California Fishing Reports
02-16-2008
Sugar Creek Ranch will be hosting a fly fishing clinic just for women taught by Mary Ann Dozer September 19-21. The cost is $600 and includes lodging and meals at Sugar Creek Ranch. Some prior fly fishing experience is recommended. For more information, call Sugar Creek Ranch at 530-467-5213
LAKES:
SHASTA LAKE:
Guides/More Information: AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing (800) 670-4448; Basshole (530) 238-2170; Phil’s Propeller (530) 275-4939
The waters are muddy but anglers are finding a few brown trout and rainbows to 4 pounds in the McCloud arm from Holiday Harbor to Hirtz Bay. In the McCloud arm, trollers are working from the surface down to 36 feet with their trolling set to 1.5 mph. Work a 2-inch Kazi Minnow behind 8-inch Sling Blades. A jig or dart-headed 6-inch worm in crawdad colors, slowly worked off points from the bank out to 30 feet should find a few bass. Spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse, tossed where the muddy creek flows will be another option.
WHISKEYTOWN: Guides/More Information: Oak Bottom Marina (530) 359-2269
No report.
Lewiston Lake:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guide (530) 778-9934; Lakeview Terrace Resort (530) 778-3803; Pine Cove Marina (530) 778-3770;
No Report.
TRINITY LAKE:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guides (530) 778-9934; The “Maine Guide” (530) 623-4352
No Report.
Lake Siskiyou:
Guides/More Information: Reynolds Camp Resort (530) 926-2610
No Report
Ruth Lake:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500
No Report.
LAKE BRITTON::
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500
No Report.
Eagle Lake:
Guides/More Information: Eagle Lake Marina (530) 257-4188; Mariners Resort (530) 825-3333
Say good bye, as this lake is now closed until next spring.
Baum Lake:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Weather has been wet and wild with some mild snow flurries, but very windy. This coming week look for partly cloudy, and the possibility of some rain or snow showers, but otherwise, daytime temps should be warming up into the mid to upper 40's. Baum is still a good place to catch some nice trout. Fly fishermen might try small midge dries, BWO's or small beadhead nymphs such as a zebra midge in sizes 20-24. Wooly bugger fishermen are also picking up fish. The best color seems to be olive currently, but that can change. Bait fishermen are still doing best with 'crawlers. Lure fishermen are using Kastmasters and Panther Martins for good results.
Manzanita Lake:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
No Report.
Lake McCumber:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
No Report
Copco & IRON GATE LakeS:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report
LAKE ALMANOR:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Make a pass from the ramp at the dam and down the east shoreline, using your electronics for support. Imitating pond smelt will be the ticket as these trout are actively searching for and feeding on them. White trolling flies or minnow imitations will also work.
Bucks Lake:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
FRENCHMAN’S LAKE:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Much of the ice-fishing success has been coming for anglers at or near the dam where ice thickness has been about a foot thick. At Wiggin’s Trading Post in Chilcoot, one fisherman reported catching his limit of nice-sized rainbows off the rock island near the dam. Nightcrawlers have been the best bait bet. Road around lake impassible to all vehicles other than snowmobiles. Several 4-wheel-drive vehicles have been stuck trying to make the trip.
LAKE OROVILLE:
Guides/More Information: Bidwell Marina (530) 589-3165, Lake Oroville Marina (800) 255-5561
Bass fishing has been tough this past week with slowly rising lake levels. The fish will hit jigs and plastic worms at 10 to 40 feet and can be caught with plastic worms, tube baits and jigs. A few 10- to 12-inch coho were hitting bass baits. Limited angling activity with last weeks stormy weather. The lake surface temperature is 44 degrees and the surface elevation was 711 feet.
