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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Thursday, October 6th, 2016

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 66

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Windy city on the lake today, way too windy for my little boat that acts like a kite in the wind. My face feels like it was in a sand storm, wind burned from the darn winds. Never made it to the n. Fork, fished just the west branch trying to keep out of the winds. Still a decent day, considering the winds. Picked up a couple fish most every stop, then found a point that gave up 10 fish. Water has cooled, mostly 66 degrees all locations. Managed 24 fish today, most 13-14" range, only two in the 12" range. Seems fish are fatter, nice and solid. Best today, 14 1/2" Picture in fishing forum.

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Fishing Update Courtesy of Fisherman's Warehouse - Sacramento

      Salmon bite is doing well, anchor fishing or trolling using Silvertron Spnners and FLatfish at Verona. The double blade UV Silvertron with Chartruese and Silver Blade or the all silver Double Blade with Green and Pearl Beads. The Green Head/Silver Body Flatfish is doing well also.

      Salmon jigging in the Sacramento from Miller Park to Clarksburg has been very good. With the majority of the bite being in the early morning or evening (4 to dark). Blade Runner Tackle Spoons, Silvertron Slammers and P-Line Laser minnows are working the best in the 2 to 3 ounce size. Electric Chicken or Dark Emerald from Blade Runner Tackle, Black with Copper Flake from Silvertron Slammer and P-Line laser Minnows in Purple and Black and the Chartreuse and Silver.

      Striped Bass bite in the Delta, trolling and on bait is going good. P-Line Angry Eyes and Yo-Zuri have been the best producers. They are not picky shallow or deep trolling.

  • Lake County
    • By

      Report: Manny Nevarez II, 14 years old caught Personal best 11.0 lbs out of Clearlake CA. President of the Yuba Sutter Fishing Club, a competitive High School team consisting of 43 members. Caught on a Dobyns Rods, Daiwa reel and lucky rattle trap

Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

  • Lake County
    • By

      Report: DanIsaac » Tue Oct 04, 2016 7:29 pm

      Clear Lake this week 10/04/2016

      Lake level this week is at 1.36 Rumsey, and water temperatures are running 63-67 degrees.

      While the days are becoming shorter, and the day time temperature dropping, the bite is beginning to heat up, as usual, and as most fall bites do.

      Unfortunately, the days of summer and double digit bites are behind us, though big bags can still be found for those who choose to chase em’.

      Crankbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, and finesse worms are all producing both north as well as south. Docks, rocks, grass, and shade are all must hits around the lake.

      This year October is not scheduled to be the busy month past years have seen tournament wise, thus it’s a perfect time to come up and throw some of the traditional fall baits.

      Jackall Muscle Deep 20, Strike King 10XD, 8XD, Megabass Deep Six, Norman DD22, 6th Sense 300s, Lucky Craft D20s, and LV500s can all produce some really, really big bites, especially on those dreary gray days. As can the A-Rig.

      On the bottom contact side, the Carolina rig, brown/purple, black/blue jig combinations, Roboworms, Senkos, and Dropshot rig will produce for those that choose not to chuck and wind all day.

      This past weekend I was fortunate to join a friend for the Triton Tournament, and while we had our chances, were forced to resort to the spinning rod and fish “used” water on Sunday. Fortunately, we squeaked out a 13th place finish fishing a Roboworm, and Bass Patrol Jig combination.

      Why more Triton Boat owners do not participate in this event is beyond me, as this was a very well run and fun event, not to mention the 20K in raffle prizes given away at the awards ceremony. Five Motorguide trolling motors, Power Pole, five Lowrance units, a half dozen Mercury props, a dozen rods, cases of Mercury oil, etc etc etc.

      Next year the date has changed and I would expect 120+ boats wouldn’t be out of the question. Triton owners, mark your calendar for this event next year, it really is a low pressure fun time had by all.

      This weekend brings the WNS Clayton Fire Benefit Tournament, Sunday at 9am in Red Bud Park. Yes, 9a-5, a three fish limit, and a $100 entry per boat. All proceeds will be donated to the CF Fund, and the raffle should be pretty cool as well.

      The WNS guys are really trying to make a difference and your support and participation could really help those who have lost everything as a result of the Clayton Fire. This is a perfect opportunity to bring a father, son, daughter, girlfriend, or wife, and really have a great time fishing a tournament with that special person.

      Hope to see ya there!

