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 "The last of the springers have moved through and the next thing to look forward to will be the beginning of fall salmon moving in and out of the estuary in search of bait and acclimating to the river. This usually begins in mid-July. Hawg Fest fishing derby coming up in September.

ROGUE RIVER, Upper "Some halfpounder steelhead action is on ta, but the bite is scattered. Both spinfishermen and fly anglers have been connecting. Spinners like Panther Martins with gold blades and black bodies with yellow spots, or for the fly-flingers, a sink tip with beaded Zug Bugs and tandem nymphs or Hiltons are working near Agness and the mouth of the Illinois.

RUSSIAN RIVER "Since the shad run ended, we've entered the summer repeat system: "now hear this, smallmouth bass are about the only thing to catch on the Russian River "it is summer "summer means rafting and float tubing the river, and some smallmouth bass fishing, and a few catfish here and there." This is a recording you will continue to hear until the fall rains. "That will be all."

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen "It's not red hot fishing, but there are still Chinook entering the Klamath, and boaters "the relatively few still trying "have been hooking 1 to 4 bright springers a day on CV-7 spinners. Steelhead continued to build in numbers, and fly fishermen were hooking fish in the 8-pound class swinging assassins and brindle bugs.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate "Salmon flies were still hatching, but the water has been getting warmer, and fishing has gotten tougher. Nightcrawlers fished behind Hot Shots, or side-drifted in riffles were more effective at producing bites than flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City "Flows were stabilized at 450 cfs, and fishing for bright, spring run Chinook salmon was being characterized as "average" with a catch of 1 to 4 fish per boat per day. The Douglas City to Del Loma stretch seemed to be the most consistent producing stretch of river, and roe the best method, although Kwikfish were also scoring some. Burnt Ranch and Grays Falls were producing around 1 springer for each two fishermen.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER "Best reports are still coming from the Middle Fork. Below the dam at French Meadows has been putting out good numbers of fish on bait and spinners. The Cash Rock area has produced rainbows and browns up to 17 inches.

BULLARDS BAR "Heavy recreational boat traffic making it tough on anglers. Head up into the back of the Willow Creek for a shot at rainbows on Power Bait fished near the channel. Small bass are all over the banks and hitting nightcrawlers, small plastic worms, tubes and jigs.

CAMP FAR WEST "Bass are reported to be hitting green pumpkin and watermelon worms up in the Bear River arm for fish up to 5 pounds. Some small catfish are hitting nightcrawlers and anchovies from the bank at night.

COLLINS LAKE "Current heat wave will move the trout deeper than the 15 to 20 they've been at for a while. Start looking at trolling at 30 to 35 feet in the upper no-wake area to get away from the recreational boat traffic. Fish have been hitting Power Bait and worms off the shore at the dam, east side and marina docks. Biggest trout last week was a 7 pounder caught at the marina docks on worms. The biggest catfish, an 8 1/4 pounder, was caught trolling an orange Needlefish near the dam. Night fishing will start improving rapidly as the summer heat comes on and temps are forecast near 100-degrees all this week.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR "2500 pounds of trout planted by PG&E a couple of weeks back have really improved the fishing. Trollers are working their way through the recreational boaters in the lower sections of the lake and catching easy limits of 10- to 12-inch rainbows. The safer bet is to run up lake into the no-wake area. Some boaters have reported catching lots of fish up above the river fork at Missouri Bar on worms. Rainbows here have been running larger, 13 to 14 inches.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Trollers and shore anglers are doing well here on a mix of browns and rainbows. No specifics were mentioned about what and where, but Rapalas early and flasher/worms combos as the sun gets up should be producing. For the shore anglers, Power Bait and worms are the perennial favorites.

FULLER LAKE "Planted two weeks ago with no reports from the Forest Service about any success. This is a small lake that is best fished by boat because of the steep rocky terrain and trollers should do well with flasher or dodger/worm combos.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR "Good action for browns and kokanee. For 16- to 17-inch, 2-pound browns, get out early and run a No.13 vampire Rapala 100 feet back at 4 mph. Kokanee are hitting below the powerhouse at 20 feet on green/white splatter hoochies behind a chrome dodger. Kokes are running 12 to 14 inches.

LAKE OROVILLE "The heat is on and the bite is off. There are some anglers out with live bait catching a few bass in deep water and one troller worked all day for one coho that weighed less than a pound. The heat wave forecast this week will only make things worse. Someone should go out at night and check out the catfish bite, though.

ROLLINS LAKE "Heavy recreational boat traffic requires fishermen to get out at sunrise for any chance at success. The lake has not received any plants this year and trout action is slow at best. Catfish action should be picking up at night after the lake calms down when the recreational boaters are off the water.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE "Hot and slow. Heavy recreational boat traffic is making it tough for anglers. One 4-pound brown was caught last week trolling very early with a Rapala. Some smallmouth to 3 pounds are still coming in on plastic worms and tubes.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR "No plants, no success.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Trout action is very slow due to the lack of plants but warmwater species: bass, catfish and sunfish provide a chance for some action.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY "The heat wave has shut the bite off here, no one has been reporting any success even though the water level is up.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY "Live bait trips found a good mix of striped bass and fewer halibut, with the stripers coming from main bay spots mostly. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker reported one flurry of bass on the beach, but after boating seven of 10 fish hooked up, the school moved off. A return to the bay found the fish biting at Alcatraz, and his group of 32 anglers caught limits of stripers plus five halibut. Live bait supply has been hit and miss with the receivers running out on Sunday, forcing some boats to cancel trips.

BODEGA BAY " Continued good action on rockfish with a few lingcod. Despite the windy forecast, the actual weather conditions on the fishing grounds were great. Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler said that since the season opened, they have run 11 trips, all with limits of rockfish. The latest efforts continued to be down around Point Reyes.

BROOKINGS, OR " Weather continued to be the main factor for coho anglers, with windy conditions keeping many off the water, but the resulting cold water temperatures from the northwest blow pushed the good water offshore. A few fish reported caught on purple haze hoochies rigged with a red bead and strip of bait. Up north, the coho bite is better, but there are many more native fish than hatchery "keepers."

EMERYVILLE "In-bay live bait trips dominated the trips, although the New Seeker and New Salmon Queen ran a couple bottomfishing trips to the Farallones, finding rockfish limits and a few lingcod.

EUREKA "Wind has kept most boats in all week, but there was a little break on Wednesday for the bigger boats (it was still pretty sloppy) but no big halibut stories. Inside the bay, California halibut fishing has been improving, but the traditional spots north of Samoa Bridge have been slow, the best action found about a mile below the bridge. Perch and night smelt are good when the ocean cooperates, but the day smelt runs have been dismal.

FORT BRAGG "Wind was a problem for part of the week, but when the boats could fish, they found rockfish and a few lingcod. No reports on crabbing, but the moulting should be about over.

HALF MOON BAY "Rockfish and lingcod remained the main action with limits reported on most trips. The boats started running trips again after Monday with the calmer inshore waters, finding the usual mix of rockfish plus the occasional lingcod and cabezon. Captain Tom Mattusch on the Huli Cat reported the top action at Tunitas and San Gregorio on the weekend.

POINT SAN PABLO "Captain Frank Miller on the Fury had a great week of action starting with some major sevengill shark action that included two fish over 100 pounds, and one that would have gone over 200 pounds, that one released. The other one was detained for the Monterey Bay aquarium. Some nice soupfin sharks also bit. Later in the week, live bait trips found good striped bass and halibut action, the highlight of the week Sunday's trip with six anglers who caught two fish per rod, a mix of nice bass from the Brothers and halibut from Angel Island and Southampton.

SHELTER COVE "Northwest winds were a problem most of the week, and the bottomfish bite was a little off when boats did get out. No way for the halibut trips to Punta Gorda.

SUISUN BAY "Sturgeon fishing is still going on, but only a few charter boats trying like Captain Jeremy Kangas of Stickem Sportfishing, his last trip out with his wife scoring several sturgeon, all released including one oversized.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE " Massive algae blooms are already taking over areas of the lake, but if you find clear water you can find bass. Bass are being caught as shallow as a few feet around the shallow weed beds and as deep as 28 feet on steep rock banks. The Narrows area of the lake is producing fish consistently with plastics, jigs, and crank baits. Other areas that have been kicking out fish are the deep points in the Redbud arm and Monitor, Frazier, and Wheeler points. All have fish on them that get active from time to time. Most of these fish are coming on drop-shot and shakey head worms or jigs. If you want crappie, you can find them in the south end on medium-size minnows under a bobber or splitshotting. Catfishing is also a good night fishing activity here.

LAKE BERRYESSA "Sep's chrome Starlite dodgers with an Uncle Larry's spinner or Radical Glow Tubes are still producing kokes from 14 to 18 1/2 inches. North of the Big Island has been good but they are releasing water and fish are adjusting. Bass up to 3 pounds were found using topwater baits in the early morning and working coves just off the Narrows. Then move out to the main body and work plastics along the weed beds and shadows with grubs on a darthead or Carolina-rigged Robo worms or try drop-shotting Robo worms in Aarons Magic or the new shad color.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR " Water levels are dropping here and that will mean good catfishing.

LAKE PILLSBURY "Bass have moved out of the shallows but try some topwater tackle for them at first light and then switch to jigs or Senkos and fish out to 30 feet. Use a Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters, or worms here trolled in the top 40 feet.

LAKE SONOMA " The upper arms of the lake can be a good place to hunt for bass, but stay away from the main body where the jetskiers will be tearing up the water. Early morning try topwater will have you looking for mats and weed lines and then move out with jigs in 20 to 25 feet.

UPPER BLUE LAKE "Trout are still being marked, along with the big ones in 30 feet, but the catch rate has been slow due to the hot weather. Try a Cripplure for three or four a day. The Big Bad "Bow tagged trout is now worth $1300 as it still has not been caught. Bass action has been slow with all of the heat here as well.

DELTA REGION

SACRAMENTO RIVER side " Troll shallow running Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows in green colors, in water less than 10 feet, they've produced stripers to 12 pounds between Isleton on the Old Sac and the lower Decker Island area. The sturgeon bite remained very good from the mothball fleet all the way up to Montezuma Slough and included the Pittsburg area. Sturgeon were taken on ghost, grass, and mud shrimp with anise or shrimp scents added. This week sturgeon anglers should focus on waters from 25 to 65 feet deep and also on the smaller afternoon, or nighttime tides.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER side "Striper trolling in the Old Sac down to Decker Island with Yo-Zuri's in shallow waters produced a few small males. If that doesn't work by mid-morning, switch over to bait fishing by the upper Decker Island, as the butterflied shad has been fairly productive here. The bass have settled into their summer pattern. Look for a topwater bite early in the morning and in the late afternoon try Lunker Punkers in open water or frogs in the weeds and muck. During the mid-day look for shade with current and use crankbaits, drop-shot or swimbaits.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR "Roger Keeling of Roger's Guide Service said the trout weren't as active this past week, but check some of the springs areas as the lake will stratify soon and with the warming waters fish are dropping 20 to 35 feet or more. Start fishing summer patterns. Good areas include incoming waters like Big Springs and Hamilton Branch for shore anglers. The evening Hex hatch is till on but the fish are not reacting normally. The hatch has been starting around 7:30 or later. Fly anglers are using hex emergers and adult hex spinners. Bait anglers used a mealworm and cricket combination or trolled lures.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR "Reports from Rim Rock Ranch are that fishing has picked up and the pressure remains very low. Lots of fish are being taken in the boat launch area of the lake as well as around the dam. Worms and Power Bait are the most productive in these areas but Kastmasters, Z-Rays and spinners work well also. More brown trout are still working the shore areas around the dam while the rainbow trout seemed to prefer the shallower areas near the campground.

BAUM LAKE " Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are still the preferred baits. There are still some hatches of PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Rooster tails are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should also work.

BRITTON LAKE "The crappie are starting to move up as the weather warms and the smallmouth bass bite has been good, also.

BUCKS LAKE "The Mackinaw bite is still holding on although the fish are more scattered, making them a little tougher to find and stay on. Find them and you'll find fish from 4 to 15 pounds. The south side of the Bucks Creek channel has been productive and there has also been some pretty good action for browns and rainbows to 18 inches in both the Mill Creek arm as well as the Bucks Creek side. The fish have been hitting a variety of spoons trolled near the bottom with copper and red as well as red dot frog getting the most action.

BURNEY CREEK " Above the falls has been productive with lures and nightcrawlers and some nice fish were taken below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY " Fishing in the canal above Power House No.1 was hot. The canal water level is somewhat low but this hasn't impacted the bite much. Eggs or worms still worked best but spinners were taking a lot of fish as well. Persistence pays off and a lot of trout in the 20- to 24-inch range were landed. The weather has turned hot so the best times to fish are in the early morning from 6-10 a.m. or early evening from 4-6:30 p.m. Fly-fishing was good but try to figure the hatch. The fish were rising and taking nymphs. but no specific pattern seemed to emerge. In the late evening PMD's seemed to work the best although this wasn't exactly the "go to" pattern. Some huge trout were also hitting the surface but who knows what it was they were feeding on, that is the draw and challenge of fly-fishing though.

EAGLE LAKE " Bobber fishing early produced good fish at 16 feet and about 8 feet down. The caddis hatch also produced great fly and trout teasers around 6 -7 a.m. just south of Pelican Island on the west side, all the way down to and past Shrimp Island. Drop your trolled baits in at first legal fishing time, one hour before sunrise. The bite has been outstanding until the sun hits the water, one hour later. Fishing from Pelican Point south along the west side of the lake, the trout are running between 2 and 3 pounds. After the sun is on the water move over to the east side of the lake off Miner's Bay, and fish in water from 20-45 ft. deep, running baits from 12-18 feet deep.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA " Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, and woolly buggers and zugs for nymphs. The Hex hatch should start soon.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA " The riffle is still best fished with pt's, birdsnest, or hare's ear. Look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis as the temperatures rise.

UPPER HAT CREEK "Fish and Game continues to plant twice a week so fishing continues to be excellent despite heavy pressure on the weekends. This past week was another excellent catch week for the Hat with lots of limits and everyone catching fish. Mid-week experiences much less pressure so if you are looking for more solitude on the creek this is the time to come. Worms, eggs, and crickets were the top baits this past week but Panther Martins and spoons were taking a lot of fish as well. There are still a lot of holdover fish here including some large brooder brookies. Fly-fishing on the upper creek was good and a few nice fish were being caught on crystal buggers and nymphs. This past week also produced some good topwater action on Adams, superflies, and caddis imitations.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR "The latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.
LEWISTON LAKE " Good fishing and beautiful weather here. Hot ticket right now has been a Cripplure on a slow troll behind a Sep's sidekick dodger. Also working are nightcrawlers with a white Power Egg for a float. Some nice trout were being caught from shore with orange glitter Power Bait.

MANZANITA LAKE "Fishing here has picked up with the warmer weather. Caddis, callibaetis, and ants caught fish in most cases. Both mornings and evenings saw a lot of working fish and lots of fish coming to the net this past week. Damsel hatches should be coming off, so try this pattern to pick up fish as well. The outlook for the holiday weekend also looks good. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER " PG&E is planning work on the dam on Lake Britton this summer, which will close the dam to traffic. Pit River access with only be through the upper Clark Creek Road access. There will be short closures on the road between Pit 3 and the dam but no long closures are planned. Signs will be posted on the lower Clark Creek Road access and at the Pit 3 road. Fishing remained good with nymph fishermen doing best, rubber-leg princes were a good bet. Also some golden stone dries starting to show.

LAKE SHASTA "Once the thermocline stabilizes the trout bite will hit its stride again. It's getting hot here and they will be going deeper. While the trout are scattered now, look for them to settle into the deeper waters as the shad they feed on will move down there as well. Bass fishing has moved into its summer pattern now, with numbers of small bass providing action for fish that went to 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. Dartheaded worms, drop-shot and Senkos were working during the day, but start with the topwater from dawn to 9 and then go down. Some bass anglers have been targeting the upper reaches of the Pitt arm for numbers of small bass.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER "Once again it's been proven to be foolish to think you can get into a groove when fishing the American, considering how much flows get jerked around. They were at a very fishable level at 1,800 cfs, for barely a week, and now are back up to 4,000 cfs because of heavy pumping for the Central Valley irrigation. There are still shad in the river, but fishing for them at the lower end below Gristmill has pretty much died out. Guide J. D. Richey has still been scoring around 20 in a half day's fishing, but said that it appears that the run is on it backside. Most of shad seem now to be concentrated in the upper river from Sunrise on up. Striper fishing was typical again, for the American, last week. An occasional blowup on topwater, a strike on a jerkbait, or swimbait, but it's hit-and-miss. Put in your hours the first and last hour of legal fishing (one hour before sunrise and after sunset).

FEATHER RIVER "High flows in the Low Flow Section have attracted steelhead into the Low Flow Section and have been providing some decent fishing for fly fishermen using small nymphs under indicators and even a bit of dry fly action just before dark. Shad fishing has died out at Shanghai Bend, but there is quite a bit of striper action. Problem is that they are almost all sublegal shakers, and it might take catching 10 of the bait stealers to score one keeper.

FOLSOM LAKE "The weather has gotten hot, but catching bass, especially on topwater and crankbaits has remained hit-and-miss, mostly miss. Most of the action has been coming from working plastics 20 to 30 feet deep over rocky points. Drop-shotting, dartheading, and jigging has been the most productive method, but even that approach has not been all that consistent. Not many trout or salmon were being caught, but early morning outings trolling in front of the dam from 40 to 85 feet deep with hoochies behind dodgers or pearl and rainbow Needlefish were scoring a couple of fish per boat, some of which weighing over 3 pounds. The real secret to success, according to Larry Barnes of Elkhorn Outdoor Sports, has been the use of an electronic Black Box, which puts out a zone of positive charge around the boat and downrigger.

SACRAMENTO RIVER "Same old story. Lots of bait-stealing sub-legal-sized striped bass for each fish over 18 inches long. It's been the same story up and down the river all the way to Colusa. One of the better spots for at least getting lots of action, has been the Port of Sacramento. One has to be in a club in order to launch a boat in the Port, but small personal craft such as kayaks can be launched at the park off Jefferson Blvd. Shad fishing continued to be good upstream from Ward's Landing to Red Bluff, but has pretty much died out downstream of there.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding "Not much change since last week with trout fishing remaining consistent, although flows have increased to 12,500 cfs. The choices are to fish the short stretch above the Cypress Street Bridge with a jetboat, or launch downstream of the bridge at Bonneview. Trout fishing has been good all the way to Red Bluff. They're taking Glo-Bugs and egg flies, as well as nymphs under indicators.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper "Trout fishing continued to be good, but the stone fly hatch has tapered off with caddis and Mayfly hatches predominating. The water is starting to warm up a bit, so fishing upstream of Sims has started to be more productive than downstream.

YUBA RIVER "Shad fishing continued to be good off Hallwood Ave. mostly in the evening. Trout were biting both nymphs and dry flies between the Highway 20 Bridge and Daguerre Dam, both for driftboaters and waders who have access at the Highway 20 Bridge.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES "Both lakes have been stocked by PG&E and Lower Blue receives plants from the DFG. Watch out for bears.

BOCA LAKE "The DFG has scheduled a trout plant here for the first time this year. Shore anglers are catching browns and rainbows on nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Rapalas and Rebel Craws off the dam.

CAPLES LAKE "DFG plant scheduled this week. More of the big trophy fish planted on June 24th have been caught including two good ones caught by Roger Marciasini of Lodi who was casting a fly/bubble rig off the shore near the spillway. He landed two and got broke off twice on 10-pound test line. Fishing is good off the dam for those using worms, Power Bait and spinners. Rumor has it though that some of the big fish are still just hanging around the ramp and are being harassed by idiots with sharp sticks and snagging hooks. Cal-Tip anyone?

CARSON RIVER (East, West) "The bite on the East Fork is "awesome" with some incredible stringers coming out of the area. Some anglers are showing up at the Carson River Resort with 20- to 25-pound limits (five fish). Mono County will be planting a load of 2- to 6-pound browns on Wed. The 5 to 6 miles of river south of the resort is full of fish.

DAVIS LAKE "Ed Dillard's Guide Service has been averaging 20 to 30 fish per trip (4 hours) on a copper/red No. 1 Dick Nite spoon at 8 feet. The lake was planted three times by the DFG this past week and the planters were much larger than most plants seen recently. Dillard's rainbows have been running 14 to 18 1/2 inches, up from 12 to 13 inchers last week. Fly fishing has been good with Sacramento and San Francisco fly fishing clubs up doing some damage on damsels at Cow Creek. Rainbows are running up to 20 inches and hitting damsels, Sheep Creek Specials, and PT Flashback patterns, both stripped or under an indicator.

DONNER LAKE "The DFG has scheduled a trout plant for the first time this year. Local Randy Johnson landed two nice Macks, 17 to 19 inches, and lost a 12 pounder at the boat this past week.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON "North Fork above Belden will be planted this week. River action is still good and will only get better with the plants for fish averaging 14 inches. The Hex hatch is still going on at Butt Valley Reservoir and the trout and smallmouths are enjoying the menu. Be there just before dark for some exciting action.

FRENCHMAN LAKE "Shore anglers at Lunker Point and Turkey Point are catching 15- to 17-inch rainbows on inflated nightcrawlers and rainbow Power Bait. One angler weighed a limit of fish averaging 3 to 4 pounds caught trolling 20 to 25 feet deep on a lure he would not identify.

GOLD LAKES BASIN "Fishing at Gold Lake has been slow according to "Tim" at Bassetts Station. Lower Sardine is fair with shore anglers catching 3 or 4 fish on nightcrawlers. Trolling has been slow. At Upper Sardine Lake at the upper end at the inlet there is a 100 yard section of accessible bank near the big rocks that is kicking out lots of fish on nightcrawlers and fly casters using woolly buggers. Salmon Lake is reported to be slow.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR "DFG plant this week. Shore anglers at the inlet are catching good numbers of rainbows up to 16 inches on nightcrawlers and Power Bait.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR "Shore anglers have been doing very well on chartreuse Power Bait on both sides of the lake reporting fish running 3 1/2 to 6 pounds.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR "A boater pumping a No. 9 firetiger Countdown Rapala landed a 10-pound 4-ounce brown on a fast troll this past week. Shore anglers have been doing very well casting spoons or bait from Pass Creek to the dam and trollers are working Rapalas and flasher/worm combos for 12- to 15-inch rainbows.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) "Some big trout coming in for trollers out in the evening after the lake calms down. A 24-inch 4-pound brown, 21-inch 2 1/2-pound brown and an 18-inch Mackinaw were all caught on Rapalas. Bass action is very good for fish up to 2 to 3 pounds on nightcrawlers and plastics in the upper reaches of the lake at 10 to 20 feet.

LAKE TAHOE "Chuck Self reported a good Mack bite from Crystal Bay Point to Tahoe City for fish running 4 to 12 pounds. Starting out a 4:30 a.m. at 65 feet and working out to 400 feet by 8 a.m. for Macks then slipping into shallow water along the shore for rainbows running 3 to 5 pounds on crawdad pattern Rapalas and Rebels.

LOON LAKE "DFG plant this week. Georgetown Ranger Station reported one troller catching two 19 inchers, one brown and one rainbow working 60 feet deep over high spots in the deepest part of the lake.

PROSSER LAKE "The DFG has scheduled a trout plant here for the first time this year. Smallmouth bass are hitting lures thrown off the dam. Trollers are using flasher/worm or Wedding Ring combos for 12- to 13-inch rainbows.

PYRAMID LAKE "Closed as of June 30th; reports will start again for the Oct. 1st opener.

RED LAKE "Last week's plants of brookies and cutthroats are still providing good action for shore anglers. The brookies are mostly half pounders while the cutts run closer to a pound.

SILVER LAKE "DFG plant this week. Dale Daneman of Tight Lines Guide Service had a good trip here this past week, hooking a fish every 15 minutes for the first three hours of the day and then the bite died along with the wind. His clients caught 14 fish: 12 rainbows, 1 brown and 1 Mack, all about 12 inches. The first 8 fish came on a J5 Broken-back Rapala and the rest on a Sep's watermelon grub. There was a huge hatch of flying ants over the lake and the fish were eating ants everywhere, especially when the wind stopped and the surface was like a mill pond.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR "Rick Kennedy reported limiting out on 13- to 14-inch kokanee at 35 to 42 feet between the Rockpile and Jay's Cove on two different rigs: a Sep's Gold/Starlite dodger with a Gamakatsu Flat Blade spinner and a Sep's watermelon dodger with a pink tiger Uncle Larry's spinner, both tipped with pink Pautzke Fire Corn. Bite was off and on all morning, 3 or 4 fish followed by a 45-minute lull. Will Fish Tackle reported success on pink hoochies tipped with Pautzke Fire Corn on 8-inch leaders behind chrome dodgers between the island and the launch ramp at 40 feet.

TOPAZ LAKE "Trollers have started doing well again in the NW corner of the lake out in front of the marina on flasher combos at 15 feet for fish running 14 to 15 inches. Bait anglers are still anchoring on the south end of the lake at the inlet using nightcrawlers and Power Bait for smaller 10 to 12 inchers.

TRUCKEE RIVER "Special Reg. Section fishing well with green drake, caddis pupa, and yellow stones during the day with the dries coming on in the evening with little yellow stones and caddis. There is some PMD action in the early morning. The General Section is doing well with salmon eggs, nightcrawlers and small Panther Martins. Flows in the river will be increased slowly for 30 to 50 days to accommodate the local rafting businesses.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR "Trollers are doing well on 12- to 14-inch rainbows, but the kokanee are a no show. Try a Sep's watermelon grub trolled alone at various depths until you find the fish.

WEST WALKER RIVER "Fishing is good for limits of 12- to 14-inch rainbows on worms and salmon eggs. The river is still too high for good fly fishing. 225 pounds of Alpers trout were planted on June 29th in memory of long-time West Walker angler Larry Valle. Another plant of 166 pounds of Alpers averaging 5 pounds will be planted on July 13 during the "How Big Is Big Fishing Contest" which will run the entire month of July (7/1 to 7/31).

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 "The springer run is over except for a few stragglers, and the fall fish haven't yet begun to stage, so it's pretty much a wait and see for the summer steelhead. Halfpounder steelie action is "okay". A lot of attention outside on the ocean for the silver run.

ROGUE RIVER, Upper "Fly fishermen are connecting on some halfpounders up by Agness and the Illinois River, but most anglers are heading south to the Klamath for the king salmon there.

RUSSIAN RIVER "Flows are just under 200 cfs. They put up the summer dams, and that shut down the flows enough so the mouth closed up. So did the shad. They spurted over the dams while they going up and are upriver. Still some action towards Healdsburg, Forestville and Memorial, but it's pretty well over.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen "The spurt of good salmon fishing in which anglers were scoring several hookups a day lasted for no more than 4 days, and tapered back to a couple of bites a day, maybe a couple more, maybe a couple less. It appears the peak of the run may be over, but fishing should remain "decent" well into July. Starwin Riffle continued to be one of the best spots to anchor up with a CV-7 spinner.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate "Salmon flies were still hatching, and trout fishing was still good, but the best bite continued to come on nightcrawlers behind Hot Shots, or side-drifted crawdad-type deep diving plugs. Trout were holding in the oxygen-rich riffles rather than the slower runs. Fly fishermen were scoring best on stonefly-imitating nymphs rather than on dries.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City "Flows are now down to a stable 450 cfs, and will stay that way until fall. Fishing for springers was still a bit sketchy with around Del Loma being the most consistent producing area. Scoring 3 fish in a day would be considered outstanding, while a single hookup was still more the norm. Fishing should improve greatly with the stabilized lower flows. Farther downstream in the Falls area, fishing pressure was relatively heavy, but the catching was slow.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE "Fish are both shallow and deep. In the shallower waters, look for open areas in the weed beds. Also bass are hanging around the edges of the weeds, wherever those edges happen to be. The deeper fish are between 15 and 25 feet on areas of rock or along the deeper weed edges. Anglers targeting the deeper fish are using variations of brown jigs and bulky trailers like the Berkley chigger craws and sweet beavers. A few anglers are reporting some additional success on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. For plastics drop-shotting, shaky heads, and weightless baits have been productive. Using 6-inch worms, 5-inch Senkos, and Super Flukes have been good choices around the weed beds. Catfish action on the south end has started to be more consistent. Try under the docks. Crappie so far have not been worth the time and effort.

