NORTH COAST RIVERS

North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG’s Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is 707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.

ROGUE RIVER, lower, Gold Beach, Ore.-The springers are done down here and the fall fish have yet to begin staging in the estuary, but it’s not far off for them to begin, according to both WON Oregon Field Reporters, Dave Pitts and Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service. A good number of perch have been being caught from the sand spit, and smelt fishing and dipping has also been rewarding to those who have been spending time in the bay harvesting them.

ROGUE RIVER, upper, Ore.-Perfect river conditions up here for anglers and fish, and both steelhead and spring salmon are being caught.

RUSSIAN RIVER-This is a recording: We are now in summer mode, which means the summer dams are up, the river is crowded with rafters, kayakers and swimmers, and the only game in town is smallmouth bass for anglers who hit the water early and late. This recording will continue until the fall rains come.

UMPQUA RIVER, Roseburg, Ore.-There have been some last minute spring Chinooks arriving at the confluence of the south fork and the north fork of the Umpqua rivers, and a couple of them have made it into the nets of anglers fishing from the bank and boats. Forks River Park has some very good access to the confluence on the north side as well as having an improved boat ramp. Singleton Park gives bank anglers access from the south side of the river (no boat ramp ). There are a few summer steelhead being caught in the evenings here as well. Fishing pressure is usually low.

UMPQUA RIVER, North Fork, Glide, Ore.–The spring Chinook fishing is getting better, but a lot of the salmon are looking beat up and are changing into their darker spawning colors. Summer steelhead are starting show up in good numbers. River levels have dropped down too a safer level for wading. Still need to be careful on this river. Water temperatures are going to most likely be a shock if anglers slip and fall in.

TRINITY-KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-The air temperatures and river are heating up, and the salmonfly hatch is about over. There might be a short window of opportunity still available, but if so, it’s measured in days. Trout were being caught on both wets and dries, although fishing subsurface was more productive. Still, it’s quite a kick to see a rainbow attack a big salmonfly imitation on the surface. Call ahead before making the trip.

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Salmon fishing remained slow last week with the average catch holding at one per boat-with luck. A few more steelhead were being caught and are becoming more accessible to anglers as the water drops. The best spots to fish for steelies weighing between 4 and 10 pounds is from the mouth of the Trinity River down to Blue Creek. Swing No. 4 Blue Fox spinners and drift nightcrawlers. Fly fishing is still tough in the high water.

TRINITY RIVER, Junction City-Trinity River flows will be down to a very fishable, albeit still a bit high, 1,000 cfs by the time this issue of WON is out. There already are some salmon being caught and fishing should improve greatly as flows continue to drop. Fishing will be best in the upper portions of the river above Junction City.

TRINITY RIVER, Burnt Ranch-Although it’s a tough hike in and, especially out, lots of anglers are making the climb into the falls at Burnt Ranch. The average is only about one salmon per half a dozen anglers, and the best spots are taken early, but the fish being hooked are mint bright and are biting tuna balls and roe.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The Foresthill Ranger Station reported that the Middle Fork was too high and cold to cross for hikers at Talbot, and should be avoided until the runoff slows down to a safe level. Anglers willing to hike a mile or so below the Hwy 49 confluence can pick up some nice fish in the deeper pools with worms.

BULLARDS BAR-The lake is down to 95-percent capacity. Will Fish Tackle in Auburn reported that trollers are picking up 7 or 8 kokanee in the 10- to 12-inch range on green/red Wedding Rings at 20 to 30 feet from Garden Point to the dam. Spotted bass action is still good on the main points on plastic worms.

CAMP FAR WEST-Very heavy recreational boat traffic has made it tough on fishermen here, but a 19-pound striper was weighed in at North Shore on Tuesday evening this past week.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake is four feet from full with lots of brush and trees submerged along the shores providing habitat for warmwater species of fish-redears, crappie, and bass. Catfish action is really picking up at night. Trout to 6 1/3 pounds are still being taken by trollers and bait fishermen in deeper water. Flasher/worm combos, Kastmaster spoons, and Power Bait are the best for the trout at the dam, docks, power lines, and bridge. The bluegill and crappie are hitting minnows and jigs around the brush. The best spot for catfish up to 7 3/4 pounds has been Elmer’s Cove for boaters using sardines and chicken livers. Bass to 4 pounds have been taken on crawdads, worms, and plastic worms.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-The lake is down to 91-percent capacity. Trollers are picking up a few rainbows at 35 to 40 feet on flasher/worm combos. Recreational boat traffic over the holiday weekend was very heavy and kept most fishermen off the lake.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The lake is up to 86-percent capacity. The Foresthill Ranger Station reported that shore fishing was outstanding for rainbows, with no boats on the lake during the week. All campgrounds are open and dam construction is not affecting any recreation or access.