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Fishing Update Courtesy of Fisherman's Warehouse - Manteca
      Fall Fishing is in full swing! Salmon fishing on the river has really picked up this week with the recent rain and cold night temperatures. Throw chartreuse spinners from the bank or troll Kwikfish or Silvertrons from the boat. Anglers are getting a few fish jigging in the Freeport area.

      Stripers have moved into the south delta with lots of schoolies with an occasional 8-12 pounder.

  • Amador County
    • By

      Report: Fishing Update Courtesy of Fisherman's Warehouse - Manteca

      Foothill lakes fishing is still fair. Trollers are still catching trout at Camanche and the bass guys are getting fish throwing top water on long shallow points.

  • Tuolumne County
    • By

      Report: From Glory Hole Sports

      Water Conditions
      New Melones Lake is currently holding 527,076 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped one foot this past week and it appears more water is being held and less is being released. It is currently at 863 ft. above sea level and 222 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake with a slight stain in some areas. The water temperature is slightly cooling, with the average being 67-73 degrees. The concrete ramp is CLOSED and longer in use. There is also a courtesy dock on the dirt launch which will be in place for the remainder of the summer and until the concrete ramp is open again.

      Joe Caccamo of Arnold caught two really nice rainbow trout while trolling a tandem spoon rig in deep water.

      Trout
      We had a good week of trout fishing and saw some of those big New Melones rainbows. Many anglers are catching some 2 to 5-pound rainbows while fishing in deep water on the main lake. We are very excited to be seeing fish of this size and can expect the bite to improve. As the water temperatures cool the fish will become more active and move up closer to the surface. Trolling anglers are not catching a bunch of fish, but the ones they are hooking into are very impressive. Try trolling from 70' to 90' over the deepest portions of the lake. The fish are feeding heavily on shad, so most anglers are fishing with shad patterned spoons, plugs and swimbaits. There is very little visibility in deep water and darker colors will work best. Black, blue and purple are all good choices. Also, try adding scent to your presentation or tying a scent chamber inline. Bank anglers should start to anticipate the fall/winter bite and the lake turnover. The temperatures are dropping and the fish will be moving toward the surface and shoreline. The lake will generally be turned by the first couple weeks of November. Try fan casting a large Kastmaster in search of the first big fish to move up.

      Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Matt Rice of Modesto. He caught two chunky rainbows with his biggest weighing 4-pounds, 14-ounces. He reported catching his fish on a Pro Troll Trout Killer in 95' of water.

      We do encourage catch and release for the brown trout as The Department of Fish and Game will no longer be planting them. Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information.

      Bob James of Murphys spent a couple days chasing these large trout. He brought in some big ones weighing up to 3-pounds, 8-ounces.

      Rod Smith and Reel Habit of Sonora caught three nice trout. They used an Apex fished in 90' of water to find success. Their biggest weighed just shy of 3-pounds.

      Bob Scruggs spent a couple days on the Take it to the Limit Guide Service boat and caught some beautiful rainbows. His biggest weighed 3-pounds, 13-ounces.

      Kokanee
      The season has come to an end and the kokanee will be spawning in the creek channels and upriver.

      Bass
      The recent cooling trend in the weather should help the bite and make the bass a bit more active. There is an abundance of shad and the bass are gorging on them. Use your electronics to locate these large populations of shad and the bass will be nearby. Many of the shad are small and the bass will key in on their size. Try using small soft plastics that are similar in size and color to the shad. Many fish are suspended and feed in the middle of the water column. These fish can be targeted with small swimbaits and deep diving rip baits. A dropshot rig is also a must have for fall fishing. Try using a light weight and be ready to detect a bite as the bait drops. Some fish will stay down closer to the bottom and feed on crawdads and other bottom dwelling creatures. Even the bass that are feeding on shad will come down to feed on the bottom when they get a chance. Try using a light football head jig in shallow water and switching to a heavier one when fishing deep. California Reservoir Lures makes a selection of jigs that will catch big fish in the Motherlode. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

      Catfish
      We are very excited to be bringing back the Glory Hole Sports Fall Catfish Contest which will be going for the entire month of November. Sign-ups start October 1st. Stop by to register and secure a spot. We are seeing some big catfish being caught and we hope to see some giants come to the scales during the month of November. Now is a good time to go out and scout out some of those catfish holes. Many of the biggest catfish will be caught on frozen fish. Shad, mackerel and anchovies are all good choices for bait. Use miracle thread to keep your bait secured to the hook. Catfish have very poor eyesight and will feed by smell. Add scent to your bait or use scent catfish bait. Each year many large cats are caught a ball of crawlers. Be sure to grab a box of crawlers before each outing and try using them in combination with other stink baits and dough baits.