BUTT LAKE: :
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
BLACK BUTTE LAKE: :
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
LAKE DAVIS:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Lake still clearing out from storms through the weekend, but even with some better weather, few ice fishing reports have come in. Jerry Dollard at Dollard’s Sierra Market in Portola said ice is at least 18 inches thick now. The east-side road has been plowed as far at Coot Bay and Mallard Cove, but access to the lake requires hiking 150- to 300-yards.
INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Road conditions are rough, but adventurous anglers will find fishing pressure here to be non-existent and a few bass around structure on slowly worked jigs.
RIVERS:
Upper Sacramento River:
Guides/More Information: Ted Fay Fly Shop (530) 235-2969; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
No Report.
Lower Sacramento River:
Guides/More Information: AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing (800) 670-4448; Al Brown’s Guide Service (530) 357-2667; Salmon King Lodge (530) 528-8727; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555 For other information about the Sacramento River, click here
Fly and spin fishermen continued to catch some nice trout in the small section of river, around Redding that remained low (3,200 cfs) and fishable. Rainbows to 4 pounds were being caught by spin fishermen drifting Glo-Bugs, and by fly fishermen dead-drifting egg fly patterns and caddis nymphs imitations under indicators.
Klamath River:
Guides/More Information: Marble Mountain Guest Ranch (530) 469-3322; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Because of very cold conditions and precipitation that fell as snow rather than rain, the upper river remained fishable last week with a release at Iron Gate of a little over 1,800 cfs and at Seiad Valley of 3,210 cfs. However, the same cold conditions meant that fish were lethargic and were primarily biting roe rather than hardware or flies.
mcCloud River/LAKE:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
No Report.
Trinity River:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guides (530) 778-9934; Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, Somes Bar, (530) 469-3322, Wayne Hansen’s Fishing Guide Service (530) 222-2840
Douglas City--Lots of snow along the banks and very cold air and water made for tough steelheading conditions, but the river was fishable down to Junction City and fishing was good for bright, newly arrived steelhead as well as an increasing number of downrunners. Hardware, roe and flies, especially small red copper Johns, were all producing their share of fish.
Willow Creek--No Report.
Fall River:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Streams close as of Nov. 15.
HAT CREEK:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Streams close as of Nov. 15.
Upper Hat Creek--Streams close as of Nov. 15.
BURNEY CREEK:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
Streams close as of Nov. 15.
Pit River:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Open now to catch and release only on artificials and barbless hooks from the Lake Britton dam downstream. With the recent weather patterns, water will be clouded and inaccessible in most areas.
Feather River:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500.
Steelhead fishing was slow, but a few halfpounders plus fewer adults to 27 inches were caught in the Low Flow Section. The water was very cold, and fish were lightly biting drifted nightcrawlers and small beadhead flashback pheasant tail nymphs.
12-16-2007
SHASTA LAKE:
Guides/More Information: AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing (800) 670-4448; A.C. Angling Guide Service (530) 247-7481; Basshole (530) 238-2170; Mark Clarke's Guide Service (530) 945-3267; Phil’s Propeller (530) 275-4939
More salmon than trout were taken this week by Shasta Tackle’s owner and guide in the top 20 feet but fish are still scattered. Work the shoreline’s top 15 feet for fair results on Hum Dingers or Cripplures in gold/red or nickel silver. Salmon from 15 – 18 inches were taken from 75 – 150 feet deep on a 6-inch Sling Blade, trailing a dark blue Paddle-Tail in 125 – 150 feet just off the bottom over the points. The bass bite held on spoons around trees, Hula grubs and dart-headed worms to 45 feet out and spinnerbaits or topwater tackle closer in. The reaction bite is slowly returning.
WHISKEYTOWN: Guides/More Information: Mark Clarke's Guide Service (530) 945-3267; Oak Bottom Marina (530) 359-2269
No Report.
Lewiston Lake:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guide (530) 778-9934; Lakeview Terrace Resort (530) 778-3803; Pine Cove Marina (530) 778-3770;
Ackerman Campground and Cooper Gulch are still producing the nicer fish, as there are deeper holes. Fish just off the bottom here with nightcrawlers. Fish to 4 pounds were released from the cages at Pine Cove Marina recently but should stick close to home. Many fish are taken right from the bank there.
