ramp will be extended to 640 feet elevation if the lake level drops low enough to allow for construction. There were very few reports available from Feather River Outfitters about action at the lake. Very few anglers are getting out. The Feather River is still attracting the most attention locally.

ROLLINS LAKE—The Outrigger Grill is closed for the season at Long Ravine and the docks have been moved out to deeper water because of the lower water levels. Launching and camping is still available at Long Ravine. No currents reports of fishing action were available, but DFG confirmed that the lake has been put back on the stocking list and trout plants will resume when hatchery staff determines that the water temps are cool enough.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—The marina and store are not staffed full time now but services can be arranged by contacting the office when you get to the resort. No current fishing reports were available, but the DFG confirmed that the lake has been put back on the stocking list and trout plants will resume when hatchery staff determines that the water temps are cool enough.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—A great spot for a picnic during the summer but the nights are getting cold and fall is here. With no trout plants all year, the only hope for anglers has been a chance at catching some of the bass and sunfish here.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—The lake is low and fishing success has been the same. With no trout plants here all year, the bass and catfish have provided the only opportunity for anglers. There are probably a few holdover trout in the lake but most anglers are fishing elsewhere-Walton’s Lake.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Feather River Outfitters reported that few anglers have been fishing here with the good striper action in the Feather River. A couple of big steelhead were reported last issue but nothing has been weighed in or reported during this past week.

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.

CHETCO RIVER—Anglers fishing the estuary are being asked to have their fin-clipped kings wanded by the ODFW, or cut off the nose or head and bring it to the Chetco Outdoor Store for the department. There are concerns about the lack of fish showing, and if conditions don’t improve the early November opener may be delayed.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—High winds made fishing for kings tougher, and huge surf kept a lot of fish from coming into the estuary, although some kings and even some Coho were being caught by those who figured out the right trolling angles. A lot more jack salmon than normal.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Still the same scenario, with early and late anglers finding good numbers of spunky smallmouth bass on spinners and small lures. Not as much competition for quiet water now with the watersports folk off the river. Next up: steelies and hopefully salmon when the first rains blow out the river.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen— Not much change from last week. Hardworking anglers are still scoring bright, freshly arrived salmon, but some days are far better than others. There are more bigger fish showing though, including a few weighing up to 40 pounds. More steelies are showing, too.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate Dam—Lots of salmon are arriving daily above I-5, and anglers are catching half a dozen, and often a lot more hard fighters. These early fish are in pretty good shape, too. Back bouncing roe has been responsible for most of the fish, but Kwikfish are accounting for a few early in the day.

TRINITY RIVER, Del Loma—Salmon fishing wasn’t red hot, but certainly worth the effort with the pot sweetened by an ever-increasing number of steelhead showing up. The best fishing has been in the Junction City to Big Bar and Del Loma. A few fish are being caught early in the morning on Kwikfish, but the most bites continued to come on roe. Fly fishers have been doing better as well swinging brindle bugs and brown hackle peacocks.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—Anglers have been hiking into the canyon around Hoopa and hooking both steelhead and salmon on roe in deep holes. Salmon and steelhead counts aren’t all that high, but they seem to be biting fish, when a bunch is intercepted—mouths of cooler feeder streams are good, too. Number 4 Mepps, Blue Fox spinners, and streamers also are good bets. Get on the water early and get off by 9 a.m.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker reported fewer but bigger halibut, with 25 pounders taking the pool on both Friday and Saturday. He’s moving to Martinez in a couple weeks, and will switch to targeting striped bass and sturgeon in Suisun Bay.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler fished Point Reyes again, with the same limit results on rockfish, and a little flurry of lingcod on Wednesday’s trip also. Some jumbo rockfish showed up, including vermilion to 8 pounds, and coppers to 5 pounds. “Sunday’s trip was something like 80 straight trips with limits,” said Powers. His planned tuna trip was weathered out on Wednesday, but he is planning another effort.

EMERYVILLE—The New Salmon Queen ran a great tuna trip last Tuesday, finding 85 albacore to 25 pounds for nine anglers. They did burn some fuel, working as far as 93 miles from Seal Rocks at one point. The rest of the fleet had a choice of rockfish or halibut. Scores fluctuated on the flattie trips, but the bottomfishing trips found rockfish limits plus some lingcod. There was even a 14-pound eel caught on one trip.

EUREKA—Saltwater season is winding down, but there were some good options left despite the big seas through the week. Day surfsmelt like the rough seas and are still running. In the bay, sharks and rays are still going, and there were some chance hookups of sturgeon in the shallow flats of north bay. Not many people know about the sturgeon there, so keep it quiet.

FORT BRAGG—Building seas made the weekend a tough bet for divers and shore anglers. As soon as the weather settles, anglers can dive for abalone, spearfish, and fish from shore for rockfish and lingcod.

HALF MOON BAY—The action steadied out with rockfish limits all week except Tuesday on the Queen Of Hearts, and most trips included a few lings and cabezon. Calm seas helped out, with Pigeon Point the top spot, reported Sherry Ingles at Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle.

LOCH LOMOND—Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported fewer but bigger halibut, for once the “usual” season trends are coming around. He had fish to 21 pounds on his boat. Slow tides meant deep water fishing, which also helped with the average halibut size. Striper counts remain down, however he did do an outside trip on Sunday to include rockfish and lingcod to the menu.

OYSTER POINT—Captain Jack Chapman on the Lovely Linda went out on Wednesday and while the action wasn’t hot, his one customer did catch a jumbo leopard shark (and they lost a couple halibut) while drifting live bait outside the St. Francis Yacht Club.

POINT SAN PABLO—Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported slower action on the halibut trips with less than one around, but at least a few keepers boxed. He tried San Pablo Bay (where he’s been nailing fish consistently this season) and the deep spots in main bay like Raccoon Straights, etc. “I heard of a few fish caught outside, but the halibut fishing has been slower,” he said.

SAN FRANCISCO—Captain Steve Talmadge of Flash Fishing reported good action on his Marin Coast combo trip, his group from the Martinez Marina finding halibut to 25 pounds, rockfish limits, lingcod and they even released a 20-pound class salmon. The action came on live bait, mostly sardines with a few anchovies.

SHELTER COVE—Captain Trent Slate said that the private fleet ran out for tuna early in the week, and while a couple boats got skunked, one boat did get nine, but no details on how far out.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—Hot weather this past week brought back some algae and weeds but THAT should be short lived. Key to netting bass was to move and when you found one, stay there. Anglers are targeting fish on rocks or weed beds near shore with swimbaits, plastics, crankbaits, and surface baits. Worms are best fished around the shade of docks. The docks at Indian Beach Resort in Clearlake Oaks have been producing a lot of catfish, but forget about panfish for now. A  heads up for anglers fishing tournaments: the sheriff will be checking all bass boats prior to the blast-offs of upcoming tournaments. Any boat without a current quagga mussel sticker will be cited and ordered off the lake. The total fine (including court costs) will run over $500.

LAKE BERRYESSA—Salmon came from Skiers Cove to the Narrows and trolling depths were from 60 to 80 feet for fish from 16 to 19 inches. White Hoochies worked for these fish as well as Uncle Larry’s Green Tiger with Pro-Cure’s anchovy gel. Bass are starting their upward trend and spoons continue to be productive from the surface down to 50 feet.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Fishing pressure has been light and the recently planted trout can be trolled either from mid-lake or from the shoreline when the weather cools down.

LAKE SONOMA— Popper and Spook fish were found but bass also responded to drop-shotting the weed line in 10 feet for bass from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. Crystal clear water has made fishing tough here but the Cherry Creek and other arms in the areas are producing for the persistent angler

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—Hot weather slowed the bite here but the fall bite is just around the corner. Trolling from 30 to 38 feet was still the best way to go but be prepared for short periods of surface action as the trout follow the bait up and watch for birds. The shaded side of docks or around marina log booms were good spots for bass. Throw spinnerbaits or jerk baits in the mornings and evenings. Fly anglers can throw smelt imitation streamers in white or pearl white.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR—No reports at this time as few are fishing, but typically PG&E starts to draw the lake down. Fish will continue to be caught in the boat launch area of the lake or off the dam in deeper water. Power Bait, lures, and worms will continue to produce good action. Topwater action should improve in the evenings in the shallows near the boat launch area as the water temperature cools. Try PMD nymphs and cripple patterns then.

BAUM LAKE— Fishing has been great for fly fishermen for the past few days at both Baum Lake and the Cassel section of Hat Creek with lots of brookies, rainbow and brown trout. Cooler weather usually triggers the fish to feed more heavily, as there is decreased bug activity during the winter months. There are still good hatches of PMD’s, caddis, callibaetis, and trico’s on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Kastmasters are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are working for the bait fishermen.

BRITTON LAKE—The smallmouth bass bite continues to the only game in town these days, try in the morning and evening.

BURNEY CREEK— Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and crawlers. Below the falls, good results with pt and copper john nymphs, fish coming up to caddis hatch in the evenings.