Friday, September 30th, 2016

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: Delta Report…. Fall Frenzy for all!

      R2SeaTournament is THIS WEEKEND and promises to be Epic event! Anglers from throughout West converge on Russo’s Marina for this two day extravaganza! Next Week BBT TOC will bring 200 teams to town

      Isleton Finally the salmon bite improved as cooler temps take hold. Dave Johnson landed a a pair 36 inchers Sunday and the bite in the area just improved all week. Water temperatures have dropped with the cooler evenings. Many anglers to the west are seeing more salmon daily… getting close. Silvertron’s are the best bet for those who want to try. Smallies are getting more attention now as 2 to 4 pound fish show more often now… Jigs and flukes are getting them!

      Walnut Grove Salmon are increasing in numbers Silvertrons and Capt. Stan spinners mentioned Bank anglers Shad and cut baits prevail. Few Stripes are in the area as anglers recover still around as temperatures return more seasonable in the Walnut Grove area as the trolling bite is OK mostly small fish. Best area has been Courtland to Walnut grove. Red Eye Shad and small shad patterned plastics are the top choices here as well. Small swimbaits are scoring Largemoth and Smallmouth in the Meadows.

      Discovery Bay Changing with cooler temps R2Sea Rukus and Bigge Smalls getting smacked. Cooler temps have water temperatures dropping and the bite on upswing!. Stay near main river current with Crankbaits Strike King XD 6 and 2.5 square bills. Bobby D’s Swim Jigs and Spinner baits getting mentioned often. Topwater scoring striped bass on the main river topwater look for birds.

      West Delta WOW!. Slime Rockets best on the incoming tide with Mepp’s Flying C’s in Pittsburgh and Humphries areas. More Anglers in search of stripers are finding solid numbers of keeper stripers from both boat and bank. Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Shad. Antioch Pier scored stripers to 38 inches this week. Shad is top offering. The West as in Honker Bay to the Broad Slough plug casting is getting fish when wind cooperates. Go On Top with Big Wood plugs. Bass Bite stays solid in the Break and surrounding cuts. Cranking and spinnerbaits is starting to improve daily.

      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

  • Tuolumne County
    • By

      Report: Don Pedro Lake Camping, Boating and Fishing
      Attention Boaters! Due to overhead construction on the James E. Roberts (Hwy. 120) Bridge, a portion of the lake beneath the bridge has been closed by floating safety booms. Boaters may pass under the bridge through the opening that is currently on the west side of the bridge. Please slow your vessel speed and boat through this area with caution. These safety booms and an opening for passing boaters will remain in place as work continues on the bridge.

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: Electronics are disabled. I bet it's about 68-70

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Fished Big Break this morning and the sky was cloudy with birds diving for bait fish. They were solidly in the skies hunting for 45 minutes. A few boils and caught 2 stripes using a chrome and black RT. Both fishies were almost legal. About 4 other boats in the area. Tried top water and swim baits but no takers, so moved into Dutch and fished the rip rap with a Storm crank bait, crawdad color, and caught 8 striped bass, nice size, 2 of which were about 20 inches, the rest were borderline legal but nothing smaller. Also caught 4 large mouth bass the biggest was about 3 pounds. The others were about 1-1.5 each. Fished from 7:15-10AM, then off the water 'cause the bite turned off.

      Tips: It's all about the morning bite. Get out on the water for sunrise. 15 minutes can make the world of difference. Keep an eye out for floating timber. For some reason there's a bunch of floaters out there.

    • By

      Report: by Sharpshooter » Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:28 am

      Awesome me and the family went out last nite and caught stripers to 20". We just look for the birds .When they boil its a lot of fun . Also got 2 bass on a jig. Last week I caught a salmon fishing for bass with a jerk bait and it weighed 14.2

    • By

      Report: by Whoopbass » Wed Sep 28, 2016 8:44 am

      I was fishing the Stockton area yesterday and hooked about a 12# salmon. Got it to the boat but couldn't get it in. I saw two more salmon surface within an hours time of fishing this area. It bit a shad patterned Stike King crankbait that dives about 4-5'. So if your out fishing you might want to have some type of flatfish type lure tied on or a lure that doesn't dive very deep laying on the deck and pay attention to any large heads briefly popping out of the water.
      I wasn't going to keep it anyways but a pic would have been nice.
      There is also some small schoolie stripers that can be caught. They can be a pain to unhook and release but when the bass fishing gets slow they're fun to catch.
      Bass fishing was kinda slow for me yesterday but I only went to a couple areas. Probably caught 4-5. I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted to salmon, striper, or bass fish.

Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

  • Lake County
    • By

      Report: DanIsaac » Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:06 pm

      Triton Owners week 9/27/2016

      Lake level this week is at 1.60 Rumsey, and as the transition in to fall begins to work it’s magic on the Great Oaks and Valley Vineyards, both the landscape as well as the lake which it surrounds continue to transition daily, as does the bite.

      Water levels, water clarity, water temperatures, and day time air temps are all playing a part in driving the bite from poor to good and back to poor, some days on an hourly basis. Still, everyone has to deal with the same conditions so don’t let them deter you, just come prepared for everything as they say.

      This week we have daytime temps in the mid 90s down to a forcasted 65 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, so obviously things will continue to change on a daily basis.

      The weekend will bring the Triton Owners tournament back to the clearest of lakes after a one year hiatus due to the Valley Fire, and this year with conditions much better than they’ve been in nearly three years, anyone qualified for this one should really consider getting in on the fun.

      Crankbaits, soft plastics, and jigs are all catching fish and with the forecast gray skies this weekend, they will most likely spur the top water bite on as well. So, like I said, come prepared!

      Here’s hoping all the Triton guys have a good time! Be safe, be nice, and have a great time!

  • Tuolumne County
    • By

      Report: Don Pedro Lake Camping, Boating and Fishing

      Attention Boaters! The contractor working on the James E. Roberts (Hwy. 120) Bridge has completed construction of their Safe Span structure allowing for the removal of the floating safety booms that have restricted vessel traffic under the bridge. Once the bridge deck replacement construction is completed, these floating safety booms may be re-installed while the Safe Span Structure is removed.

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: forgot to look or can't remember!!

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Lauched about 6:30am at Lime saddle, fished till about 11:10am. Wow, hot bite two trips in a row, no kidding. As I always do, test the waters when launching, got 6 spots, 12-13" size, but it gives me an indication of what the colors are for the day, and how the bite might be. Not kidding around, got 49 spots today. One 15 1/2", one 15", 5-6 14" range, with the rest 12-13", and no dinks under 12". Lost a good one due to being lazy, fish had that feel of 15" or better. After catching many fish, line gets week at the loop of the hook from sliding back and forth and to and fro on the loop of the hook. Hooks should be re-tied after many catches, and I didn't, causing me to loose a nice one, with the hook popping of mid fight. Leaving me the tied knot, with the belly of the knot open! Think I learned my lesson and will retie now after 4-5 catches. Caught all but 12 fish from one location again. If you follow my fishing, you'll see same location as last week, and the guys I talked too, yes, from this location. Released all fish to grow bigger and catch again one day. Pictures in fishing forum.

Monday, September 26th, 2016

    • By

      Water Temp: 60°-72°

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: I have been going to mather lake all this 2016 summer and have landed countless bass between 1 to 8 pounds on the east side of the lake fishing the edges of the weeds ,Fishing has picked up out there this year, in the past 5 or so years it hasn't been to good but this year has been great , also I have been thinking about holding a bank/kayak/tube/kickboat tournament out there if anyone is interested in fishing it send me a message! Boylesdavid2@gmail.com

      Tips: Watermelon seed and chartreuse plastics no weight reel fast across the top water ,gets hit every time!!!

Saturday, September 24th, 2016

  • Yuba County
    • By

      Report: Lake water level is 68% Full
      Water Level ELEV. 1882.43
      Water Temperature: 76 deg;
      (Updated 09-24-2016)

  • Solano County
    • By

      Report: R2SeaTournament is Just a Week Away and promises to be Epic event! Anglers from throughout West converge on Russo’s Marina for this two day extravaganza! Dan’s Delta Outdoors has what you need!

      Isleton Finally the salmon bite improved as sprinkles and cooler temps take hold. Dave Francis landed a 26 inchers Sunday and the bite in the area just improved all week. Salmon anglers are seeing success, a few fishing finally started getting an occasional report of success from Salmon searching anglers. Water temperatures have dropped with the cooler evenings. Many anglers to the west are seeing more salmon daily… getting close. Capt. Stan Spinners are the best bet for those who want to try. Smallies are getting more attention now as 2 to 4 pound fish show more often now… Jigs and flukes are getting them!