FULLER LAKE-This lake was planted this past week for the holiday weekend. Will Fish Tackle in Auburn reported that one angler easily limited out on small browns casting a silver/blue Kastmaster from the shore in the boat ramp area.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 96-percent capacity. No change here. The Georgetown Ranger Station reported that most everyone is catching fish. Kokanee, rainbows, and browns are all hitting along with a few Macks.

LAKE OROVILLE-The lake is up a little to 77-percent capacity. Bass and coho action is still good, but heavy recreational boat traffic over the holiday weekend forced most anglers to get out early for the best chance at success.

ROLLINS LAKE-The heavy recreational traffic has made fishing on the main lake tough. Most anglers are doing well near the marinas in the no-wake zones for trout and spotted bass. Fishing has been good around the docks in Long Ravine Resort for 12-inch rainbows on nightcrawlers.

SCOTT’S FLAT LAKE-Boat traffic has been heavy and the bite for trout and bass has been slow. Some smallmouth bass and catfish to 2 pounds have been seen, but trout are far and few between.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Fishing has been good for campers enjoying this personal watercraft-free lake.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-According to the Georgetown Ranger Station, most anglers are catching a few rainbows with a couple of bass and catfish thrown in for good measure. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are working best for the shore anglers.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-Still some bass to 4 pounds being caught on the tule banks on Senkos, frogs and jigs.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-Bass fishing improved as numbers came up, and sizes improved. Senkos were the name of the game although the topwater bite picked up as well, and small poppers like Rapala’s Skitter Pop and small Ricos worked. The other good news was that catfish were moving into the shallows and spawning. Lots of 10-15 pounders were being caught.

LAKE BERRYESSA- The kokes were tougher to find in part due to the water level dropping and warming waters, but limits were possible for those who put in the time. Hardware used included Rocky Mountain Tackle’s hyper plaid, watermelon, Bahama Mama and glow Bahama dodgers with Uncle Larry’s Spinners, Apex Spoons, UV hoochies and glow hoochies. The best scent was Pro-Cure herring from 44 to 60 feet deep.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-Trout fishing slowed a little but fish were caught off docks on salmon eggs, the opening of the Narrows and mid-lake at 20 feet on all of the usual tackle.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Both salmon and trout are moving into deeper cooler waters and looking for the springs that come up through the bottom of the lake as the summer fishing patterns kick in. Trolling is the best way to tackle fish right now, as they are on the move and scattered. Try a naked piece of nightcrawler and watch the afternoon winds. Look for the Hex hatch all the way from the dam to mid-Almanor West.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-Fishing has been a bit slower with no plants in this lake, but that doesn’t mean there are no fish. Power Bait and lures are favorites here and some nice fish are being caught. Work the rocky points and deep water near the dam. Fly fishing has improved with good topwater action mid-morning and evenings. Adams, caddis and mosquitoes were all taking fish. Sinking buggers and prince nymphs near the dam also took fish.

BAUM LAKE-Trout were attentive to Kastmasters or Panther Martins, mini-nightcrawlers or crickets or salmon eggs. Fly fishermen mainly used pheasant tails, wiggle-tail Zugs, callibaetis, PMDs, little yellow stones and caddis.

BRITTON LAKE- Crappie continue to be on tap and fishing great although the majority of the fish are running small. Larger Crappie were found in 25 -30 feet suspended off from the shoreline and structure. Crappie jigs with or without a bobber is very effective here. Smallmouth bass are also hitting plastics, Senkos and tube baits. Some smallies are also hitting surface baits such as floating Rapalas.

BURNEY CREEK-The last reports here continue to support caddis and callibaetis above the falls and a pheasant tail, copper John, bird’s nest or hares ear below.

BUCKS LAKE-Try jigging by Rocky Point or head up into the creek with your Kastmasters here for browns, rainbows, mackinaw and kokanee.