CASSEL FOREBAY—No report as the season winds down and few are reporting back. The canal above the Powerhouse No. 1 can provide some excellent fishing on spinners and Power Bait for some nice rainbow and brook trout. Fly-fishing can be excellent with black or olive crystal buggers or red blood midges. Topwater action is best early in the mornings and late evenings.

EAGLE LAKE—The trout have moved into the shallows but there’s been a short opportunity for them as the days have been hot. Troll Sep’s No. 2 grubs in watermelon, amber, or brown around structured ridges and drop-offs on the west side of the lake between Pelican Point and Wildcat Point. Anchoring up in 15 to 20 feet of water and dropping threaded nightcrawlers down 8 to 10 feet deep in these same areas also worked. The dredging operation at the Spalding launch ramp gets underway this coming week.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— While poor results were still found here, in part due to the heat, try the riffles with pt’s, birdsnest, or hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures coming back.

UPPER HAT CREEK–The days were hot and slow, but the weekend was steady with good fishing. Fish and Game continues to plant once a week but will probably discontinue in early October. October should still continue to produce some good fishing as the pressure is light and a lot of holdover fish remain. Fish plants this time of year tend to be brook trout, so use worms and lures to catch more fish. Nightcrawlers and mini nightcrawlers worked best. Work the holes and go deep for more fish. Fly-fishing on the upper creek was fair with a good stone fly hatch coming off, so try stone imitations, caddis, and stimulator patterns to catch more fish.

LEWISTON RESERVOIR—When it cools back down trout anglers will be using salmon eggs and white eggs 10 to 15 feet down while fly anglers may want to try woolly buggers or black/purple leeches for kokes.

PIT RIVER— Excellent reports from the Pit 4 and 5 reaches,and Pit 3 is fishing well, however the construction is making access difficult. Nymphing seems to be doing the best with hare’s ears, birdsnest–try a size 14 or larger.

LAKE SHASTA—Trout and salmon action held steady despite the heat. Trout and king salmon were good in the Dry Creek area and by the dam. Digger Bay, Waters Gulch, and Toupee Island were also fishing well. Troll from 50 to 100 feet down for trout but you’ll have to go down at least 150 feet for the larger king salmon running between 4 and 5 pounds.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—Flows seem to have stabilized–for the moment—around 1,700 cfs, but fishing continued to be “iffy” with a report of a steelhead here, and a striper there. The occasional steelhead was being taken on butterflied shad, pikeminnows and sardines in holes on the lower end of the river, while a few more were biting swimbaits, jerkbaits, topwater lures and crawdads in holes below riffles from Howe Avenue to Nimbus Dam. An occasional steelhead was being hooked, mostly on nymphs under indicators, drifted nightcrawlers, and spinners. But there were even a few caught on big, high floating dry flies.

FEATHER RIVER—Flows in the Feather continued to be very low, around 1,350 cfs below the Outlet, but there were some big striped bass taken around Shanghai Bend by bankies tossing Pencil Poppers, Hair Raisers and swimbaits, and jerkbaits late in the evening and at night. Steelhead fishing was lousy in the Low Flow Section once again, but stripers were showing up all the way up to Oroville.

FOLSOM LAKE—The lake was pretty quiet because most anglers were looking for cooler waters to fish, but a few bass were being taken mostly deep, around 25 feet deep along creek channels and over humps by spooning, drop-shotting, and dart-heading. A very few trollers caught a few rainbow trout working in front of the dam with Needlefish and Apexes fished 40 to 60 feet deep.

MATHER LAKE—Fish early and late around weed edges from a float tube, pontoon boat, or canoe for a few bass. Fish poppers, frogs over the weed mats, and weightless Senkos.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—What a difference a week makes. The same folks who were singing the blues about the poor striper fishing around Sacramento, while not exactly raving about the fishing, did say there definitely was a turnaround in fortunes, with some pretty good fishing at times between Freeport and Verona. A couple of the better reports came in from the Port where trollers were scoring fish 6 to 10 pounds trolling Yo Zuri’s and Mann’s divers with a white plastic worm trailer, and Bryte Beach where a 31 pounder was caught—and released—by an angler using a pikeminnow for bait.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Knight’s Landing—Last week produced the best striper fishing of the fall season with some boats landing around 20 fish per boat—keeper sized fish, not shakers. Tisdale seemed to be the best area, and there were some larger stripers, caught, too, in the 20-pound class, on minnows, plastic worms at night, and on streamer flies.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Not much change from last week with excellent fishing for trout in the low, 6,500 cfs flow. Also, no longer have to pull their boats out at the Cypress Street Bridge, and there is no blockage requiring pulling your boat out and relaunching throughout prime trout water from Redding all way to Red Bluff. The lower reaches have also been producing the occasional steelhead in addition to great trout fishing. Dead-drift nymphs like princes, pheasant tails, and copper Johns under indicators. Spin fishermen should drift Glo-Bugs with or with a bit of roe, nightcrawlers, and crickets.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—Not much change with the unrelenting heat making for a short day’s fishing early and late, and most of the activity above Sims. Keep a tight line dead drift close in into pocket water keeping the fly deep.

YUBA RIVER—Flows are quite low at 800 cfs, but trout fishing has been fair with rainbows taking stonefly nymphs, caddis pupae, and egg patterns. Small Mayflies and caddis-imitating dry flies have been enticing a few trout to look to the surface right before dark.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Upper Blue was planted two weeks ago and fishing pressure has been low according to Woodfords Station. Deer season is open and the area around the lakes are full of hunters.

BOCA LAKE—The lake is at 44-percent capacity. This lake hasn’t been planted for two weeks. The weather was hot this last week and fishing was slow during the day. The best chance for success has been in the early morning or evening for trout at the inlet or the boat ramp. Smallies are hitting during the day in the coves and at the dam on spinners, Rapalas or crawdad color jigs.

CAPLES LAKE—The DFG planted 11,500 rainbow trout totaling 4000 pounds this past week. Trollers are doing well on a Kastmaster spoon or flasher-dodger/worm-Power Bait combos. Shore anglers are “knocking ‘em dead” on bobber/worm rigs. Shore anglers are also having good success casting Roostertails, Panther Martins and Kastmasters.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—The West Carson is still low and clear and tough to fish. The East Fork, with much better flows, is fishing very well. Some members of an 84-person fly-fishing group reported the best fishing they’ve seen in 26 years of coming to the area. Caddis and crippled Adams dries are working on top with a black wooly bugger catching them subsurface. The rainbows are running from planters to 4-pound trophy fish. Alpine County will be making two more trophy plants by the end of October and the local businesses will sponsor one last big plant at the end of October to end out the season.

DAVIS LAKE—Afternoon trolling has been productive. Ed Dillard landed 25 fish on his last charter, a noon to 4 p.m. trip. The fish hit early on the red Rainbow Runner and the last hour of the day switched over to the copper/red Dick Nite. Ed said most of the fish were 12 to 13 inches with a couple up to 17 inches. The shore fishing is improving on inflated nightcrawlers at Mallard Cove, and Fairview with some big rainbows, 20 to 22 inches, caught this past week. Fly casters have caught some big fish up to 5 pounds on nymphs along the west side in 3 to 6 feet of water. The lake received a DFG plant of 2000 pounds of rainbows that ran from 1 1/2 to 3 pounds this past week.

DONNER LAKE—A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. Hot weather has driven the fish deep, but the best areas are still the public piers and the boat ramp. Some macks are active at 80 feet for trollers and jiggers. The kokanee have all turned.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Fly fishing is good in the evening for native rainbows upstream of the campgrounds. Caribou Powerhouse is slow for smallmouth and trout unless the powerhouse is running. Butt Valley Reservoir is great for rainbows, 2 1/2 to 4 pounds, trolling threaded nightcrawlers on two colors of leadcore line and downriggers set at 14 feet on the north end of the lake across from the boat ramp.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—The lake is still at 38-percent capacity. Boaters are doing well drifting salmon eggs near the bottom in 30 feet of water from Big Cove to Crystal Point and catching rainbows, 18 to 20 inches, running 2 to 3 pounds. Shore anglers are catching rainbows, 16 to 19 inches, with Power Bait at the dam.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—The bite at all the lakes is good according to Bassetts Station. They’re selling a lot of worms.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—The lake is at 73-percent capacity. The trolling bite is good for lots of planter rainbows. Try the east end of the lake starting on top with Dick Nites, Excels and Needlefish until the sun hits the water then switch to worms or grubs fished down to 30 feet.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—The cooler nights have moved the fish up into shallower water for the shore anglers using nightcrawlers. The deep channel between the boat ramp and dam is good for those with small watercraft.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—The best bet is trolling from the dam on up into the Fir Top area with a Kastmaster, Krocodile or a Rapala. Shore anglers are working from Pass Creek to the dam with nightcrawlers and Power Bait or a Kastmaster.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—A few mackinaw, 2 to 3 pounds, are still being caught trolling deep at the second dam with an F 7 or F9 Rapala. Some planter rainbows are hitting Power Bait and worms upriver at the second boat ramp.