LAKE BERRYESSA "Sep's chrome Starlite dodgers with Uncle Larry's spinner or Radical Glow Tubes were all that were needed to net kokes from 14 to 17 inches. The Big Island, where 73-degree water put fish down to 50 to 58 feet, in about 100 feet of water was productive. Bass up to 3 pounds were found using topwater baits in the morning and working coves just off the Narrows. Then move out to the main body and work plastics along the weed beds like grubs on a darthead and Carolina-rigged Robo worms. The drop-shot bite is also on; use Robo worms in Aarons Magic or the new shad color.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR " Look for the water level to start dropping here as they begin to draw water down. That will mean the catfishing will be good.

LAKE PILLSBURY "Bass are moving out of the shallows, but try some topwater tackle for them at first light and then switch to jigs or Senkos. Use a Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters, or worms here trolled in the top 30 feet.

LAKE SONOMA " A tough bass bite here was reported by the Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park. Early morning try topwater, and move out with jigs in 20 to 25 feet.

UPPER BLUE LAKE " Local resorts are hoping in the next week or two to do another plant. Trout are still being caught, along with a few big ones in 30 feet, but the catch rate depends on the angler. Try a Cripplure for three or four a day. The Big Bad "Bow tagged trout is now worth $1300 as it still has not been caught. Bass action has been slow. Lots of wind here this past week.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER "There were still plenty of shad around last week, and flows have stabilized for the time being. Anglers were catching them all the way from 12th Street where Larry Barnes of Elkhorn Bait and Tackle has been fishing for them from a boat, to Sailor Bar where spin fishermen and fly fishermen have been wading. Striper fishing has been spotty "actually lousy "in the lower end of the river, according to Barnes. As for the rest of the river, this is the time of year when throwing a topwater bait, swimbait, or streamer early in the morning can elicit a strike or two, sometimes from a real hog of a fish, but either there's not much catching going on, or, more likely, the folks that specialize in this type of fishing, just aren't talking. Can't blame them.

FEATHER RIVER "Not much was happening last week. A very few small steelhead were being caught on nymphs and nightcrawlers in the Low Flow Section, while some shad were still being caught below the rapids at Shanghai Bend. Lots of little bait-stealing striped bass could be caught around Boyd's Pump, but few of legal size.

FOLSOM LAKE "The weather was finally warming up toward the end of last week, and that should spark a bit of a reaction bite, including some topwater early in the morning. But most of the fish being caught through the end of the week were still down deep, with the best odds drop-shotting or dartheading plastics like Robo-Worms in Aaron's Magic or Morning Dawn over rock piles in water 20 to 30 feet deep. A very few trout were being caught by diehards trolling Needlefish, hoochies, and nightcrawlers behind spinners in front of the dam and by Browns Ravine 30 to 50 feet deep.

SACRAMENTO RIVER "The story on striper fishing remained unchanged last week. Lots of bait-stealing striped bass, with 10 undersized stripers for every keeper "barely. It was the same story all the way from Freeport to Colusa. There were still lots of shad being caught from Colusa to Red Bluff, however.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding "Trout fishing continued to be very good, but rather than launching in Redding, a better, and safer bet was to launch below the Cypress Street Bridge at Bonneview. Anglers were catching up to 40 rainbows a day, quality fish with most between 16 and 20 inches long. They were particularly keying on Glo-Bugs and egg flies, apparently because there were still a fair number of spawning salmon. Fly fishers were finding some good nymph fishing, and even a bit of dry fly fishing with good evening hatches toward the end of the week as the weather finally started warming up.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper "Trout fishing continued to be very good with good nymphing during the day, and some nice hatches bringing trout to the surface in the evenings. The water is still a bit high, so high sticking with a short line and lots of weight into pocket water and along seams, is the right path to success.

YUBA RIVER "Shad fishing was very good in the evenings at Hallwood, and trout were biting both nymphs and dry flies between the Highway 20 Bridge and Daguerre Dam.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR "Surface trout are still around in the top 12 feet and Speedy Shiners will get their attention. Some of the larger browns though, are hanging deeper on the bottom, feeding on the hex and grubbing the larvae as they emerge from the mud. Cricket/mealworm combinations have also been productive. Better trout were found on the west and east shores.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR "Reports from Rim Rock Ranch are that fishing has picked up and the pressure is very low. Lots of fish are being taken in the boat launch area of the lake as well as around the dam. Worms and Power Bait were the ticket in these areas but Kastmasters and spinners work well around the shore areas with deeper drop offs. More brown trout are working the shore areas around the dam while the rainbows seem to prefer the shallower areas near the campground. Topwater action was best around the dam and north shore of the lake. Mostly mosquitoes at present. but other hatches should begin to show with the temperatures getting hotter this coming week. Most fish were still deep and lots of fish caught dragging nymphs and buggers with sinking line. The water is still very high.

BAUM LAKE " Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are still the preferred baits. Good hatches of PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Rooster Tails are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work.

BRITTON LAKE "The crappie bite is on, although the fish seem to still be fairly deep, over 10 feet down. As the weather warms, the fish will move into shallower waters. The smallmouth bass bite has been good.

BUCKS LAKE " Most of the action for rainbow, browns, and brook trout came from either the Mill Creek or Bucks Creek channels. The Mackinaw were on the move, ranging from 30 to 55 feet over 40 to 75 feet of water.

BURNEY CREEK " Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Some nice fish were also being taken below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY " Fishing in the canal above Power House No. 1 was good. The canal water level is somewhat low but this hasn't impacted the fishing much. Eggs or worms still worked best but Power Bait produced as well. With warmer weather the bite here will only improve. Fly-fishing was a bit slower but still good. Normal bug hatches have decreased somewhat due to the lower water level but some hatches were still coming off. Fishing deep with buggers and nymphs worked best but Adams and mahogany duns worked for topwater fish. Warmer weather this coming week should produce more activity on the surface.

EAGLE LAKE "The best bobber fishing areas have been off the Youth Camp shoreline and just south of Shrimp Island. South of Pelican Point on the west side was a good place to start and then move to the east side off Miner's Point when trolling. Bobber fishermen had limits or near limit fishing also this past week. The fish are feeding in shallow water. Anchor up in 10 to 16 feet of water and set your threaded nightcrawler at 6 to 9 feet deep.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA " Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, and woolly buggers and zugs for nymphs. Hex hatch should start soon.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA " The riffle is best fished with pt's, birdsnest, or hare's ear. Look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.
UPPER HAT CREEK "Fish and Game is back on a twice a week plant schedule so there should be lots of fish to go around. This past week was an excellent catch week for the Hat with lots of limits and nearly everyone catching fish. Fishing should get better as the summer wears on. Worms and eggs continue to work the best but Panther Martins were receiving a good workout as well. A lot of holdover fish remain, including some large brooder brookies. A few brooders were taken but these huge brookies are pretty cagey and tough to catch. Fly-fishing on the upper creek was good and a few nice fish are being caught on crystal buggers and nymphs.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE " Good fishing and beautiful weather here. Hot ticket right now is the Cripplure on a slow troll behind a Sep's sidekick dodger. Also working are nightcrawlers with a white Power Egg for a float. From shore some nice trout are being caught with orange glitter Power Bait. Size wise, trout were from 14 to 20 inches with a couple nice 3 pounders. The annual Kids Fishing Derby is July 18 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The local Lions Club and other local businesses and DFG are hosting this event at the Pine Cove Marina and launch area.

MANZANITA LAKE " Fishing here remained somewhat slow due to cooler temperatures and fewer hatches. Much warmer weather is coming so expect to see this turn around quickly in the weeks to come. Callibaetis, PMD's, and damsel hatches should be coming off so try these patterns to pick up fish. Flying ants have still not shown so this may be a good bet as well. Keep your fly selection around size 16 or smaller. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER " PG&E is planning work on the dam on Lake Britton this summer, which will close the dam to traffic. Pit River access with only be through the upper Clark Creek Road access. There will be short closures on the road between Pit 3 and the dam; however, no long closures are planned. Signs will be posted on the lower Clark Creek Road access and at the Pit 3 road. Fishing remained good with nymph fishermen doing best, rubber-leg princes were a good bet. Also some golden stone dries starting to show.

LAKE SHASTA "Dry Creek, the dam, Digger Bay and Toupee Island were all fishing well for trout. Trolling from the 10 to 40 feet down is where anglers found trout and as deep as 90 feet for the larger salmon. Bass fishing has moved into its summer pattern now, with numbers of small bass providing action for fish that went to 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. Dart headed worms, drop-shot and Senkos were working during the day but start with the topwater from dawn to 10:00 and then go down.

NORTH SALTWATER

ALBION "Before the wind came up, the fishing improved with the best action down around Elk where anglers got the best quality rockfish. Good diving although visibility was poor in the top 15 feet of water due to a plankton bloom.

BERKELEY "Great mix of trips, with the first bottomfishing trips of the season when the weather was decent. Later in the week, some of the boats got into the outside halibut action finding flatties to 30 pounds at Point Bonita. By the weekend, tides picked up and the bite dropped off with most reporting one to a little over one around. The Reel-lentless had a banner day of fishing when two customers caught halibut limits to 12 pounds. The rest of the customers showed up at the wrong landing. The Happy Hooker scored beach bass again on Monday, but had to call the trip on Tuesday due to weather.

BODEGA BAY " Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler reported a solid week of bottomfishing, all trips south to Point Reyes, for limits of rockfish and a few lingcod. "On the opening weekend, I fished both south and north of the harbor, and the quality on the north side was not quite there," said Powers. "Down at Point Reyes, we caught a mix of vermilion, coppers, browns and a few lings."

BROOKINGS, OR "Coho season is open for ocean anglers, but the south state's bite was off, the blame going to the weather, said WON field reporter Dave Pitts. "The hottest spot on the coast was Coos Bay with fair to good and few unmarked fish." Local anglers were restricted by high winds that were forecasted through the week. Bottomfishing was also affected, said Pitts, with anglers riding out the windy conditions on shore.

CRESCENT CITY "Day surf smelt hit Kellogg Beach hard, with anglers using their hands to scoop fish. Redtail surfperch fishing slowed. The Tally Ho II is running bottomfishing trips to Point St. George for rockfish limits and often enough, lingcod limits.

EMERYVILLE "A great week of halibut fishing, with one plus around on most trips. The Talisman had a good day on Wednesday when three anglers caught halibut limits topped by a 33-pound flattie. Frank Salazar at Emeryville Sportfishing said he wasn't sure where he was fishing, but somewhere in San Francisco Bay. Or maybe just outside the bay? The first 'buts of the season showed at Seal Rocks and on the north side. Rockfish trips were cancelled on the weekend due to the offshore wind, and most of the boats found good live bait action in the bay, with counts of combined halibut and bass up to over two around.

EUREKA "The wind started up on Tuesday, which shut down the offshore waters, but made conditions better for the day surfsmelt. Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center was down at the boat ramp and saw two anglers with five California halibut. "We don't have a lot of bait in Humboldt Bay, so the halibut inside has been slow for most," he said. Night surfsmelt were running hard on Gold Bluffs Beach, but the rougher seas stopped that for the most part.

FORT BRAGG "Fishing was tough, particularly after the winds started back up. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reported a group of hard working anglers on Sunday struggled to put fish on the boat. Earlier in the week, fishing was better and there were a few nice lings caught. Crabbing was going pretty good until a trip mid-week produced a large majority of soft shells, so Thornton decided to hold off on the crabbing for a couple weeks until they are done molting. "We'll fish south until we start crabbing again," he said.

HALF MOON BAY "The weather deteriorated daily through the week, with the best action on Tuesday and the weekend a blow out. Scores ranged from near limits to limits. Most boats cancelled trips for the weekend. On Monday, the Queen Of Hearts had about eight fish per rod, while Tuesday was a banner day with limits of rockfish including six cabezon and four lingcod. Wednesday's effort moved to the deeper water where rockfish limits were sacked for 23 anglers, a mix of yellowtail, brown, and olive rockfish.

LOCH LOMOND "Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported a strong week of fishing with scores that dwindled as the tides increased. "Also, the size of the halibut dwindled as the tides got bigger," said Hough. Top spots were Alcatraz, Chrissy Fields, Treasure Island, Southampton, Angels Island and Raccoon Straights.

SAN FRANCISCO "Captain Jacky Douglas on the Wacky Jacky ran a trip to the Farallones early in the week finding limits for her group of regulars. Captain Frank Rescino and son Mike, both licensed skippers, fished together on Father's Day on their Lovely Martha, finding some jumbo halibut for customers including a 28 pounder. Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing reported on a great trip earlier in the week, his six anglers boating 19 fish a mix of halibut and bass.

SAUSALITO "Captain Roger Thomas on the Salty Lady is running live bait trips, finding both halibut and striped bass at Southampton. His Father's Day trip found fish to 12 pounds.

SHELTER COVE "Captain Trent Slate on Bite me had a good run with the calm seas until last week, then the wind came up and shut down the landing. He's booking up fast, and these weather interludes only impact the schedule. When the weather breaks, it will be Pacific halibut and bottomfish on the menu.

SUISUN BAY "Captain Jeremy Kangas of Stickem Sportfishing is still finding good sturgeon action, his most recent report a "crew" trip with his wife that found eight willing sturgeon topped by a 79 incher; five were shakers. All were released. Grass shrimp worked.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BLUE LAKES "The road was finally cleared and Lower Lake was planted by the DFG. WON Editor Bill Karr found both lakes busy with anglers last Thursday, so the lakes will be packed on the weekends. Fishing was okay at Lower Blue and red hot on Upper Blue. Try a bubble/fly early or late and Power Bait during the day. Both Upper and Lower Blue Lakes are planted by PG&E. Meadow Lake is kicking out some nice brookies.

BOCA LAKE "Lake is at 74-percent capacity. Trout action has been a little tough with mostly small fish being caught in the upper coves and at the inlet. Trollers are using chartreuse and pink dodger/hoochie rigs for small trout.

CAPLES LAKE "Lake is at capacity. A 15-pound Mackinaw was caught here last week by Matt Nolan of Pleasanton while casting a white grub off the shore at the Woods Creek inlet. Imagine the smile on his face after that. Big plant of 9000 pounds of trophy trout 3 to 15 pounds planned for "week of 22nd" which should be NOW.

CARSON RIVER (East, West) "DFG has been cleared to resume stocking trout in Alpine County, so plants are being made on an accelerated basis throughout the area. West Fork was stocked on Saturday and the East Fork was planted on Friday of this past week with more to come. West Fork is kicking lots of 2-pound trout. The East Fork had a great weekend with some limits averaging 3 pounds per fish, biggest going 7 pounds.

DAVIS LAKE "Lake is at 60 percent capacity. Entries in the Rotary Club Lake Davis fishing derby on Saturday fell from 700 last year to under 300 this year, but fishing was still good. Not great and not many fish over 2 pounds, but most everyone still caught fish. Dean Hara of Irvine won $1000 first prize with his 3.54-pound rainbow, caught on a fly in the north end. Fishing was rated "good" from shore and from boats. Ed Dillard reported catching 20 to 50 fish per trip trolling Dick Nite No. 1 spoons in copper/red at 8 to 16 feet. Most fish are running 13 inches with an occasional one to 19 inches. Fly casting is fair on damsel patterns from Eagle Point to Cow Creek.

DONNER LAKE "Lake is full. Fishing has been tough with some small kokanee caught by persistent trollers.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON "Late evening hex hatch is coming off at Butt Valley Reservoir producing trout to 28 inches and smallmouth bass to 4 pounds, one angler had larger trout on but couldn't land them. North Fork of the Feather is putting out easy limits of 14-inch planters. Caribou Powerhouse is still producing big trout on crickets under a bobber at the outlet of the powerhouse.

FRENCHMAN LAKE "Lake is at 49-percent capacity. Trollers and shore anglers are reporting limits of rainbows with fish up to 17 to 19 inches. Trollers are doing well with copper/red spoons like the Dick Nite and Needlefish. Shore anglers are doing well on Power Bait at the Spring Creek campgrounds.

GOLD LAKES BASIN "Lower Sardine Lake and Packer Lake are scheduled to receive DFG plants this week. All the lakes are reporting limit action on small planters with anglers using catch-and-release to upgrade to a limit of 12-inch fish. No reports of any Macks at Gold Lake.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR "Lake is at 94-percent capacity. Fishing is fair. One angler reported catching a 3-pound brown towards the back of the lake on a nightcrawler. Trolling is tough for 7- to 8-inch rainbows and a chance at a 14-inch brown on the Sep's watermelon grub with no dodger, according to Dale Daneman at Dale's Guide Service.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR "Fair at best with the BLM manager reporting a 3 pounder caught on Sunday morning. Lake was planted last week.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR "Lake is at 97-percent capacity. Still the best fishing in the area. Casting spoons from the bank or using Power Bait and worms near the dam is producing nice limits. Trollers are doing well, too.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) "Lake is full. Lots of anglers out but the fishing is only rated "fair". Most of the trout are being caught from shore on worms or casting a Kastmaster spoon. Bass are hitting up in the narrows on plastic worms and tubes with fish running up to 2 1/2 pounds.

LAKE TAHOE "Mickey Daniels reports that the bite is still unbelievably tough with a 40-minute period before daylight where there is a chance of catching a Mack. His last trip produced 1 or 2 fish for 6 or 7 bites and the fish are only running 2 to 4 1/2 pounds. Daniels is metering fish at 200 to 220 feet but they aren't cooperating. The wind hasn't helped either.

LOON LAKE "Lake is at 90-percent capacity. This is the "hot spot" in the Crystal Basin with lots of limits coming out for shore anglers that include browns up to 18 inches. Dale Daneman hooked 16 fish on his last trip and landed eleven 12- to 16-inch rainbows. A Sep's watermelon SideKick and watermelon grub is working well. Overall size of the fish seems to be dropping. Watch out for the afternoon winds, use extreme caution.

PROSSER LAKE "Lake is full. Smallmouth action is worth a look at the dam and in the coves near any shoreline structure (rocks, trees) on Kastmasters, grubs, spinners and small Rapalas. Best brown trout action is coming on worms at the inlet and eastern arm of the lake.

PYRAMID LAKE "Boaters have been doing well trolling Flatfish and Apex but the season will close on June 30th, so you better get up here quick. The unstable weather has extended the bite because of the cooler than normal temperatures.

RED LAKE "WON Editor Bill Karr found the brookie bite wide open late last week for 1/4- to 1/2-pound fish. Some larger cutthroats are being caught also.

SILVER LAKE "Lake is full. The DFG planted a bunch of nice browns from the Crystal Lake Hatchery in Burney and the fishing off the dam with Panther Martins was wide open. The fish are beautiful, full of fight and great tasting with pink meat according to WON editor Bill Karr who visited here Thursday of last week.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR "Lake is at 57-percent capacity. Lake is scheduled to receive a DFG plant this week. Kokanee are still holding at 50 to 70 feet and hitting chartreuse and pink dodgers and hoochies. Some smallmouth at the dam hitting Rapalas.

TOPAZ LAKE "Fishing is only fair. Windy afternoons make it advisable to get out early. Boaters are still anchoring at the inlet on the south end of the lake and soaking Power Bait and worms. Rainbows are running 12 to 14 inches. There is increasing recreational boat traffic on the lake now, too.

TRUCKEE RIVER "Special Regulation Section has a good green drake hatch occurring in the evening. Caddis and mayfly hatches coming off mid-day, stick with olive patterns for all flies. General Section is producing on spinners and bait. Flows in the river are approaching ideal but recent afternoon rains are keeping flows up a little more than normal for this time of year.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR "Lake is at 95-percent capacity. Smallmouth bass bite has been pretty good. Dale Daneman picked up 9 trout on his last trip here but found no kokanee. Trout are all running about 12 inches and hitting a Sep's watermelon grub.

WEST WALKER RIVER "Lots of limits with a bunch of catch-and-release going on to prolong the fishing day. On June 29th, 150 pounds of Alpers trout averaging 4 pounds will be planted here, sponsored by the North Mono County Chamber of Commerce. A big ATV event last week slowed down the fishing traffic in the area, but they'll be gone soon.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER "Middle River at Cash Rock near Volcanoville is still producing some big trout for those willing to make the trek.

BULLARDS BAR "Lake is at 92-percent capacity. Trout and bass action is good. Trout are hitting up in the river and Willow Creek area and the bass are all over the lake, mostly small spots.

CAMP FAR WEST "Lake is at 88.5-percent capacity. The lake was overrun by hot boats all last week so the fishermen were laying low until the traffic subsided. This week should be much more peaceful for anglers after bass which are hitting up in the river arms and near the dam on worms and jigs.

COLLINS LAKE "Trollers and bait anglers are doing well. Trollers are catching fish from the river inlet down to mid-lake at 20 feet on a variety of lures including the Kastmaster, dodger/worm combo, and Rapalas. Boaters drifting Power Bait at 30 feet at the dam are accounting for multiple limits. Better fish are running 4 3/4 to 8 1/2 pounds with 1 1/2 to 2 pounders common. Dale Mansfield caught two 5-pound bass on live crawdads. Ashley Dimeola caught a 7 3/4-pound rainbow off the dock on Power Bait while waiting for her dad to bring the boat around from the launch ramp, which didn't take much time.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR "Lake is at 91-percent capacity. Boaters drifting bait up above Buck's Beach near the waterfall are picking up 12-inch rainbows. One angler caught three 12 inchers on Power Bait and started throwing a Rooster Tail and caught two more fish 16 to 18 inches. Houseboaters are catching lots of 10-inch trout in the marina at 10 feet on worms. Bass are cruising all around the docks in the marina.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Lake is at 97-percent capacity. Windy in the afternoons so boaters need to use caution. Trollers picking up some nice rainbows with shore anglers doing well with Power Bait.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR "Lake is at 98-percent capacity. Lake has settled down since last week's drowning and trollers are picking up kokanee and brown trout.

LAKE OROVILLE "Lake is at 61-percent capacity. Lake is in the post-spawn doldrums and the bite is slow for bass. Most success is coming from 30 to 35 feet on small plastics for fish to 2 3/4 pounds. No word on coho or catfish.

ROLLINS LAKE "Lake is still full. Lots of boaters out after trout and bass but few are reporting any specifics.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE "Lake is still full. Action is slow with bass providing the only success. 8-year old Mike Lopin caught last week's derby winner, a 3 1/4-pound largemouth bass, on a nightcrawler.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR "No news is bad news for this lake with the lack of DFG plants.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Lake is still full. The trout bite has dropped off with bass and catfish providing the only action for shore anglers using nightcrawlers.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY "Water level is up and stable, so tule banks should be loaded with bass. One angler picked up 4 fish to 2 1/2 pounds on a Zara Spook Puppy.

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 "Just when you think the spring salmon run is over, it starts back up again, according to Larry Cody of the Rogue Outdoor Store. He said that on Sunday morning a number of guides said that a "significant number" of salmon moved up the river. Even before that the better guides were getting anywhere from 2 to 4 kings a day, and that's not bad in it's own. They're still anchoring up in the slots where they can intercept the fast-moving fish.

RUSSIAN RIVER "Schools of shad are moving in with a little bit less frequency than before, and while the average catch is 3 to 5 fish a day per anglers, it can be as good as 15 to 20 fish, or as slow as 1 or 2 fish. Best spots have been Hacienda, Johnson's, Monte Rio and Vacation Beach. Summer dams went in Monday, and that stops the shad in their tracks.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen "Only 8 or 10 boats on the river over the weekend, but all of them caught salmon, according to Rich Mossholder of Rivers West Outfitters. Guide Gary Farley's two clients, Ken and Betty Zierenberge hooked 5 springers and 3 steelhead near Klamath Glen on CV-7 spinners in brass. Ken and Betty are long time Klamath regulars and are in their 90's. Most of the fish are being caught in the first few miles of river. A few steelhead were starting to show farther upstream in the riffles above and below Blue Creek, but most of the attention was being focused on salmon.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate "There are still quite a few salmon flies coming off the water, but the best bite continued to come on nightcrawlers behind Hot Shots and crawdad-type deep diving plugs, according to Scott Caldwell of S and C Guide Service. He said the trout are starting to concentrate in the riffles which are more oxygenated as the water warms up. There were a few being taken on flies, but mostly subsurface on big stonefly-imitating nymphs.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City "Flows were still dropping and will reach their stable 450 cfs summertime flows near the end of the month. Meanwhile, salmon fishing was still slow, but a few were being caught in the Burnt Ranch and Grays Falls area, and by driftboaters backbouncing roe in the Del Loma area. It should improve greatly as the flows stabilize at their summertime levels.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE "The upper end of the lake is already a challenge to fish due to the growth of weeds and good clarity, but the bite was still reported as fair, using Senkos, flukes, and a small mix of topwater in the morning. Small walking baits like the Super Spook Jr. and Sammy's are consistently getting some bites in the morning along the edges of the shallow weed lines. The docks are holding fish too, especially the ones in a little deeper water, where anglers used a wacky-rigged Senko.

LAKE BERRYESSA " The bigger bass were caught on topwater baits. The best one was a largemouth caught on a Strike King wake bait that went to about 4.5 pounds. The rest came on a Zara Super Spook. The north half of the main body is still producing numbers of bass using grubs on a darthead and drop-shotting rigged worms around weed beds close to deep water. Sep's chrome Starlite dodgers with Uncle Larry's spinner or Radical Glow Tubes were all that were needed to net kokes from 14 to 17 inches. The Big Island at around 100 feet, where the water is 73 degrees, was productive.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR " Look for the water level to start dropping here as they begin to draw water down. That will mean the catfishing will be good.

LAKE PILLSBURY "Use a Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters, or worms here trolled in the top 30 feet. Bass are also in the shallows; try some topwater tackle for them. Fishing has been good for both here.

LAKE SONOMA "The water is extremely clear and at about 93% of capacity. Drop-shot, Senkos and flukes produced bass to 2 pounds.

UPPER BLUE LAKE "Trout fishing was fair, with some coming off the docks, but most were taken by trollers. Some were at 10 feet but most were down to 25 feet and taken with flashers and a worm. Bass action heated up with plastics and topwater tackle.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER "Dropping flows (down to 1,750 cfs) continued to throw shad "and fishermen "off their game last week, but there are still plenty of fish around and guide JD Richey said he's been staying on them for 30 and 40-fish days. The trick was to find them, because their favored holding slots have been changing frequently. In addition, since shad traditionally bite best in the evening, odds are better if you wait until after 6:30, or so, to do your prospecting. Although shad are still populating runs throughout the river, Sunrise and Sailor Bar are holding the most fish. Striped bass action continued to be slow with lots of hours required to get a hookup on a surface plug, streamer, or soft swimbait. They're around, though.

FEATHER RIVER "Small steelhead continued to be caught on nymphs and nightcrawlers in the Low Flow Section, while shad fishing was still okay, but not great below the rapids at Shanghai Bend. The story on stripers was the same as on the Sacramento River "lots of bait-stealing shakers for each keeper.

FOLSOM LAKE "It's hard to pinpoint why, but bass fishing was tough last week, with no particular pattern to the few fish being caught by most anglers. It might be the windy, cool conditions, or perhaps the fact that the lake is so full that fish can spread out to just about anywhere. Whatever the reason, the few fish being caught "mostly small spots "might as likely be in the back of a cove where a trickle of water is still coming in, or off a rocky point. While cranks might score a few, the best bet day in day out is still to drop-shot or darthead a plastic worm like a Robo-Worm in Aaron's Magic or Morning Dawn. A few trout were being caught on the main body in front of the dam and by the buoys at Brown's Ravine from 30 to 40 feet deep.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento "If you want lots of action, but don't care about size, or going through a lot of bait, striper fishing is for you. Just scale down your gear and use small baits. You will have no trouble catching lots of shaker stripers and maybe a catfish or two. There were a few keeper stripers reported from the Port by trolling and jigging. Shad fishing was still holding up reasonably well at the mouth of the American River and Verona, but it wasn't nearly as good as a couple of weeks ago. Still lots better than the last couple of years, though.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa "There were still lots of shad being caught all the way to Red Bluff. Anglers trying for striped bass were having no trouble catching a bunch, but catching keeper-sized fish was another story. But, putting in the time, and a willingness to go through lots of bait, was producing a few keepers to about 5 pounds.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding "Trout fishing continued to be solid both above and below the Cypress Street Bridge. But, passing under it is still not allowed, so driftboaters should launch downstream at Bonneview in order to have a decent drift. Jetboaters have an advantage above, since they can run back upstream after a drift.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper "Trout fishing has been excellent with cool, cloudy weather producing good dry fly fishing throughout the day. Nymphing has been good, too, and the stonefly hatch is still just getting underway. Nymphers should fish short lines in pocket water with lots of weight.

YUBA RIVER "Shad fishing slowed a bit upstream from the mouth, but still was producing late in the evening in the hole below the dump.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER "Anglers still reporting good action below the French Meadows dam. Middle Fork anglers are still hiking down into Cash Rock and Rock A Chucky for big rainbows and browns.