CASSEL FOREBAY- The forebay was very busy this Fourth of July. Worms and spoon-type lures were the most productive and lots of limits were taken. Fishing was great and should continue to produce large numbers of fish in the coming weeks. Fly fishing has improved from okay to very good. PMDs, blue wing olives, and callibaetis were all taking topwater fish and as is typical, nymph fishing olive callibaetis and chocolate PMDs or pheasant tails produced lots of actions. Most of the fish were in the 10- to 13-inch range but larger fish were caught as well.

EAGLE LAKE- Bobber fishing was red hot for those in the know, and a good area has been Shrimp Island. Lines in by 5 a.m. anchored in 9 feet of water, with a nightcrawler down 6 feet should find limits very fast. Trollers worked in 8 to 12 feet of water at 6 to 8 feet with 2-inch Sep’s grub in watermelon or orange/black flies during the same time frame on the west side off Slough Point and Wildcat Point. Others trolled off Eagles Nest in waters 50 to 60 feet deep, trolling in 12 to 30 feet.

FALL RIVER-Reports still show good hatches which should improve with the sunny skies. Good numbers of PMDs are coming off. Black caddis were a good bet before the hatch starts. Wiggle-tail Zugs are a favorite for nymph fishermen.

UPPER HAT CREEK- Although still running fast, the water is clear and very fishable. The holiday weekend saw both large numbers of anglers as well as fish plants. Worms, crickets, and Panther Martins worked well and are typically among the top baits used on this section of the creek. Finding where and at what depth the fish are holding tends to be the greatest challenge. Lassen Park is expected to be completely open as of July 9, which will add another great destination to explore here. Hatches of large stoneflies are coming off and presenting a rare opportunity to catch topwater fish on this part of the creek. Copper Johns, stonefly nymphs and crystal buggers continue to be top producers.

HAT CREEK (wild section)-Nymph anglers did well on hare’s ear, birds nest, and pheasant tails. Also working were little yellow stones, callibaetis cripples and PMDs.

LEWISTON RESERVIOR–The fishing is a little slow right now, but picking up with less drawdown. The best times have been early in the morning and later in the day. Most are using nightcrawlers, Cripplures and Sep’s flashers and the Lewiston Cocktail (salmon egg and white Power Bait combo) a good bet in front of the Pine Cove marina and up by the dam. Pine Cove will hold their annual family fishing derby July 24, releasing quite a few nice 5 to 8 pounders and it should be a fun day.

MANZANITA LAKE–The warmer weather has improved the fishing and big browns are definitely cruising the shallows. Early mornings saw lots of activity in the shallows and most of the big fish were taking minnow imitations. Ants, mosquitoes, and callibaetis dry flies were taking fish as well. Weed growth is accelerating and it won’t be long before landing fish gets a bit tougher. Larger rainbows have started working the topwater over the weedbeds, so don’t pass up this option either. Remember to heed the special restrictions on this lake.

PIT RIVER-Last reports still had rubber leg nymphs and prince nymphs getting the job done.

LAKE SHASTA-The bass bite has been wide open on just about anything, although the swimbait bite was not very good. Trout responded to a variety of tackle including Sling Blades, Needlefish, Apexs, HumDingers, Wiggle Hoochies and Cripplures. The most productive lures were HumDingers and Wiggle Hoochies, with the HumDinger called Caption America out performing many.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-A 17 incher was reported and limits for consistent 14 inchers which for the most part were free of any copepods. From 40 down to 60 feet out in the main body of the lake on the south side of the bridge were the top trolling areas. Neither the curtain area nor the dam have seen much action yet this year.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-The boats tapped the bay live bait action, with the California Dawn scoring perhaps the first striped bass limits of the season, and for sure the first limits from main bay rock piles. Captain James Smith said it was like someone flipped a switch in the bay, with bait everywhere. A few salmon efforts found scattered action up off the Marin Coast, and bottomfishing, both at the Farallones and along the Marin Coast, is an option.

BODEGA BAY- Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported great rockfish action and some good promise of salmon to come, with some private boats scoring fish off of Bird Rock. The weather was ugly most of the week, but he did fish Saturday and Sunday, finding limits of rockfish. Sunday’s trip to Fort Ross paid off in a big grade of copper and vermilion rockfish, plus plenty of action on small lingcod, all too short to keep.