LAKE TAHOE—At North Shore, Mickey Daniels has been catching 3 to 8 fish and losing several on every trip trolling Sling Blade/minnow combos at 350 to 400 feet. The fish are running 3 to 5 1/2 pounds. On the South Shore, Mike Nielsen at Tahoe Topliners has still been limiting out on mackinaw trolling and jigging at 140 to 160 feet deep. The kokanee are all schooled up in front of Taylor Creek waiting to run upstream to spawn and are all red.

LOON LAKE—A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. The lake is at 61-percent capacity. Lots of planter rainbows hitting lures trolled on top until the sun comes up then the bite switches to ‘crawlers or grubs/hoochies down 10 to 20 feet.

PROSSER LAKE—Trout were planted last week and the bite is much improved especially near the boat ramp. Smallmouth bass are a good choice at the dam during the day on spinners,
Rapalas and crawdad jigs. Try up Prosser Creek in the deeper water in the channel now that the water level is down and shore anglers can reach it when casting for trout or bass.

RED LAKE—Colder nights are helping quell the algae problem. Shore anglers hiking into the south side of the lake off the dam are catching limits of mixed rainbow, brookies, and cutts to 1 1/2 pounds on worms.

SILVER LAKE—During the Kay’s Resort demolition this past week some shore anglers only managed to pick up a few fish. With the hot weather, the best action is found trolling at 25 to 30 feet with flasher/worm combos. The demolition was completed on September 24, so the boat launch should be back in operation.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The lake is at 49-percent capacity. The kokanee action is over with the fish red and preparing to spawn. The mackinaw are hitting deep trolled Rapalas on the back side of the island and at the dam. Trout are hitting up in the Sagehen arm and at the inlet of the Little Truckee. Smallmouth bass are hitting at the dam if the trout aren’t cooperating.

TOPAZ LAKE—Fishing closed here on September 30 and will not reopen until January 1.

TRUCKEE RIVER—Flows are way down in the General Section so concentrate on the faster water running into the deeper pools. The Special Section has been fishing well with dries as the caddis hatch starts to develop. The crayfish pattern bite is slowing down as the crawdads hardened up after molting.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. The lake is at 68-percent capacity. The kokanee action is done for the year. Trout fishing will get a shot in the arm with the plant and fish should be hitting from the top to 25 feet on spoons, grubs, hoochies and nightcrawlers, with and without flashers or dodgers.

WEST WALKER RIVER—The River received a DFG trout plant this past week and a Mono County/North Mono Chamber Alpers plant is scheduled for September 30. Fly fishermen are having a field day here with anglers reporting 100 hits per day, with fish to 4 pounds on dries. Bait anglers are catching limits on salmon eggs and worms with fish averaging 10 to 16 inches on up to 3 3/4 pounds.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Hot weather has made it tough on fishermen getting down into the river. The best spot is the Middle River below French Meadows Reservoir for rainbows, but be prepared for a good hike.

BULLARDS BAR—The lake is at 64-percent capacity. The hot weather this past week slowed what little trout action there was here. Bass action has been good near the marina and on the point just past the houseboats. Anglers this past week caught fish from 3 to 6 pounds. All the bass are spitting up baby bluegill which are all over the marina.

CAMP FAR WEST—This lake is down to 20-percent capacity. Hot weather made catfishing at night productive for anglers using cut baits and chicken livers. Cats are running 2 to 3 pounds. Bass action is still being reported though no specifics were mentioned by North Shore Resort. Launching is on the old gravel ramp.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is 40 feet from full. The hot weather this past week made the slow trout action even slower. Night fishing off the docks has been the most productive. Fishing pressure is low, but catfish to 5 1/4 pounds and bass to 3 3/4 pounds were checked in at the store.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The lake is at 96-percent capacity. Bass fishing has been good for anglers throwing 3-inch rainbow trout swimbaits along the grassy banks in Keystone Cove. The largemouths are running 2 pounds and the smallies only 1 ½ pounds. Smallies are hitting white jigs up above Black’s Ravine. Small rainbows are hitting worms in the marina.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—The lake is at 66-percent capacity. No current reports were available from the Foresthill Ranger Station. Hot weather has slowed the fishing but a big weather change is due this week bringing much cooler temps to the mountains. Deer season is open and angling pressure is low. Try the river below the dam for nice limits of rainbows.

FULLER LAKE—A DFG trout plant is scheduled this week. Shore fishing should be good off the dam with Power Bait and worms. Trollers using flasher/worm combos should do well.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—The lake is at 66-percent capacity. Very little fishing pressure here with the deer season open. Lots of hunters are in the woods according to the Georgetown Ranger Station.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake is still at 38-percent capacity. Hot weather really hurt the bite here. Some bass and catfish action can still be had for those willing to give it a try. The Feather River Salmon Festival over the past weekend corralled most of the local fishermen off the water.

LITTLE GRASS VALLEY RESERVOIR— Most facilities will be closing for the season. The north and south Wyandotte Campgrounds will be open until Oct. 15. The boat docks at Maidu and Black Rock were removed on September 15, but the Maidu Boat Ramp and Blue Water Beach will remain open. The Peninsula Tent Campground and Day Use Areas will remain open until October 15.

ROLLINS LAKE—At Long Ravine Campgrounds, the Outrigger Grill will be closed until April. The marina is also closed and the docks have been moved to deeper water. The campgrounds will still be in operation as well as boat launching. Bass, brown trout and catfish have all been caught recently. The best action has been for catfish at night on hotdog chunks and chicken livers. The DFG will resume trout plants here in 2010.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—The Resort will now be operating on off-season hours and there will not be any full-time staff in the marina. For boat rentals or other marina services, stop by or call the office and a staff member will be available to open the marina store as needed. Fishing has been very slow, but the DFG will resume trout plants starting in 2010. Call 530-265-8861 for more info.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—The hot weather this past week made tough fishing conditions even tougher. With no trout plants this year, the only success has come for those trying for the bass and bluegill.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—The water level has dropped a lot recently and launching conditions are tough for anything larger than aluminum boats. Fishing pressure has been non-existent but the deer season is open and there are a lot of hunters in the area.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Hot weather made for slow fishing here but a 4 ½-pound steelhead came in this past week from the Wilbur Rd. access along with a few bass. Most anglers are fishing the Feather River for steelies and stripers.

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; Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, (707) 944-5533; South Central Coast streams (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.

CHETCO RIVER– The Chetco River has been seeing some bleak years in its salmon returns, so all are hoping for a good return three-year-olds this fall. So far, trollers are seeing very poor times with only a few jacks and maybe two adult fish since the Chetco’s estuary opened August 1. “I expect more fish to be moving in as November swings in, but sources say they don’t expect a very large run of fish this season,” according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Last Tuesday was a phenomenal day of fishing on the lower Rogue, when the Rogue Outdoor Store lost count of many kings were weighed in when they hit the 120 fish mark—but many of them were jacks. The kings are hitting anchovies and Rogue Bait Rigs, trolled in the estuary. The fish aren’t biting much above River View Restaurant, a mile or a bit more upriver, due to the water temperature.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Smallmouth bass fishing is still good here, and if you’re out very early or very late, throwing a Rooster Tail or small minnow-imitation lure, you’re catch a bunch of ‘em.

SMITH RIVER—The river is beginning to see some fish moving through.  Bill Hobbs of Brookings connected into a pair of nice kings, one coming unbuttoned at the boat. Hobbs trolled anchovy baits to connect on kings in the mid-20s.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—Salmon fishing had its ups and downs last week for the first time in a long time, with some good days, and some not so good. But fresh salmon and steelhead continued to enter the Klamath and anglers who hung in there and kept plugging away (actually side-drifting roe), hit the good days. Some of the better fishing was a little farther upstream around Blue Creek.

TRINITY RIVER, Del Loma—Not many fall Chinook have showed up as high as Junction City, but numbers continue to build farther down by Big Bar and Del Loma. A few are being caught early in the a.m., on Kwikfish, but the majority are taking roe. Some steelhead are showing, too, adults from 4 to 8 pounds. They’re mostly taking small, back-trolled plugs like Pee Wee Warts. Not many fly fishers are working the waters yet, but swinging streamers are also accounting for a few.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—It’s was extremely hot again last week, but anglers fishing deep holes and the mouths of cool creeks from the mouth to Hawkins Bar have been catching some nice salmon and steelhead. Try No. 4 Mepps and Blue Fox spinners, and swing streamers. Get on the water early and get off by 9 a.m.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—Flows dropped again, but stabilized—for the moment—at around 1,600 cfs, and fishing, while not great, was producing the occasional steelhead and salmon. A few keeper-sized stripers were being caught on butterflied shad around Howe Ave. and behind the college early in the morning. A few more to around 10 pounds on swimbaits, jerkbaits and topwater in holes below riffles from Howe Avenue to Nimbus Dam. A few steelhead were caught last week. Again, not many, Most were being caught below the surface on nymphs under indicators, drifted nightcrawlers, and spinners. But there were even a few caught on big, high floating dry flies.