BULLARDS BAR "Trout and bass action is good for anglers avoiding the recreational boat traffic. Willow Creek is the hot spot for trout with one houseboat reporting catching over 30 fish on Power Bait and crawlers one-half mile below the inlet. Bass are hitting crankbaits and worms anywhere along the bank and running 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.

CAMP FAR WEST "Good bass action at the dam and in the Bear River arm. Green plastic worms have been accounting for fish running 3 to 8 pounds. Some big bluegill are hitting worms for the kids.

COLLINS LAKE "Trollers and bait anglers are both doing well on rainbows, with the better fish running 4 to 8 pounds. Trollers are using Needlefish and Rapalas from mid-lake to the power lines at 20 to 25 feet. Boaters are running up to the last bend below the bridge and using Power Bait for limits. Shore anglers are doing best early in the morning at the campgrounds, the dam and off the docks with Power Bait, Power Eggs, and worms.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR "Head upriver for trout and drift Power Bait and worms. Marina has been good for 14- to 18-inch trout on bait at 10 feet. Bass up to 1 1/2 pounds are hitting nightcrawlers and plastic worms near the docks and any shoreline cover. PG&E planted 1250 pounds of 12- to 14-inch rainbows this past week with one more plant scheduled in the near future.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Fishing has been good, but the weather has made it dangerous in the afternoons for boaters due to thunderstorm activity. Trollers are using flasher/worm combos and Rapalas. Shore anglers using Power Bair and nightcrawlers.

FULLER LAKE "Lake was planted this week. Afternoon weather has been unsettled but should be nice by the weekend.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR "Lake has been pretty much shut down by law enforcement authorities searching for a drowning victim after a boat capsized on the lake in rough weather.

LAKE OROVILLE "Bass action is still pretty good with the bite better early and late in the day. Fish are on the points at 15 to 20 feet hitting worms and jigs. There is a good topwater bite in the evening. Nine-year old Gina Lockhart weighed in a 5 1/2-pound spot in a local evening turkey shoot last week.

ROLLINS LAKE "Smallmouth bass and brown trout action is still holding on here. A 2 1/2-pound brown was caught this past week trolling a Rapala and a 3 1/4-pound bass was caught by local Gary Beller.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE "Weekly big fish derby winner was Nick Brocher of Bangor who caught a 4 1/2-pound largemouth bass on a nightcrawler. A little boy caught a 3 1/4-pound bass while reeling in a small bluegill. Smallmouth bass, 1 1/2 to 3 pounds are hitting plastic worms near the inlet on rocky banks. Some small catfish, up to 2 pounds, are hitting hot dog chunks.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Still kicking out some trout for trollers and shore anglers. Small catfish, sunfish and the occasional bass are showing up for shore anglers to keep things interesting.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY "When the water is up in the tules, the bass action can be pretty good. Dallas Merrick caught a 9 1/2 pounder flipping a jig here last week. Most anglers are doing well with Senkos and frogs. The frog bite will improve as the weather warms up.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE "Shore anglers are catching a few rainbows on Power Bait or casting crawdad pattern Rapalas.

CAPLES LAKE "DFG planted 140,000 fingerling rainbow trout and the macks are gorging themselves on them. Trevor Wentz and Sam Huff from Gardnerville both caught nice macks, 3 to 4 pounds, trolling rainbow pattern Trophy Stick lures. EID has scheduled a planting of 9,000 pounds of 4- to 15-pound trophy rainbows this week that are being trucked in from the Midwest. Shore anglers are doing well at the dam and spillway on Super Dupers, Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms.

CARSON RIVER (East, West) "The DFG finished its yellow-legged frog study on the Carson River and has put the area back on the "Stocking" list. 150,000 sub-catchable rainbows, 6 to 8 inches, have been planted in the West Fork, East Fork and Indian Creek Reservoir. Rain and wind has made it tough on the West Fork. The East Fork has been fishing very well with lots of limits on salmon eggs and Panther Martins. The East Fork dropped 8 to 10 inches last week and the water clarity is good. There should be a plant of trophy fish averaging three pounds made by early next week by the County Fisheries Commission.

DAVIS LAKE "The DFG planted this week. Ed Dillard Guide Service reported good fishing with 38 fish caught on Saturday. Seven fish measured 16 to 18 inches with the rest running 13 inches. The copper/red Dick Nite has been the best producer at 10 to 15 feet from Honker Cove to the Big Island. The fish are shallower because of the cooler weather brought on by the afternoon thunderstorms. Fly fishing has been very good along the west side creeks with a bead-head PT accounting for 60 to 70 fish for one angler with 7 fish measuring 17 to 20 inches. Fish the nymphs under an indicator at 4 feet.

DONNER LAKE "Very slow for shore anglers due to the lack of DFG plants. Weather has made it difficult for boaters with the rough weather. Weather is forecast to settle down by the weekend. For those boaters getting out, there are some small kokanee hitting, but it is slow.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON "Planted by the DFG this week. Fishing has been wide open with easy limits of 14 to 16 inchers in the river since the water dropped and the clarity improved. Caribou Powerhouse good at the powerhouse outlet with crickets and worms drifted in the current under a bobber.

FRENCHMAN LAKE "The unsettled weather has slowed down the bite, but some limits were caught early in the day at Crystal Point on nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Trollers are dragging flies for some limits.

GOLD LAKES BASIN "The whole basin is fishing very well with limits available at all the lakes, especially Sardine, Salmon and Packer. Most of the fish are 10- to 12-inch planters, but shore anglers and trollers are scoring. Some Macks are showing up at Gold Lake.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR "Planted by DFG this week. Fishing has been slow with Dale's Foothill Guide Service only catching 8 fish here one day this past week. Fish were browns and rainbows, 12 to 14 inches, caught trolling Sep's grubs down at 20 feet.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR "Big 4- to 6-pound cutthroats from the Heenan Lake transfer are starting to show up in the catches. The lake is in beautiful shape with the cooler weather and as a result of the aerator installed to reduce the algae bloom problems.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR "Lake is still fishing very well according to Brian Nylund from Mountain Hardware who was here last week with his 8-year old daughter and caught limits of 12- to 15-inch rainbows casting spoons off the bank. Trollers weren't doing any better. Bait anglers are doing well on yellow Power Bait from Pass Creek to the dam.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) "Bass action is about the only thing happening here with no trout plants. EID completed an EIR that was submitted to the DFG in hopes of getting the planting program reinstated here soon.

LAKE TAHOE "Mickey Daniels reported the worst fishing he's seen in years, recording the first 'skunk' trip in 20 years with no good explanation. Early last week he was down to 1 or 2 fish per trip and it just got tougher.

LOON LAKE "Planted by the DFG this week. Lake was windy and hard to fish but Dale Daneman of Dale's Foothill Guide Service was up here three days last week and was catching 15 to 21 fish per day on Sep's brown grubs with a Sep's watermelon Side Kick. The fish ran 12 to 17 inches and were very acrobatic. Many of fish had orange-red meat, both planters and holdovers.

PROSSER LAKE "Lake is full and 12-inch smallmouth are hitting off the dam on spinners and small Rapalas. 12- to 13-inch trout are hitting flasher/worm combos and J-7 Rapalas in black or blue on silver.

PYRAMID LAKE "The lake closes for the season on June 30^th. Trollers are doing well for both numbers and size. Boats are trolling Flatfish and Apex for 12 to 40 fish up to 8 pounds with the average fish measuring 17 to 20 inches. Cool weather has helped the fly fishing by lowering the water temp, but the fish are too scattered in the shallows for good action.

RED LAKE "The Heenan Lake transfer cutthroats are starting to show up in the catches along with pretty good numbers of brookies. One angler reported catching 30 brookies.

SILVER LAKE "Planted by the DFG this week with shore anglers and trollers doing well.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR "Cool, wet weather during the last week has scattered the kokanee. 10-inch kokes are still shallow and 14- to 15-inch fish are at 50 to 60 feet. All the kokes are hitting purple, pink or chartreuse bugs and hoochies behind chartreuse dodgers but the bite has been tough with the weather.

TOPAZ LAKE "Boaters anchoring at the inlet on the south end of the lake are limiting out on 14- to 18-inch rainbows using Power Bait and nightcrawlers.

TRUCKEE RIVER "Flows are slowing down and the river is in great shape. The General Section is fishing very well with nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and Panther Martins. The Special Section produced 20 fish, 10 to 18 inches, for Brian Nylund from Mountain Hardware on green drake nymphs. The bigger fish were holding behind mid stream rocks. Lure tossers must remember to use barbless hooks here.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR "Planted by the DFG this week. Smallmouth bass fishing is pretty good along the left side of the dam for shore anglers using a Kastmaster spoon. Trout are shallower due to the cooler temps from the thunderstorms and rain. Shore anglers and trollers are catching some nice holdover fish.

WEST WALKER RIVER "River flows have dropped and fishing is picking up. Mono County Fisheries Commission will plant 320 pounds of 3- to 4-pound and 200 pounds of 1- to 1 1/2-pound Alpers trout on Monday of this week. Limits are common for anglers using salmon eggs and worms. Flows still too high for good fly fishing.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY "Biggest news out of the landing was the beach striper bite encountered by anglers on the Happy Hooker. Saturday's trip produced limits for a charter of 20 anglers, with bass to 25 pounds. Sunday's group had the same opportunities, but there were many broken lines, and the count was a few under limits for the boat. Both days also had some token halibut. On board the California Dawn, Captain James Smith focused on the live bait action in the bay and hammered the halibut and stripers all week. Most trips produced striper limits from Mel's Reef, while the halibut came from Alcatraz, Chrissy Fields, and Southampton.

BODEGA BAY " The opener was all that it could have been and more, with party boats loaded down with customers, flat calm seas and great fishing both north and south of the harbor. Captain Rick Powers on the New Sea Angler headed south on Saturday with 49 anglers who caught limits of mostly Bolinas and copper rockfish and a good sprinkling of vermilion, plus eight lingcod to 12 pounds. Sunday's trip targeted the waters between Fort Ross and Timber Cove, and while there were a few more blues and blacks boated, most anglers concentrated on the bottom huggers, also finding a few more lingcod to 13 pounds.

EMERYVILLE "Anglers traffic is picking up, and so then are the trips. With the rockfish opener, all the fleet went to the Farallon Islands for good action on rockfish and a few lings caught. Some of the boats capitalized and stopped to pick up a few stripers and halibut on the way home.

EUREKA "Pacific halibut continued to be the main attraction, although California halibut, bottomfish, and tuna were brought home. One group of anglers lucked into some shallow Pacific 'buts, catching boat limits while targeting rockfish in 90 feet of water! Other boats fished deeper off of Trinidad for limits. The California halibut were hit and miss, with some boats scoring as many as four, others blanking. Tuna showed to the southwest, and while details were unavailable, one bluefin in the 30-pound class was reported.

FORT BRAGG "Private boaters scored albacore from 20 to 40 miles out during the weekend's flat calm seas, with scores averaging nine or 10 per boat, but some decking counts in the teens. About 20 boats were out there looking. The party boats focused on rockfish, the usual results with limits of rockfish and a few lingcod.

HALF MOON BAY "The local bottomfishing opener offered great ocean conditions and solid action with limits of rockfish, a few cabezon from the shallower spots, and some lings also. Out of Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle, both the Queen Of Hearts and the Riptide reported rockfish limits, the two getting a combined 56 limits of rockfish, with six lings to 15 pounds on the Queen Of Hearts, and six cabezon and one ling on the Riptide.

POINT SAN PABLO "Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported great fishing with high action at Mel's Reef for striped bass and Southampton for halibut. He had light loads, with Saturday's group of three caught four halibut and four bass at Southampton Shoals.

SAN FRANCISCO "Captain Steve Talmadge on Flash Fishing was back targeting the halibut and stripers, finding good action on Thursday at Southampton and Treasure Island for both striped bass and halibut. His group of three anglers boxed four halibut and three stripers on Thursday, then on Friday, he has six anglers who caught seven halibut and 12 striped bass.

SHELTER COVE "This landing has got it going on, Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me out of Shelter Cove Sportfishing reporting a solid albacore bite to go along with the Pacific halibut and wide open bottomfish bite. Lingcod have been a little finicky, but one trip did find limits. "We've been getting a couple Pacific halibut every try, and when we focus on rockfish, it's quick limits," said Slate. On Saturday and Sunday, he chased the tuna bite. "The ocean was flat calm. It was too calm. The fish just weren't biting the jigs, but we could see lots of jumpers." Still, his groups caught 12 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday, biggest from both days going 35 pounds.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR "Thunderstorms were still in the area making for a spotty bite but trout were still on the surface, scattered and hitting in short spurts. West end better for trout. Some salmon are still on the surface in Big Springs, by the A-Frame and below the rest area by the dam. The bigger fish are deeper though. Good bass fishing is happening all around the lake by docks, points, and rock humps and other structures. Small plastic worms and Power Craws were used. If you work the early and later bite, you can find a topwater bite too.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR "Reports from Rim Rock Ranch are that worms and Power Bait from the dam and east shore caught the most fish last week. More brown trout are working the shore areas around the dam while the rainbow seemed to prefer the shallower areas near the campground. Cooler temperatures have stretched the bite period from morning to mid-day or early evening. Mosquitoes are bad this time of year so come prepared. Topwater action was slow. Mostly mosquitoes at present but other hatches should begin to show with the temperatures rising. Most fish were deep this past week so dragging nymphs and buggers with sinking line were the most productive. The water is still very high but the fish are becoming more active.

BAUM LAKE "Good hatches of PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Rooster tails are working well, but any lure in a trout pattern should work. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait are still the preferred baits.

BRITTON LAKE "The crappie bite is on, though the fish seem to still be fairly deep, over 10 feet. As the weather improves it is hoped the fish get into the more shallow water. Smallie bite has been good.

BUCKS LAKE "The Mackinaw were on the move, ranging from 30 to 55 feet over 40 to 75 feet of water. Most of the action for rainbow, browns, and brook trout came from either the Mill Creek or Bucks Creek channels.

BURNEY CREEK " Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Some nice fish were also being taken below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY " Fishing in the canal above Power House No. 1 was fair. Weather continued to play a factor. Eggs or worms still worked best but spinners also caught fish. With warmer weather the bite here should turn on quickly. Fly-fishing was hampered by wet weather and colder temperatures. Normal bug hatches were delayed but with improved weather in the forecast this should turn around any time. Adams and blue wing olives in nymph and dry patterns still worked best this past week.

EAGLE LAKE " South of Pelican Point on the west side was a good place to start and then move to the east side off Miner's Point. Both of these areas offer rocky irregular bottoms that rise up from about 20 feet to 10 feet on the ledges and humps. Bobber fishermen had limits or near limit fishing also this past week. The fish are feeding in shallow water. Anchor up in 10 to 16 feet of water and set your threaded nightcrawler at 6 to 9 feet deep. The best bobber fishing areas have been off the Youth Camp shoreline and just south of Shrimp Island.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA " Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, and woolly buggers and zugs for nymphs. Hex hatch should start soon. HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA " The riffle is best fished with pt's, birdsnest or hare's ear. Look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.

UPPER HAT CREEK " Lightening and rainy weather continued but in between thunder showers the bite was good. This coming week the weather should be back on a more typical summer pattern with warm weather and cool nights. Fish and Game is back on a twice a week plant schedule, so there should be lots of fish to go around. Worms and eggs continue to work the best but Power Nuggets in rainbow or yellow were taking fish as well. A lot of holdover fish remain, including some large brooder brookies. As runoff decreases and the creek lowers these larger trout will start hitting again so put in the time and it should pay off. Fly-fishing on the upper creek was slow due to the weather but a few nice fish were being taken on gold crystal buggers.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE "From shore or anchored, the Lewiston Cocktail or a pink and white egg combo is the ticket. For the trollers Sep's small flasher, with your choice of bait at the end of a 3-foot leader also did quite well. The annual Kids Fishing Derby is July 18 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The local Lions Club and other local businesses and DFG are hosting this event at the Pine Cove Marina and launch area. Rods and reels will be available upon request. Both bait and tackle are available at the marina although in past year's Long's Drug has assisted with the bait.

MANZANITA LAKE "Fishing was slow as foul weather continued to hamper staying on the water. Few reports have come in but ants, mosquitoes and slow water caddis action should pick up any day now with the weather warming. Keep your fly selection to around size 16 or smaller. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER "Fishing remained good with nymph fishermen doing best, rubber-leg princes were a good bet. Also some golden stone dries starting to show. PG&E is planning work on the dam on Lake Britton this summer, which will close the dam to traffic. Pit River access with only be through the upper Clark Creek Road access. There will be short closures on the road between Pit 3 and the dam; however, no long closures are planned. Signs will be posted on the lower Clark Creek Road access and at the Pit 3 road. LAKE SHASTA "With Lake Shasta now 56 feet from the top and all ramps are open, anglers will have an easier time getting at the bite for numbers of decent trout and salmon. Dry Creek, the dam, Digger Bay and Toupee Island were all fishing well. Trolling from the 10 to 40 feet down is where anglers found trout and as deep as 90 feet for the larger salmon. Bass fishing has moved into its summer pattern now, with numbers of small bass providing action but for fish that only went to 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. Dart headed worms, drop-shot and Senkos were working during the day but start with the topwater from dawn to 9 or 10 and then go down.

NORTH COAST RIVERS

North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. 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 "Fishing for cutthroat trout opened May 23, and it's fair to good in the Chetco, throughout the river. Morning or late evening are the best times, and the best lures are beadhead zug bugs in a sculpin pattern, or tossing Mepps or Panther Martin spinners, or Dick Nite spoons. Bait is not allowed above tide-influenced waters.

ROGUE RIVER, Gold Beach " Closed to the take of wild salmon on June 1 until June 10 from the mouth up to Hog Creek Boat Ramp, and also closed from the boat ramp upstream to Gold Ray Dam on June 1 through July 31 (for wild kings). Springer fishing slowed last week and most of the fish are now in the Lobster Creek, Quosatana Creek and Foster Bar areas. Anglers need to fish deeper slots now. About the end of the run now, and soon it will be trolling in the estuary for staging fall fish.

ROGUE RIVER, Grants Pass "Spring Chinook numbers pretty bad up here, and fishing has just been slow to fair. The main method of take is back trolling sardine-wrapped plugs, according to WON Field Reporter, Dave Pitts. Only adipose fin-clipped Chinook may be taken with the current closure on wild fish. It reopened to trout fishing on Saturday. The salmon flies are now out, and that creates a good opportunity to catch trout on surface imitations, according to Pitts.

RUSSIAN RIVER "Shad action has been good in the evenings at Johnson's Beach for the past few weeks, with anglers finding up to 10 fish a person using standard shad jigs and clear, sparkle grubs. The shad are still coming in, and some are still down at Cassini's, but most fishing is at Johnson's Beach, Vacation Beach and Neeley's (below Johnson's). Smallmouth bass fishing will peak around the end of June, but anglers are still getting 5 or 6 in a half day's drift. A few schoolie stripers showed up last week "18 or 20 inchers "remnants of a big, big striper run of huge fish about 20 years ago.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE "Shore anglers are doing best at the dam throwing Rapalas or soaking nightcrawlers and Power Bait. Nothing big in the way of fish here.

CAPLES LAKE "The lake is still coming up and launching is now available at the concrete ramp at the resort. The DFG planted 80,000 Mackinaw fingerlings last week and will continue to plant more catchable rainbows with trophy plants, 3 to 5 pounders, scheduled for mid-June. Shore anglers are catching planters at the dam on worms and Power Bait. Trollers are doing pretty well on mixed limits of browns and rainbows using a Kastmaster and other small spoons. With lake releases unusually low (15 cfs), the creek below the lake is fishing exceptionally well for browns running 2 to 3 pounds and some nice rainbows on worms and salmon eggs.

CARSON RIVER (East, West) "The West Carson in Hope Valley is void of fish in the usual spots that are planted by the DFG but small creeks running into the river in the meadow are holding some nice brookies and rainbows, 9 to 11 inches. Near Woodfords, the West Carson is starting to slow down and salmon eggs, a 1/16-oz Kastmaster, and Rooster Tails are doing well. The East Carson kicked out a 20-pound, 5-fish limit this last week for a Placerville angler. Fish here lately have been averaging 2 1/2 to 3 pounds, with an 8 pounder the big fish last week (part of the 20-pound limit).

DAVIS LAKE "Fly action has been good along the west side of the lake. Mitch Matsumoto caught and released 60 fish from 7 a.m. to 12:30 casting and stripping a Sheep Creek Special on an intermediate line in the Cow Creek area. 20 fish ranged from 17 to 22 inches with the rest averaging 12 to 15 inches. Trollers are still picking up dozens of fish on each outing. Ed Dillard had a 56-fish day and a 28-fish day last week using red/copper Dick Nites and red-dot frog Needlefish at 20 to 25 feet from Honker Cove to the Big Island for fish 12 to 19 inches.

DONNER LAKE "Granite Construction was repaving the road down to the boat ramp. which put a damper on boat anglers getting on the lake. Those who made it through the traffic delays were rewarded with some small kokanee on dodgers and anything pink at 30 feet. No Macks recently.

FEATHER RIVER CANYON "North Fork and East Branch of the Feather both fishing very well. North Fork is being planted by the DFG at the campgrounds and families are catching limits of rainbows up to 14 inches on salmon eggs. The East Branch is full of beautiful native 'bows up to 3 pounds along Hwy 70 to the Greenville Y. Caribou Powerhouse Reservoir has some big browns and rainbows. A 9-pound brown was caught last week and rainbows to 13 pounds have come out of here in the past. Use crickets under a bobber, silver Kastmaster, and small white crappie jigs in the current below the powerhouse at the upper end of the reservoir for fish running 2 to 4 pounds.

FRENCHMAN LAKE "Shore anglers have been catching limits of 12- to 14-inch rainbows on nightcrawlers, Power Bait and Rooster Tails. Trollers are doing okay on flasher/worms, Dick Nites and Needlefish.

GOLD LAKES BASIN "Salmon Lake has been red hot with fish to 4 1/2 pounds reported this last week. Some smaller rainbows have been coming out of Gold Lake. but there have been some big Mackinaw reported in the last couple of weeks. There were no current reports coming back from Packer and Sardine, but people were coming into Bassetts Station for bait and headed to these two areas.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR "Shore fishing at Strawberry Point is producing a few rainbows, and trollers are picking up some fish now.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR "There is a free kids' day scheduled here for June 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A 900-pound plant of trophy-sized trout will be made just for this event. All tackle and bait will be provided and there will be hot dogs, sodas and an awards presentation in the afternoon. Call Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station for more info at (530) 694-2930.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR "Fishing has been very good here for trollers and shore anglers. Shore anglers are just using nightcrawlers for limits of 14- to 15-inch rainbows while trollers have success with flasher/'crawler combos and Rapalas.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) "The lake is full and spilling. Lots of shore anglers and boaters were on the water over the weekend. Mike Doyle of Pollock Pines caught a 5-pound Mackinaw while trolling a Kastmaster at 20 feet. Bass action has slowed down. Lake is on the "No Stocking" list, so trout action has been getting tough.

LAKE TAHOE "The 16th Annual "Jake's on the Lake" fishing derby was concluded on Sunday. 130 anglers on charter and private boats competed for big fish honors for Mackinaw, brown and rainbow trout. The big Mack was a 19-pound, 11-ounce slug caught by Warren Welsh and was worth $1000. The big brown was caught by Shawn Alves, a 3-pound 9-ounce fish worth $500. The big rainbow was a 3-pound 13-ouncer worth $250 caught by Park Bechtold. This year's event benefitted local Boy Scout Troop #266.

LOON LAKE "The lake is finally open to the public. Fishing has been "red hot" for trollers pulling flashers and worms for some nice browns near the surface. The off-roaders are taking over all the available parking because of the new Forest Service parking restrictions along their roads. Look for this to be a big problem for anglers coming up here to fish this summer.

PROSSER LAKE "Pretty good smallmouth fishing off the dam and the north end of the lake. Rapalas are the choice of lure tossers and fly casters have been getting some action on Clousers and woolly buggers. Trout have been eating salmon eggs at the inlet.

PYRAMID LAKE "Afternoon thunderstorms have been chasing boaters off the water, but those getting out early have been catching 6 to 40 fish on FlatFish and Apex lures. Bigger fish are running 7 to 8 pounds with average fish going 17 to 20 inches. Fly casters are still doing okay but the fish are very scattered. For all anglers, it is best to go out early or late in the day for the best results.

RED LAKE "Lake is full but only a few anglers are giving the brookies a try, mostly fly casters, and success is spotty.

SILVER LAKE "The lake is full and trollers were doing better than the shore anglers, fishing early and late down 12 to 30 feet with flashers and crawlers, Needlefish, and other small spoons for rainbows, browns and some Macks.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR "Early limits of kokanee are still common for trollers using a dodger and a bug, hoochie or spinner in red or pink at 30 to 35 feet. Some small Mackinaw have been hitting black/silver or blue/silver Rapalas under the kokanee. Shore fishing is fair with one angler landing a 3 1/2-pound brown off the dam on a nightcrawler.

TOPAZ LAKE "One group of four anglers came in with 13 fish running 1 1/2 to 2 pounds that were caught drifting Power Bait at the inlet at the south end of the lake. Afternoon thunderstorms have been chasing boaters off the lake, so get out early.

TRUCKEE RIVER "Flows are starting to come down, increasing the amount of water that is fishable. In the General Regulation Section, spinners, worms and salmon eggs are working along the slower water. In the Special Regulation section, fly casters have been relying on green drake nymphs, with caddis and small yellow stone activity expected soon. Lure tossers are using barbless-hooked spinners for their share of action here.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR "Fishing is very slow here, maybe the flying ant hatch is still affecting the bite.

WEST WALKER RIVER "The river will receive part of $100,000 worth of Alpers trout that are being planted by the Mono County Fisheries Commission and Mono County, on top of any DFG plants the area may receive. The Alpers trout will average 3 to 4 pounds. One plant will be made on June 12th and another on June 29th. The "How Big Is Big" derby will run all of July with prizes provided by the local business community.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE " Water clarity was good in most areas of the lake with visibility up to 12 feet in some areas, 3 to 5 feet in most areas, and under 2 feet in a few areas. Most anglers reported improved results this past week, although some anglers are still complaining about not being able to catch a "big fish," daily numbers increased with warming waters. All three sections of the lake are productive. A few fish being caught on swimbaits, wake baits, and frogs. Carolina-rigged Brush Hogs and lizards, drop-shotting plastic worms, Senkos, and flukes have been reported as the baits of choice.

LAKE BERRYESSA "Scattered over 130 feet water, with downriggers set at 48 to 58 feet, anglers used set-ups such as a chrome 3/0 Sep's dodger towing Radical Glow Tubes in natural colors as well as reds. Uncle Larry's spinners, Mad Irishman or Pink Tiger, are also good choices. Bass were on a topwater bite in the morning but it can produce fish all day. Try Zara Spooks or a Don Ivino Splash-it worked on the edges of the weed beds in the main body and the Narrows. After the sun hits the water go to a smoke colored grub on a 1/8-ounce darthead jig and fish it slowly off the edges of the weeds all the way back to the boat.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR " Look for the water level to start dropping here as they begin to draw water down.

LAKE PILLSBURY "Use a Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters, or worms here trolled in the top 30 feet. Bass are also in the shallows; try some topwater tackle for them. Fishing has been good for both here.

LAKE SONOMA " A fair bass bite was found up in the arms on Spooks and Senkos under trees and in the shadows. Back in the upper arms is where the better bass bite has been. The land-locked steelies are deeper now so you may need a downrigger to tow your Needlefish, Apex's, Kastmasters, and worms.

UPPER BLUE LAKE "Trout fishing was fair as waters began to warm and trout are acclimating. Troll with Power Baits, worms, and Kastmasters here.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY "Live bait was available, but sold out quickly. The bait was small, but worked; Dave Marquardt reporting for the Happy Hooker said their Saturday trip found 20 halibut and one striper, all caught on the live anchovies. "We scaled down to number 1 hooks and lighter leaders," said Marquardt. "Two of our fishermen caught their three fish limits." Captain Chris Kane of Outcast Sportfishing had shark trips that scored super variety including sevengills, sixgills, leopards, dogfish and smoothounds. That action came from near Alameda.

BODEGA BAY " Just one more week before the harbor will be revived with the bottomfishing opener on June 13.

BROOKINGS, OR "Two great choices, surfperch and bottomfish. WON field reporter Dave Pitts said limits come quick for anglers fishing rocky spots like Camel Rock, Akins Point and Fort Rocks south of the harbor. Black and blue rockfish, lingcod and cabezon hit lead fish and crowbars. Surfperch came alive with Pitts, his daughter and some friends scoring redtails to 4.76 pounds during the extreme tide period, top offerings Gulp! Sandworms and shrimp.