BROOKINGS, OR-The first albacore of the season hit for some Bandon anglers, who found fish to 23 pounds about 43 miles out. Bottomfishing has been great when the boats can get out between windy days, finding limits of black and blue rockfish, cabezon and lingcod. Salmon are another story, the few fish reported out 7 to 11 miles caught by commercial boats.

EMERYVILLE-The fleet found striped bass mid-week on the main bay spots, then the New Huck Finn scored after finding 26 halibut to 18 pounds for 16 anglers fishing the North Bar. Bottomfishing was another option, with the New Seeker and Superfish running to the Farallones for rockfish limits and some lingcod.

EUREKA-Thursday was fishable and some of the boats found king salmon action, but by the weekend, wind pushed combined swell and seas to 19 feet. The only options were focusing on California halibut in the bay, which finally produced a couple fish, or if you wanted action, switching to squid baits to hook bat rays and sharks.

FORT BRAGG-Salmon trips blanked, but the rockfish action held up. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar found fish at Glass Beach on Sunday, with limits of black, gopher and china rockfish, and a couple of cabezon. A couple lings are normally a part of the action each day, and one ling hit the deck that day.

HALF MOON BAY-The Deep Reef salmon bite continued to produce a few kings weather permitting. “The average has been a half to over a fish per rod, trolling,” said Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat. The charter fleet is also running local and Farallon Island bottomfishing trips.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported much improved halibut action particularly on main bay deep water spots with the slower tides. “We caught 13 halibut and lost that many at Angel Island on Friday,” he said. The only problem is the daily wind, which came up early on the weekend trips. Still, his anglers managed halibut to 17 pounds from Angel Island, Raccoon Straights and Alcatraz.

OYSTER POINT-Captain Jack Chapman on Lovely Linda II reported good results on a live bait trip on Saturday, with some striped bass, rockfish, halibut and lots of catch and release action on bay sharks and bat rays.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported good action on halibut with some bass, his hot spot at Red Rock over the weekend. His anglers caught halibut to 18 pounds, with one around the norm. “Main bay spots were a good bet, but we couldn’t fish them due to the wind!” said Miller.

SAN FRANCISCO-The boats continued to trade efforts from salmon to in-bay live bait “potluck” efforts, as well as rockfish and lingcod outside the bay. Captain Steve Talmadge said his halibut counts really improved once the tides started backing off mid-week, with good action resulting in four halibut and two bass, and fish lost also. Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky was planning her first salmon mooching trip with a calmer ocean forecast.

SAUSALITO-The boats tapped a combination of rockfish, salmon, halibut and striped bass. A lunker 25-pound king salmon hit for a Woodland man fishing on the New Ray Ann at Rocky Point.

SHELTER COVE-Wind continued to plague fishing efforts, but the forecast was calling for a change, finally. Count on great bottomfishing, some king salmon options, and maybe even Pacific halibut if the ocean lays down enough.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-It’s pretty much the same story as last week with flows holding reasonably steady, and shad fishing holding steady, too, from Grist Mill to Nimbus Dam. A greater percentage of hard-fighting larger females are increasingly in the mix. Nice stripers continued to be caught, but it’s the same story as last week. Lots of hours put in for a single bite. But, it has a better chance of being a worthwhile fish compared to the dinks mostly populating the Sacramento River these days.

FEATHER RIVER- It takes a dozen or more sub-legal striped bass to score a keeper, but they are there, and some of them are decent-sized. Some new shad are being caught below Shanghai Rapids, but, trout fishing was quite slow last week in the Low Flow Section of the Feather. Lots of salmon are being seen in the Outlet and streaming into the Low Flow Section, though. Remember, no fishing will be allowed above a line 1,000 feet below the Outlet.

FOLSOM LAKE-The lake has been largely taken over by recreational boaters, especially on weekends, but some bass were being caught on topwater bite early in the morning around flooded trees, then on Robo-Worms and small baitfish-patterned grubs later in the day. Since the fish are holding fairly deep during the day, they don’t seem to mind the heavy boat traffic. Trout fishing was slow.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Lots of little striped bass can be caught at places like Bryte Beach and Sand Cove, but very few keepers. Nice catfish to 3 feet long were being caught around Knight’s Landing. Lisbon Slough was good, too.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa-Lots of striped bass were still being caught according to Bob Bradbury of Johnson’s Bait and Tackle, but most are tiny. However, a 30 pounder was caught last week on a plastic worm. Fishing for shad has been tapering off, but a little searching will locate schools now consisting of a higher proportion of larger females.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Red Bluff-Trout fishing continued to be good from Red Bluff to Redding in spite of a bump up in flows to 12,000 cfs. They are even occasionally taking dry flies in the evening, but most of the action is on nymphs under indicators or Glo-Bugs.

UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER, Dunsmuir-Flows have dropped into fishable shape, albeit still too high for safe wading, and anglers were scoring nice trout mostly on nymphs under indicators, but even occasionally on dries fished in the evening. Fish pocket with prince nymphs, copper Johns, and fish dries like stimulators and elk hair caddis.

YUBA RIVER-The shad that were in the Feather have largely moved into the Yuba all the way to Daguerre Dam.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES-Both Upper and Lower lakes opened for the holiday weekend and crowds were reported to be very heavy. As of yet, neither PG&E nor DFG have planted these lakes, so any fish are holdovers from last year.

BOCA LAKE-This lake is at 75-percent capacity. Fishing is best in the early morning or late evening due to the heavy volume of recreational traffic on the lake. The inlet or on the west side along the steep drop-offs has been the best bet for bait anglers.

CAPLES LAKE-The lake is full and scheduled for another DFG trout plant this week that should total 4000 pounds. The plants are now being made at the new EID launch facility. Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station reported that two customers caught limits of rainbows trolling Kastmasters and Needlefish near Wood’s Creek. The limits were mostly catchables with one good fish.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-The bite was excellent over the holiday weekend on the East Fork with lots of rainbows running 2 to 4 pounds due to the plant by Alpine County this past week of 1800 pounds of rainbows averaging 2 pounds with fish up to 10 pounds and browns running 12 inches to 4 pounds. An identical plant will be made this week. Salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, spinners and woolly bugger flies are all working. The West Fork is still high but the clarity is good. PJ Smithen of Gardnerville, NV caught a 4 pounder in Hope Valley on a nymph while fly fishing with a sinking line.

DAVIS LAKE-The lake is down to 67-percent capacity. Ed Dillard at Dillard’s Fishing Guide Service has been doing well with Sockeye Slammers and Wee Dick Nites at the island and Camp 5 for rainbows running 14 to 18 1/2 inches at a depth of 8 feet. A fly fisherman hooked a 10 pounder off Camp 5 that he fought for some time before it straightened out his hook. He was using a nymph under an indicator.

DONNER LAKE-This lake is scheduled for another DFG trout plant this week. The public piers and state beach will be very productive for kids and families using Power Bait, worms and salmon eggs. This will be a good place to take a child to catch their first trout. The kokanee and Macks remain elusive and deep.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON-Butt Valley Reservoir smallmouth action is the best bet unless the powerhouse is running, then trout will be on a tear. Caribou Power House is steadily kicking out some nice rainbows when the generators are running. Fishing is tough in the North Fork and East Branch with an occasional fish showing up for bait anglers in the deeper holes.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is down to 50-percent capacity. Wiggins Trading Post reported that with the hot weather the fish were moving deeper, 30 to 40 feet. Most fishermen are using nightcrawlers or flasher/worm combos for 15 to 20 inch rainbows. 1- to 1 1/2-pound catfish are also hitting nightcrawlers.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Gold Lake, Salmon Lake, Sardine Lake and Packer Lake are all open, but few reports were available. One WON reader checked in and said they caught some quality brookies to 14 inches at the outlet of lower Sardine. Most anglers do well with worms on these lakes. No DFG trout plants have been made here so far this season.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 92-percent capacity. The bite has been tougher here than in past weeks. Try a Sep’s watermelon or brown grub without a dodger at various depths until fish are located. Most fish being caught are small planter rainbows.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-The campgrounds will be closed from July 11 until August 20 for repaving. There is ample access along the east side of the lake for anglers. Two- to 4-pound rainbows have been caught in the channel from the dam to the boat launch.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR-Mountain Hardware and Sports reported that fishing here has toughened up a bit and trollers have to work for their fish from the Yuba River arm to the dam.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-Heavy boat traffic over the weekend kept fishermen off the water. Shore fishing for planters in the Narrows by the old ramp was pretty good.