FEATHER RIVER—Flows in the Feather were very low, and boaters should use lots of caution. Fishing for stripers was spotty, but a few were being caught at Shanghai Bend on plastic worms, Pencil Poppers, Hair Raisers, and sardines. Steelheading continued to be slow in the Low Flow Section.

FOLSOM LAKE—Don Paganelli of Bass Fishing Experience said that the single most effective method for catching quality bass any larger than a juvenile has been to fish 25 feet deep and deeper working up creek channels toward cove outlets, either by spooning or drop-shotting. Shad-patterned plastics like FishTrixs and morning dawn Robo-Worms are two good examples. Only a very few king salmon are being caught, but they can be good ones weighing over 5 pounds. A more consistent bet is trolling Needlefish and Apexes 40 to 60 feet deep in front of the dam for some nice rainbows.

MATHER LAKE—Fish early and late around weed edges from a float tube, pontoon boat, or canoe for a few bass. Fish poppers, frogs over the weed mats, and weightless Senkos.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—“Slow.” “Poor.” “Don’t bother.” And other adjectives were used by various sources to describe the fishing around Sacramento last week. A few striped bass were reported being caught on whole sardines (to deter shakers) around Clarksburg, and fishing for catfish in the main river, sloughs, Port of Sacramento, and Sutter Bypass was pretty good. But, otherwise, anglers were either not bothering or doing poorly given the lack of traffic in area bait and tackle stores.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Knight’s Landing—This was about the only bright spot—sort of—on the striped bass scene on the Sacramento River above the Delta. Even then, there would be a couple of large stripers reported weighing in the 20-pound class one day, and then back to barely legal and sub-legal fish the next. They’re being between Knight’s Landing and Colusa on streamer flies and minnows.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Flows were down to 6,500 feet, and trout fishing was excellent last week. Even better was the fact, that with flows now below 7,000 cfs, anglers have many uninterrupted miles of prime trout water to fish without having to pull their boats out at the Cypress Street Bridge. In addition to scoring 20 fat rainbows or more an outing, anglers have a decent shot at a few steelhead the farther downstream they go toward Red Bluff. Some of the best fishing is occurring in the afternoon toward evening, so in addition to dead-drifting nymphs like princes, pheasant tails, and copper Johns under indicators, fly fishers have an occasional shot at some dry fly action. Spin fishermen also were scoring on Glo-Bugs with or without a bit of roe, nightcrawlers, and crickets.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—It was hot once again last week, so there wasn’t much change in the fishing pattern. Most trout activity was very early and late and in the upper parts of the Sac. Evening time also sometimes offered a bit of dry fly action, but most fish were being taken dead-drifting prince nymphs, pheasant tails, and copper John’s deep, on short, tight lines into pocket water keeping the fly close to the bottom with lots of weight.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—The bite and size of bass continued to improve. Successful fishermen were catching fish on combinations of presentations including swimbaits, top water, crankbaits, and plastics. Topwater selections include the Rico, Sammy, and spook. The better bites have been coming on the walkers over the poppers, and eliminate the many 5- to 7-inch fish that will attack the popper. Speed Traps and the various Norman DD12 and 22 baits have been the hard baits of choice. Also the rattle bait is a lure of choice in some areas of the lake. Large bluegill appear to be as scarce as the crappie, but the south end has produced some nice catfish.

LAKE BERRYESSA— By press time the spoon bite had picked back up, and 2.5- to 3-pound bass were found in 30 to 40 feet feeding heavily on shad and staying in the middle of the creek channels. There’s still some “fresh” kokes around but many more of them are ready for the smoker. Kokes are still being caught in the main body but heading to the Bureau of Reclamation area by the two river channels is better. Trolling depths were 60 to 80 feet, caught on chrome dodgers with a pink UV Apex. Salmon were from Skiers Cove to the Narrows and at the same depths.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—The lake is due for a plant this coming week, but trolling has only produced fair to poor fishing.

LAKE SONOMA—Heat has not helped the bass fishing, as it was still slow but with cooler nights there have helped the topwater and drop-shot bite. Big catfish are a nighttime favorite of campers here and panfish are coming up for red worms.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR—Working the shoreline can be good for bass here, but very few are fishing it with the low water levels. Another plus here are the big catfish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—Trolling from 30 to 38 feet was still the best way to go, but be prepared for short periods of surface action as trout chase the bait. Watch for birds! Bigger bass were caught trolling while they chased the bait schools. The shaded side of docks or around marina log booms are good spots. Throw spinnerbaits or jerk baits if you’re following the schools and find some surface action in the mornings and evenings. Fly anglers can throw smelt imitation streamers in white or pearl white.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR— No reports at this time but typically P. G. & E. starts to draw the lake down around now, so you can expect lower water levels. Most fish will continue to be caught in the boat launch area of the lake or off the dam in deeper water. Power Bait, lures, and worms will continue to produce good action. Topwater action should improve in the evenings in the shallows near the boat launch area as the water temperature cools. Try PMD nymphs and cripple patterns then.

BAUM LAKE— Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are working, but rainbow Power Bait is also working very well. Kastmasters are working well, but so are any other lure in a trout pattern. There are still good hatches of PMD’s, caddis, callibaetis, and trico’s on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen.

BRITTON LAKE—The smallmouth bass bite was still the best bet in the mornings and evenings, but the crappie bite has slowed in the clear water.

BURNEY CREEK— Try copper John’s or pt’s below the falls or lures and nightcrawlers above the falls. Trout continue to rise for the caddis hatch in the evenings.

CASSEL FOREBAY- The canal above Powerhouse No. 1 continues to provide some excellent fishing. Spinners and Power Bait were the preferred methods to take some nice rainbows and brookies this past week. Fly-fishing was excellent with black or olive crystal buggers and red blood midges catching some big rainbows and brookies. The topwater bite continues to be good with the best action found early mornings and late evenings.

EAGLE LAKE— Trolling Sep’s watermelon, amber, or brown grubs between Pelican Point and the Youth Camp Point down 5 feet deep in waters 7 to 15 feet deep 150 feet behind the boat produced limits, or use a side planner. Anchoring up in 15 to 20 feet of water and dropping threaded nightcrawlers down 8 to 10 feet deep in these same areas also worked.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA— Fishing reports continued to show fair conditions with PMD’s, rusty spinners, woolly buggers, and zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— While poor results were found here this past week, the riffle was best fished with pt’s, birdsnest, or hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures coming back.

UPPER HAT CREEK— Fish and Game has gone to a once a week plant schedule but with light pressure mid week the fishing remained good. Many limits were taken and a number of big brook trout in the 4-pound class are still being caught. Most fish were brookies, which seemed to prefer worms and spinners over eggs, but you can also connect with Power Bait. The pressure should remain light to moderate throughout the month of September.         

LEWISTON RESERVOIR—The action slowed with the heat. When it cools back down trout trollers will be using salmon and white eggs 10 to 15 feet down while fly anglers may want to try woolly buggers or black/purple leeches for kokes.

MANZANITA LAKE— Fishing here off a bit from last week, but most of the activity was happening in the early to mid morning and late afternoons. Flying red ants were still around, so ant imitations were still working well. Callibaetis cripples, PMD’s, and wired princes John’s were also taking fish. Topwater action will continue as long as the weather holds. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

TRINITY RESERVOIR— Everything is out of the water including the rock plies up at the north end. Trinity is only at 45-percent of capacity and still falling. May want to pass on this lake until the skiers are gone as they have the waters churned up early.

LAKE SHASTA— Trout trollers are still taking salmon and trout in the Dry Creek mouth and the Sacramento arm but at the 40- and 50-foot mark. All the usual tackle is working, but a Wiggle Hoochie in purple and blue seemed to be catching the majority of fish. The topwater bass bite has been good early, but go deeper with plastics, drop-shots, and jigs in browns, blues, and greens once the sun and heat return. The evening bite has also been pretty good when it’s cooler.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY— Captain Bob Monckton on Reel-lentless reported nine halibut on his last effort in the bay, so the fish are still there, but the paying customers are thinning out big time. His next efforts will be for tuna. On the Berkeley Charter boats, Scott Sutherland reported good counts of halibut continued, with about 20 to 25 keepers per trip regardless of the passenger counts. The occasional striper surprises, like the 24 pounder caught by a Marysville angler. Rockfish trips to the Farallones have produced well when it’s not too windy; counts are lower when the weather interferes.

BODEGA BAY— The weather was up, but finally laid down for the weekend. Boats that fished found fair action on rockfish with some lingcod mixed in the catch. Both Point Reyes and Fort Ross have been producing fish.

EMERYVILLE— Great mid-week trips for halibut, with limits on the New Huck Finn on Thursday for a light load of seven anglers. Most halibut efforts produced at least one around, usually 1.5 around. A few stripers are showing in the catch, but not many. The trips to the Farallon Islands for rockfish found a little bit of a tough bite on Saturday but most of the boats reported limits and some fairly good ling action also. Tuna trips were on the schedule with the calm forecast.