EMERYVILLE "Live anchovies were finally available, and the boats ran live bait potluck trips all week. Early on, tides were steep and the bite soft, but by the weekend, the fish per rod average climbed. Friday's trip on the New Huck Finn found 22 halibut and 6 bass for 10 anglers. On Saturday, most of the boats scored over one around, and the bass bite picked up with 16 to 10 pounds caught on the New Huck Finn on Sunday, adding to 16 halibut.

EUREKA "The ocean calmed, and the bottomfishing action went wide open, with some big Pacific halibut caught and lost. One 84 pounder was weighed in, and some smaller ones were boated, but the big ones got away. Surfperch action fired up about the same time, and day surf smelt were running on Freshwater Lagoon Beach. Captain Gary Biasi of Full Throttle Sportfishing had a great bottomfishing day on Saturday, his anglers catching limits of rockfish and three lingcod to 16 pounds at False Cape. On Sunday, one of his anglers caught a 25-pound Pacific halibut.

FORT BRAGG "The rockfish bite was a little off most of the week, but showed improvement on the weekend. The crab counts also fluctuated, with a migration of sea stars coming through on the weekend slowing the count. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar found a good bottomfishing spot on Sunday, scoring near limits of black rockfish and a pair of lingcod to 11 pounds.

HALF MOON BAY "The north wind faded out, water temperatures jumped to 54 degrees, and the rockfish went on the bite. The Queen Of Hearts scored near limits on Friday, then limits on Saturday and Sunday, with some nice lings boosting the bags. Most of the action came from Franklin Point and just south of Pigeon Point. Local waters will open for bottomfish on June 13 and until then, the boats will continue to fish south of Pigeon Point, which has been open since May.

LOCH LOMOND "Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star had live bait finally, finding some decent halibut action although windy conditions hampered the catching on a couple days. The action improved as the tides slowed, with the top trip on Saturday when 19 anglers caught 10 halibut and 11 striped bass. On Sunday a lighter load of eight anglers caught one fish around with a good grade of striped bass boosting the sacks.

SHELTER COVE "Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me reported much improved action on both bottomfish and Pacific halibut thanks to improved ocean conditions.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR " Trout have scattered with warming waters, weeds, and debris. Speedy Shiners in toned down colors or other lures, as the brighter colors spook the fish. Even adding gel helps to tone them down on bright and calm days.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--Bait fishing has improved and quite a few fish were taken at the dam and campground areas of the lake. Worms and Power Bait did the best but spinners also worked on the north and west shores. As water depth lowers a bit, shore fishing should pick up. Fly fishermen are starting to see topwater action improve. Mostly mosquitoes at present but other hatches should begin to show. That being said, wet flies work well this time of year. Try buggers, leeches, prince nymphs, copper Johns etc. The water is very high but the fish are becoming more active every day.

BAUM LAKE "Still a lot of PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen still prefer Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while nightcrawlers and Power Baits are still the preferred baits. Lots of fish being caught, but no huge fish reports.

BRITTON LAKE "The crappie bite is on, as well as the smallies.

BUCKS LAKE "The Mackinaw are hammering the Stingfish from Pro Troll with green and chrome being the most popular and a few fish are zoning in on the blue and chrome. Concentrate on two areas of the lake, the back side of Rainbow Point and the edge of the Bucks Creek channel near the marinas. Rainbows and browns to 16 inches and a few kokanee were taken in the Mill Creek and Bucks Creek arms but most of the kokes are in front of the marinas from 25 to 35 feet down.

BURNEY CREEK " Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. Salmon flies are getting sparse, but still a few showing, with some nice fish being taken below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY " Fishing in the canal above Power House No. 1 was excellent. Eggs or worms have been working best, but Power Bait and spinners also worked well. Lots of limits were caught this past week. The action here has been much better in the cool of the morning as compared to the heat of the afternoon. Fly-fishing has turned excellent as the days have turned hot and hatches are heavy. The fish were very active again this past week and topwater action was excellent in the late evening on dries and nymphs. Mahogany duns, callibaetis, and pale morning duns all caught a lot of fish. In late evening the action switches to emergers an
d PMD's. Callibaetis cripples also worked as well.

EAGLE LAKE "Open as of last weekend, due to the warm weather and water conditions, the trout are transitioning quickly from the shallower, north and mid sections of the lake into deeper, cooler southern waters from Pelican Point and the Youth Camp areas south. Cooler weather this week should help pick the bite up.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA "Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, rusty spinners, caddis for dries, woolly buggers and zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA " The riffle is best fished with pt's, birds nest, or hare's ear. Some green drakes and salmon fly patterns also are picking up a few fish. Also look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.

UPPER HAT CREEK " Pressure over the Memorial Weekend was high but fishing was excellent with many limits taken. Worms were the preferred bait this past week but salmon eggs and Panther Martins worked as well. Fish and Game planted three times with one large plant of huge brooder brookies and rainbows in the 3- to 6-pound class. Fish plants will continue once a week till mid June and then twice a week thereafter. With higher water the fishing requires more weight to get down but the water conditions are improving every week. Fly fishing on the upper creek has improved and the bite is picking up. Last week stonefly nymphs were the way to go and should continue to entice fish for weeks to come. Crystal buggers in gold, white or olive also worked well.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE " It's beautiful up here right now and the fishing is great! For the trollers, the Sep's small flasher with your choice of bait at the end of about a 3-foot leader is doing well. From shore or anchored, the Lewiston Cocktail, or a pink and white egg combo is the ticket. The annual Kids Fishing Derby is July 18 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The local Lions Club and other local businesses and DFG are hosting this event at the Pine Cove Marina and launch area. Rods and reels will be available upon request. Both bait and tackle are available at the marina although in past year's Long's Drug has assisted with the bait.

MANZANITA LAKE " Fishing has been good but requires a lot of time on the water to figure out the bite. Nymphing with very small presentations in size 18-22 continues to produce the most action. Topwater action has still been slow but flying ants and caddis are starting to show so the action should pick up any day now. Keep your fly selection smaller. This time of year prince nymphs as well as PMD's or callibaetis nymphs will pick up fish. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER " Again, fishing has remained good with nymph fishermen doing best, however, watch for some caddis or salmon flies on the river in the afternoons and evenings.

LAKE SHASTA " Topwater, crankbaits have been good in the mornings and then after sun hits the water it's Senkos, tubes and plastic worms out to 20 feet. Ospreys and Mother's Finest as well as green pumpkin have been good color choices. The Sac arm produced some big bass but all of the arms should be good. One spotted bass weighed 5 pounds and there was another over 3 pounds taken out of the Sac arm, both on Senkos. The Pitt arm was good for limits of trout, as there has been a plankton bloom. Fishing from the top down to 8 feet, netted 1 or 2 rainbows on each pass, with fish ranging between 14 and 21 inches. Hum Dingers and Cripplures in orange/gold and the new Capt. America hoochies were all that was needed. Sling blades were not needed because the bloom pushes the fish on top.

TRINITY RESERVOIR-- Lots of bass on beds, and up shallow. Normal spring patterns worms, Senkos, jigs, and tubes all worked. Bigger bites came on a crawfish crankbaits fished right on the bottom; fish were aggressive and just crushing them. Fish the shoreline timber and main lake points. If you want the big dogs, throw swimbaits, they love anything that looks like a koke/

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR "Fish early for kokes. Fish ranged from 11 to 14 inches (biggest fish this year) and most were caught at 80 feet at the 299 Bridge on UV Apex and UV Sling Blade combinations. A few fish were also taken at the dam, also at 80 feet. Surface temperatures went up to 72 degrees, warming up fast, with the plankton in full bloom.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER "Current reports indicate that the flows are still too high for good fishing in areas not controlled by a dam. Anglers hiking down into the Middle Fork at Rocky Chuck and Cash Rock are still picking up some big browns to 22 inches on silver spinners. No plants on the South Fork this year is making it tough on anglers used to lots of easy-to-reach fish.

BULLARDS BAR "Lake has dropped to 94-percent capacity and relieved the driftwood problem considerably. Bass action is wide open anywhere there are trees or stumps along the shore, especially up in Willow Creek or in the North Fork at Madrone. Anglers are throwing plastic worms for lots of 12- to 13-inch spots with an occasional fish up to 3 pounds. No trout or kokanee action has been reported, echoing last year's dismal kokanee bite.

CAMP FAR WEST "Lake has only dropped a foot or two and bass action is red hot. One local angler has been coming out twice a week and catching lots of bass running 2 to 3 pounds, but he won't tell anyone what he's using. Worms and jigs have always been a good choice here.

COLLINS LAKE "Surface temp is at 73-degrees so there will be no more trout plants until fall. Still lots of big trout being caught by both shore anglers and trollers. The dam has been the best spot for the shore angling crowd, with Andy Yang and partner weighing in 10 fish up to 8 3/4 pounds on Power Eggs. Connie Smith got a real surprise when she hooked a 7 1/2-pound catfish while trolling a Surefire lure near the dam. Trout action for trollers has been good at 15 to 20 feet on dodger/worm combos and Rapalas.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR "Bass and trout action is red hot. From Buck's Beach to the dam, bass are hitting swimbaits and crankbaits in shad and bluegill patterns. Eric Foy picked up a 4 1/2 pounder off the marina docks on a swimbait. Heavy recreational boat traffic has made trolling difficult, except in areas where skiing is prohibited. One boater drifted Power Bait in the marina for two 20-inch rainbows; most boaters are running up to the area from Buck's Beach to Dixon Hill and drifting Power Bait/worm combos for 10- to 24-inch 'bows. Lots of sand bars in the inlet area have made navigation dangerous, use caution.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR "The lake is full and there were very few campers at the campgrounds after the holiday weekend. There are some fish being caught by trollers and shore anglers, primarily on worms and flasher/worm combos, but there is a lot of food being washed into the lake with the runoff and action is spotty at best.

FULLER LAKE "Lake was planted two weeks ago and there are few reports available, but this lake doesn't get much pressure.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR "Lots of heavy afternoon thunderstorm activity here all week has caused some problems for anglers as fire crews kept watch for lightning fires.

LAKE OROVILLE "Bite has slowed down with the heat, but bass are still hitting for anglers getting out early. Mostly a post-spawn bite so concentrate on the points at 15 to 25 feet. Should be some topwater action very early before the sun gets on the water, but the bite dies with the light.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE "Smallmouth bass providing the only reported action, with a 2 1/4 pounder winning the fishing derby last week. Jim Harmon of Rio Linda won a season pass for his bass, which was caught on a Roboworm.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR "The Foresthill Ranger Station reports that fishing action here is "dead" without any DFG plants, though there are some holdover browns and rainbows available for the dedicated angler.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Lots of activity here with shore anglers picking up some small catfish, small holdover rainbows and sunfish. Trollers are seeing some activity on flasher/worm combos and Rapalas. Rumor has it that DFG plants will start again here sometime soon, hopefully by mid-June.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY "Keep an eye on the water level, if the water is up in the tules, the bass are biting. When the water drops out of the tules banks, the bite fizzles.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER "Loads of shad in here now and the bite has been wide open for anglers drifting pink and chartreuse grubs and attractor flies. The fish are scattered from Sunrise down to the Log Hole and all major flats in between. Stripers are here, though tough to catch. Try swimbaits or live minnows.

FEATHER RIVER "The shad fishing is still hot for anglers working the Shanghai Falls area with grubs, darts and flies. There are also fish stacked up below the Thermalito Outlet Hole in Oroville. A few stripers still around, too, but that's about done for the year. Up in the Low Flow section, there are some small steelies around.

FOLSOM LAKE "There are some trout and salmon showing up the South Fork and along Dike 8 for anglers drifting live minnows or trolling with small shad from 30 to 80 feet down. Bass fishing has been good with topwater or rip baits early and then everything switches to drop-shot style worms in browns and purples as the sun gets higher.

SACRAMENTO RIVER "Up in the Redding to Anderson stretch, trout fishing has been really, really good for anglers drifting Glo Bugs, backtrolling Hot Shots or fishing flies under indicators - caddis, stones and PMD's. The are some shad around Hamilton City and from Colusa down, there are still stripers around - both fresh and downers - but you have to hunt for them to find the schools. Live minnows are the ticket! Shad still available, too, at the mouth of the American and at Verona.

KLAMATH/TRINITY

KLAMATH RIVER, Upper "Salmon flies started coming off here last week, so there should be some dry fly action on the river's resident rainbows soon. Until then, drift crawlers or backtroll Hot Shots from Iron Gate on down to the bridge.

KLAMATH RIVER, Lower "Spring Chinook are starting to march through the Klamath Glen to Blue Creek stretch pretty solidly now and boaters are getting from 1 to 5 chances per day while anchoring up and fishing CV7 spinners in gold or silver. The kings are running 12 to 20 pounds and are super chrome!

NORTH COAST RIVERS

ROGUE RIVER-Spring salmon are still on a good bite, surprisingly, and two anglers on Monday morning checked into the Rogue Outdoor Store with 3 springers of 20 to 25 pounds, according to Larry Cody. Action is at the Ferry Hole and up as far as Quosatana Creek, but not much above that. Boaters fishing in 4 1/2 to 5 feet using straight bait (anchovies) or spinnerbaits in greens, gold or chartreuse. No. 4 G-Spot blade with a 'chovy has been working. There's an early morning bite, but the best action begins around 6:30 p.m.

RUSSIAN RIVER-It's not the huge run of shad that was expected after the big spring rainstorm that normally would move shad in big numbers into the river, but it's an okay showing and they are still moving in from the ocean, which is good news, according to Steve Jackson at Kings Sport and Tackle in Guerneville. He said he fished it Saturday night and hooked 5 landing 4, including some big females. Flows are at 250 cfs. Anglers can expect 4 to 6 fish a morning or eveing, and the smallmouth bite is getting really good.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-Salmon fishing picked up as the river dropped and cleared into "perfect shape." Anglers were hooking from one to four spring-run salmon to around 20 pounds from the Highway 101 Bridge to Blue Creek. CV-7 and Hildebrand spinners were getting most of the bites. A few steelhead were being caught, too, by salmon fishermen.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-The salmonfly hatch hasn't happened yet, but it's going to start just about any time. No matter, since trout fishing continued to be excellent. Anglers have been catching two dozen and more trout to around 2 pounds backtrolled crawdad plugs, Hot Shot,/worm combinations, bait and flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City-Flows were still at 2,000 cfs, and scheduled to resume their drop toward summertime flows starting next week. A few springers were being hooked at Gray's Falls, but fishing conditions were still tough because of the high water.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Shad have now moved all the way up the American River to Sailor Bar Park, and anglers have been catching 20 and more an outing swinging chartreuse and pink curly tail grubs on 1/8-ounce jigs plus adding enough weight to keep them close to the bottom in the 4,000 cfs flow. Or, dead-drifting the jig under a bobber with the leader long enough to get close to the bottom without dragging on it. Fly fishers have been scoring on No. 8 shad flies in the same colors kept close to the bottom with a high speed shooting head. Some big stripers are being seen chasing shad or cruising for easy prey, but few have been hooked.

FEATHER RIVER, Outlet/Low Flow Section-Fly fishermen have been "whacking" small steelhead and trout to a couple of pounds below the Hatchery. While most are being caught on nymphs, there has been some very good dry fly action during hatches. The river dropped, and the striper and shad action that had been pretty good below the Outlet, has slowed considerably.

FEATHER RIVER, Yuba City-Anglers have been catching 20, 40, and even 60 shad an outing below Shanghai Rapids on pink and chartreuse jigs. Fishing for striped bass was slow, however,

FOLSOM LAKE-The morning reaction bite has been pretty good around the main body and Peninsula for spotted bass around flooded trees and brush. Switch to Carolina-rigged Robo-Worm in Aaron's Magic and smoke with blue flake grubs fished slowly over rock piles as the sun gets higher. A few trout were being caught by the dam and at the mouth of the South Fork on Apexes and Needlefish behind dodgers trolled 30 to 50 feet deep. Sweetwater and New York coves, and Beaks Byte have been producing catfish and panfish.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Striper action slowed, at least for keepers, but shad fishing was very good at Miller Park, the mouth of the American River and Verona. There were a few keeper stripers caught, however, but you have to catch several shakers for each legal striper over 18 inches long.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa-Shad fishing was very good by the Colusa Bridge all the way up to Princeton. Most of the stripers being caught were below the minimum size limit, but the occasional keeper was being caught on minnows, topwater lures and black plastic worms.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Trout fishing continued to be outstanding as flows steadied at 9,000 cfs. Boats were still banned from going under the Cypress St. Bridge again so most driftboaters were launching at Bonneview.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Upper-The river has cleared but is still rather high and wading is treacherous. Fishing was pretty good, however, and anglers were catching trout by tight line nymphing in pockets and seams with just a bit of line out past the rod tip. Use plenty of weight and fairly large stone fly imitations and prince nymphs. A bit of an evening hatch is enticing the occasional strike on dry flies just before dark.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-Still no live bait, but there were some promising signs. Some pretty varied scores with one thing clear: the action slowed as tides picked up towards the weekend. On Monday, a special trip on the California Dawn hosted by Sep Hendrickson's California Sportsman Radio show (1140 AM Sacramento) found 36 halibut and four striped bass. The Cal Dawn found from 46 to 38 halibut per day until the weekend when scores dropped to 15 on Saturday and even fewer on Sunday. On The Happy Hooker, Dave Marquardt reported about one around on Friday, then about half around on Saturday. "The tides are getting big, the bay is getting muddy," said Marquardt. "But next weekend should be good again."

BODEGA BAY- Local surfperch action was best on Doran Beach, where the beach is protected from the north winds. Sandcrabs and Berkley Gulp! sandworms and sandfleas worked best the last two hours of the incoming to the first two hours of the outgo. Rockfish season will not open until mid-June, so still slow around the harbor.

EMERYVILLE-A rather slow week, but the New Huck Finn ran on Friday with 19 anglers for 25 halibut and five striped bass. On Saturday, four boats ran with scores nearing one around the topliners. There was a 22-pound striped bass caught on the new six-pack boat, Talisman. An 11-year-old from Redwood City caught the lunker linesides.

EUREKA-When the ocean was fishable, the action was good for anglers fishing down at Cape Mendocino for bottomfish. There was a 47-pound Pacific halibut caught from the waters straight out. The ocean beaches were too rough to provide much of anything, but Elk River Beach was a good spot for redtail surfperch, with limits available for anglers fishing the incoming tide.

FORT BRAGG-Rockfish trips found some action, with Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reporting limits for the anglers who fished on Sunday (rough seas discouraged a few on board). Crab counts were down on Saturday, then back up on Sunday with five Dungeness around for the 10 anglers who wanted the combo option. Abalone diving was challenged by rough seas later in the week, but divers finding protected waters were able to score limits. Visibility wasn't that great due to the tides and current.

HALF MOON BAY-The bite showed signs of picking up for rockfish and lingcod, the waters below Pigeon Point a little cold and conditions imperfect for a really good bite. On board the Queen Of Hearts, anglers found half limits earlier in the week and near limits by the weekend. The fish were of improving quality as well, with the first 10-pound plus lingcod boated.

LOCH LOMOND-Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star found halibut at the Richmond Rockwall, Brooks Island, the Berkeley Flats and Southampton, with Thursday's trip producing eight halibut for 12 anglers, while Friday's 11 anglers caught 14 halibut and one striped bass. Saturday's windy conditions and big tides made for tough fishing and only one halibut.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury had a great day on Wednesday, finding seven halibut for six anglers topped by a 12 pounder, all on frozen anchovies. The fish came from Red Rock and Paradise. On Saturday, wind and faster tides slowed the bite, but one angler on the Fury did score a 15-pound halibut.
SHELTER COVE-Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me reported on his opening weekend, Saturday the one good day bracketed by bad weather on Friday and Sunday. Friday's trip produced half limits and four lingcod, and 20 crabs. Saturday's trip found full limits of rockfish and lingcod and better numbers of crabs, plus a 20-pound Pacific halibut caught on a diamond jig meant for rockfish and lings. Sunday's trip found limits on the rockfish and four lingcod.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE- Running the banks and sight fishing for bass was the most popular way to fish. Aggravating a fish on a bed to get it to defend the nesting area is accomplished with jigs, swimbaits, lizards, tubes, and worms. Post spawning fish will respond to topwater baits. Early season favorites include frogs, buzzbaits, and Rico's. Work them around bedding areas or areas where the weeds are coming up but not quite touching the water surface. Big catfish for last week's derby weighed 28 pounds but a few 25 pounders were also brought in on cut baits and minnows.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Kokes measuring between 15 and 19 inches were netted from the main body. Scattered over 130 feet water, with downriggers set at 45 to 58 feet, anglers used set-ups such as a chrome 3/0 Sep's dodger towing Radical Glow Tubes in natural colors as well as reds. Uncle Larry's spinners, Mad Irishman or Pink Tiger, are also good choices. Bass were taking topwater tackle such as 5-inch hollow belly swimbaits slowly rolled through the weeds on the east side of the main body. They were averaging 2 1/2 pounds with a few larger ones going to 5 pounds.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR- Largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as the catfish can be found along the shoreline near the dam. No one is targeting kokes here this year, as the water level is very low.

LAKE PILLSBURY-Receiving a fresh plant of trout, use a Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters, and worms here trolled in the top 20 feet. Bass are also in the shallows here; try some topwater tackle for them.

LAKE SONOMA- A fair bass bite was found up in the arms on Spooks and Senkos under trees and in the shadows. Back in the upper arms is where the better bass bite has been. The landlocked steelies are deeper now so you may need a downrigger to tow your Needlefish, Apex's, Kastmasters and worms.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-Trout fishing has been excellent and there have been no shortages of big fish either. Many 6, 8, and 10 pounders are being caught from the docks and by trolling with Power Baits, worms, and Kastmasters here. The three Big Bad 'Bow tagged trout are still in the system. Also in the news here, DFG will soon be able to stock here again, since no red-legged frogs or hardhead minnows were found in recent DFG surveys.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR- Speedy Shiners found brown trout up to 7 pounds as well as some salmon on the east side by the dam. You have about another week of trolling in the top 12 feet and then as the water heats up, go down to 20 or more feet. Bass are on beds but there are tournaments every weekend and you can't get at them.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-- This lake is now open for action although fishing has been a little slow with high water but fish were taken by the dam and campground areas of the lake. Bait fishermen using worms and Power Bait did the best but spinners also worked on the north and west shores. Fly fishermen should see some topwater action improve as the water warms and hatches become more prevalent. Try wet flies this time of year or buggers, leeches, prince nymphs, copper Johns. The water is very high but the fish are becoming more active every day.
BAUM LAKE- There's still a lot of PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen still prefer Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while nightcrawlers and Power Bait are still the preferred baits. There's lots of fish being caught, but no huge ones.
BRITTON LAKE- The crappie bite is starting and should really take off this week with the warmer temperatures. Smallies are spawning, so look for some good action. Pit River "dumping" has the crappie bite on and off with the increased releases making the crappie harder to locate and catch, so some folks have a great time, while others work hard for one or two fish.
BUCKS LAKE-The Mackinaw are here! Start on the east side of the Mill Creek channel behind Rainbow Point and troll lures such as Pro-Troll Stingfish, and flies such as Tandem Trolling Fly from Arctic Fox in kokanee color, with a healthy dose of Pro-Cure's Rainbow Trout Sauce.

BURNEY CREEK- Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. There was a good salmon fly hatch this past week, but it won't last for long. Try stimulator or large caddis patterns, though some stone nymph patterns have also been working.

CASSEL FOREBAY- Fishing in the canal above Power House No.1 was excellent. Eggs or worms have been working best but Power Bait in rainbow or yellow worked well. Lots of fish 1- to 2-pound trout were caught this past week. The action here has been much better in the cool of the morning as compared to the heat of the afternoon or evening. Fly fishing is picking up as the days have turned hot and hatches are heavy. Fish were very active and topwater action was excellent in the late evenings on dries. Mahogany duns, callibaetis, and pale morning duns all caught a lot of trout. In late evening the action switches to emergers and PMD's or callibaetis.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA- Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, and caddis for dries, wooly buggers, and zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA-The riffles are best fished with pt's, birdsnest, and hare's ear. Some green drakes and salmon fly patterns are also picking up a few fish. Also look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.

UPPER HAT CREEK- Pressure over the Memorial Weekend was high but fishing was excellent with many limits taken. Worms were the preferred bait this past week but salmon eggs and Panther Martins worked as well. Fish and Game planted three times with one large plant of huge brooder brookies and rainbows in the 3- to 6-pound class. Fish plants will continue once a week till mid-June and then twice a week thereafter. With higher water the fishing requires more weight to get down but the water conditions are improving every week. Fly fishing on the upper creek has improved and the bite is picking up. Last week stonefly nymphs were the way to go and should continue to entice fish for weeks to come. Crystal buggers in gold, white or olive also worked well.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE- Pink and white Power Bait as well as Cripplures worked well here. Early in the morning is the best time to be out there, with most folks catching their limit. A boat is nice, but fishing from shore by the marina also worked. Nightcrawlers trolled behind a Sep's flasher this past week was good. Power Bait was the easy way, right in front of the marina, up to Frog Rock and down to the channel. Some was also some kokanee action in the main lake.

MANZANITA LAKE- This water is now open and fishable although there haven't been many reports as yet. Nymphing with very small presentations in size 18-22 typically induces more strikes. Topwater action has still been slow but that could change anytime now. Work the drop-offs near weed beds and pebble beaches or inlets. Keep your fly selection smaller as well. This time of year prince nymphs as well as PMD's or callibaetis nymphs will pick up fish. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER-Fishing remained good with nymph fishermen doing best, however, watch for some caddis or salmon flies on the river in the afternoons and evenings.

LAKE SHASTA-The Pitt arm was good for limits of trout, as there has been a plankton bloom. Fishing from the top down to 8 feet, netted 1 or 2 rainbows on each pass, with fish ranging between 14 and 21 inches. Hum Dingers and Cripplures in orange/gold and the new Capt. America hoochies were all that was needed. Sling blades were not needed because the bloom pushes the fish on top.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-Most of the kokes were being caught on the south side of the 299 Bridge with a good number of schools starting to show there from 40 feet to 57 feet down using an orange Hoochie about 8 inches behind a Shasta Tackle UV Sling Blade.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-Lake is at about 85-percent capacity having come up quickly with the runoff. Fishing has not been very good due to the lack of DFG plants. A few browns have come off the dam for anglers throwing a Kastmaster. Trollers are catching a few 12-inch rainbows on flasher/'crawler combos and Rapalas. Fly casters are catching some fish in the evening at the river inlet.

CAPLES LAKE-The DFG is planting 36,000 trout in the lake over two weeks, starting last week, to mitigate the drawdown and dam repairs done last year. More plants will follow later this summer, totaling 38,000 pounds of rainbows. Water has been coming up about a foot a day and is only 5 feet from full. Launching is off the shore right now but the ramp should be operational by this weekend. The Resort is in full operation. Fishing is slow because of the low water temp.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)-Heavy flows in the West Carson have slowed down the bite but a 6 pounder and an 8 3/4-pound rainbow were caught over the Memorial Day weekend on worms. Look for all this to improve in 2 to 3 weeks as the runoff slows down and flows get back to normal. Flows in the East Carson were down 6 inches over the holiday weekend and the water was starting to lose some of its color. 1800 pounds of trout were planted on Thursday before Memorial Day and dozens of big fish up to 8 pounds were weighed in at Carson River Resort. Fishing will only get better here as the flows slow down and the water begins to clear up more.

DAVIS LAKE-Lake is at 61-percent capacity with a surface temp of 64-degrees. Ed Dillard was landing fish when WON called him on Sunday. On Saturday his clients landed 50 fish, mostly 12 to 13 inchers but a few up to 18 inches. He was trolling Dick Nite and Needlefish spoons at 12 to 20 feet near the Big Island, with the lures set back 150 feet from the downrigger weight. Shore anglers are having a tough time with only a few fish being caught at Fairview. Some fly action started along the west side flats during a recent callebaetis hatch. They're still working on the boat ramp at Camp 5 and water is too low at Lightning Tree ramp, so launching is only available at Honker Cove.