TRINITY LAKE:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guides (530) 778-9934; The “Maine Guide” (530) 623-4352
The rock pile tailings at the north end continues to produce bass up on Senkos and any color, according to local “Maine Guide” John Gray. Depths were 30 feet but as water cools, move up to 20-25 feet. Kokes are moving closer to the surface and the bass are following them. Take plenty of jig hooks for the rock pile offerings.
Lake Siskiyou:
Guides/More Information: Reynolds Camp Resort (530) 926-2610
No Report
Ruth Lake:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500
No Report.
LAKE BRITTON::
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association (530) 365-7500
Cold weather has put the fish down, probably until next spring.
Eagle Lake:
Guides/More Information: Eagle Lake Marina (530) 257-4188; Mariners Resort (530) 825-3333
Fishing continues to be very good though the weights came down a bit. The best bait this week was a 2–inch brown grub but watermelon, orange and amber were also popular. Fish close in early and then move out. Fish are on the move, feeding so keep moving if your bite goes off.
Baum Lake:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Best bet for fly fishermen are Blue Wing olives in small sizes on overcast days, Mahogany duns in sizes 16 and 18. Nymph wise, pheasant tail nymphs, copper Johns and emergers are a good bet. Bait fishermen are doing best on night crawlers or salmon eggs. No secret lures have been doing the trick, just the usual Panther Martins and Kastmasters.
Manzanita Lake:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Topwater action has been slow. Hatches are occurring in the afternoons. Some nice German browns were landed recently. This time of year Prince Nymphs, Crystal Buggers and Rabbit Hare nymphs will work best but be sure to observe the restrictions for this trophy water.
Lake McCumber:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
No Report
Copco & IRON GATE LakeS:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report
LAKE ALMANOR:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Trolling by the dam can produce nice brown trout this time of year but not in the wind, which is what they had this week. A good bite on chartreuse colored jigs or larger Kastmasters will return when lake settles back down. Then try outside the mouth of the Hamilton Branch for salmon in 35-45 feet with crickets, roe or jigs. Inside of the Branch against the shallows is where you’ll find rainbow trout on scented nightcrawlers, crickets or jigs.
Bucks Lake:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
FRENCHMAN’S LAKE:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Lunker Point has continued to be one of the better-producing fishing spots around the lake. Try nightcrawlers rigged with marshmallows to keep the worms off the bottom.
LAKE OROVILLE:
Guides/More Information: Bidwell Marina (530) 589-3165, Lake Oroville Marina (800) 255-5561
Bass fishing fell off this past week with lake levels fluctuating along with the water temperatures and the full moon. The fish were hitting jigs and plastic worms at 10 to 40 feet. One or two coho salmon to 2 pounds are continuing to be caught by persistent trollers at depths of anywhere from 30 to 100 feet over deep water in the Middle Fork and North Fork on slow trolled baits or spoons. A few salmon anglers are working hard to find biting silvers to 2 pounds in the river arms, mooching anchovy fillets or live shiners. The lake surface temperature was 60 degrees last Sunday.
BUTT LAKE: :
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
BLACK BUTTE LAKE: :
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
LAKE DAVIS:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
Lake still closed pending the end of testing to be sure the lake is chemical-free following the pike eradication treatment. With luck, it could be only 2 or 3 more weeks.
INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500
No Report.
RIVERS:
Upper Sacramento River:
Guides/More Information: Big Foot's Fly Fishing (530) 926-5381; Ted Fay Fly Shop (530) 235-2969; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Fly fishing was very good on both rivers last week. While nymphs brought the most action, No. 16 elk hair caddis was a fun way, if not as effective, way of trying to fool beautiful rainbows to 16 inches.