LAKE TAHOE-Heavy winds came up on Sunday blowing most anglers off the lake. Mickey Daniels at Big Mack Charters landed three fish to 6 1/2 pounds early before the winds rolled in using Sling Blade/minnow combos at 150 feet. Chuck Self at Chuck’s Fishing Charters found refuge from the wind behind Crystal Point and landed 10 fish to 9 pounds on glow-in-the-dark plugs fished at 200 feet. There are a lot of fish stacked up from 120 to 400 feet, so don’t spend much time on a school if they don’t bite-move on to the next bunch.

LOON LAKE-The lake is at 89-percent capacity. Dale Daneman at Dale’s Foothill Fishing Service reported catching 11 rainbows from 12 to 15 inches and losing a 16- to 18-inch brown on Sep’s brown grubs behind a Sep’s watermelon Side Kick dodger at 11 feet deep. There are fish all over the lake. Ken Mathis at Ken’s Custom Tackle reported catching limits of 12- to 14-inch rainbows on flasher/worm combos.

PROSSER LAKE-The lake is at 83-percent capacity. Smallmouth bass action is picking up in the Alder Creek arm for fish running 12 to 14 inches. The trout bite has been sporadic with the best action found in the Hobart Mills area near the channel in the early morning or late evening. Trollers have been doing best with Needlefish, Dick Nites, and flasher/worm combos.

PYRAMID LAKE-The trout season closed on June 30 and now fishing is allowed only for the plentiful and tasty Sacramento perch. Use crappie jigs for these fish. Right now the limit is 10 fish, but this will change to “no-limit” when the new regulations come out later this year.

RED LAKE-Carson River Resort reported that shore fishing with nightcrawlers was good for rainbows, browns, brookies, and cutthroats.

SILVER LAKE-The lake is at 97-percent capacity and scheduled for another DFG trout plant this week. No current reports were available on the fishing, but the DFG plants can only help the bite. Action should be good for shore anglers using Power Bait and worms off the dam and trollers working the steeper shorelines have shot at some nice browns on Rapalas.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-The lake is at 66-percent capacity. It’s been windy in the afternoons, so trollers have been doing best in the early morning for kokanee to 18 inches on white hoochies or red/pearl Wee Dick Nites behind dodgers at 45 to 65 feet near the island. Rig hoochies 6 inches from the dodger and be prepared to bring you’re A-game as the fish get much more selective as the day wears on. The best bite has been from first light until 8 a.m. Shore anglers are doing very well from the launch ramp to the dam for planter rainbows

TOPAZ LAKE-Stillfishing has been very good for the few fishermen who have been going out, according to Topaz Landing Marina. The south end of the lake has been producing limits of rainbows running 2 to 3 pounds on nightcrawlers in 20 to 25 feet of water. Get out early before the afternoon winds come up, and remember to bring your mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Shore fishing is tough due to the high water level and shortage of spots to fish from-there aren’t any beaches.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Though flows are still high, the water is warming up a little and more insect hatches are showing. The green drake hatch was much shorter than expected and now big yellow stones and little stones are coming on. Use a No. 10 Stimi early or a No. 14 Yellow Sally in the evening, caddis in olive or cream, PMD’s and copper Johns in No. 16 and No. 18. Lure casters should stick with dark colors early and yellows during the day. Fish are 8 to 10 inches, up to 18 to 20 inches.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The lake is at 95-percent capacity. The kokanee bite has dropped off some, but the Mack bite is improving. The Macks are suspended 20 to 40 feet off the bottom in 120 feet of water and are hitting a dodger/herring combo. The big news here this past week was a bear attack on a camper at the Yellowjacket Campground. The camper left his food in a mesh-sided canopy and a young bear helped itself to the ice chest. The camper challenged the bear and the bear won leaving the camper with wounds requiring multiple stitches. A DFG tracker was called to find the bear and kill it.

WEST WALKER RIVER-The West Walker and the Little Walker are scheduled for DFG trout plants this week. Mono County will also make a plant of 3- to 4-pound Alpers trout this week. Another plant of trophy fish from 3 to 7 pounds will be made next week, sponsored by the North Mono Chamber to support the “How Big is Big Trout Derby” that runs the whole month of July. The river flows are down to a fishable level in the West Walker and anglers are picking up 10- to 16-inch rainbows on worms and salmon eggs. The junior division derby leader is Jose Garcia of San Bernardino with a 1 1/4-pound rainbow.