      Walnut Grove Salmon are increasing in Capt. Stan Spinners getting mentioned Bank anglers Pile worms and cut baits prevail. Catfish action is getting the most praise, Few Stripes are in the area as anglers recover still around as temperatures return more seasonable in the Walnut Grove area as the trolling bite is OK mostly small fish. Best area has been Courtland to Walnut grove. Red Eye Shad and small shad patterned plastics are the top choices here as well. Small swimbaits are scoring Largemoth and Smallmouth in the Meadows.

      Discovery Bay Changing with cooler temps R2Sea Rukus and Bigge Smalls getting smacked. Showers and cooler temps have water temperatures dropping and the bite on upswing!. Stay near main river current with Crankbaits Strike King XD 6 and 2.5 square bills. Bobby D’s Swim Jigs and Spinner baits getting mentioned often. Top water stripes are showing in the deep water side. Topwater scoring striped bass on the main river topwater look for birds.

      West Delta WOW! 20 plus Salmon success stories in the last two days have come in. Slime Rockets best on the incoming tide with Mepp’s Flying C’s in Pittsburgh and Humphries areas. More Anglers in search of stripers are finding solid numbers of keeper stripers from both boat and bank. Most of the nice stripers coming soaking Shad. Antioch Pier scored stripers to 38 inches this week. Shad is top offering. The West as in Honker Bay to the Broad Slough plug casting is getting fish when wind cooperates. Go On Top with Trinadad Cedar Plugs. Bass Bite stays solid in the Break and surrounding cuts. Cranking and spinnerbaits is starting to improve daily.

      Provided by Dan’s Delta Outdoors, 1625 Main St Oakley CA 925/234-4694 Follow us on Facebook

Wednesday, September 21st, 2016

  • Butte County
    • By

      Water Temp: 72

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Lauched at Lime saddle about 6:40am, off the lake about noon. Third fish of the day, a nice 18" spot, the we we want every cast!! fished here and there and had my typical 18 fish at 10:15am, so decided to head on in and call it a day. Made my final stop to give it that final cast of the day, and surprise, caught a decent spot close to 14", so cast again to the same exact spot as the first cast, got another nice fish. No kidding, spent the next hour casting to the same exact spot, and darn near every cast a fish. Over the next hour did it over and over again, till I got another 24 fish. Crazy when you find spotted bass schooled up. No kidding, every cast to the same exact location as before. The only reason I stopped fishing, was the wife would worry since I'm generally home by noon, and yes, the bite was still on after 24 fish from the same honey hole location. This is why I always fish the same location after catching a fish, never know when they schooled up. One of my best trips all year, especially this time of year. Ended up with 42 fish, 1 18", 6-7 14" range, rest 12-13", all looking fat too. Released all to grow and catch again one day. Think i will try this same location next week!!Picture in fishing forum.

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

  • Lake County
    • By

      Report: Clear Lake this week 9/20/2016

      September 20, 2016 brings us to 1.81 Rumsey and the lake level is falling quickly. All ramps remain usable and open. However, caution should be exercised everywhere.

      Water conditions are changing once again for the worse. Obvious signs of pelleting can be found just about everywhere around the lake, and yes it’s effecting the bite. Brown, tannick looking water is popping up everywhere all of a sudden. Water that had already cleared in the north is now reddish brown again, as is the narrows down into the Windflower/Rattlesnake areas of the east end.

      Water surface temperatures are now in the low to mid 70’s and are barely reaching 80 by the end of the day.

      As for the bite,,,,,well let’s just say I began the last two days with 8 rods on my deck, and when I put the boat back on the trailer, low and behold there was 15. Junk fishing has been the key phrase for me, as was the locations.

      Crank baits, spinner baits, jigs, chatter baits, and yes the dreaded spinning rod combo all contributed. The results though could not have been more different.

      Monday I might have had 9 lbs for the best five, emphasis on MIGHT! Today, I fared a bit better and managed a 24 lb. bag. The natural question "so, what did I do different?" Answer, absolutely nothing! Well, one thing. I did change the time spent in a specific area. Pulling up to an area I fished for 10 minutes and if there was no cooperation, I moved on. Obviously, that allowed me to cover quite a bit more water, and it seemed to help.

      So, are they deep or shallow? Actually, from what I could see most of the better fish have suspended on bait. So I found them throughout the water column depending on the position of the bait.

      Weather this weekend may change the bite for the better, but only time will tell. Good luck!
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