DONNER LAKE-The lake is almost full. Shore angling is very slow due to the lack of DFG plants. Trollers are doing well on kokanee at two different depths. Smaller fish are holding a 20 to 30 feet, while the bigger ones are at 50 to 60 feet. The macks are deeper at 70 to 80 feet. Kokanee are hitting standard dodger/bug rigs in the brighter colors-pink, red, and yellow- all tipped with Pautzke's Fire Corn. The macks are tougher to come by but are hitting a No. 9 or No. 11 Rapala in black/silver or blue/silver and J-plugs.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-The lake is only at 51-percent capacity and already dropping slowly. A few limits of rainbows have come in for both shore anglers and trollers. Bankies are doing best on inflated nightcrawlers and the trollers have scored on the red/copper Dick Nite.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Upper Sardine and Packer Lakes are fishing very well for "good-sized" rainbows off the shore with worms, Power Bait and salmon eggs. Gold Lake has been putting out a lot of macks up to 5 pounds on big flashers and worms or a Rapala. Salmon Lake is still difficult to get into because of snow on the roads but the lake has thawed for those making the effort to get to the water.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The Forest Service has announced that new day use fees have been charged here since May 22nd-$6 for use of picnic areas and boat ramps. The lake is full. Fishing has been tough because the trout have been feeding heavily on flying ants, and aren't being fooled by lures and baits. Dale Daneman fished here the other day and only hooked 3 fish, landing one nice brown. After the flying ants clear out and the fish get hungry again, the fishing should break wide open in a week or so.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-The lake is in good shape and the new aerator installed in cooperation with the water district will help control algae problems that have been seen in the past. The lake was privately planted this past week and a few fish are being caught. Fly casters in float tubes using olive or black wooly buggers have been picking up 10 to 12 fish, 1 1/2 to 3 pounds, in the channel between the docks and the dam. There are BIG fish in this lake, some pushing 20 pounds, according to Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station.

JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Dale Daneman reported very good fishing here with shore anglers doing well with inflated nightcrawlers. Trollers are toplining with flasher/worm combos for easy limits. Daneman picked up 24 fish, all rainbows, running 12 to 17 inches.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-Not much is happening in the way of trout action without any DFG plants, but EID has supposedly done the EIR to get the planting program re-instated. Bass, largemouth and smallmouth, have been providing the most success for anglers using plastic worms and swimbaits, for fish up to 3 pounds. A 2-pound bluegill was caught by Josh Davis of Sacramento.

LAKE TAHOE-Mickey Daniels reported that the fishing is fair with his last trip scoring 6 fish for 12 hookups. The bite is very early with the first fish hitting the deck at 5:10 a.m. on Sunday's charter. Daniels is trolling Sling Blade/Ko-ke-nut combos starting out at 50 to 60 feet early and working down to 300 to 400 feet. Multiple hookups are occurring in the deeper water on fish running 5 to 6 pounds.

LOON LAKE-The Forest Service has announced that a new day use fee of $6 will be charged for use of the boat ramp beginning May 22. Access is still not open to the lake though, so go to Union Valley or Ice House instead-where you will also be charged the new fee. According to the Forest Service, there are downed trees and debris that needs to be cleared out of the parking and boat launch access areas before the lake will be open to the public.

PROSSER LAKE-The lake is full. Smallmouth bass are hitting down by the dam on Rapalas and River2Sea crawdad pattern crankbaits. Some of the smallies are measuring up to 18 inches. Trout action is slow for shore anglers due to no DFG plants, but a few are coming in on Power Bait.

PYRAMID LAKE-The lake went down 3 feet over the winter but is slowly coming back up with the runoff. Fishing is good for fly casters from the shore with a 13-pound, 8-ounce Lahontan cutthroat coming in a couple weeks back on a nymph under an indicator. Trollers are doing very well with one group from Clear Lake catching 40 fish on frog pattern FlatFish. George Molino at Cutthroat Charters caught 15 fish to 7 pounds in 4 hours on watermelon Apex lures last Thursday.

RED LAKE-The lake is free of ice but the water is still very cold and the bite is slow because of the low temps. Wait a couple of weeks until things warm up and the bite will bust wide open.

SILVER LAKE-Same as Red Lake, the lake is ice free and facilities are open, but the water is too cold and the fish are slow to bite. Just a couple weeks of warm weather will change the whole area. Some trollers are doing very well, however, by trolling at slower speeds.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-Lake is at 53-percent capacity and rising. The kokanee bite is good early with 14- to 15-inch fish coming at 10 to 30 feet on silver/green dodgers trailing red, pink, or yellow bugs and spinners.

TOPAZ LAKE-The surface temp is running 67 to 69 degrees and the fish have headed to deeper water. The best way to fish now is to anchor your boat near the inlet in the southeast corner of the lake and drop Power Bait or nightcrawlers down to the bottom. Bank fishing this time of year is very slow due to the shallow water that runs close to the banks, there just isn't any water deep enough to cast to from shore.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Fishing is slow because of the high, cold flows from the run-off, but the water clarity is good. In the restricted section, nymph fishermen are catching a few by concentrating on the edges in the slower flows. In the general season section, use worms, but give the whole system a couple of weeks to settle down from the run-off and the bite will improve greatly along the whole river.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-The Forest Service has announced that a new day use fee of $6, will be charged for the use of the boat ramp, and it began May 22. The bite is pretty good and kokanee anglers can look forward to more success in the future after the DFG doubled the number of fingerlings planted here. Limits of rainbows are common for trollers using dodger and flasher/worm combos.

WEST WALKER RIVER-Water flows are still way too high for good fishing. Some 12-inch rainbows are hitting worms along the edges of the current but you really need to give this area another month to be in prime condition. According to Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel in Walker, the river will be perfect at the end of June and ready for fly fishing by July. Mono County and the local chamber of commerce combine their resources to plant 9 loads of 2 to 6 pound Alpers trout here throughout the season.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The Middle Fork is still kicking out some big rainbows and browns for anglers willing to hike down into the Rocky Chuck and Cash Rock areas. Keep in mind that there is still a lot of run-off coming down the forks and people need to use caution around fast, cold water. The Forest Service reported one drowning over the past week when a horse rider tried to cross the river and was swept away.

BULLARDS BAR-Lake is at 97-percent capacity and still has a fair amount of debris floating around but not as bad as last week. Fishing overall has been slow because of the heavy holiday boat traffic. Trout and bass anglers have been doing best running all the way up into the North Fork and drifting bait

CAMP FAR WEST-Heavy recreational boat traffic made fishing a very early or very late option here over the holiday weekend. Lots of hot boats and skiers tore up the lake during the day making fishing slow for most anglers. One young man reported catching a nice bunch of catfish off the shore at the South Shore Resort which is now open for the summer season.

COLLINS LAKE-The lake record for rainbow trout was broken again last week. Rich Moore of Mt. View caught the 14-lb 3-oz lunker on a Rapala while trolling the middle of the lake. Trollers are doing well from the dam to the power lines but you have to get out early before it gets too hot and the boat traffic drives you off the water. Rapalas and Needlefish down at 20 to 25 feet are working for limits that have lots of 5- and 6-pound fish showing up in them. Shore anglers are doing much better in the morning before the heat drives the fish into deeper water putting them out of casting distance. Power Bait and worms are good for the early rising shore angler.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-Holiday boat traffic was brutal here, forcing anglers to retreat up into the inlet area of the lake where drifting Power Bait and worms was producing some fair action on trout. Bass and bluegill are still all over the banks spawning, with the bass guarding fry right now. Lake is at 95-percent capacity.

FULLER LAKE-Lake was planted two weeks ago with few reports of any success available.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The roads are clear and lots of traffic was heading up for the holiday but no current reports were available. With the Forest Service going to a 7 day per week schedule for the summer season, reports will more readily available next week. The lake is at 97-percent capacity.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-The roads are open and trout action has been rumored to be good. Kokanee action should be good also. Watch out for a nice mackinaw if you are trolling for the kokes, they're famous for stealing hooked fish. Lake is at 97-percent capacity.

LAKE OROVILLE-Lake is at 65-percent capacity and the bass are still biting. Holiday traffic slowed the action over the weekend, but for those fishing early or late the bite has been good. Bass are hitting Roboworms, Senkos and live bait in all forks at 10 to 20 feet with 15 to 25 fish days very common. Bass are running up to 4 1/2 pounds. Catfish action is still picking up as the water warms, with Frank Rowen of Chico checking into Feather River Outfitters with 9- and 12 1/2-pound cats taken in the Middle Fork on anchovies in 30 to 40 feet of water. There has been no word lately on any coho action.

ROLLINS LAKE-This place was a zoo over the holiday weekend with heavy boating traffic. Fishing was slow except for the few who got out very early and trolled for trout or pounded the bank for bass. The lake is full.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE-Heavy boat traffic over the holiday weekend slowed down the bite. Some smallmouth, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds have been hitting for anglers getting out early to beat the boast traffic. Fishing derby started over the Memorial Day weekend and will run until June 19th. Biggest fish weighed in each week-any species- wins an annual pass worth $150.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-All facilities are open but the fishing has been slow because of the lack of DFG plants.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The Forest Service has announced that a new day use fee will be charged here, $6 to use the picnic area or the boat ramp. Some nice holdover fish have been coming in for trollers. Rumor has it that this lake will again receive DFG plants starting in June.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-Carmen Belcher caught 6 bass on tubes and buzzbaits along the north shore coves this past week, so the bite goes on.

NORTH COAST RIVERS

ROGUE RIVER "Surprisingly, a fairly decent surge of springers made a showing in the river this past week, allowing for some decent catches, even 3 early morning fish for one pair of anglers. Flows were clearing, so the fish were moving from their lanes in 4 to 6 feet of water to deeper channels. The peak of the run is supposed to be over, so things should be tapering off now, according to WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts.

RUSSIAN RIVER "Everything was looking great for a shad run here, especially after the last big storm, but it just didn't pan out-.no shad!!! The number of fish that came in was way low, and anglers are getting 2 or 3 fish an evening, maybe 5 max, according to Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport and Tackle. Smallmouth bass bite is good, and even a 20-inch largemouth for one angler. Shad run usually peaks Memorial Day.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen "The river was dropping and clearing back into shape, and a few fish were being caught off the anchor in the lower river on CV-7 spinners. Nothing red hot yet, but fishing should be rapidly improving by the week.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate "The salmon fly hatch has yet to begin, but trout fishing has been red hot anyway. In fact it's hard to imaging getting any better, with the very few anglers on the water catching two dozen trout and small steelhead or more an outing on just about everything--backtrolled Hot Shot,/worm combinations, plugs, drifted bait and flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City " Flows have dropped back to 2,000 cfs, and they should continue to drop. No reports of salmon yet, but the first ones should be showing at the Falls anytime now.

SIERRA LAKES & RIVERS

BOCA LAKE "The dam area has still been good for browns early in the morning, then it gets warm and the bite slows. Evening has a little bit of action, the a.m. is better. Throw small Rapalas, Panther Martins for the best success. Inlet has also been slow. Stay in the non-moving water, said Bryan Nylund of Mountain Hardware and Sports.

CAPLES LAKE "All the ice will be gone by the time you read this, and the lake is currently at 42 feet and expected to get to 57 feet, only 5 feet from full. Launching on the beach will be possible on the weekend, and rental boats will be available from Caples Lake Resort. Trout being planted on Friday by the DFG, then 9,000 pounds more in June, then even more.

CARSON RIVER, (East, West forks) "The East Fork is still way up and colored. It's tough fishing for those who don't work the edges. Anglers working the edges and side are doing fine, but you just can't fish the main flow. West fork is a little clearer and salmon eggs and 'crawlers are doing well.

DAVIS LAKE "Great trout bite but most of the fish are on the small side, and it takes a bunch of catch-and-release to wade through before you get a good limit, according to guide Rick Kennedy who fished the lake three days last week. Color was more important than the lure, and copper or copper and red were important. Trolling is far more productive than shore fishing, and while the island is good for numbers, bigger fish were found up near Eagle's Nest.

DONNER LAKE "Bankies are doing close to nothing here because the lake is on the "no plant" list, so it's not getting any rainbows. About the only game in town is for kokanee that are running big, 15 to 17 inches and down between 30 and 50 feet. Mackinaw are below them, down to 60 and 80 feet. No recent big fish, though.

GOLD LAKES BASIN "Roads are open and anglers are getting to all the lakes. It's been good fishing, but no details, as it varies from lake to lake and stream to stream. Plenty of good brookies up here in the small creeks, big Mackinaw in Gold Lake, and good overall action in Sardine and Packer lakes.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR "Still being effected by the full moon, according to Julie Seibert of the Ice House Resort, although some browns were caught off the bank. Trollers are just doing fair.

JACKSON MEADOWS "The road is now open and the launch ramp is usable, and some anglers are taking advantage of a great trout bite. Bryan Nylund at Mountain Hardware & Sports said the lake is full, and there's some nice limits of rainbows and browns coming out "fish 15 to 17 inches. Inflated nightcrawlers are good, or salmon eggs at the inlets, or troll minnow-imitating lures like Rapalas.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park) "Bass bite is doing real well. Big fish was a 5-pound largemouth caught by Aaron Davis of Pollock Pines on a rubber worm in the narrows, and his son, Clayton, caught a 3 1/2-pound smallmouth. Trout are supposed to be planted this week.

PROSSER LAKE "Pretty slow action here, only a "couple fish here and there," according to Bryan Nylund of Mountain Hardware and Sports. Prosser Creek arm is a good bet, since there's almost always some fish in that area. The smallmouth down by the dam are getting real active as the water warms.

PYRAMID LAKE "The spawn is over here and things have picked up, as the trout are active and hungry, according to Pyramid lake Store. Fly guys are doing well in evenings and mornings at Pelican Point and Warrrior. Boats are finding success almost anywhere trolling 20 to 40 feet with Tor-p-does, Apex or FlatiFish. The cutthroats are running 6 to 12 pounds.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR "Quick kokanee limits are available here at 30 to 35 feet, especially in Jay's Cove, according to guide Rick Kennedy of Tight Lines Guide Service who fished it last week. He said the macks and browns didn't show much activity, but that the kokanee of 12 to 14 inches came quick! Stocked this week,

TAHOE, LAKE "Mickey Daniels of Mickey's Big Mack Charters said fishing is pretty good. His clients caught "10 or 11 fish" on Sunday and lost 4 or 5. It's an early morning bite and starts shallow, then goes deeper, getting his bigger fish in shallower water early, before 6 a.m. 7 pounds was the biggest this past week.

TRUCKEE RIVER "Water is coming down and the temperature is going up. Fish the faster water. Stone flies and feather-tailed March browns are good still, or use PMD nymphs. For those using lures, it's a good time since the water temp is still cold and there can be big fish. Use a Needlefish or spinner, barbs bent down, and keep it in the fast water but stay near the bottom, according to Bryan Nylund of Mountain Valley Hardware and Sports. The regulation section is from Trout Creek to State Line, barbless only and the limit is 2 fish 15 inches or over, above Trout Creek is general regulations and a 5-fish limit.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR "They've opened the gate at Sunset Campgrounds at the eastern end of the lake finally, but no reports on the fishing yet.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER "Shad fishing was excellent all the way to Rossmoor Bar, and should be all the way up to Sailor Bar any day. Spin fishermen are swinging curlytail grubs in pink and chartreuse using enough weight to keep the jig close to the bottom. Dead-drifting the jig under a bobber is good too, and hangs up less. A few stripers were showing, but fishing continued to be poor. Fly fishers need fast sinking shooting heads to get their shad flies down deep enough. . .

FEATHER RIVER, Outlet/Low Flow Section "A few salmon were being caught at the Outlet on spinners as part of a Department of Water Resources study of salmon movement habits, but volunteers for that program are no longer needed, and anyone targeting salmon can be cited. And the occasional steelhead was still being caught in the Low Flow Section on nightcrawlers.

FEATHER RIVER, Yuba City " The river has come down and cleared, but it is still quite cold, and anglers have been finding fair, not great striped bass fishing in the still-cold water. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motorsports reports that the minnow bite below Shanghai Bend has returned, while the shad bite is "full on" since the storm. A very few larger stripers were reported from farther downriver. Shad fishing was pretty good below the rapids.

FOLSOM LAKE "Bass fishing continued to be good, but except for an early reaction bite, the best action continued to be on plastics. Carolina-rigged Robo-Worms in Aaron's Magic and morning dawn was one of the better methods for catching numbers. Fishing with swimbaits was slower, but gave a better chance of hooking a lunker.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento "The water dropped and cleared, and the striper bite turned back on for both bait fishermen and trollers. A 31 pounder was caught at Miller Park, and a nice sturgeon was caught by the I-Street Bridge. Shad fishing turned back on, too. All, in all, a pretty good fishing week.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa "The river cleared and dropped, but striper fishing continued to be somewhat slow. The best action was down by Grimes, on minnows. Move around!
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding "The river cleared but was still high, and boats were banned from going under the Cypress St. Bridge again. Trout fishing was excellent, especially on Glo-Bugs, and 20 to 30-fish days were common. Check flows at (530-246-7594).
YUBA RIVER "The river dropped but was still somewhat high. There wasn't the number of shad or striped bass to go up the river that folks had hoped when the Feather River was high, so fishing was slow.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE " Waters here warmed up and bass were acclimating and sluggish. With plenty of fishing pressure, bedding bass were in a defensive strike mode trying to protect their space. The deeper docks also produced fish with Senkos, drop-shot worms, and tubes. Based on water clarity, watermelon varieties were a good choice to start with. Watermelon candy is a good example. Catfish were targeted in the south end with cut baits and minnows, while a few spread out crappie down there were taking medium minnows and medium crappie jigs under a bobber.

LAKE BERRYESSA "Kokes up to 19 inches were netted from the river channel, where the water is colder and the fish are 40 to 58 feet down. A 3/0 Sep's chrome Starlight and 3/0 watermelon dodger pulling a Radical Glow Tube in red, chartreuse, and pink colors or Uncle Larry's spinners in a Red Tiger color caught early koke limits, a few trout and even a salmon. Bass were excepting topwater tackle such as 5-inch hollow belly swimbaits slowly rolled through the weeds on the east side of the main body. They were averaging 2 1/2 pound with a few larger ones going to 5 pounds.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR " If you have a small car top boat or a float tube, you can access the largemouth, smallmouth bass, as well as the catfish near the dam. No one is targeting kokes here this year, as the water level is very low.

LAKE PILLSBURY "Needlefish, Apex's, Kastmasters, and worms trolled in the top 20 feet found recently planted trout as well as a few larger holdover's. Bass are also in the shallows here; try some topwater tackle for them.

LAKE SONOMA " A good bass bite was found up in the arms on spooks and Senkos under trees. Back in the upper arms is where the better bass bite has been. No word on the land-locked steelies but you can bet that the "usual" Needlefish, Apex's, Kastmasters, and worms trolled in the top 20 feet found some by the dam.

UPPER BLUE LAKE "Trout fishing has been excellent with Power Baits, worms, and Kastmasters all good choices here. The three Big Bad 'Bow tagged trout are still in the system. Also in the news here, DFG will soon be able to stock here again as well since no red-legged frogs or hardhead minnows were found in recent DFG surveys.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY "Still no live anchovies available. Still the potluck boats persisted with some decent scores caught while the anglers on board used frozen anchovies on the Berkeley Flats to Alameda. Fish to 18 pounds caught on the Happy Hooker, which had over one around on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The New Easy Rider had a great day on Friday, finding 19 halibut for eight anglers and the Cal Dawn scored on Sunday with 8 anglers catching 24 halibut and two stripers.

BODEGA BAY " Very quiet still, with only shore action on surfperch and some shore rockfish action north of town. Rockfish season opens in June, and should bring some life back to the landing.

EMERYVILLE "Up and down scores on the potluck boats, which are using frozen anchovies to find up to two fish per rod. The bite was hot down in South Bay earlier in the week, off the Alameda Rockwall, then moved north as the tides slowed. Weekend scores fluctuated the most, but some highlights included a day on the Captain Hook that produced a real variety catch including 9 halibut, five striped bass and a 23-pound sturgeon.

EUREKA "Opening day of rockfish and lingcod fishing was a little bumpy, and most chose not to run down to Cape Mendocino, instead waiting for a calmer ocean, which happened on Sunday. That was a little too late to make this paper. A couple more 30-pound class Pacific halibut were caught straight out, but no other details were available.

FORT BRAGG "Bottomfishing opened for boaters on May 15, and while that day was a little bumpy, the ocean improved through the weekend, offering some opportunities on the local reefs. Top spot for Captain Jason Rosetto was up at Westport, where his anglers scored 3/4 limits on Friday, but the good news was the 15 lingcod to 16 pounds that put some weight in the sacks. "We had a good grade with lots of vermilion and copper rockfish," said Rosetto. Hot depth was between 70 and 80 feet. Saturday's trip also scored, with limits of rockfish and 12 lings.

HALF MOON BAY "Sherry Ingles of Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle reported the first bottomfishing trips of the year on the Queen Of Hearts, those trips heading south to the open waters below Pigeon Point. On Saturday, Captain Bob Ingles reported he had 25 anglers who caught 131 rockfish, two lingcod and two cabezon,

LOCH LOMOND "Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star reported the first three potluck trips of the year, sometimes called live bait potluck trips when there is live bait available. While his anglers did have a few live shiner perch available, they also used frozen anchovies to find halibut at Brooks Island, Southampton Shoals, and the Richmond Rockwall.

POINT SAN PABLO "Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported surprisingly good action on halibut while his anglers used frozen anchovies fishing Red Rock and Paradise on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's group of five anglers caught eight halibut to 10 pounds, while Sunday's six anglers caught 9 halibut to 8 pounds. He said part of the trick is using the standard live bait rig with a treble trailer to catch the short strikers.

SHELTER COVE "Weather was questionable on the bottomfishing opener on May 15, but the ocean was laying down fast through the weekend. Top bets are local spots at the Hat and up the coast towards Punta Gorda. No reports of any possible charter trips by deadline.

SUISUN BAY "Captain Kevin Yost on Lucky Strike Too reported some good sturgeon fishing with a couple of huge oversized fish, one measuring 89 inches, the other 72 inches.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR " Go for a "reaction bite" for trout, as there's no use competing with the hatches. Try Speedy Shiners or Rapalas in gold, red, and black colors. If you're under clear and bright skies, try a minicrawler on a No. 8 hook. The east and west shores are still the best areas to target rainbows, brown trout, and salmon. A better moon phase and cooler temperatures this coming week should determine how long the surface bite will hold. Practice catch and release in the shallows for pre-spawning smallies if you can. The topwater bite should be good here.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--This lake is now open for action! No reports yet but fish are hungry and waiting. PG&E plowed what remained of the snowdrifts so access to the dam and campground areas is available. Bait fishermen using worms and Power Bait should be able to pick up cruising fish. Lures will also work well in this lake so try some casting and work the shoreline. Fly fishermen should see some topwater action as the weather has warmed considerably. That being said, the season is young and wet flies should entice more fish this time of year. Try buggers, prince nymphs, copper Johns etc. The water is very high and fish are cruising the shallows.

BAUM LAKE "PMD's, caddis, callibaetis are on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen still preferred Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while nightcrawlers and Power Baits are the bait fishermen's choice. Lots of fish being caught, but no huge fish are showing currently.

BRITTON LAKE " Crappie bite is starting up and should really take off this week with the warm temperatures also on the rise. Smallies are spawning, so look for some good action from them too.

BUCKS LAKE "Anglers are targeting the Mackinaw here by starting on the east side of the Mill Creek channel behind Rainbow Point and trolling lures such as Pro-Troll Stingfish, and flies like a Tandem Trolling Fly from Arctic Fox in Kokanee color, with a healthy dose of Pro-Cure's Rainbow Trout Sauce. Largest one went to 17 pounds.

BURNEY CREEK " Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers but there have been no report from below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY " Fishing in the canal above Power House No. 1 is picking up. Eggs or worms have been working best but throwing a spinner or spoon should entice some nice rainbows as well. Most fish being take are in the 1- to 2-pound class. The action here seems best in the mornings for the bait fisherman. Fly fishing is picking up as the days have turned hot and hatches are starting to show. Nymphing has been productive but topwater action is also getting better. PMD's, callibaetis, and mahogany duns are producing.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA " Fishing reports have been good with PMD's, and caddis for dries, wooly buggers, and zugs for nymphs.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA "The riffles are best fished with pt's, birdsnest, and hare's ear. Some green drakes and salmon fly patterns are also picking up a few fish. Also look for PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis with the warmer temperatures.

UPPER HAT CREEK "Fishing pressure is still light and water depth and clarity have improved although the water is still running a little high and fast for the typical Memorial Day Weekend. Worms were the preferred bait this past week, but as is common for this stream, salmon eggs and Panther Martins or other flashy spinners still catch a lot of fish. Fish and Game typically plants two to three times for the holiday weekend with one large plant of huge brooder brookies or rainbows in the 3- to 6-pound class. With high water the fishing will be a little tough. Use more weight as needed to get your presentation deeper as most fish are near the bottom. Fly fishing on the upper creek is still slow this time of year but the bite is picking up. Last week stonefly nymphs were the way to go and should continue to entice fish for weeks to come. Mosquitoes are out so this may be a good bet for topwater action as well.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE "Fish early and late when the sun is off the water. Trolling and shore anglers are finding limits. Leaches are working well in front of the marina, by the island, as well as down across from the 10 mph sign. The hot setup right now for the trollers has been a Sep's flasher below a sliding sinker with about 2 feet of leader and a Cripplure or a Red Dog. Wedding rings and Needlefish have also been working quite well.

MANZANITA LAKE "This water is now open and fishable. Not too many reports as yet but nymphing with very small presentations in size 18 to 22 typically induces more strikes. Topwater action has still been slow but that could change anytime now. Work the drop offs near weed beds and pebble beaches or inlets and keep your fly selection smaller. This time of year prince nymphs as well as PMD's or callibaetis nymphs will pick up fish. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER " Fishing once again remained good with nymph fishermen doing best however, watch for some caddis or salmon flies on the river throughout the day and evenings.

LAKE SHASTA "The Pitt arm and Dry Creek were good areas for limits of trout. Mid-sized Rapalas in blue and UV Glow Hum Dingers trailing an Apex in watermelon color were trolled from the surface down to 25 feet. From the shallows out to 15 feet is where to look for bass. Throw dart-headed worms or try surface lures to start the day like Pop-R's. Then it's on to jerk baits, rip baits, and crankbaits after that.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR "The koke bite picked up a bit with the surface temperature up one degree warmer than last week to 57 degrees. Most of the fish were being caught on the south side of the 299 Bridge with a good number of schools starting to show there. Surface fish were toplined at 6 feet using the new Shasta Tackle PPK spinner hoochie in orange/white behind a UV Sling Blade. With the weather warming up the bite should get better as well.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER "The North Fork is high above the North Fork dam. Lots of people are visiting the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork below Hwy. 49. Anglers hiking down into the Middle Fork at Rocky Chuck are catching rainbows from 19 to 20 inches and browns running 22 to 23 inches. The browns are full of baby rainbows. The South Fork below Kyburz is high and cold; visitors should use extreme caution near the water. The flows in the South Fork below Chili Bar are controlled by the dam. Remember that the American River will not be planted by the DFG this season.

BULLARDS BAR "Water level is at 97-percent capacity. Lake is loaded with debris and boaters are having a very tough time navigating the lake. Consequently, fishing has been difficult for trollers because the debris is fouling the fishing gear and the motors. There are some big bass showing around the marina docks if boating is too much of a hassle. Shore anglers should have an easier time fishing for small bass and trout. The lake will be planted by the DFG this week.

CAMP FAR WEST "Bass fishing is still going strong with lots of fish coming in on worms and jigs. There should be pretty good reaction bite, too. Watch out for all the hot boats on the lake over the holiday weekend.

COLLINS LAKE "Water level is only 11 feet from full. Shore anglers are doing better earlier in the day before the temperature gets too warm, driving the fish into deeper water. The dam and swim area have been producing rainbows up to 7 1/2 pounds on Power Bait. Trollers have been using Rapalas, Kastmasters, Needlefish, Speedy Shiners, TripleTeasers, and nightcrawlers to pick up big stringers of rainbows from 5 to 8 1/4 pounds at 20 feet near the dam, the eastside, bay, and the power lines. Catfish up to 6 1/2 pounds are starting to show up more frequently for anglers using anchovies, chicken livers, and sardines. A few crappie are hitting for those targeting the tasty panfish with mini jigs and minnows. Two lucky anglers caught trout with $100 tags on them this past week and there are still a lot of tagged fish left in the lake.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR "Water is still murky from runoff and fishing has been a little slow. Trollers have been having a tough time, but bait drifters running up to the confluence of the rivers are catching some rainbows running 10 to 14 inches on worms and Power Bait. The majority of the bass have spawned and the males are still on the beds guarding the fry. Bluegill are starting to spawn and should provide lots of action for the kids on worms.

FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR "The Foresthill Ranger Station reports that the roads are open and that anglers are fishing the lake. The DFG is scheduling trout plants in the near future. Ranger Stations will be open 7 days per week starting Memorial Day weekend.

FULLER LAKE "The lake is accessible and was planted by the DFG last week. There were no current reports available, but since the lake is still being planted it will have good fishing compared to a number of the larger lakes in the area that aren't.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR "The Georgetown Ranger Station reports that the access roads are open and anglers have been visiting the lake. The DFG is scheduling plants in the near future.

LAKE OROVILLE "The big news here last week was the FLW Stren Series tournament which was won by local boy, Dave Rush of Palermo with 29 pounds 8 ounces for three days. The big fish for the event was 5 pounds 11 ounces. Bass action was very good with reports of 50 to 60 fish days on drop-shot worms, Senkos, and reaction baits. As with most lakes where spotted bass are predominant, limits were common and very close in weight with only 6 ounces separating the Top 3.

ROLLINS LAKE "The lake is full and all facilities are open daily at Long Ravine Campgrounds. Trollers are going deeper as the surface temp warms up, but trout action is only fair without any DFG plants. Some bass are already on a post-spawn pattern, so back off and slow down your presentation with worms and jigs. Catfish are starting to show up on anchovies, chicken livers, and hot dogs.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE "The lake is full and clear. Fishing for trout has been tough for most anglers most likely due to the lack of plants by the DFG. NID is planning on looking into private planting and pen-rearing programs for the future. Smallmouth bass are hitting white grubs along the shallows, and weigh up to 3 pounds. Some catfish up to 2 pounds are hitting worms, chicken livers, and hot dog chunks.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR "All access and facilities are open to anglers fishing the lake but the success rate is low due to the lack of plants by the DFG.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR "Access is open and there are reports of anglers doing fair for nice holdover trout trolling dodgers and worms across from the launch ramp.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY "When the water is up in the tules, the bass are up on the bank. Some guys from Paradise hit the lake this past Wednesday and caught a bunch of fish on Senkos and spinnerbaits. The bite is all about the water level which tends to fluctuate often with all the water releases.

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.

CHETCO RIVER-Big stuff coming down here on the salmon run, and local Oregon Fish and Wildlife officials are being made to look silly with some of their actions. "Many local anglers and calls from out-of-town anglers who are worried about the downward spinning numbers returning to the Chetco River. Local state ODFW officials say we might see 900 or fewer returning Chinook to the system," said WON Field Reporter Dave Pitts. Local ODFW is planning on closures and reduction of take. Concerned anglers should write to State Rep. Wayne Kreiger rep.waynekrieger@state.or.us.

ROGUE RIVER-A week of storms turned the river around completely, bringing up the flows, bringing down the temps and bringing in the kings. Anglers did well for a short term here at the end of the springer run, but it's not expected to last. Some good action did happen with the good conditions. River is dropping out and clearing now, and that will make the springer fishing more difficult with dwindling numbers expected in the run now.

RUSSIAN RIVER-Flows were still too high to fish, but not too high for the expected shad run, and with flows to 785 at Guerneville over the weekend, shad could have moved over the dams with ease. Jimmy Dean at Kings Sport & Tackle said he wouldn't be surprised to see shad all the way up to Healdsburg or farther. Keep holding on!!!

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-The river blew out last week, but was dropping and coming back into fishable shape. No one was out on the water though, as of Sunday. A few salmon were reported caught from around Orleans, located upstream of the mouth of the Trinity on the Klamath.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-The salmon fly hatch has yet to begin because of the changeable weather, but if the streak of warm, sunny days continues, trout should soon start keying on the hummingbird-sized insects-starting with the nymph stage. In the meantime, they are biting backtrolled Hot Shot/worm combinations, drifted bait, and flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City- Springtime flows are dropping but the magic number for being able to fish reasonably effectively is 2,000 cfs, a number which is expected to be reached next week. A fair number of salmon should have sneaked up the Trinity during the high flows, though, and fishing could be good when the river is fishable again.

NORTH SALTWATER

ALBION-Rockfish and lingcod season opens on May 15. Abalone season is open, and weather permitting, the local rocks and kelp are producing limits for nearly every diver trying.

BERKELEY-Halibut trolling trips suffered with big tides, but the boats using live bait had a better count, with a half fish around on the trips that used live shiner perch and frozen anchovies. Still no live bait at the receivers and no word on when the bait boats might be able to find anything other than pinheads.

BODEGA BAY- Redtail surfperch were the top bet on Doran Beach, with some black perch showing along the harbor breakwater. Sandcrabs were the top natural bait, but Berkley Gulp! sandworms and sandfleas worked well if you didn't want to catch your own.

CROCKETT- Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star wound up his sturgeon season with two productive trips, Friday's producing one keeper and Saturday's two keepers. "There was plenty of action, with rays and sharks, plus some striped bass and flounder caught," said Hough. He's starting halibut trips from the Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael now.

EMERYVILLE-The Tigerfish and New Huck Finn ran on Saturday with a combined 33 anglers for half a fish around, mostly halibut and a handful of striped bass. The boats are still trolling until live bait is available.

EUREKA-Anglers are organizing to address the MLPA as it heads north, and many local saltwater anglers were at a dinner meeting on Saturday. The ocean was rough all week until Sunday, then the ocean laid down and several boats headed out for Pacific halibut on Sunday, but no reports were available by deadline Sunday afternoon.

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar reported excellent crabbing and while he didn't have big loads, he was able to get the pots in the water to gauge the activity. Recent abalone diving trips produced some jumbos, including a 9.25 incher and a 9.75 incher. Both of those came south of the harbor near the Botanical Gardens. The crabbing was good off of Pudding Creek; on Saturday, he said about 60 percent were soft, but his crew still managed to put 35 good ones in the box.

HALF MOON BAY-Most of the boats cancelled trips due to wind and the forecast of more wind. Local beaches offered surfperch and surf smelt action, and some scattered striped bass catches.

LOCH LOMOND-Halibut trips are starting back up on the Morning Star, the first ones scheduled to run with frozen bait and live shiner perch, but a switch to live anchovies as soon as they are available.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY-Halibut counts were all over the place, with from one or two per boat to half a fish around. Top spots have been Paradise, Southampton and the Berkeley Flats. Still no live bait for sale in the bay.

SAN PABLO BAY-Still a prime bet for sturgeon, even though no one seems interested. On Friday there was only two boats fishing North Bay, and on Saturday, only one. Despite that, the action is high, with lots of bites, a few keeper sturgeon and

SHELTER COVE-Still no chance to head up the coast for Pacific halibut due to wind, although Sunday's ocean laid down, and conditions may have allowed for a window for the boats to head north early in the week. Captain Trent Slate on Bite Me out of Shelter Cove Sportfishing fished Sunday, but the wind came up right after he launched. He was able to get to his crab string, pulling four limits of Dungeness for his anglers. Rockfish season opens May 15.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE-Water level is coming up, but it's on the "no plant" list, so rainbows are in short supply and tough to come by. Some decent activity on holdovers and some browns where the Little Truckee comes in, but watch the "moving water", as that's under special regs. Some nice browns by the dam for those casting lures towards surface activity.

CAPLES LAKE-Set to open Memorial Weekend for lodging, store and marina. In the meantime, anglers are catching some trout and mackinaw out of open areas of ice thaw. Major trout plants are expected once the lake is ice free.

CARSON RIVER-- (East, West)-High and muddy, a little over 600 cfs at West Carson. On Saturday a few guys catching fish, but tough. Work the sides and eddies if you want to try it. East Carson is flowing at a very high1550 cfs. A few fish are being caught, but it's tough also. Stay out of the main channels and work eddies and sides. A lot to do with bait control, as there is a lot of food in the water.

DAVIS LAKE-No detailed reports available on Sunday except fishing for boat anglers has been "awesome", and fishing for shore anglers has been only fair, although Tom Lavoti caught a 2 1/2-pound rainbow off Eagle Point using rainbow Power Bait, according to Dollards Sierra Market in Portola.

DONNER LAKE-Slow action here for the rainbow anglers since there's no trout plants, but a few holdover fish available. More anglers are going for the good kokanee action, however, and there's also been some good Mackinaw fishing here. The Mack's are around 50 to 70 feet below the kokanee, which are now reaching 17 inches and fat, according to Bryan Nylund of Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee.

FRENCHMAN LAKE-Nobody is coming back into Wiggin's Trading Post and sharing their success, but it's been good, and there were two truck loads of trout dumped in this past week, also. Boat anglers have been doing better than shore anglers here, and some are doing well dropping a 'crawler to the bottom, picking it up a few cranks and drifting the boat. Level has come up a little after the rains.

GOLD LAKES BASIN-Just opening up here, and the road is now open all the way through from Bassett's Station to Greyeagle. Gold Lake is still 3/4's frozen, which means Sardine and Packer probably are, too, although reports are that many anglers are heading up there now. No detailed reports, but the fishing is usually great at ice out at all the lakes up here.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR-The full moon put the kibosh on fishing up here this past week, and reports were slim, according to Julie Siebert of Ice House Resort. Trollers were doing better than shore anglers, however. Trout were planted last week.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR-Fair fishing on Saturday for anglers out of float tubes who can get out in the deeper channel from the launch ramp to the dam, according to Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station. They're using woolly buggers and nymphs, mostly. "One guy caught four fish, the biggest a 4 1/2-pound rainbow. Shore anglers can't get out to the deeper water," he said.

JACKSON MEADOWS-Access here is still limited to snowmobiles only, but fishing has been reported as good, according to Brian Nylund of Mountain Hardware and Sports in Trukee. He said one snowmobiler took the trip and caught 8 very nice-sized trout using 'crawlers where Pass Creek enters the lake.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)-A whole lot of people at the lake over the weekend, but not a lot of success. Some rainbows and some bass being caught, but nothing big.

LAKE TAHOE-Good early morning bite starting out at 60 feet and going to 300 - 350 feet. Sling Blades and J Plugs are being used in the morning, and then Kok-a-Nut lures with downriggers later in the day. Tributaries not open for fishing until Memorial Day, but some poachers are working it-call the wardens if you see 'em fishing streams in the Tahoe Basin-they're not open yet!

LOON LAKE-Still closed, but one angler hoofed it to the lake and told Julie Seibert at Ice House Resort that he caught some nice brown trout.

PROSSER LAKE-Fishing is generally slow here for rainbows, since there are no trout being planted, but the smallmouth bass action near the dam and rocky areas has been good for those throwing Panther Martens and other smallie baits. Surprisingly, it's also been slow fishing at the north end where Prosser Creek flows in. Trout anglers do better in the deeper, middle part of the lake.

PYRAMID LAKE-Fishing hasn't been that good this week, as the warmer weather slowed it down and the fish are now deep. Crosby Lodge suggested going south and fishing deep. Shore anglers around the Blockhouse area are sinking lures deep and still "doing okay." No big fish reported.

RED LAKE-No reports from anglers here, although the ice is breaking up rapidly and the lake should be free of ice by this weekend with the warming temperatures.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR-Trout plants are still going on here, but most anglers are focusing on the good kokanee fishing, where limits are now common for fish that average 14 inches but go to 16 inches, and they're in great shape. Kokes are 20 to 30 feet down, and Mackinaw are under them, also providing good action. Browns are also being caught around the kokanee, but nearer the points. Launching is improving as the lake level comes up.

TOPAZ LAKE-Linda Fields at Topaz Landing reported that fishing has been good at deeper levels because of warming water, and the full moon has also slowed fishing a bit. Trout are running 14 to 18 inches and some over 2 pounds. Trollers are using flashers and a trailing nightcrawler or a Needlefish, and finding the trout a little deeper than the 12 to 15 fee of before.

TRUCKEE RIVER-Flows are starting to come down after big rains last week, and it's still a little high, but fishable. The General Fishing section from Truckee to Tahoe City is kicking out some nice rainbows and browns, as usual for this time of year. Float a 'crawler or salmon eggs for action. From below Trout Creek and downriver it's barbless only lures and flies. It's been good action. The top hatch has been March browns, and there's a few caddis and bluewing olives on cloudy days, but that's slowing down now. There's always stoneflies, said Brian Nylund of Mountain Hardware and Sports.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR-Still not accessible by the top road, but you can get there at the dam. DFG planted rainbows this past week, but no detailed reports on the fishing action.

WEST WALKER RIVER-There's lots of fish in the river but still not many anglers looking for them, and conditions are still a bit messed up. Flows are dropping and things are looking better, should be excellent, with plenty of trout soon.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-High elevation rain last week caused a big run-off and the whole system is blown out with the Forest Service patrolling to prevent anyone getting caught in heavy currents. Play it safe and wait a while before attempting a trip here.

BULLARDS BAR-Lake is 9 feet from full. Fishing has been slow for all species. A group of anglers came up for a private kokanee derby and only 6 fish were caught for 42 trollers. The kokanee were very small, only 8 inches, and caught near the dam.

CAMP FAR WEST-Bass fishing is still wide open for anglers on dart-headed worms in the Bear River arm for fish to 3 pounds. No word on any stripers or catfish recently.

COLLINS LAKE-Trout, trout, and more trout!! Lake will receive a double or triple plant from the DFG this week. Shore anglers are doing better than the trollers with lots of 5- to 6-pound rainbows filling stringers. Big fish for the week was a 7 1/2 pounder caught at the dam on Power Bait. Trollers are doing well under the power lines with Rapalas, Needlefish, and Kastmasters. No big bass reports recently but one angler caught some largemouth to 14 inches that were still full of eggs, so some fish are still in pre-spawn here.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-Lake is high and murky from all the runoff and fishing has slowed way down. A few scattered kokanee are showing for trout trollers using pink/white Needlefish. 10- to 12-inch rainbows are being caught trolling silver/blue Kastmasters from Boston Bar to Buck's Beach. Shore anglers or boaters drifting bait need to keep their bait 8 feet off the bottom to get above the weeds which are growing 6 feet high. Use a small float in addition to the Power Bait to keep the bait up out of the weeds, try a piece of a foam ear plug above the hook.

HELL HOLE RESERVOIR-Heavy high elevation rains melted the snow and opened the road. Anglers are hitting the lake but there are no reports on the fishing yet. Kokanee and mackinaw should be hitting for trollers.

LAKE OROVILLE-The bass bite is wide open with some anglers reporting 100-fish days. The FLW Stren Series Tournament will be in town all week putting a lot of pressure on the lake. The most sought after bait in town is a smoke/red flake Senko. The better fish being caught are running up to 7 pounds and hitting black buzzbaits and the Senko. Catfish action has kicked in, with houseboaters soaking cut mackerel for fish up to 14 pounds. No word lately on any coho action.

ROLLINS LAKE-Will Fish Tackle reports that trollers are picking up rainbows and browns on pink splatter Rocky Mountain hoochies behind copper/pink Sep's dodgers at 20 feet. Fish are averaging 12 to 14 inches with a few to 16 inches. Some kids were casting Mepp's and Rooster Tail spinners in the Long Ravine marina and catching browns, 15 to 18 inches. Keeper bass are hitting drop-shot green Senkos. It took over 11 pounds to win a recent tournament with a 2 1/2-pound big fish. NID and the Union newspaper are sponsoring a weekly big fish derby at Rollins and Scott's Flat from May 22 to June 19. The weekly angler with the biggest fish will win a season pass to the lake, there is no entry fee.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE-Smallmouth bass are on a wide open bite for anglers throwing plastic worms and crawdads in browns and greens. An angler from Reno caught over 30 fish one day last week. Fish are concentrated on the banks with large rock and tree stumps. Lots of catfish are starting to show up for anglers using worms and hot dogs for bait.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Lake is open but fishing is reported to be slow with no plants from the DFG this year. Limits will be tough to get but the holdover trout will be bigger.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Trollers are having limited success on trout with dodger/threaded worm combos at 30 feet in 40 to 50 feet of water across from the launch ramp. Limits are hard to come by but the fish are bigger than usual, running 14 to 16 inches. With no plants this year from the DFG, holdover trout are all that's available.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-A drop in the water level pulled the bass off the bank and shut down the hot bite of last week. Water will have to get back up into the tules for the bite to pick back up.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Shad have arrived in good numbers in the lower end of the river from Grist Mill on down and should be all the way to Sailor Bar within days. Flows have dropped to 3,000 cfs, so fly fishermen should be able to get to them with fast sinking shooting heads. Spin fishermen are swinging curlytail grubs in pink and chartreuse using enough weight to keep the jig close to the bottom, or are dead drifting the jig under a bobber. Stripers remained elusive, however. They are likely in the river, and it should only take the water to warm up a few degrees to turn on the bite.

FEATHER RIVER, Outlet/Low Flow Section-Some salmon are being caught at the Outlet on spinners as part of a Department of Water Resources study of salmon movement habits. This is strictly catch-and-release fishing, and anglers must sign up with on-site. A few steelhead were still being caught in the Low Flow Section, mostly on nightcrawlers, and there were even a few striped bass showing up at the Outlet as a result of the high water enabling them to get past Shanghai Rapids.

FEATHER RIVER, Yuba City-The river went up, way up, early last week due to flows of up to 20,000 cfs in the Yuba River. Flows have dropped and the river is clearing, but fishing in the lower end of the river above the mouth, has slowed considerably since the storm. Some stripers were being caught around Boyd's Pump on bait, including a few weighing up to 20 pounds, but most of the action lately has been on bait. That should change as the river continues to drop and clear. Shad fishing went from pretty good to poor with the high, muddy water.

FOLSOM LAKE-Bass don't seem to have moved away from flooded brush and trees, but anglers have to go much deeper now to get to them as a result of the lake level going up more than 10 feet in a little over a week. More bass are going into their post-spawn feeding mode, and small pond smelt are a favorite target. So, try ripbaits over the flooded vegetation early in the day, then go to slowly worked, Carolina-rigged Robo-Worms in Aaron's Magic and Morning Dawn later on. A few nice landlocked king salmon were caught on the main body on hoochies tipped with a chunk of anchovy behind a dodger. Troll between 30 and 40 feet deep, and don't expect more than a bite or two. But they're nice fish.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-The water is still high and off-color from the last storm, but it is dropping, and anglers have been out in force at various Sacramento locations like Miller Park, I-Street Bridge, Btyte Beach and the mouth of the American River. Fishing for schoolie-sized stripers has been pretty good, but almost all of the action has been on bait like sardines, bloodworms, and pileworms. Shad have pretty much disappeared, drawn up into tributaries, no doubt, by the high flows.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa-The river was clearing and dropping, although still somewhat off-color, and anglers were finding some decent-not great-striper fishing, mostly on minnows. Plastic worms and trolling were also scoring a few. Shad pretty much disappeared in the high flows, but some nice sturgeon found the high, murky conditions to their liking.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-The river blew out for a few days, but is clearing and back in fishable condition. Fishing success has been up and down like the river, but the trout bite should turn on again, with what appears to be some steady, nice weather conditions. Flows are dropping below 7,000 cfs, so boats should be able to get past the Cypress St. Bridge again. But before trying it, make sure to check updated stream flows as they frequently change (530-246-7594). Even then, do not try it unless you a quite experienced boater.
YUBA RIVER- Forget it for a little longer. It's no longer at a near-flood level of 20,000 cfs, which it reached for a short time last week, but it's still high and off-color. When it drops back into shape, it should offer some good trout fishing, even some stripers which managed to get over Shanghai Rapids in the high water.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE- Look for a good week of weather to really kick off the bass bite here this next week. The weather improvement late last week helped the bite with water temperatures edging back up into the upper 60s and with the full moon, a new batch of bass moved into the shallows around the lake. Anglers on the front edge of the bite should start throwing wake baits. Work baits like MS Slammers and AC Plugs during early and late light conditions which offer the prime window. Wake Bait Jr.'s can bring some good action and a good fish to start or end a day.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Kokanee are starting to dive deeper as the weather gets warmer. Try starting out at 35 feet and work your way down 48 or 52 feet deep. A 3/0 Sep's dodger in chrome and gold starlight or a watermelon colored one with Uncle Larry's spinners, Rocky Mountain Tackle spinners, Radical Glow Tubes or gold star hoochies produced fish up to 16 inches. Pro-cure gel on hardware and oils on the corn are a must as the water is a little warmer in the mornings now (63 degrees) and warming to 65 or 66 degrees in the afternoon. Smallmouth bass are already post spawn and the Senko bite has also been hot here.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR- If you have a small cartop boat or a float tube, you'll find fish, and solitude here as largemouth, smallmouth bass, as well as catfish action is still near the dam.

LAKE PILLSBURY-The trout are in the top 20 feet and hitting on Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters and worms. Bass are also in the shallows here.

LAKE SONOMA- A good bass bite was found up in the arms on spooks and Senkos over trees.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-Planted for the first time in months, it didn't take trout anglers long to return. Power Baits, worms, and Kastmasters are good choices here. Three of the largest trout were tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive the $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Trout will be off pond smelt now and onto blood midges, leeches, and snails in the top 12 feet. They will also continue to be scattered, as they are hunting down the midges and other insects. Try Speedy Shiners or Rapalas in gold, red, and black colors. If you're under clear and bright skies, try a mini-crawler on a No. 8 hook. The east and west shores are still the best areas to target rainbows, brown trout, and salmon.
BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--No reports that the road to this lake is yet open. Typically one can access Battle Creek Reservoir between the middle of May and Memorial Day.
BAUM LAKE- PMD's, caddis, and callibaetis are on the water, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen still prefer Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while nightcrawlers and Power Bait are the bait fishermen's choice.

BRITTON LAKE-Crappie should be back up with the warmer weather. No current report on how bass fishermen are doing though.

BUCKS LAKE-Now accessible, anglers are targeting the Macks here by working the area near Rainbow Point. A Stingfish from Pro-Troll set at a variety of depths between 25 and 35 feet produced fish to 16 pounds last week.

BURNEY CREEK-Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. No report from below the falls.
CASSEL FOREBAY-Fishing in the canal above the Power House remains good. Pressure is still moderate and eggs or worms have been working best. Most fish are in the 1- to 2-pound class with an occasional fish in the 3-plus-pound class. With warmer days this water should only get better. Fly fishing has improved as the days have been warmer and producing more hatches. Nymphing has been the most productive. PMD's, callibaetis, and blue wing olive nymphs all producing. The topwater bite should pick up dramatically in the coming weeks.
FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-Reports indicate fair hatches, but best luck by nymphs, try a wiggle-tail zug.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA- Hatches have picked up in the "flats." Look for caddis, PMD's, and callibaetis. Best bet for nymphs are hare's ear and birds nest.
UPPER HAT CREEK-- Worms were the preferred bait this past week but salmon eggs and Panther Martins or other flashy spinners still catch fish. With light fishing pressure the fishing should remain good. Water levels are higher due to spring runoff; use more weight as needed to get your presentation deeper as most fish are near the bottom of the water column. Fly fishing on the upper creek is still slow this time of year but nymphs and crystal buggers should still produce. Add weight to get deeper if needed.
IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE-Fishing before the sun hits the water was key here and the flow is pretty steady which makes trolling great. Trollers and shore limits are being met. Leaches are working well in front of the marina by the island as well as down across from the 10 mph sign. The hot set up right now for the trolling guys is to use a Sep's flasher below a sliding sinker with about 2 feet of leader and a Cripplure or a Red Dog. Wedding rings and Needlefish have also been working quite well.
MANZANITA LAKE- This water is now open and fishable. Not too many reports as yet but nymphing with very small presentations in sizes 18-22 typically induces more strikes. Work the drop offs near weed beds and pebble beaches or inlets. With warmer days, the topwater action could start up at any time. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.
PIT RIVER- Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger. Caddis and PMD's are showing in the afternoons and early evening.

LAKE SHASTA-The Pitt arm, McCloud and by the dam were good areas to start for trout. From the shallows out to 15 feet is where to look for bass. Throw dart-headed worms or try surface lures to start the day like Pop-R's. Then it's on to jerk baits, rip baits, and crankbaits after that.

LAKE SISKIYOU-Recently planted trout were found trolling a gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer in an "S" pattern.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR- The water is still cold here and kokes have not schooled up yet. Last year at this time it was 66 degrees, this year it is still only 56 degrees and there is no plankton in there yet either.

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-Another terrible year of spring salmon runs here, with nothing worth going after unless you live here and have nothing better to do. Only 3 or 4 fish per 30 or 40 boats-you figure out the odds. Sure, there's better days, but not many, and there's many zero days end-to-end, said Dave Pitts, WON's Field Reporter. We'll try to get a handle on the dilemma up here and report on it.

RUSSIAN RIVER-The past week has been the best for shad so far this season, averaging maybe 3 to 5 fish an angler, but "that ain't nothing" compared to what should happen now after the rain! Nick Wheeler at Kings Sport & Tackle in Guerneville said flows went up to 700 cfs and are expected to 1000 cfs, which will bring the shad in big time in the next two weeks! Hang on!

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER, Klamath Glen-The first hook and line caught spring run Chinook salmon were reported caught in the lower end of the river last week. Water conditions were "perfect" even with the rain that put some green color into the water. CV-7 spinners in brass and two-tone green and chartreuse were the most productive lures.

KLAMATH RIVER, Iron Gate-The river below Iron Gate Dam was in great shape and continued to produce small steelhead and native rainbows last week to mostly the few locals bothering to fish. Backtrolled Hot Shot/worm combinations, drifted bait and flies.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City- Springtime flows maxed out at 4,500 cfs maxed out last week and are starting a slow decline. The magic number of around 2,000 cfs where the river becomes somewhat fishable will occur beginning of June. There should be nice numbers of spring run Chinook in the river by then. Be careful out there.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Steelhead were reported being caught in Nimbus Basin and shad up to Paradise Beach. However, striper fishing remained slow, apparently due to the cold water. Fly fishermen have been dead-drifting small caddis-like nymphs like hares' ears around Sailor Bar, while spin and conventional fishermen have been throwing hardware and drifting nightcrawlers.

FEATHER RIVER- Striper fishing came back to life in the higher flows with some dandies weighing over 30 pounds being caught from Shanghai Bend to the Bear River. Shad were concentrated at Shanghai Bend, and steelhead, mostly small ones to 18 inches plus a few fish to 5 pounds, were being caught in the Low Flow Section.

FOLSOM LAKE-There were lots of flooded trees and brush to fish in the high water, but most of the fish, the biters anyway, seemed to be in a bit deeper water and taking dartheaded and Carolina-rigged plastic worms. Crawdads and jumbo minnows were working for bait fishermen, too. Some trout were being caught, mostly on the main body on Needlefish, Ex-Cels and Rapalas from 15 to 30 feet deep.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-The best striper action seemed to be downriver of Sacramento last week, from Clarksburg to Rio Vista. Fishing seemed to be somewhat slow around Sacramento proper. It's all gonna change with the high water from the recent storms, and more fish should move upriver. Bryte Beach was one of the better spots. Shad fishing was good at the mouths of the American and Feather rivers-at least until the river went higher. Those fish are likely moving up into tributaries like the American and Feather, but new schools should show up as the river drops back and clears once again.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Colusa-Striped bass had finally moved up to Colusa in decent numbers, and anglers were catching them from Grimes to Colusa on jumbo minnows and plastic worms. Anglers were working relatively hard for their fish, however. Big streamers were working, too, at least until the river rose. Anglers were hopeful that the high water will bring a fresh school of fish to replace the spawners which have begun to go back downriver. Most anglers have been concentrating on stripers, but fishing for sturgeon remained quite good, especially above Colusa.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Guide J.D. Richey reported excellent trout fishing around Redding. Flows were high and visibility limited, but he said that it was possible to catch 30 fish a day side-drifting Glo-Bugs. These have been big trout, too, most 2 to 3 pounds, and quite a few to 4 pounds. However, the Cypress St. Bridge is closed to passage of boat above 7,000 cfs. Jetboaters have been fishing above the bridge and running back upriver, while fly fishermen have been launching their driftboats below the bridge. Richey said that the technique to use in the big water is to "poke around in the soft edges." He also said that a lot of caddis were hatching, so any "brown-nymphy-caddisy-looking thing" ought to work for fly fishermen.
UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER-Fishing has been good for anglers able to work pockets and soft edges in the high flows with enough weight. The fish have been nice quality, up to 22 inches.
YUBA RIVER- The higher flows in the Feather have allowed shad to get above the rapids at Shanghai Bend, but there haven't been many anglers trying for them yet. A very few trout were being taken by good anglers, mostly on nymphs.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-Rain and snow over 7500 feet that was forecast over the weekend through the first part of the week and should increase flows in all forks. Sections below the dams at North Fork Lake and Chili Bar will have controlled flows. No DFG stocking is going to make this whole system a disappointing choice for anglers used to high numbers of fish sustained by the usual planting program.