EUREKA— The ocean was fishable early in the week, but the boats that ran for tuna found tough fishing. The fish were there, just not up and feeding. Out of the fleet, only four fish were counted. One Scotia-based angler reported a swordfish sighting. “Everything was good, lots of bait, just no tuna biting,” said Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center. Redtail surf perch was good earlier in the week, and day surf smelt took over the beach action when the ocean roughed up later in the week.

FORT BRAGG— The port is quiet for fishing, but the shore action is good, with some choices like rockfish and lingcod fishing and abalone diving. The bottomfishing season is closed for boat anglers (except spear fishermen).

HALF MOON BAY— Weather continued to play a part in slowing the bottomfish bite. While not everyone is getting limits, the one theme that is becoming the phrase of 2009 for bottomfishers played out again: those who work for them, get their fish. Top spot for big fish was Pescadero, with some nice lings boated on the Queen Of Hearts, including a 15 pounder and a 16 pounder.

POINT SAN PABLO— Captain Frank Miller on the Fury had a great sevengill shark trip with 12 fish caught and six released for six anglers, big fish a 55 pounder. The action came from near Yellow Bluff. A live bait trip on Sunday found one around and a mix of bass and flatties from San Pablo Bay.

SHELTER COVE— Things are starting to calm down, with bottomfishing now closed north of the 40’10 line as well as south of it. The Pacific halibut action slowed, and while the season runs through Oct. 31, the local effort has been pared way back. Captain Trent Slate of Shelter Cove Sportfishing has closed his season, and is now planning his 2010 season. He celebrated by booking a charter on a tuna boat out of Monterey Bay, go figure.

SUISUN BAY— Striped bass fishing continued to improve, and while few are trying for sturgeon, those who do are getting some action. Grass shrimp has been the top bait for diamondbacks, while the bass like bullheads.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES— Very little pressure here but the deer season opens this weekend and there will be lots of hunters in the area. Upper Blue was planted this past week, so there are plenty of fish to be caught. Power Bait and worms usually do the trick.

BOCA LAKE—Mostly all shore fishing here because of the recreational watercraft traffic that is still hitting the lake. With the recent DFG plant, the boat ramp and the adjacent coves are providing the best action for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms or casting Rooster Tails or a Kastmaster.

CAPLES LAKE— A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. Fishing is still pretty good with another EID trophy rainbow landed this past week by Nick Stake of Folsom. He caught a 9 pounder on a flasher/’crawler combo at 25 feet. Rainbow, brown and brook trout planters are still being caught by shore anglers off the dam and spillway, but trollers are doing the best because they can fish in the deeper water.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)— The East Carson received a 1450-pound Alpine County plant this past week. The planters averaged 3 pounds with some weighing up to 7 pounds. The flows and fishing are good with fly fishermen doing very well on Elk Hair Caddis and Adams dries in the evening. Golden Stone and Prince Nymph patterns are working during the day. Spinning-gear anglers are doing just fine with worms, salmon eggs and Panther Martins or Rooster Tails. The West Fork is still low and clear with fishing tough because the fish are easily spooked. Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station said there are a lot of fish that can be seen in any deep pool, they just aren’t biting unless you’re very careful about approaching the water’s edge and use light tackle.

DAVIS LAKE— The lake is at 51-percent capacity. The nights are getting colder and the surface temp is dropping resulting in a great bite. Ed Dillard of Dillard’s Guide Service landed 43 and 57 fish on two all day charters this past week. One trip produced 18 fish from 17 to 19 ½ inches from 1 to 4 p.m. along with a lot of 12 to 13 inchers. A red Rainbow Runner has been the favorite for the bigger fish with the copper/red Dick Nite still being a perennial producer. Shore fishing has been slow lately with anglers only picking up one or two fish per trip. Fly casters are still catching lots of rainbows on nymphs at the creek mouths along the west side.

DONNER LAKE— Since the DFG plant, shore anglers are doing well at the boat ramp and the public piers on Power Bait and salmon eggs. The macks and kokanee have moved up to 50 to 70 feet. Trollers are using an AC Plug for the macks and watermelon UV dodgers with chartreuse/black or orange/black spinners for the kokanee.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON— With no recent DFG plant, the fishing has been pretty slow, according to the Caribou Crossroads Resort. There are a lot of people fishing, but the catching isn’t very good.

FRENCHMAN LAKE— Lake level has stabilized this week at 38-percent capacity. Cooler nights have dropped the surface temp which has improved the bite. Shore anglers have been landing rainbows to 16 inches at the dam and Big Cove Campgrounds. Trollers are doing better than last week down by the dam with Dick Nite and Needlefish spoons.

GOLD LAKES BASIN— Sardine, Salmon, Snag and Gold are all reporting pretty good fishing according to Bassetts Station. Shore fishing with worms appears to be the most popular technique for planter rainbows.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR— A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. Dale Daneman at Foothill Guide Service caught 18 fish on his last trip trolling grubs and worms from the top to 30 feet on the east end of the lake. Most of the fish are rainbows, 11 to 12 inches, with the occasional brown to 14 inches.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR— Cooler water temps are improving the shore action for anglers getting out at first light. The bite stops as soon as the sun hits the water. Small boaters and float tubers are still doing well in the deep channel between the ramp and the dam.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR— Lake level is stable and boat ramp is still operational. Trollers are picking up rainbows and browns on a J9 Rapala in black/gold or a Krocodile in silver or gold. Shore anglers are doing well from the campgrounds to the dam where there is easy access from the road that runs along this side of the lake.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)— Mackinaw and browns are hitting for trollers. Macks, four to five pounds, are still coming in from the second dam on Rapalas at 40 to 60 feet. The browns are hitting Rapalas in the Narrows at 30 to 40 feet and running two to three pounds.

LAKE TAHOE— Wind warnings this past weekend made for difficult fishing conditions. Mickey Daniels fought the wind for five fish and three or four lost fish on Saturday. Earlier in the week before the wind hit, trolling was very good for fish up to seven pounds coming out of 325 to 340 feet of water on Sling Blade/minnows or Koke-a-nuts. When the wind lays down, macks and kokanee are being caught jigging with Buzz Bombs in South Tahoe. Take the kids to the Stream Profile on Taylor Creek, the kokanee are already showing up.

LOON LAKE— Trolling has been good for multiple limits of mostly planter rainbows from the top to 30 feet on grubs, worms and spoons like the Dick Nite or Needlefish.

PROSSER LAKE— A DFG trout plant is scheduled for this week. Shore anglers are doing well at the campgrounds in the Prosser Creek arm where the creek flows into the lake on worms and Roostertails. The bigger smallmouths found in the lake are in the same area. Smallmouths, eight to 12 inches, are all over the dam and hitting small jigs (size 8 or 10 hook) in pumpkin and olive/white. Try the Gulp! Minnow in both colors.

RED LAKE— Algae still a problem, but getting better. Two anglers from Minden, Nev., hiked to the south side of the lake to get away from the algae and caught limits on worms that included a couple 2 1/4-pound brookies. Small boaters and float tubers still have the best chance at connecting on the brookies and cutthroats here.

SILVER LAKE— The boat ramp and parking lot will be closed September 22-24 during the demolition of the Kay’s Resort buildings. Boats can launch before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., but the ramp will not operate during the demolition activity. Lots of fish in the lake and trollers have been doing well with flasher/worm combos at 25 feet.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR— The lake is very low and many boaters are avoiding the lake for that reason. Those who go are picking up some kokanee at 55 to 70 feet along the island on watermelon UV dodgers with black/chartreuse spinners. Mackinaw fishing has been slow. There are plenty of little smallmouths hitting small jigs at the dam in pumpkin (crawdad) or olive/white (tui chub) colors.

TRUCKEE RIVER— From Trout Creek to Stateline, in the Special Regs Section, cooler nights have improved the bite as the fish become more active. The bite is best in the early a.m. and late afternoon until dark on a double nymph dropper rig using a yellow stone/caddis combo. During the day use a hopper/bead-head nymph or yellow stone/caddis nymph dropper along grassy banks. Streamer fishing is producing some very nice fish below Prosser Creek. Crayfish patterns are still working early or late from 5 to 7 p.m. The General Section is producing some browns in the deeper holes behind the campgrounds along Hwy 89 on worms and Roostertails.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR— A local fishing club hit the lake this past week with 21 anglers and they caught 59 fish. Most of the trout caught were rainbows from the recent DFG plant, though there were a few macks and three kokanee. One of the kokanee was a 14 incher that had not lost its scales indicating that it was a “next year” fish. This means that the kokes next season could measure 18 to 20 inches. The macks and the kokanee were 100 feet deep, with the rainbows at 10 to 30 feet.