Lower Sacramento River:
Guides/More Information: AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing (800) 670-4448; Al Brown’s Guide Service (530) 357-2667; Mark Clarke's Guide Service (530) 945-3267;Salmon King Lodge (530) 528-8727; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555 For other information about the Sacramento River, click here
There were a few, very large, bright salmon caught last week above Los Molinos--two were reported to weigh over 50 pounds--but salmon fishing was generally slow, and most fish being caught were dark. There are still hopes for some good late fall salmon fishing in November and December, and while it‘s not expected to be fast and furious action, the prospect of a 50-king makes the trip worthwhile.
Klamath River:
Guides/More Information: Klamath River Outfitters (530) 469-3349; Marble Mountain Guest Ranch (530) 469-3322; The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
The river has returned to beautiful fishable shape and it is cool. Virtually all the anglers have left, but spin fishermen were using roe with a Puffball and spinners, while fly fishermen were swinging roe imitation flies.
mcCloud River/LAKE:
Guides/More Information: Bigfoot's Fly Fishing Guide Service (530) 926-5381, The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
The lake hasn’t turned over yet but you’ll find less pressure here now. Try soaking Power Bait in orange 2-3 feet down along the shoreline. Trolling with Ford Fender and worm in upper area under the bridge has produced mostly rainbows but also a few brown trout, which are taking only spoons or worms only these days but for fish to 16 inches. Troll 20 to 30 feet down and 40 to 60 feet behind the boat. Midges in sizes 20 or 22 in dark colors, have been working in the streams and river though it has been slow.
Trinity River:
Guides/More Information: Dragonfly Fishing Guides (530) 778-9934; Marble Mountain Guest Ranch, Somes Bar, (530) 469-3322, Wayne Hansen’s Fishing Guide Service (530) 222-2840
Douglas City--The river is still extremely crowded, but fishing slowed as it dropped and cleared after the last rains. The count for good anglers was down to 3 to 5 steelhead a day, down from counts well over 10 per day. Copper Johns in red and even in blue were attracting most of the strikes. Poxy-back hare’s ears have also been effective.
Willow Creek--There’s less pressure than upriver, but fishing was challenging last week with a few being caught below the fish weir, down near the mouth and at Tish Tang. Spinners, nightcrawlers and small backtrolled plugs were outdoing flies.
Fall River:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Currently there’s some good Nymphing going on but BWO's are on the water when the skies are cloudy.
HAT CREEK:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
It’s still difficult to catch many fish here but BWO's and callibaetis have all been hatching and are the best choice for dries. Nymph fishermen using pheasant tails, bird's nest and hare's ear seem to be doing best.
Upper Hat Creek--Weather has been very cold but the fishing has still been good. Fly fishing remained slow on here but persistent anglers still landed some nice ones fishing deeper with a couple of split shot with nymph patterns. This past week worms and salmon eggs were enticing the most fish. Fish typically range from 12–16 inches but some bigger fish are still being caught.
BURNEY CREEK:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association
Trout have had the upper hand here it seems. Planters above the falls are easier, but still not a sure thing. The "wild" area below the falls has also been tough. Nymph fishermen are doing best using caddis nymphs, i.e. cased caddis, bird's nest or gold-ribbed hare's ear, all in fairly large pattern sizes like 12 and 14.
Pit River:
Guides/More Information: The Fly Shop (530) 222-3555
Anglers continues to do well on Prince Nymphs (with or without rubber legs) or black AP's with a bead for nymph anglers. Ischonychia patterns are also working well here.
Feather River:
Guides/More Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association - 530-365-7500.
Steelhead fishing was slow in the upper portions of the river, but a few salmon were being caught above Shanghai Bend, on Kwikfish and jigs. As Bob Bradbury of Johnson’s Bait and Tackle said, “There’s not a lot of salmon, but it’s better now than when it was supposed to be good.“ Flows below the Outlet were around 2,500 cfs.