BULLARDS BAR-Lake is at 85-percent capacity. One angler reported having a 30 fish day on spotted bass up to 2 pounds using brown gitzits. Another report came in about a 19-inch trout caught up where the river comes into the lake. Kokanee trollers have been going out recently but no kokes have been found.

CAMP FAR WEST-Lake is still full and bass action is very good especially up in the Rock Creek arm. Bass should be all over the banks in various stages of spawning. No word recently on any stripers or catfish.

COLLINS LAKE-Lake level is expected to rise a little from all the rain of this past weekend and early part of this week. Lake received one private plant and the last two pens of trout were released. The pen-reared fish were running 3 to 5 pounds. With all these plants, the trout fishing is great for both trollers and shore anglers. Shore fishermen are doing best on Power Bait at the dam, swim beach and near the marina. A 7 pounder came in this past week from the dam on chartreuse Power Bait.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-Lake is at 88-percent capacity. A houseboat group trolled the lake this past weekend and caught rainbows, browns and kokanee. Lots of rain earlier this week, 3 to 4 inches, but the lake is still clear. Bass are still cruising the banks.

LAKE OROVILLE-Lake came up 1 1/2 feet this past weekend with all the rain. The rain was all the way up to 8000 feet, which should trigger some substantial run-off that will help fill the lake.
Bass fishing is still good, but some of the fish have finished spawning and are starting to move back out to the points. Keith Hurner caught 8 bass to 4 pounds in the Middle Fork in 5 to 10 feet of water on pumpkin pepper jigs, and Chuck Leman flipped root beer/red-gold flake Senkos into brush in the backs of North Fork coves for 10 bass to 4 1/2 pounds. No reports of any coho, but Feather River Outfitters is still selling minnows and anchovies, so anglers are fishing for them and just not talking

ROLLINS LAKE-Lots of rain in the area over the past weekend slowed down the fishing, but a private company bass tournament held this past week reported a good bite before the rain settled in at Long Ravine Campgrounds.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE-Fishing is good for trout and bass. A 10 1/2-pound brown trout was caught by Shawn Bottomley of Nevada City while trolling a Rapala along the Cascade shores area. There was also a report of a 32-inch fish caught off the dam recently, but we will try to get a confirmation on that fish as information becomes available. The guy who caught it said we wasn't sure what kind of fish it was, sounds 'fishy' to me.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Lots of rain in the mountains this past week slowed down any activity here. Roads are open to the lake but with no plants, action will be hit-or-miss.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Lots of rain here over the last week. Roads are open and there is a chance at some holdover rainbows, a few browns and the catfish.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-Boaters and shore waders concentrating on the tule banks in the backs of the coves are finding lots of big fish, 4 to 7 pounds. Brown jigs and 10-inch red crawdad worms are producing. Joe Landers of Gridley picked up a 7 pounder on the brown jig and John Lackey from Feather River Outfitters got a 5 1/2 on the big worm. Some five-fish limits are running 21 to 23 pounds, which would be nice to have in a tournament. Remember to practice catch-and-release on the spawners.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker reported about one around, his trips focusing on striped bass and halibut, and he may be the only boat using live bait. He's getting live shiner perch for his customers to use. Chris Kane of Outcast Sportfishing reported good trolling action on halibut around K Buoy in the Berkeley Flats area of main bay. His top bite is on chartreuse hoochies behind a diamond flasher. While he's commercial fishing now, he's preparing to offer charter trips soon.

CROCKETT- Captain Gordon Hough on the Morning Star said since live bait was still not available for his weekend charters, all his customers chose against opting for sturgeon. "Between that and the weather forecast, they all cancelled," said Hough. He's moving the Morning Star to Loch Lomond this week.

BODEGA BAY- Still ho-hum, although local California halibut fishing should be picking up. Surfperch and shore fishing for rockfish are also possibilities, and abalone diving and rockpicking conditions were excellent earlier in the week, with minus tides and calm seas drawing many to the coast.

BROOKINGS, OR- WON field reporter Dave Pitts reported excellent bottomfishing before the recent bout of weather fronts, with flat calm seas preceding the storm. The school fish were on the bite, with many anglers reporting wide open action on blue and black rockfish. The fish were "everywhere," but anglers pinpointed the action by watching for bird/bait activity. "I've never seen that much bird action in my life," said Pitts.

EMERYVILLE-The boats found increasingly better halibut and striped bass action going through the weekend, with about a half fish to one around on Saturday's trips. On Sunday, the New Huck Finn reported over one around in the afternoon, and the bite had just started going for them. The stripers were on the bite, with 15 bass boxed for the 20 anglers on board.

EUREKA-Big seas returned about halfway through opening day of Pacific Halibut season, but there were a couple lucky anglers who scored halibut. One was a 50 pounder taken in 250 feet of water northwest of Humboldt Bay, the other 35 pounds and no details on the catch. Earlier in the week, some minus tides allowed great conditions for razor clamming, and Ben Williams at the Pro Sport Center reported he had an easy limit of jumbos, most about 6 inches.

FORT BRAGG-While Pacific halibut season opened on May 1, no anglers reported trips. Captain Randy Thornton on the Telstar took some recreational trips for abalone, he and friends finding limits. Dive conditions were great early and mid-week, but on Friday afternoon the swell picked up. Minus tides early in the week made for great rock picking for abalone.

HALF MOON BAY-The charter boats fished south of Pigeon Point, finding the first rockfish and lingcod of the season. While the action wasn't wide open, a slow but steady pick allowed diligent anglers to score limits of rockfish, plus some greenling, cabezon and lingcod. Big fish on the Queen Of Hearts were single digit lingcod, with a mix of red and black rockfish making up the catch.

SHELTER COVE-A few boats braved the forecast for building southerlies and ran up to Punta Gorda seeking Pacific halibut on the May 1 opener, but not only was fishing tough, but the ride home very difficult.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE--Some action reported at the dam, but erratic weather conditions have either washed out or blown out much of the rainbow action, along with the few browns, that had been happening a week or so earlier.

CAPLES LAKE--Lots of open water now and anglers have been fishing at the dam and the outlet. John Voss at Caples Lake Resort said there is also big open water at the Woods Creek inlet. Lake level rising and a Memorial Day weekend opening is planned for store, lodging and boat rentals.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Stream flows are rising rapidly and water is becoming murky as well. Todd Sodaro said bait fishermen are still getting fish. He said Michael Elledge from Stockton got a nice 6.9-pound rainbow on the West Carson using salmon eggs. Eggs also worked for 8-year-old Andrew Gully from west Sacramento, who caught 3 'bows on the East Carson, 12 to 14 inches. A 5 pounder and a 2 pounder were caught by Paige and Will Guzuy, who were fishing with Power Bait. River conditions can be expected to deteriorate further as warm weather and the rains accelerate runoff from the snowpack.

DAVIS LAKE--Fly fishing has dropped off sharply since spawning is over for the rainbows, but trolling has picked up significantly, with fish running up to 20 inches. Getting out of the wind has been key. Although results have generally been spotty, bank fishers' best bets have been Fairview Point and Mallard Cove, using rainbow Power Bait and pink Gulp.

DONNER LAKE--Kokanee and Mackinaw action has definitely kicked up a notch, when anglers can get a weather break. Rain and wind has limited anglers' ability to get on the lake at times, and made trolling difficult on many occasions when they are able to get on the water. Once weather settles down, hot action should follow.

FRENCHMAN LAKE--Limits of rainbows have been reported by anglers using nightcrawlers and marshmallows. Trollers have had some success working various areas around the lake, but the action has been only fair. Like most lakes in the Sierra, nasty weather at Frenchman has definitely had a negative impact on fishing.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Fishing tough right now, with windy weather conditions at times. Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords said very few fishermen have been out much of the time. He said putting a little more weight on to get out farther can help reach the fish.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Rains kept many anglers off the water much of this past week, but it can pay to brave the bad weather. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said Pollock Pines fisherman Mark Presley trolled the lake in the middle of a rain squall and caught a nice 7-pound, 28-inch Mackinaw. The big mack hit a Rapala that Presley was pulling at about 200 feet deep.

PROSSER LAKE--On-and-off rains pretty well discouraged many anglers that might have fished here. Some smallmouth action that was starting to get underway has been slowed quite a bit.

PYRAMID LAKE--Windy conditions at times have been keeping people off the lake, and cutthroat have been cruising the shore, then going right back out to deeper water again. George Molino, with Cutthroat Charters in Sutcliffe, said fishing has been good at times, but water temperatures are still too cold for this time of year. He said when the weather straightens out there's a lot of good fishing ahead.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Mackinaw and kokanee fishing both producing well when weather permits. AC Plugs have been working for the macks, and pink or purple bugs will get the kokes. Rains have added to muddy conditions around the lake and high winds have been rough on trollers at times. Once weather conditions stabilize, anglers can expect the action to really turn on again.

LAKE TAHOE--Anglers here have been playing pretty much a wait-and-see game, trying to get on the lake between wind and rainstorms that have hit the lake in a steady stream. Having to cancel charters due to bad weather has been an all too frequent task for Tahoe fishing guides. When breaks in the weather permit, Mackinaw action has been pretty good generally, and even better in shallow near-shore areas. Shallow waters have been producing Mackinaw and rainbows, better in both number and quality.

TOPAZ LAKE--Wind has been a problem for fishermen at times, but some have found it worthwhile to brave the rough weather. Linda Fields at Topaz Landing Marina said a group of 67 fishermen, the Art's Foods group from Modesto, put boats on the lake despite windy conditions and all did very well. They were trolling nightcrawlers, Needlefish and Rapalas. Many stringers weighed 6-plus pounds, Fields said.

TRUCKEE RIVER--Fishing pretty well before, but blown out as runoff from melting snowpack increases river flows.

WEST WALKER RIVER--Lots of fish, but few anglers. Sam Foster at the Toiyabe Motel in Walker said crazy weather has been keeping much of the normal fishing pressure way down. He said the pre-season plant of Alpers trout are still out there waiting. He's checked in a couple 2 pounders, but that's it. River flows have been going up and down, from as low as 350 cfs, up as high as 800 cfs, then back down again.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-If anglers found an area with clearer water and some bedding activity, they also found some good action sightfishing for bass. Senkos and frogs have been two of the more productive ways to get fish although the recent weather has really brought the frog bite down. It will come back though with warming temperatures. Bass averaged 3 pounds. Experimenting with artificials found a few bass on crankbaits, chatterbaits, smaller swimbaits, and a few plastics all produced a few fish. A consistent number of larger crappie ranging from 1 to 3 1/2 pounds were found on the south end by free drifting small crappie minnows and jigs under or near docks in 6 to 14 feet of water.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Biggest news was a 19 1/4-inch koke caught by the Big Island on a chrome starlight 3/0 dodger with a red Radical Glow Tube 30 to 42 feet down. This has been a great season so far, look for the bite to only get better. Smallmouth bass are already post spawn and the Senko bite has also been hot here.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR- If you have a small car-top boat or a float tube, you'll find fish and solitude here as largemouth, smallmouth bass, as well as catfish action is still near the dam.

LAKE PILLSBURY-With the lake 85% full and the boat ramp at Fuller Grove open, it's a wonder why so many drive right past this lake. The trout are in the top 20 feet and hitting Needlefish, an Apex, Kastmasters and worms. Bass are also in the shallows here.

LAKE SONOMA-The bass bite is still excellent up in the creek arms. Some huge bass are being caught right now.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-Planted last week, it didn't take trout anglers long to return. The first trout caught weighed 7 1/2 pounds. Power Baits, worms, and Kastmasters are good choices here. Three of the largest trout will be tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive the $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-The bite slowed due to rains, but the trout and salmon bite will pick right back up as hatches were going off everywhere in the shallows. Brown trout were taken on black/silver Rapalas on both the east and west shores in the shallows around 7 or 8 feet. Salmon were taken on a variety of things rigged behind plain silver dodgers. Small lures resembling pond smelt, mini-crawlers and trolling flies all got their attention. Keep some flies like small woolly buggers in a No. 10 around for when the hatches are going off.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--The lake is still unreachable due to high snowdrifts in places. It is still unknown when PG&E will plow through to the dam area.

BAUM LAKE-BWO's are on the water now, with pheasant tails doing best for nymph fishermen. Lure fishermen are still holding onto Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while nightcrawlers and Power Bait are fishermen's choice.

BRITTON LAKE- Crappie went back down, as this past week's rains definitely affected them. A few brave souls are catching a few smallies, but they, too, slowed with the weather.

BURNEY CREEK- Above the falls has been quite productive with lures and nightcrawlers. No report from below the falls.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Fishing in the canal above the Power House remained good and eggs, worms, and Power Bait are all producing. Pressure here should remain light as well until the warmer days of summer approach around Memorial Day. Fly fishing was moderate with blue wing olives and dun patterns in both nymph and dry picking up fish. The bite should pick up dramatically as the weather warms.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-No reports from guides or anglers yet. Check regulations for this special area.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA-Slow here with a few BWO's, but mostly nymphing with birdsnest or gold-ribbed hare's ear, but catching is very slow.

UPPER HAT CREEK--Fish and Game will plant twice a week so fishing should be excellent. Light fishing pressure should be the norm until Memorial Day weekend, so now is the time to beat the crowds. Panther Martins, worms and salmon eggs are still the best bet to catch the most fish. With light fishing pressure the fishing should remain good. Fly fishing on the upper creek is slower this time of year but nymphs and crystal buggers should still produce.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE-Up by the dam has been good for anglers using threaded worms and Power Bait. Those out trolling found limits with Needlefish and Cripplures. Down in the channel was where some of the larger native trout were caught and released using a vampire Rapala. In the larger part of the lake the kokes were biting orange and rainbow colored Power Bait. In front of the marina is the spot for the fly fishermen using black leaches and black midges as well as by Frog Rock.

MANZANITA LAKE-The lake is now open and fishable. Fishing is still slow but should pick up quickly with warming temperatures. This lake saw very light fishing this past week but some nice rainbows were brought to net using beadhead olive or brass ribbed midges in sizes No. 20 or 22 fished slowly. With warmer days the brown trout should start seeking the shallows for bait and fishing should pick up. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER-Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger.

LAKE SHASTA-Trout and salmon trolling produced brown trout to almost 6 pounds and salmon weighing about 4 pounds. Rainbow trout averaged 2 1/2 pounds. The Pitt arm, McCloud and by the dam are good areas to start. Bass are still in pre-spawn patterns but are in shallow excepting crankbait patterns in all white with purple highlights.

LAKE SISKIYOU-Recently planted trout were found trolling a gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer in an "S" pattern.

WHISKEYTOWN RESERVOIR-The trout patrol started back here this past week but with trout and kokes still scattered, few where found. Give this lake another week or so to warm up a bit.

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-"The Rogue is dead, and has been for more than a week now," said David Pitts, WON's Field Reporter who lives near the river. "High winds are killing it, and even boats using two anchors and drift socks are still getting hammered." To catch spring kings, boats need to anchor in a specific "travel lane" to catch fish.

RUSSIAN RIVER-The first of the spring shad showed up on Friday and Saturday evenings, with "2 or 3" fish for anglers trying below Johnson's and down at Guernewood and Monte Rio. River is in perfect shape, and the mouth is open, so barring anything unforeseen, the shad run should build from here and be very good within a few weeks. Only 1,100 steelies made it to both hatcheries this year, down from 6,500 last year. Dismal!!!

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER--Fishing the upper end of the Klamath the first few miles below Iron Gate Dam continued to be very good, even though there were very few anglers other than locals on the water. Hot Shot/worm combinations, drifting bait, and swinging flies or dead-drifting nymphs under indicators all were effective.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City-Releases to the river at Lewiston will peak at 4,500 cfs by the beginning of May, pretty much putting fishing out of business until flows start dropping back and reach 2,000 cfs the beginning of June, making the first spring run Chinook salmon available to fishermen. The river demands caution at any level, but it is particularly hazardous at these high springtime flows.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-Even though flows have been increased once again, to 4,500 cfs, this has not seemed to have encouraged many striped bass to enter the American River, judging by the lack of success by anglers. A bright spot, though discovered only by a few, is a fresh run of small steelhead which have been providing good fishing for a few anglers dead-drifting small caddis-like nymphs like hares' ears around Sailor Bar. The higher flows make for tougher fishing conditions, but are ideal for hardware throwers and bait drifters.

FEATHER RIVER- Striper fishing slowed in the lower reaches of the river, but some nice fish, a few to over 20 pounds, were caught from the Bear River to Shanghai Bend. Some shad have started showing up, too, even though it seems to be somewhat early. With flows below the Outlet at 3,500 cfs, shad will be able to go up the Yuba River.
FOLSOM LAKE- Bass fishermen were still finding success on the beds around flooded brush and trees, but fishing plastics in depths to 15 feet was a more reliable method given the heavy fishing pressure on the spawning beds. A very few trout were being caught on Apex lures, nightcrawlers and Needlefish behind flashers between Dyke 8 and the dam between 15 and 40 feet deep.
SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Striper fishing was good for some, not so good for others, but it was clear that there are plenty of fish around. Bankies were catching mostly schoolies behind Raley Field, Miller Park, and Bryte Beach. Boaters worked the river from Freeport to above Verona, trolling deep-divers with a worm trailer, drifting minnows and soaking bait. While most fish weighed under 10 pounds, there were increasing numbers of fig females being caught. More and more anglers are releasing the bigger fish, recognizing they are the spawners responsible for the future of the striped bass fishery.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale-Action slowed last week, but good anglers who were able to find "quiet," meaning few boats tearing up the water, were catching limits of mostly schoolie bass, plus a smattering of bigger spawners. Most of the catches have been on minnows, but anglers fishing at night have been scoring on big, black plastic worms thrown against rocky banks as well as Yo Zuri's and Lucky Craft Pointers. Fly fishermen also have been scoring a few on big streamers.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding--Trout fishing has been fair on flies, small Hot Shots and Glo-Bugs. There are lots of insect hatches, and fly fishermen have been scoring on Flows have gone to 7,700 cfs and are going to 8,500 cfs, meaning that going under the Cypress Street Bridge is again a no-no. There are lots of insects hatching, including stoneflies, Caddis, March Browns, and PMDs. Rubber legs have been a good imitator of many of the hatching insects.
UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER-Flows have been high but clear, and fishing has been good for quality trout to 22 inches over quantity. Fish the edges and slower moving seams and pockets with lots of weight and short casts.
YUBA RIVER- The higher flows in the Feather should mean that shad should be able to get up into the Yuba. There hasn't been much of an improvement since the last report. Anglers were taking a few trout, mostly on nymphs.

NORTH SALTWATER

BENICIA-Randy Hedricks at Benicia Bait and Tackle reported slow striper action, fair flounder counts, and some nice keeper sturgeon, including a 65 incher that hit for an angler fishing off the Eckley Pier. The boat anglers found some keepers also, top action coming from the Mothball Fleet on grass shrimp.

BERKELEY-Still no live bait, but boats trolled for halibut and found good action. On the El Dorado, 9 anglers caught 16 halibut on Saturday, topped by a 17 pounder, according to Scott Sutherland at the landing.

BODEGA BAY- Rockfish season (boat based) opens in June, not April as we erroneously reported last week. Rockfish season is open now for shore-based anglers and divers.

BROOKINGS, Ore.- Kayakers had the top action on rockfish and lingcod, reported WON field reporter Dave Pitts. "They can fish the protected areas when the bigger boats can't go out due to the ocean conditions," he said. Limits of rockfish and lingcod are also the norm for boaters who fish when the ocean conditions permit. Surfperch is another good option, the bite good at the mouth of the Winchuck River, the new Stateline access and at Sporthaven Beach. Berkley Sandworms, 2-inch in camo were top bait bets.

CRESCENT CITY- Private angler Joseph Yabu reported great surfperch fishing when he and two friends fished Point St. George Beach for limits of jumbos. All were over 1.6 pounds, and five were between 2 and 2.9 pounds.

EMERYVILLE-A great week of halibut fishing, although the counts dropped by the weekend when tides started getting faster and pressure greater. Some big ones caught on the New Huck Finn including 21 and 25 pounders. All the boats are still trolling, since live bait still hasn't been of satisfactory quality to put in the receivers. Also a mix of striped bass coming in on the trips.

EUREKA-Despite rough seas, the rockfish continued to bite at the jetties for anglers throwing flukes. Pacific halibut season opens on May 1, and rockfish-lingcod on May 15.

FORT BRAGG-Captain Randy Thornton of Telstar Charters reported no trips besides a personal dive for abalone that scored a limit. He'll start running crab and rockfish combos starting May 15, when the season opens, and keep up the crab side of the combos as long as the Dungeness are viable. Cory Kilgus at Subsurface Progression reported slightly lower visibility last weekend as minus tides and rough seas combined. Still, minus 1.2 low tides encouraged a good turnout for ab chasers for the weekend. Spearfishermen are trying, but no reports have come back to the shop.

HALF MOON BAY-It's been a long, slow winter, but Sherry Ingles at Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle said anglers are getting excited about some local shoreline action and the coming May 1 opener for the waters south of Pigeon Point (the boats here will run down to fish the open area). Crab snares have been the hot item for shore casters who report both rock crabs and a few Dungeness while fishing the beach south of the breakwater and the harbor pier. Surf smelt showed on the beaches between the harbor and Pescadero, one netter reporting a 15-pound throw with a cast net.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported tough fishing for halibut, the tides being fast, waters murky. He said they had some action, with both small halibut and a few bass, but nothing to get excited about.

SAN PABLO BAY-Still great action on the sturgeon trips, with a mix of keeper sturgeon, shaker sturgeon, oversized sturgeon, flounder, striped bass, and the usual bat rays and leopard sharks to liven up the trips. Grass shrimp worked best. The waters east of the Pumphouse was top spot.

SHELTER COVE-Captain Trent Slate of Shelter Cove Sportfishing and the Bite Me is ready to go for the May 1 Pacific halibut opener, and he's even managed to eliminate some of the variables of the launching issues at the Cove by buying his own launch tractor. "We're pretty much booked up after bottomfishing season opens on May 15," he said. Until then, he'll focus on halibut and crab trips, then expand the combos to include bottomfish after the opener.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The River is in pretty good shape with some runoff in the North Fork making water levels high and murky. Middle Fork is in beautiful condition. Remember that there will be no DFG plants this year. Other area streams will probably be a little high from the runoff.

BULLARDS BAR-Lake is at 84-percent capacity. There are a lot of bass being caught in the marina area with some running 2 to 3 pounds. Some kokanee trollers were out recently giving the fishery a try. No fish were landed but fish were seen on the electronics. Problem is they might not have been kokes; last year was a disaster for the kokanee crowd. Some trout are being caught drifting bait at Dark Day, the Willow Creek waterfall and the dam. Shore anglers are starting to pick up some trout on bait and spinners cast at the dam.

CAMP FAR WEST-Last weekend's team tournament was won with 9.87 pounds. Big fish was a 3.08-pound largemouth. Lots of catch-and-release action going on with the bass spawning all over the lake. Reaction baits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are all working. A 10-pound striper was weighed in this past week, but the angler didn't give any information on how he caught it. A big "Hot-Boat Bash" is coming up May 1st through 3rd, so fishermen should use caution on the lake during that weekend.

COLLINS LAKE-Trout fishing action is still off the charts with all the weekly plants. Trollers and shore anglers are doing equally as well and limits are no problem. Jim Cooper landed an 11 3/4-pound rainbow trolling an orange Flee Bitty in the east side bay where most of the big fish have been caught lately. Shore anglers are doing well on various colors of Power Bait at the dam.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-Bass are on the beds around the marina and two big ones in the high-teens have been spotted cruising around the docks. The best success has been coming for sight fishermen concentrating on the bedding fish, but the windy conditions have made seeing the nests a problem. Trout are still available for trollers working way up in the river arm for fish up to 22 inches on Rapalas or around the marina with flasher/worm combos for small planters.

LAKE OROVILLE-Water is starting to drop slowly because of water releases for the rice farmers. The bass bite is red hot with fish on the beds all over the lake. Anglers are using a variety of jigs, worms, and live bait to catch fish running up to 4 1/2 pounds. Remember to release the bigger fish. Coho trollers and moochers are doing well in the main lake and at the dam at 80 to 90 feet, unusually deep for this time of year. Successful anglers have used Sling Blade/worm combos or live minnows and anchovies for fish up to 3 1/2 pounds.

ROLLINS LAKE-Lake is nearly full. Smallmouth bass are providing most of the reported action with some fish running 2 to 3 pounds. Rapala jerkbaits have been productive. Some good brown trout to 3 pounds have been caught trolling a Sep's dodger with small Apex. Shore anglers have picked up some nice fish casting Mepp's spinners.

SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE-Water level is up and lake is in beautiful condition. Big sailboat/kayak regatta last weekend had the fishing crowd at bay so there were few reports other than the smallmouth bass being active.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-Access is wide open but with no plants this year, action is supposed to be slow. There should be some holdover fish from last year's plants.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-Access is wide open here too, but this lake is bigger and has catfish to fall back on if the trout action gets slow because of the "No Stocking" status. Trollers should get out early this season and try for rainbows and browns. Shore anglers can rely on the standards, Power Bait and worms, which should get the trout or the whiskerfish.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-Bass action has been good for boaters or waders working the shallows for spawning bass. One guy picked up 7 fish with two around 5 pounds on black/red flake lizards thrown along the tule banks in the backs of the coves. There is still an occasional steelhead, to 7 1/2 pounds, coming in on inflated nightcrawlers at Wilbur Rd.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-The first part of the week was good for bass, crappie, and catfish, with warm weather and water, but by the end of the week, the water temperatures plummeted from 70 down to 57 degrees. Even so, bass were in the shallows and now is the time to throw frogs, Senkos, and swimbaits. Crappie were also moving under docks for their spawning efforts. A small crappie jig or bit of worm will entice them. Catfish were very active, and biting stinky baits like mackerel, although live crawdads under a bobber in the weeds work well.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Concentrate on shallow areas with deep water nearby for bass, and drop-shot Morning Dawn Robo Worms, split-shotting green pumpkin Power Worms and MMIII Robo's in 4- and 6-inch sizes. Kokes limits were netted from 16 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches in the main body with chrome dodgers and purple Rocky Mountain Tackle white/pink spinners and solid pink Uncle Larry's spinners (pinkies) from 30 to 37 feet deep.

LAKE SONOMA--Bass were the featured fish here, although few locals ever say how good the land-locked steelhead bite. Up in the creek arms bass anglers teased bass on beds with grubs and Senkos. Drop-shot worm were used in the main body for a few bass.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR- Largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as catfish action is still near the dam. There have been no reports of any trout being caught, as water is too low. If you have a small car-top boat or a float tube, you'll find fish and solitude.

LAKE PILLSBURY-Recently stocked with trout, this is a great lake to camp and fish for trout and bass now. With the lake at 85-percent of full capacity, the boat ramp at Fuller Grove open, the county road into the lake from Potter Valley in excellent condition--who could ask for more? Very few are fishing here and it's another great place you can basically have to yourself.

LAKE SONOMA-The lake level is about 90 percent full and in good shape compared to many of the other lakes. Smallies were hitting on Senkos and drop-shot worms in the main body. Up in the creek arms, bass anglers were sight fishing in fairly clear water with some success using Senkos and tubes.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-The lake will once again be planted the first week of May, when three of the largest trout will be tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive the $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR-Smelt imitations trolled early in the mornings will still be the way to go to start the day. Once the morning sun hits the water, the various insect hatches will begin mid-day and anglers will need to switch to flies and other tactics. Blood midge emergers, Rapalas, Needlefish and Speedy Shiners will all work.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR-- The lake is still unreachable due to high snowdrifts in places. It is still unknown when PG&E will plow through to the dam area.

BAUM LAKE-Callibaetis, caddis, and BWO's (when it's overcast) are on the water, however emergers or nymphs were the best bet. Lure fishermen used Kastmasters and Panther Martins for best results, while crickets, nightcrawlers, and Power Bait were used for baits.

BRITTON LAKE-The crappie bite just started, with 20-plus being caught in the 9- to 10-inch range. The smallmouth bass bite also picked up. Nightcrawlers worked for crappie, while jerkbaits and plastic worms worked for smallies.

BURNEY CREEK-Look for caddis, though most fish below the falls are best fooled with nymphs. Above the falls, attractor patterns worked well for dries.

CASSEL FOREBAY- Fishing above the canal was good and eggs, worms, and Power Bait were the top producers. Pressure here should remain light until the warmer days of summer approach around Memorial Day. Fly fishing was moderate with blue wing olives and dun patterns in both nymph and dry picking up fish. The bite should pick up as the weather warms.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-No reports from guides or anglers yet. Check regulations for this special area.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--Hatches of callibaetis and caddis, as well as nymphing, should keep most fishermen busy. Watch for BWO's when the sky is overcast. No reporting on how the opener was, though.