WEST WALKER RIVER— The River received a Mono County/Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce plant this past week of 140 rainbows, running two to three pounds. Another plant by Mono County and the CC is scheduled for September 30 and will be more rainbows, 1 3/4 to 2 pounds. Fishing has been very good with lots of limits. The DFG planters account for most of the fish being caught but some 2 to 2 ½ pounders showing up in the creels. Worms, salmon eggs and Panther Martins are all producing.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER— Anglers are still going down into the Cash Rock area and finding some nice fish. Beware of the local property owner who thinks the river belongs to him. The Middle Fork below French Meadows is good for rainbows for anyone who wants to make the effort to hike down to the water. The fish are running 12 to 14 inches and hitting on every cast according to the Georgetown Ranger Station.

BULLARDS BAR— Lake is down to 65-percent capacity. Emerald Cove Marina didn’t have anything to report about the fishing so it must not be very good. There must be some spotted bass action somewhere on the lake especially now that the water temp is cooling off.

CAMP FAR WEST— The lake is down below 30-percent capacity. Bass anglers are doing pretty well on the main body of the lake since the creek arm water levels are so low. Catfish are hitting at night on worms and cut baits.

COLLINS LAKE— Lake is down 37 feet from full. The surface temp is down to 72-degrees but not enough to get the trout into shallower water yet. The best action for all species is coming out of 25 to 30 feet of water. The boat docks are still the best bet for shore anglers using worms and Power Bait for trout and catfish. Trollers are occasionally connecting on limits of trout using Wobbler spoons and Rapalas at 30 feet. The biggest fish of the week was a 7 3/4-pound rainbow caught by Pat Evans while trolling.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR— ke is at 93-percent capacity. An angler reported catching a limit of kokanee on worms. Trout action is still good up river for those drifting worms and Power Bait. Some trollers are doing well at 30 to 50 feet deep at the dam.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR— No current reports were available from the Foresthill Ranger Station, but fishing should be good with the cooler water temps. Troll at the dam or the inlet for a mix of browns and rainbows. Fish the river below the dam for plenty of action on 12- to 14- inch rainbows, but be prepared for a good hike.

FULLER LAKE— Trollers using flasher/worm combos are still picking up good numbers of planters. Shore anglers should use worms and Power Bait at the dam or the picnic area.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR— Not much has changed here according to Will fish Tackle in Auburn. Mackinaw and kokanee are still hitting for spoon jiggers at the dam at 60 to 80 feet. Trollers are picking up some browns early on Rapalas at the power house and the inlet. Big Meadows Campground is closed for repairs to the water system; Mosquito Pit Campground is still open.

LAKE OROVILLE— Water releases have slowed and lake has stabilized at 38-percent capacity (down 188 feet). All the main boat ramps are still operational. Bidwell Canyon has 3 lanes and Lime Saddle and the Spillway each have two lanes. Bass and catfish action is pretty good with the stabile water level. Bass, to 3 3/4 pounds, are still hitting crawdads and plastic worms at 25 to 40 feet on the points throughout the lake. Catfish, to 7 1/2 pounds, are hitting best at 35 to 50 feet on cut baits and chicken livers, with Lime Saddle and the South Fork reported as a good spots. No word on any coho action at all.

ROLLINS LAKE— Catfish, running 2 to 3 pounds, are hitting hotdog chunks at night up in the Bear River. Bass anglers are on the lake but there are few reporting any success. NID reported that the DFG has cleared the lake to resume trout plants in 2010.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE— Smallmouth bass providing the only action reported this past week. NID reported that the DFG has cleared the lake to resume trout plants in 2010.

SPAULDING LAKE— King salmon and a few rainbows are hitting for trollers. A chrome dodger with a threaded nightcrawler is still the best choice at 70 feet in front of the power house, but troll slow, 0.8 to 1.2 mph.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR— Fishing has been very slow here all year since the DFG trout plants were stopped. Bass and bluegill are in the lake and provide the only opportunity for any realistic chance at fishing success. The Foresthill Ranger Station could not provide any current report on the fishing here.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR— Not much change here. The fishing has been slow with no DFG plants. The bass and catfish are providing the only action and the Georgetown Ranger Station reported little success on them. The campgrounds will close on September 30.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY— Some bass are still hitting Senkos along the tule banks, but the fishing pressure has been low. A few big steelhead are starting to show with a 7 1/2 pounder weighed in at Feather River Outfitters this past week.

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.

ROGUE RIVER, Lower—Salmon action still going great in the estuary, but variable day-to-day based on how rough it is at the mouth, and weather the kings can enter or not. Still plenty of big kings, and almost all caught slow-trolling baits or spinner-rigs with bait, although some caught mooching first thing in the morning.

RUSSIAN RIVER—Still catching plenty of smallmouth bass, and now the daytime bite isn’t bad, either, since much of the river traffic in the form of water sports has slowed down.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen—Superlatives keep coming in about the salmon fishing at the lower end of the Klamath River with the best action from Klamath Glen to Blue Creek. Anglers have been catching them boondoggling or drifting roe. They’re also catching the occasional steelhead on spinners, nightcrawlers and roe. The Indian nets are out, and the fish are pouring in.

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City—It’s just starting, but anglers are starting to catch decent numbers of bright fall run king salmon plus some steelhead from Douglas City to Big Bar. Steelhead seem to be concentrated a little farther downstream. Backtroll Kwikfish early, then switch to roe as the sun hits the water for the salmon. For steelhead, swing spinners deep, or backtroll Hot Shots and Wee Warts. Flies are working, too.

TRINITY RIVER, Willow Creek—It’s been quite hot during the day—at least until the weekend cool down– but there are good numbers of both salmon and steelhead making the right hand turn from the Klamath to the Trinity. Fish shaded canyon holes and at the mouths of feeder streams early and late.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY—Dave Marquardt reported for the Happy Hooker, Captain Bob Wright at the helm finding 12 halibut to 22 pounds for 12 anglers on Saturday. Eddie Gallia on the New El Dorado III whacked a nice white seabass weighing 33 pounds.

BODEGA BAY— Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported on his first albacore effort last Thursday, and while the day started good with calm seas, they fought 15- to 20-knot winds after they arrived at the tuna grounds. The 15 anglers on board did manage 7 albacore to 25 pounds, the fish coming on three jig stops. The rest of the week focused on bottomfish, with great action and quality, plus one day a few extra lingcod, all from down around Point Reyes.

EMERYVILLE—Another steady week for bottomfishing, and some more amazingly good scores of halibut. The flatty bite just keeps on keeping on. On the New Huck Finn, Wednesday and Thursday’s trips both scored.

EUREKA—Tuna appeared as close as 15 miles out in the middle of the week, then the weather came up with the storm that blew in on Sunday.

FORT BRAGG—Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar is recuperating from his salmon adventures out of Eureka, but he said he will start offering abalone diving trips and possibly look around for some local Pacific halibut. Crab season opens on Nov. 7.

HALF MOON BAY—Weather has impacted the bottomfishing occasionally, but overall, limits are the rule for anglers fishing the local reef spots. A groundswell slowed the weekend action, but there were some great days on the Queen Of Hearts prior, with limits on Thursday, and a banner day on Wednesday with limits for 14 and lots of big Bolinas, copper and black rockfish.

LOCH LOMOND—Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported an interesting week of fishing with halibut and stripers the main goal, but a sturgeon spicing up the action on Sunday. “We went up to San Pablo Bay to see if the striped bass had arrived yet,” said Hough. “There were no stripers, only one 51-inch sturgeon.” The rest of the action revolved around halibut.

POINT SAN PABLO—“This is the best halibut fishing I’ve ever seen,” said Captain Frank Miller on the Fury. His group Friday went home with flatty limits, one angler catching two 20 pounders and a 10 pounder for a 50-pound limit. The fish came from just about everywhere they stopped, including the south end of San Pablo Bay. “We’re doing great with those live sardines that everyone is complaining about!” said Miller.

SAN PABLO BAY—A couple early forays for striped bass got mixed reviews. One private boater trolling with two anglers caught and released 14 bass, but another caught only a couple shorties. One try by a party boat with live bait found no linesides, but a curious sturgeon, 51 inches, did take the bait.

SAUSALITO—A couple nice halibut caught on the Salty Lady, including a 15 pounder and a 25 pounder, and plenty of smaller flatties, too.

SHELTER COVE—The local boats are still running up to fish for bottomfish above the 40’10 line, and when the weather cooperates, so do the fish. Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me said they had some good days on lingcod, with limits for the boat. The tuna action has been off and on, dependent on the weather and warm water outside. Pacific halibut fishing has slowed, although a 40 pounder did bite for an angler on the Bite Me mid-week.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE—The algae bloom is definitely on the decline and lessening with the cooler weather. Still, there are lots of areas with green surface algae, but it is clearing. Weeds are fading away quickly too, most are subsurface and not a hindrance to navigation or fishing. Water temperatures are hanging in the low to mid 70s depending on the time of day. The most consistent bite has been with a plastic worm fished on either a drop-shot or the flick shake. The topwater bite has been off and on, but if you stick with it, you will catch fish. Ricos, spooks, and frogs have been the most productive choices.