UPPER HAT CREEK-- Fish & Game planted three times for the opener so lots of catchable rainbows were available along with some big broodstock brook trout in the 3- to 6-pound range. Fish and Game will plant twice a week, so fishing should be excellent. Pressure on the creek was very heavy for the opener but should ease up until Memorial Day Weekend. Panther Martins, worms and salmon eggs were the ticket this past week, as hungry trout were willing to bite on a variety of presentations. Fly fishing is slower this time of year but crystal buggers still work well.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE- The season started off on the right track with lots of fish being caught and beautiful springtime weather. Anglers using threaded worms and Power Bait up by the dam were doing well. Those out trolling found limits with Needlefish and Cripplures. Some larger native trout were caught and released using a vampire Rapala down in the channel. In the larger part of the lake the kokes were biting orange and rainbow Power Bait. In front of the marina is the spot for the fly fisherman using black leaches and black midges did well, also by Frog Rock.

MANZANITA LAKE- The lake is still mostly frozen but with warmer nights, it could be fishable in 1 to 2 weeks. Remember to heed the special fishing restrictions for this lake.

PIT RIVER-Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger.

LAKE SHASTA- Trolling produced limits of rainbow trout up to 20 inches in the top 10 feet in the McCloud arm, across from Holiday Harbor. Bass were moving closer into the shallows. A Glow Stick on a Carolina-rig, dartheaded worms, and drop-shot worms produced bass from 8 to 20 feet out but the average depth was 12 feet, some fish were even shallower.

LAKE SISKIYOU-Just planted, trout were found trolling gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer. Troll in an "S" pattern here.

SIERRA LAKES/RIVERS

BOCA LAKE--A bit more starting to happen here. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said one fisherman reported catching a 4-pound brown at the dam, but that's been about it. He said anglers fishing the restricted section at the inlet have been doing alright. Generally, fishing has been slow.

CAPLES LAKE--Lake way up now. WON staffer Bill Karr said the lake is well up on the main dam now and all the rocks and remains of the old dam are no longer visible. Lake still frozen over, but Karr said there are big patches of blue ice where it has melted and frozen over again, Definitely not safe for ice fishing now.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)--Lots of fish being caught on both forks of the river, with heavy pre-season fish stocking loading the streams with catchable and some whopper rainbows. Much of the action has been on baits like salmon eggs and Power Bait, but spin-fishermen and fly casters also report success. Rainbows well over 7 pounder caught so far.

DAVIS, LAKE--Fly fishing has slowed down as the spawning cycle is winding down. Jerry Dollard at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola said trollers have been catching fish from 6 inches to 20 inches and the hot lure has been the Wee Dick Nite copper redhead trolled at about 6 feet deep. Bait fishing from shore has been spotty, with Fairview and Mallard Cove popular spots.

DONNER LAKE--Action still pretty slow here. Brian Nylund at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said kokanee are deep, 70 to 80 feet down, and purple or pink bugs will get 'em, sometimes. For Mackinaw try most anything that looks like a kokanee. Mack fishermen have been doing some good with Rapalas and AC-Plugs.

FRENCHMAN LAKE--At last report, the boat dock is in at Frenchman's ramp, but not at Lunker's. Most, if not all, campgrounds, are open by this time. Reports from Wiggin's Trading Post in Chilcoot indicate anglers catching rainbows and some catfish using nightcrawlers, marshmallows and Power Bait, with some limits of 'bows reported.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Some rainbow and brown action reported here, but slow and spotty at best. Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort has heard virtually no reports of angler success. The resort has been open since the trout season opener.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Number of anglers hasn't been all that many, but Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords said that those who have been fishing the lake have been doing pretty well on rainbows.

JACKSON MEADOW RESERVOIR--Not open yet. Anglers still waiting for the road in to be plowed.

JENKINSON LAKE (Sly Park)--Mackinaw action still picking up here. Jeff Cole at Sly Park Resort said Walt Williams checked in with 3 macks from 2 to 5 pounds he caught trolling Kastmasters at 80 feet deep at the second dam. Bass anglers report the smallmouth bite slowed down and the smallies aren't spawning yet.

LOON LAKE--Not yet. Julie Siebert at Ice House Resort said husband Bob checked access to the lake and found the gate still locked and a big wall of snow just beyond.

PROSSER LAKE--About the only thing going on here is some smallmouth action at the dam. Try small countdown Rapalas.

PYRAMID LAKE--The bite is on. Carla Molino at the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe said everybody is pretty happy now. Fishing has loosened up and most anglers have been catching decent numbers of good cutthroat. She said the biggest fish weighed in over the weekend was an 11-pound, 13-ounce cutthroat caught by Reno fisherman Dan Grohs. The big fish hit a spoon Grohs was casting from shore.

SILVER LAKE--Some ice still reported on the lake, but anglers have been fishing open water at the spillway.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Rainbow action fair from the bank and kokanee can be caught throwing Kastmasters by the launch ramp. Mackinaw fishing real good and kokanee bite can be red hot. Both are hitting shallow, and top-lining lures has been working. Launch ramp very muddy and 4x4 vehicles required for anything larger than small aluminum boats.

LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw fishing has been fairly good, as weather permits. Chuck Self, with Chuck's Charter Fishing in Zephyr Cove, said some better action lately has been in shallow areas.
Good rainbow and macks have been hitting from the bank and for anglers in small boats.

TOPAZ LAKE--A bit windy at times, and few big fish caught, but overall fishing not bad. Linda Fields at Topaz Landing Marina said overall, anglers have been doing well, catching plenty of good catchable rainbows, many getting limits. She said dragging nightcrawlers and Needlefish in a variety of colors has been doing the job.

TRUCKEE RIVER--The general trout section has high flows that are real big below town. Brian Nylund, at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee, said fishing is going to be tough. Anglers have to find soft spots close the bank behind rocks where the fish are hiding.

UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR--Some kokanee action has been reported, but main gates are still not open and few anglers have been getting on the lake.

WEST WALKER RIVER--River well stocked for the opener and beyond, but the fish just haven't been interested. Sam Foster at Toiyabe Motel in Walker said the water is in beautiful shape. The largest fish he has seen so far was a nice 2-pound brown.

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. 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. For the Eel and other North Coast rivers, call (707) 822-3164. Many streams closed, and others change to artificial/barbless only on March 31 and others on April 25.

ROGUE RIVER-Springer fishing looks like it will see another down year, following the example of the last few. Still not many fish being caught, although a few bright chromers to 30 pounds-and a surprising number of smaller "jacks-and-a-half" of 5 to 9 pounds are being caught. Clear water is part of the problem.

RUSSIAN RIVER-Steelhead season is almost over, although surprisingly, a few fresh steelhead still came through and up into the hatchery this past week, and there's still a few downrunners. Shad haven't started yet, but the warmer weather is warming the water, and the mouth is still open, so it could happen most any time. Flows are clear and low, around 400 cfs.

TRINITY/KLAMATH RIVERS

KLAMATH RIVER--Fishing was very good for steelhead and native rainbow trout between Klamathon and Iron Gate Dam last week with the very few anglers on the water catching over 20 fish an outing between the two of them, plus a similar number of trout that got away after a battle. Drifting bait and backtrolling a Hot Shot/worm combination were very effective, and so was fly fishing nymphs under an indicator. Water conditions were good all the way down the Klamath to the mouth of the Trinity at Weitchpec, but the best fishing, by far, was at the upper end of the river.

TRINITY RIVER, Douglas City-Releases to the river at Lewiston are due to start ramping up this week to 900 cfs by Friday, then top out at 4,500 cfs by the beginning of May, slowly tapering down over the month of May reaching 1,500 cfs by the end of May, and finally back to summer flows of 300 cfs in June. The high flows are intended to mimic naturally occurring high springtime flows that existed before Trinity and Lewiston dams were built. Needless to say, fishing the river under the high flow conditions will be difficult at best until releases get back down to around 1,000 cfs.

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

AMERICAN RIVER-There seems to be lots of striper action on the Sacramento River, even at the mouth of the American, but trollers continued to struggle in the lower end of the river, and only the occasional striper was being caught farther upstream, mostly by anglers throwing soft swimbaits and soaking jumbo minnows.

FEATHER RIVER- Flows were being increased again, and, hopefully that will perk the striper fishing back up after the success of a week earlier dropped off. It's supposed to go up another foot this week, and more smolts are scheduled to be released to the river. A fair number of stripers continued to be caught around Boyd's Pump, Shanghai Bend, and the Bear River by anglers throwing Hair Raiser, Bombers and shallow Rainbow Runners.

FOLSOM LAKE- Lots of bass continue to be caught at Folsom but most have been small. While the usual artificials such as Senkos in shallow, drop-shotting a bit deeper, crankbaits, and swimbaits, the real getters have been live bait, minnows and crawdad. A few salmon in the 16-inch class were being caught between 20 and 30 feet deep on slow rolled baby anchovies, and small anchovies. Yo-Zuri Pin Minnows in silver and chartreuse were working, too, but not as well as bait.

RANCHO SECO LAKE-The trout bite is starting to taper off at Rancho Seco, but some nice bass have moved into the shallows, and are being caught on weightless Senkos. Float tubers and kayakers were still catching a few trout on wooly buggers, Kastmasters and small Rapalas.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Sacramento-Striper fishing took off in a big way last week as both flows and the weather settled down. They were being caught from Rio Vista to Verona on just about every method from soaking bait to trolling Bombers and throwing swimbaits. Most fish have been schoolies from barely legal (18 inches) to about 6 pounds plus the occasional fish in the 20-pound class. Bryte Beach, Miller Park, just above the mouth of the Feather, and Crawdads have been some of the better spots. Sturgeon are still being caught, but most anglers have switched to striped bass.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Tisdale-This was one of the hottest spots for catching stripers on the Sacramento River last week with some anglers scoring two dozen or more an outing with most of the action on minnows. Fish have moved in good numbers up to Meridian, but fishing has continued to be up and down around Colusa. There are still quite a few sturgeon around all the way to Colusa and above, but most anglers are concentrating on striped bass now.

SACRAMENTO RIVER, Redding-Trout fishing perked up last week, as flows increased. Glo-Bugs and small Hot Shots were working for Spinfishermen, and fly fishers were using caddis and baetis imitations under indicators. An occasional hatch was producing a few rises on dry flies as well.

YUBA RIVER- Flows were around 1,500 cfs making for relative challenging fishing on the Yuba last week. A few trout were being taken on nymphs, and an occasional fish on dries, but good anglers were working hard of maybe 3 or 4 trout in a long day.

SIERRA LAKES AND RIVERS

BOCA LAKE--Lake now full, almost to capacity. Steve Soulem at Mountain hardware and Sports in Truckee said launching is no problem and some anglers have been out there trying. But, for all the effort, there has not been a lot of action, he said.

CAPLES LAKE--Open water in places around the edges now. Richard Haurlan at Caples Lake Resort said ice is too rotten for ice fishing.

CARSON RIVER (East, West)--This weekend's opening of trout season is off to a big start with loads of fish being planted in Alpine County waters. Including Carson River East and West forks, Markleeville Creek and Silver Creek, some 15,000-plus pounds of rainbows, catchable-sized and bigger, were planted over the past two weeks. Flows in the river are up a bit over a foot, but are definitely fishable.

DAVIS, LAKE--Rainbow bite here rated fair for bait fishermen and good for most fly fishermen. Jerry Dollard, at Dollard's Sierra Market in Portola, said points along the southeast shore have been producing well for experienced fly fishermen. He said the Camp Five road on the west side of the lake is now open to through traffic.

DONNER LAKE--Action has been slow, but some Mackinaw have been caught by anglers who have managed to track them down around the lake. Toplining a variety of lures has been working, with AC Plugs one of the better producers. Occasional macks in double-digit weights have been caught, but numbers have been low.

FRENCHMAN LAKE--Rainbows up to 2 pounds being caught, with nightcrawlers and Power Bait working. There have been a few reports of catfish being caught near Lunker Point.

ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR--Anglers getting some fish here, but report generally the rainbow bite has been pretty slow, with most fish running up to 14 inches. A few browns reported caught, but just now and then.

INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR--Lake has been planted and anglers have been doing well. More fishing pressure is likely now that trout fishing season is open, even though the lake is open all year.

PROSSER LAKE--Action has started to pick up here, although the bite is far from hot. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake has started to turn and the smallmouth action has been picking up.

PYRAMID LAKE--Bigger Lahontan cutthroat starting to show, with cutts 14.5 pounds and 11.56 pounds weighed in recently. Currently, fly fishermen have been getting some of the better action, while boaters have had to cover lots of water for just a few fish. This could change as fish complete spawning.

RED LAKE--Ice is not safe for ice fishing now. Fishermen reported falling through ice at Silver Lake and conditions are just as dangerous here. Wait until next winter for ice fishing, or for ice-out for shore and float-tube fishing.

SILVER LAKE--A 10-pound Mackinaw was caught through the ice here. But Dave Kirby at Woodfords Station in Woodfords, who saw the catch, said both fishermen fell through the ice while landing it. They survived breaking through the ice, but Kirby said it just isn't safe to be out on the ice now.

STAMPEDE RESERVOIR--Fishing action has definitely taken a turn for the better. Steve Soulem at Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee said the lake level has come up some and fishermen have been trolling for smaller kokanee. Soulem said others have also picked some smaller Mackinaw. As an added bonus, a few good browns have been caught, occasionally as large as 10 pounds.

LAKE TAHOE--Mackinaw action described as "up and down" by Mickey Daniels with Mickey's Big Mack Charters in Carnelian Bay. Daniels has been getting some pretty good fish on an early-morning bite some days, then slow action at best on other days. He said he has been starting out fishing at about 80 feet deep, then dropping down as deep as 350 feet when the sun gets up.

TOPAZ LAKE--Good weather, good fishing. Linda Fields at Topaz Landing Marina said they have been seeing some nice fish and many anglers have been getting limits of the lake's Eagle Lake-strain rainbows. Fields said nightcrawlers, bright-colored Needlefish and broken-back Rapalas have been working. Fish are near surface and most anglers are toplining the lures.

TRUCKEE RIVER--River flows are up around a foot now, but should still be fishable in most stretches this opening weekend. Continued warm weather temperatures can boost runoff and start to wash out better fishing. Just a matter of time.

WEST WALKER RIVER--River flows are good, and this weekend's opening of trout season should be one of the better ones. Sam Foster at Toiyabe Motel in Walker said a load of Alpers trout went in at mid-week and California Department of Fish and Game made an unscheduled plant two weeks ago.

NORTH SALTWATER

BERKELEY-Still no live bait as of deadline, but the bait boats are trying every day. The anchovies they are finding are still too small. As a result, the boats targeting halibut trolled or used alternative baits. The El Dorado scored 9 halibut to 16 pounds for 8 anglers on Saturday, the Reel-lentless gradually saw increasing scores while trolling through the week, topped by 6 fish for 4 anglers on Sunday's trip. Captain Jim Smith on the Happy Hooker found 7 fish on Sunday using a mix of live shiners and dead anchovies.

BODEGA BAY- Rockfish season opens in April, but the charter operators are considering trying for halibut in local waters. Shore action has been good for surfperch at Doran Beach, and for rockfish at the rocky spots north of town.

BROOKINGS, Ore.- Flat ocean conditions led to great bottomfishing in the Brookings/Gold Beach area, and many boats ran to areas less frequented for jumbo black, blue and vermilion rockfish, and lingcod. Dave Pitts at the Checo Outdoor Store said top offerings are P-Line flies, lead fish, and a 6-ounce leadhead with twin tails in Motor Oil and Root Beer. "Those who went up to Twin Rocks and House Rock saw lingcod in the teens, and rockfish in the 3- to 4-pound range," said Pitts. Crabs are still available, with one group finding 11 keepers in 3 pots. Surfperch action is coming into prime time with May 1 through May 20 the best spring bite.

EMERYVILLE-The Tigerfish and New Huck Finn are still running trolling trips for halibut with striped bass showing on the side, with an average of one around most trips. The New Huck Finn ran three trips, with a total of 39 halibut and 5 stripers. The Tigerfish ran on Saturday for 10 halibut to 14 pounds and a striped bass.

EUREKA-The ocean laid down flat by the weekend, offering some great conditions for the jetty anglers. One angler fishing the South Jetty scored some lingcod and a 30-inch cabezon, while the regulars fishing the North Jetty did best on rockfish, with one angler reporting six trips that produced limits of black rockfish. .

FORT BRAGG-Garreck Tallman at Subsurface Progression said diving conditions were good, with visibility 5 to 10 feet in most locations. A fellow employee found an abalone close to 10 inches. Most divers reported limits, if they wanted to pull all three. "Not too many spearfishing reports this weekend," said Tallman. "It's been a pretty mellow weekend."

HALF MOON BAY-While only sanddabs and crabs were open, the sportfishing operations are anxious for the May 1 opener, which, while for waters south of the harbor, will allow fishing for the boats that want to run south of Pigeon Point.

POINT SAN PABLO-Captain Frank Miller on the Fury reported two trips, Saturday's effort a combo sturgeon and halibut effort that didn't work out too well, and Sunday's trip that scored three keeper halibut for four anglers. "We caught one fish at Southampton, and two at Paradise," said Miller. His anglers drifted dead anchovies for their flatties.

SHELTER COVE-May 1 is opening day of Pacific halibut seasons, May 15 for bottomfish.

SUISUN BAY-Sturgeon fishing slowed with the tides, but a few keepers were reported from the Mothball Fleet and some of the deeper water spots. Grass shrimp and eel were the top baits.

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS

AMERICAN RIVER-The regular trout season opens on April 25th, removing the restrictions on catch-and-release and barbless artificial lures. With the runoff season still a few weeks away, flows are perfect for fishing but remember that the whole river system is on the 'No Stocking" list and will not receive any trout plants from the DFG until at least 2010.

BULLARDS BAR-Water level is over 80-percent capacity with the temperatures warming up with all the nice weather. The spotted bass bite is really picking up with the fish either spawning or in late pre-spawn. Use worms and jigs in browns and greens, or go for the gusto and give jerkbaits a try in the backs of the coves near cover. There's still not much of anything happening with the trout and no word on any kokanee action.

CAMP FAR WEST-The North Shore Resort sponsored team bass tournament is being held April 25th. Pre-paid entry is $50, with $60 entry on the day of the event (70-percent pay-back). $10 big fish per person pays back 100-percent. Sign-ups are at 5:30 with a 6:00 blast-off, and 1:00 weigh-in. A free barbeque lunch is included for all contestants. Lots of boats were on the lake over the weekend catching lots of bass with the spawn in high gear. Worms, jigs and reaction baits are all working in the backs of the coves for fish to 4 pounds.

COLLINS LAKE-Weekly multiple trout plants have the fishing action in high gear. Gerrie Morrison of Clearlake caught a record rainbow trout, a 13-pound 4-ounce monster, trolling a rattling pink and white minnow lure on Monday only to have Logan Bailey of Diamond Springs come in on Saturday with a 14 pounder that took over the title as the new lake record. Trollers have been doing well on pink or pink/gold Shasta Tackle Flee Bitty's, rainbow Needlefish, and of course, the Rapala. Shore anglers are also doing very well on Power Bait and casting lures like Kastmaster spoons and Roostertail spinners. The dam, marina and swim beach areas are all producing. Bass are up on the banks preparing to spawn, remember to practice catch-and-release this time of the year.. The weekly fishing derby has started, with entries costing $4/day or $10/week. Derby runs Monday through Sunday each week, with the biggest fish caught by Sunday worth $100 cash. The CIFFI Trout Derby on Saturday was won by Probhat Palma with a 7-pound 10-ounce rainbow. First place paid over $700.

ENGLEBRIGHT RESERVOIR-Bass and trout action is on tap for the loads of anglers hitting the lake. Bass are cruising the banks in preparation for the spawn with some fish in the 5- to 6-pound range spotted near the marina. The water is colder here because of the flow coming out of Bullards Bar and the successful angler needs to use a slower presentation. Black worms accounted for 6 or 7 bass to 2 pounds for an angler this past Friday. Trout appear to be moving toward the deeper water at the dam end of the lake. Trollers are now working the Black's Ravine area on down towards the dam for a mix of rainbows and browns from 14 to 25 inches. Small holdover rainbows, 9 to 12 inches, are still being caught around the marina on worms and Power Bait.

LAKE OROVILLE-With no recent rain and the spring runoff yet to start, the lake only came up a little to 58.2-percent capacity. Bass and coho action are rated "very good". David Underwood reported catching 13 bass up to 8 pounds on white spinnerbaits in 4 to 5 feet of water in the back of coves in the Middle Fork. A couple of big bass were caught in McCabe's Cove in the South Fork on spinnerbaits in a recent tournament, too. Other anglers are reporting action on jigs, tubes, and RoboWorms in green/pepper and pumpkin at 10 to 15 feet in the Middle Fork, North Fork and near the dam. Coho action is good for fish up to 3 1/2 to 4 pounds on minnows and anchovies. Anglers have done well at the dam at a depth of 50 to 60 feet and in the North Fork creek channels at 25 to 30 feet. Catfish are up closer to the bank as some spawning activity starts to take shape. The secondary ramp at Loafer Creek is reported to be open at this time

ROLLINS LAKE-Lake is in beautiful shape and lots of anglers and campers are visiting Long Ravine Campgrounds. The marina and Outrigger Grill are now open full-time. Trout trollers have been catching 12- to 14-inch holdover rainbows on bikini Needlefish behind Sep's copper/pink Half-fast blades up under the power lines in the Bear River arm. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.
SCOTT'S FLAT LAKE-Lake is just below the spillway and beautiful. Lots of anglers and campers are visiting the lake. The marina is only open on weekends but should move to full-time operation by mid-May. Campgrounds are currently open all week. The Nevada Irrigation District, which owns Scott's Flat and Rollins, is planning a 4 week long fishing derby with weekly prizes starting sometime in May. Details of this derby will be posted as they become available. Boaters are doing pretty well up in the Deer Creek arm slow trolling (0.8- to 1.0 mph) a No. 9 purpledescent Rapala for 12- to 14-inch brown trout. Remember that this lake was put on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants until at least 2010.

SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR-The Foresthill Ranger Station reports that the roads into the parking lots and boat ramp are open. Some anglers have been on the lake, but there are few reports of any success. This lake is on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year so try this lake soon for any holdover trout left over from last year's plantings. The campgrounds and picnic areas will open on May 1.

STUMPY MEADOWS RESERVOIR-The Georgetown Ranger Station reports that the roads are open to the lake and the boat ramp. Both shore anglers and boaters have been visiting the lake with no reports of any success available. This lake is also on the "No Stocking" list and will not receive any DFG trout plants this year. The only hope for anglers this year is any holdover rainbow trout left from previous plantings, the reportedly self-sustaining brown trout population, and the catfish.

THERMOLITO AFTERBAY-The water has warmed back up and the bass are on the banks. Scott from Oroville came into Feather River Outfitters and reported catching 6- and 8-pound largemouth on Senkos in shallow water in the back of a cove. This action will only get better over the next few weeks as spawning goes into high gear.

NORTH COAST LAKES

CLEAR LAKE-With less water, move out a little deeper to the first break that is available at 5 to 6 feet and look for the swimbait bite to start to really kick into gear in the coming weeks. It will not be in the normal areas though, as most are a little too shallow. Look for bites a little farther away from the bank in a little deeper water or on the deeper south end of the lake. Good choices this season are still the Osprey in either the top hook or talon version in light hitch, shad, and bass colors. Other popular choices of course include the full-size Huddleston in light trout or hitch and as the bite starts to pick up the MS Slammer and Wake Bait Jr. may get a big bite for anglers. Just don't plan on getting more than a handful of bites during a full day. Other choices include the Senkos, jigs, and drop-shot. A few more crappie and catfish have also been reported.

LAKE BERRYESSA-Lunker Larry reported finding a few bass in the backs of coves but said most of his fish came off points with a steep drop on the front or off to the side or on the inside edges of the weed line. The warmest water he found was 64 degrees. Concentrate on areas with deep water nearby, drop-shotting Morning Dawn Robo Worms, split-shotting green pumpkin Power worms and MMIII Robo's in 4- and 6-inch sizes. King salmon, kokes, rainbows, and 1 Eagle Lake trout were reported this past week. Troll the main body with Sep's 3/0 dodgers in chrome or watermelon. Uncle Larry's hot belly tiger, purple tiger, and a white/pink Apex, fished 30 to 42 feet down did the trick though with wind, full limits were harder to come by.

INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR- Bass and catfish are here in large numbers, with some of the best action near the dam. There have been no reports of any trout being caught, as water is too low. If you have a small car-top boat or a float tube, this lake is definitely worth a try.

LAKE PILLSBURY-Stocked with trout this past week; this is a great lake to camp and fish for trout and bass now. With the lake at 85% of capacity, the boat ramp at Fuller Grove open, the county road into the lake from Potter Valley in excellent condition. Who could ask for more.

LAKE SONOMA-The lake level is about 90% full so its in pretty good shape compared too many of the other lakes. There has been a good rip bite for smallies on main points and in a few coves where smallies where getting ready to spawn. Smallies up to 2 1/2 pounds were caught on rip baits and tubes. Cherry Creek had a few bedding bass but not many were spotted in the Yorty Creek area yet. April and May are probably the two best months of the year to bass fish here.

UPPER BLUE LAKE-This lake will again be planted the first week of May, when three of the largest trout will be tagged for the Big Bad 'Bow Challenge. The first tagged fish brought into one of the three participating resorts (Pine Acres, the Le Trianon Resort or the Narrows Resort) will receive a $1000 bounty, the second tag will be rewarded with $500 and the third tagged fish will be worth $250. All you need to do is pay $25 to participate and you can do that at any of the three resorts. If you don't register, you just get the fish.

NORTHEASTERN AREA

LAKE ALMANOR- The long awaited bloody midge hatch started and trout will be switching their attention to the midges now, and loose interest in the pond smelt. Smelt imitations trolled early in the mornings will still be the way to go during this transition period but as soon as the morning sun warms the water, the hatch will begin each day and anglers will need to switch to flies and other tactics. Blood midge emergers, Rapalas, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners will all work.

BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR--No access at this time. The estimate is for four or five more weeks, if the weather remains warm and there's no new snowfall.

BAUM LAKE- Reports indicate that most fishermen are catching trout. Bait fishermen preferred nightcrawlers and Power Bait, lure fishermen were still stocking up on Kastmasters and Panther Martins, while nymphing seemed to be the preference of the fly fishermen. With the warmer weather, look for some caddis or callibaetis on the surface.

BRITTON LAKE- The crappie bite is still slow; smallies are a better bet if you have a boat.

BURNEY CREEK- Opens April 25 and will receive a plant. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.

CASSEL FOREBAY-Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.

FALL RIVER WILD TROUT AREA-Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.

HAT CREEK WILD TROUT AREA--Opens April 25. Check regulations for this special area.

UPPER HAT CREEK--Opens April 25. Power Bait, salmon eggs, and worms as well as Panther Martin's in silver, gold, black/yellow with red should do well.

IRON CANYON RESERVOIR--Latest report showed fish were biting well but the water was quite low.

LEWISTON LAKE-Rainbow trout to 5 pounds were taken using nightcrawlers or Needlefish and just slow trolling on the south end of the lake. For the fly anglers, try black leaches right in front of Pine Cove Marina and in the swifter water up by the dam black midges did well.

MANZANITA LAKE-The lake is still frozen but signs of thawing are apparent. Be sure to observe the restrictions here when fishing on this trophy water reopens.

PIT RIVER-Water flows have returned to normal. Try dark lords, prince nymphs, pheasant tails, copper John's, or black AP's in sizes 16 and larger.

LAKE SHASTA-For bass, fish from the shallows out to 40 feet, as the bass were scattered with changing water temperatures. While scattered, the majority of the bass were holding between 15 to 30 feet and were caught on drop-shot and dartheaded worms. The McCloud arm was good for bass and trout. For trout troll from the main section up to Green's Creek. It was a little tougher this past week but before the winds came up trout were caught on Flee Bitty's at the surface. Then anglers went deeper and used red/gold Hum Dingers on downriggers at 20 feet for the rest of their fish when the winds came up.

LAKE SISKIYOU-Trout measuring up to 20 inches where found trolling gold colored Sep's dodgers with a worm trailer. Troll in an "S" pattern here.

TRINITY LAKE-Limits to over 20 pounds of smallies came in on small swimbaits. A good rip bite and crankbait bite was also seen with several fish going over 6 pounds.