LAKE BERRYESSA— Look for schools of bait with bigger fish around them and you’re in the bass game. The cooler weather will have these fish on a fall bite soon. Spooks and poppers along the weed edges of the main body and in the Narrows will be good starters and then switch to plastics like Robo Worms in Aaron’s Magic fished on a Carolina-rig worked over rock piles in about 20 to 30 feet of water. Don’t forget your spoons, as they have also been producing some nice bass.

UPPER BLUE LAKE—Larger trout from a previous private plant are on the east basin side where anglers are finding fair results trolling down to 39 feet with a flasher and worm or using deepwater flies. Bass anglers are catching 3 to 5 pounders in the brush areas along the shoreline with crankbaits in the mornings and evenings.

LAKE SONOMA—Bass fishing was still slow here, but with cooler nights there have been some topwater and drop-shot bass caught here. Big catfish are a nighttime favorite of campers here and panfish are coming up for red worms. A nice 5-pound steelie was caught here recently off the shoreline. If you’re trolling, go down 40 to 50 feet.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR—Tubes and kayakers worked the shoreline for bass with good results. Another plus here are the big catfish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR—What a difference a week makes! Smallies, rainbow and brown trout, plus salmon were all on tap, although the salmon bite was slower than the trout bite. The lake will start to turn over soon and a surface bite is already evident. Start your trolling efforts with a worm first and once the temperature starts to come up, switch to lures such as Needlefish in pearl colors off downriggers set at 20 to 30 feet or just leadcore four or five colors out.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR—No reports, but typically P. G. & E. starts to draw the lake down at this time so you can expect lower water levels. Most fish will continue to be caught in the boat launch area of the lake or off the dam in deeper water. Power Bait, lures, and worms will continue to produce good action. Topwater action should improve in the evenings in the shallows near the boat launch area as the water temperature cools. Try PMD nymphs and cripple patterns then.

BAUM LAKE— Still good hatches of PMD’s, caddis, callibaetis, and trico’s on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Kastmasters are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are working for the bait fishermen but rainbow Power Bait is also working very well currently.

BRITTON LAKE—Smallies are still the best bet in the mornings and evenings, but the crappie bite has slowed.

BURNEY CREEK— Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Below the falls, good results were found with pt’s and copper John nymphs. Fish continue to rise for the caddis hatch in the evenings.

CASSEL FOREBAY–The canal above Powerhouse No.1 continues to provide some excellent fishing with spinners and Power Bait the preferred methods to take some nice rainbow and brook trout this past week. Early mornings and early evenings remain the most productive times to fish. Pressure on this area remains low to moderate, so this is a good bet for some quality fishing. Fly-fishing was excellent with black or olive crystal buggers and red copper Johns catching some big rainbows and brookies. The topwater bite continues to be good with the best action in the early mornings and late evenings.             

EAGLE LAKE—Time to come back up, as trout are moving into shallower waters. Troll Sep’s watermelon, amber, or brown grubs 5 feet deep in waters 7 to 15 feet deep and baits set 150 feet behind the boat, or use a side planner. The Artic Fox trolling flies in the Tui Chub pattern are also producing fish at the same depths. Anchor up in 15 to 20 feet of water and drop threaded nightcrawlers down 8 to 10 feet deep between Pelican Point and the Youth Camp Point, where trollers and bobber anglers will have to share space now.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA— Fishing reports have been fair with PMD’s, rusty spinners, woolly buggers and zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA— The riffle has been best fished with pt’s, birdsnest, or hare’s ear. Look for PMD’s, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures coming back. Reports indicate fishing/catching has been slow.

UPPER HAT CREEK—Many limits were taken as well as some very nice brook trout in the 3- to 5-pound class. Most fish were taken on worms, eggs, and Panther Martins. The pressure should remain light to moderate throughout the month of September, but the fishing should be good as DFG continues weekly plants. Fly-fishing on the upper creek was fair on gold crystal buggers and copper Johns. As always, fish deep here to catch more fish.

LEWISTON RESERVOIR—Best time to be on the water here has been between 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. as it cools down. Trout trollers are using salmon and white eggs 10 to 15 feet down while fly anglers used woolly buggers or black/purple leeches for kokes.

PIT RIVER—No reports this week, though several fishermen inquiring about access information here at Vaughn’s Sporting Goods in Burney.

MANZANITA LAKE—Fishing was very good with most activity happening in the early morning and late afternoons. Flying red ants were abundant and ant imitations were the hot fly to use. Callibaetis cripples, PMD’s, and red copper Johns were also taking fish. Topwater action should continue to be good through September as long as the weather holds. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

TRINITY RESERVOIR—The lake is down more than 100 feet and dropping about 4 inches per day. With all the cruisers and jet skis the water has been muddied up and fishing was tough. Mud lines develop as early as 10 a.m. on weekends when the skiers hit the lake. A few bass were found near steep banks using dark colored plastics. Everything is out of the water including the rock plies up at the north end. Trinity is only at 45 percent of capacity and still falling.

LAKE SHASTA—Fishing on the Sacramento arm at Goose Neck, anglers found a large school of fish at 90 feet but couldn’t get them to bite until late afternoon. Apexes, HumDingers and Wiggle Hoochies with sling blades and Pro-Cure scent produced trout and salmon to 5.3 pounds and 22 inches long. Dart-headed worms in dark colors provided bass averaging 1 1/4 pounds at 25 feet up in the Squaw Creek arm on the rocky side of Ski Island in shady areas.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER—Water temps are dropping with the colder nights but the day time heat is still keeping most anglers from making the hike into the access spots along the Middle and North Forks. For those that make the effort, rainbows and browns are holding in the deep pools.

BULLARDS BAR—The lake is down to 66-percent capacity. Lots of bass are in the marina and at the point out past the houseboats. The spots are loading up on baby bluegill and running up o 4 pounds. Some trout action, but it has been spotty.

CAMP FAR WEST—Launching is now off the old gravel ramp. Bass action has been pretty good for anglers concentrating on the brushy areas that are starting to show along the banks as the water drops. The better fish are running 3 to 4 pounds and hitting worms and jigs. Catfish are still hitting at night on standard baits.

COLLINS LAKE—The lake is now down 37 feet from full. Fishing is improving as the water cools off, though early morning and night are still the best time to try for trout, catfish and sunfish. Bait anglers are doing well in Elmer’s Cove, the Bridge and the boat docks. Trollers are still connecting early in the morning working Wobbler spoons and flasher/worm combos along the east side and the dam. Big fish of the week was a 10 1/2-pound catfish caught by Jerry Freeman in Elmer’s Cove on sardines.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR—The lake is at 94-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle reports that trollers are catching limits of 10- to 12-inch rainbows at the dam trolling gold blade/black-yellow dot Panther Martins at 40 to 50 feet. With the lake so high, boaters are running all the way up to Missouri Bar and Rice’s Crossing and drifting worms along the bottom in 10 feet of water for rainbows running 3/4 to 1 1/2 pounds. There will be an Army Corps sponsored “Lake Cleanup Day” on Sept. 19. Volunteers are needed to clean up trash around the lake and boaters are encouraged to come. Meet at the Army Corp ramp at the dam at 8:30 a.m. A barecue lunch will be provided for the workers by the Army Corps.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Camper pressure is way down and few reports were available. With the colder nights, the bite should be improving as the water temps drop. Trollers should try along the dam and near the inlet in the early morning with Rapalas and flasher/worm combos.

FULLER LAKE—Lake was planted this past week and trollers and shore anglers are doing well. Trollers are catching limits on flasher or dodger/worm combos while Power Bait and worms are working for the shore anglers at the dam and day-use access.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR—Lake is at 69-percent capacity. Vertical jiggers are still catching some smaller Macks at the dam at 60 to 80 feet on Gibbs Minnows and Crippled Herring. Some kokanee are being caught trolling and jigging but the kokes are starting to ‘turn’ in preparation for spawning. Browns are falling for Rapalas in the early morning at the powerhouse and the inlet.

LAKE OROVILLE—The lake is at 38-percent capacity. The discharge rate has slowed from 1 to 2 feet per day to 5 to 9 inches per day. Most the local anglers are concentrating on the steelhead and striper action in the Feather River so there are few reports coming in. Bass and catfish action should be improving as the water temp drops. Drop-shot worms are good for the bass and mackerel and anchovies are the choice for those after the cats.

ROLLINS LAKE—Bass to 2 pounds are hitting jigs on the rocky points. Brown trout are hitting for boaters drifting worms and Power Bait up at the inlet of the Bear River. Catfish action has been good at night off the docks at Long Ravine.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE—Scott’s Flat Lake reported very slow action for any kind of fishing this past week. DFG has cleared the lake to resume trout plants but won’t start planting until 2010.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR—Foresthill Ranger Station reported very little success for anglers here. Bass and bluegill still provide a chance for success while you’re having a picnic at the nicely maintained day-use areas.

SPAULDING LAKE—Trollers are catching limits of kings, 1 1/2 to 3 pounds, trolling chrome dodger/threaded worm combos in front of the powerhouse at 70 feet. Troll slow, .8- to 1.2-mph, with the rig set back 100 feet from the downrigger weight.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR—Water levels are down but the temps are dropping with the colder nights. Bass and catfish are still the only hope for anglers coming here. Hopefully the DFG will resume planting here when they finish their endangered species surveys.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY—Still some decent bass action on the tule banks with Senkos, but most of the locals are hitting the steelhead and stripers on the river below the Afterbay.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER—Flows went down to 500 cfs for a short while to install the pickets for the weir at the bottom of the fish ladder at Nimbus Dam, and took already poor striper and steelhead fishing down with them. Several accesses have been closed such as the one at the lower end of Sailor Bar Park, and Grist Mill, which is a popular launch and takeout spot for driftboats. Flows were raised back to 2,000 cfs.

FEATHER RIVER–Steelheading was lousy in the Low Flow Section, but some nice stripers were caught in the Outlet on swimbaits, poppers, and bombers. More stripers were being caught around Shanghai Bend. Fish early and late for the best odds.

FOLSOM LAKE—Bass fishing was spotty with no real pattern. Best chances seemed to be to work jigs and plastic worms over a range of depths from 15 to 35 feet deep over flats and rocky points. With boat traffic easing off after Labor Day, bass should be more willing to come into the shallows at least early and late. Not many people have been trying for trout, but Bud Pratt, striped bass expert at Sacramento Pro Tackle has been making forays to Folsom for a change of pace and catching a few trout between 50 and 60 feet on Speedy Shiners in blue and silver by the dam. He’s been fishing them naked (no dodger or blades).

MATHER LAKE—A few bass were being caught out of personal craft (needed because heavy weeds make it almost impossible to fish from shore). Try topwater plugs, jerkbaits and Senkos early and late.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento—About the only word of quasi-decent striper fishing was coming from around Courtland where bankies and boaters were boating a few barely legal-sized stripers on mudsuckers. A better bet was to fish for catfish in the main river, sloughs, Port of Sacramento and Sutter Bypass. In addition to the usual catfish baits, try freshly dead minnows.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Knight’s Landing–There were a few reports, not many, of mostly keeper-sized stripers being caught between Knight’s Landing and Colusa on streamer flies and minnows. An occasional larger fish in the 20-pound class was being hooked as well, but, so far, fishing for bigger stripers has not measured up either in size or numbers to last year’s run.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding—Fly fishermen continued to catch some nice trout plus the occasional steelhead by dead-drifting nymphs like prince’s, pheasant tails, and copper Johns under indicators. Spin fishermen also were scoring on Glo-Bugs with or without a bit of roe, nightcrawlers, and crickets.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper—With days so hot, most of the trout activity was occurring early and late and in the upper parts of the Sac around Dunsmuir. Dead-drift prince nymphs, pheasant tails, and copper John’s deep, on short lines into pocket water. Use lots of weight.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES—Upper Blue Lake is scheduled for a DFG plant this week. Not a lot of pressure here since Labor Day weekend, so few reports were available from Woodfords Station.

BOCA LAKE—The lake is at 65-percent capacity. Lake was planted last week and the bite is much improved. Shore anglers are doing well at the boat ramp and on the beach off the left side of the dam with worms, Power Bait, Rooster Tails and a Kastmaster. Trollers are using a No.7 crawdad Rapala or a pumpkin Gulp! Minnow behind a dodger.

CAPLES LAKE—The concrete boat ramp is now out of the water and launching will be available off the gravel beach through October. The big EID trophy fish are still being caught with Andy Azevedo and Dennis Garcia of Ceres landing a 6 pounder and two 8 pounders on a bobber/worm rig at the spillway this past week. Shore anglers are doing well for quick limits of 10- to 12-inch rainbows on Power Bait, worms, and lures from the dam and spillway. Trollers are catching limits of small planters on dodger/worm combos. Traffic has slowed down here since Labor Day.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)—The West Fork got a good rain over the weekend. The water is still low and clear, but a few fish are being caught by experienced anglers. The East Fork has good water flows and received 1450 pounds of 3-pound average rainbows this past week from Alpine County. Jackie Lima came into Carson River Resort with 3 big trout: 6.2, 3.7 and 3.5 pounds. Alpine County has three more big plants scheduled through the end of October.

DAVIS LAKE—The lake is down to 52-percent capacity. The water is cooling down with the colder nights, which is helping the trout bite. Ed Dillard reported catching 15 to 28 fish on his 4-hour charters using copper/red Dick Nites, metallic perch Needlefish, and red Rainbow Runners. Dillard is trolling from 8 to 16 feet deep from the Honker ramp to the island. Most of the rainbows measure 12 to 13 inches with one or two good fish, 18 to 20 inches, per trip. Fly casters are using cinnamon wooly buggers in 8 feet of water. No word on shore fishing, but it had been improving with the lower water temp (64-degrees) and should continue to do so.

DONNER LAKE—The lake was planted last week and all the public piers are good, especially Pier 13. The boat ramp is also good for shore angler using Power Bait and worms. Trollers are using a J7 gold/black Rapala or rainbow pattern Rapala for Macks that have moved up shallow to feed on the new planters.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON—Plenty of anglers just not many fish being caught. It’s been two weeks since the last DFG plant and the pressure has taken its toll. Caribou Powerhouse trout fishing has been slow but smallmouth bass to 2 1/2 pounds are hitting early before the sun gets too high on the water.

FRENCHMAN LAKE—The lake is down to 38-percent capacity. Fishing has improved with the cooler water temps. Shore anglers are using Power Bait and worms at the dam. Trollers are running flasher/worm combos at the dam for rainbows measuring 14 to 18 inches.

GOLD LAKES BASIN—Packer Lake and Upper Salmon Lake are scheduled for DFG plants this week.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR—Planter rainbows, 10 to 12 inches, are hitting flasher or dodger/worm combos at 20 feet in the SE corner of the lake. Limits before noon are a good possibility.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR—Nothing has changed here with the low water level. The fish are in the deep channel that runs from the ramp to the dam and small boaters and float tubers have the best chance at success.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR—The lake is at 68-percent capacity. Not much to report, according to Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee. Shore anglers and trollers are still picking up a few fish.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)—The lake is at 59-percent capacity. The Macks are on the attack with several fish, 6 to 10 pounds, coming in for trollers working the second dam at 60 feet with Rapalas and Kastmasters.

LAKE TAHOE—Mike Neilsen of Tahoe Topliners reports he’s had the best action of the season recently with early boat limits of Macks and kokanee everyday this week. Trolling for Macks with Bomber Long A’s and jigging with No.4 BuzzBombs is producing limits of 3 to 6 pounders at first light from 115 to 160 feet deep. Kokanee action is red hot off Richardson Bay at 85 to 95 feet on No. 2 and No. 4 BuzzBombs. The kokes are turning red.

LOON LAKE—Trollers are catching rainbows and the occasional brown from the ramp to the dam on dodger/worm combos, J5 Rapalas, and Sep’s watermelon Side Kick dodgers with a Sep’s brown grub from the top down to 24 feet depending on the sunlight. The fish are up on top early then drop deeper as the sun gets higher. Fish are running 12 to 14 inches.

PROSSER LAKE—Lake was planted last week and fishing has been good for the DFG rainbows. The smallmouth population is growing and the trout have to feed more aggressively to compete, so jigging with crawdad pattern plastics is getting more popular. Otherwise, use Power Bait and worms near the boat ramp. Trollers need to concentrate on the main body of the lake with the water level dropping in the creek arms.

RED LAKE—There’s still too much algae for good fishing. The area needs a good hard freeze to cure the problem. Small boaters can get out in deeper water for a better chance at success on the brookies and cuts.

SILVER LAKE—The lake is full of fish, but the bite was slow for Dale Daneman at Foothill Guide Service who only landed 3 of 6 hookups last week. Daneman trolls Sep’s brown grubs on most of his high elevation lake charters. The water level is dropping fast.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR—The lake is down to 50-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle reports that browns are hitting Rapalas in the early morning at the inlet and the dam. Macks are hitting No. 7 Rapalas in 75 to 100 feet of water at the dam. The kokanee are turning red and the bite has slowed.

TRUCKEE RIVER—The General Section is running 118 cfs so concentrate on the faster deeper water with worms and spinners. The Special Section is pretty much all nymph fishing now with the cold nights putting an end to most insect hatches and terrestrial activity. An unweighted nymph with a weighted nymph on a dropper is popular.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR—The lake is at 74-percent capacity. Dale Daneman reported that the kokanee bite is very slow but a few fish are being caught and some are running up to 17 inches. The fish are turning and have lost their scales but are still hard fighting and fat. Macks to 15 inches are hitting also.

WEST WALKER RIVER—DFG plants are scheduled again for this week. Pressure is way down but the few anglers that are fishing have reported into the Toiyabe Motel that they are catching limits. The fish are mostly DFG planters with an occasional 1 3/4- to 2 1/4-pound Alpers trout from the Mono County plants. As the water cools and the fall bite turns on, fly fishermen will be hitting the river for a chance at a good brown.