Submit
Report

Northern California Lake Fishing Report

Limit:

Wednesday, May 25th, 2005

  • Santa Clara County
    • By

      Water Temp: 68

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Went out to test out the motor on the new fishing boat. I cruised the lake for about an hour in the evening. Went back to the launch ramp at closing time and there was a long line of people waiting to get off the lake. I knew it was going to be another 20 min. before I was next in line so I zig zagged around testing my turning abillity for a couple of minutes and then beached the aluminum on the shore. There was still a long line of people waiting to get off the lake. I was immiediately approached by the ranger who gave me and three other people tickets. Apparently after 7:45 your boat must be in the no wake zone, waiting in line or else you get reamed! Typical BAY AREA B.S. I have fished that place my whole life, and I don't feel like ever going back, because you can't even fart around in an aluminum fishing boat with out getting hassled by Ranger D*ck.
      City: San Jose

      Tips: Go to a lake that's not patrolled by Nazi's

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Browser, take your own advice. Periods come at the end of sentences.
      City: SAN JOSE

    • By

      Water Temp: 70+

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: I stopped by Calero for about 30 mins before the park closed and wanted to throw spinnerbaits initially. Way too many weeds and I had to go with a weightless 6" senko. Worked the shallows left of the parking lot and landed a 1.5lber.

      Earlier this weekend I got a 4-4.5lber near the middle of the large cove. Also on a weightless senko. My friend also landed a similar sized one with a texas rig 6" powerworm.
      City: san jose

      Tips: Orange/watermelon colors. If you are fishing during the day, look for muddy waters or shade.

    • By

      Water Temp: -

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Wow!
      There are so many grammatical and typographical errors in these posts I suggest your time be spent attending school rather than fishing.
      City: san jose

  • Sacramento County
    • By

      Water Temp: 70+

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: I arrived a little after sunset. The fish were real shallow. It was a hot day so they're coming up to feed as the day cools down. I was catching them as close as 2-3 feet away from shore. A black/chartruese spinnerbait with large colorado blade was the trick. I worked all the close by shallows and landed 7 dinks about 1 lbs each. All on the same lure. I had one on a weightless senko but it spit me out.
      City: san jose

      Tips: Don't stop working your lure. The fish will come up very shallow to chase it. Warm waters made the fish much more active and fast retrieves were working well.

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 63-66

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: I got to do something I havn't done in awhile - back to back night trips Mon and Tues. Weather was good on Mon evening and amazing on Tues evening. We ran up to the north end at 8 pm Tues and the lake was like a pancake - barely a ripple. Don't see that much this time of year!! The first trip reminded me why I love guiding! I introduced Clear Lake to a new angler and soon he caught his first CL bass - 10 inches! I told him he could probably do better than that!! We moved to the docks south of Buckingham so we could fish shadows. I normally don't guide on Mondays because of the weekend tournament crush - but took a chance this time. I had him fishing a Sweet Beaver in dirty Sanchez color and heard a grunt and a yell about 8:10 pm. After telling him loudly to quite pumping his rod and keep the pressure on - I netted a pre-spawn 7 lb 2 oz bass for him. Talk about excited! Ever heard a grown man babble?! I think he spoke broken English for the next 2 hours!! He just got into bass fishing a few years ago and his biggest had been 5 something lbs. She was in about 4 feet of water near one of the many walls in that area - but off the wall a few feet. We had 5 before dark and then fished for about 4 hours in Konocti Bay and some other areas with NO fish! I couldn't believe it. We returned to the same spot where the big one was caught and within a minute, he sticks a 4-1 and a 2 1/4 on a black/red brush hog. I finally get a 2-10 - my only fish of the night. He wound up with a 17 lb limit and with my earlier 3-2 factored in, we had a 19 1/4 lb five fish limit. That was the "slowest" good limit night I can remember. He was still excited as he left with poloroid photo in his hand!! We caught 9 bass total. I had heard that the bite had taken a dive in the past week, but hoped we could have a great night Tues and maybe match the weekend tournament weight for two days (nights!). After a slow start in the south end, we went north to entice more bass that might have moved up. Obviously, we can't see our night fish and have to fish areas that should hold pre-spawn bass. I suggested chartreuse Senkos and that worked, along with the beavers. Pre-spawn bass hate chartreuse! After dark, about 11 pm, the fish came alive. We pitched brush hogs, worms, Senkos, and I used a "double wide" junebug beaver for the first time. Yes - it produced the two biggest bass as a big bait should - a 4 1/2 and a 4-14. I quit fishing after that. Clients had two other 4's and lots of 2-s and 3's - 15 bass total. We did get our 20 lb 3 oz limit for a two night total of 39 lbs 7 oz. I was happy with that even though we didn't make 40. One of the clients had cast over a cable with his line and, of course, hooked a 6+ and, of course, it broke his line. I lost a big one too that mowed down weeds like a lawnmower, but I couldn't catch up with her to get a really good hook set. A beautiful evening with beautiful bass and great clients!!!
      City: Yuba City

      Tips: I think the warm weather has certainly caused new bass to move up. Should be good this weekend. We fished several good areas around Lakeport with good spawning bottoms and some protection. I'm glad the tournament folks saved up some!! We did not try the drop-shot dock thing for post-spawn bass. That may be very good soon.

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: That bass you lost i also lost. I was going for trout that day and did really good. But when i caught a small one i saw i tpanicking all of a sudded and started trying to come on shore. that bass you must of lost was going at it. it tried to eat it. over half the trout was in its mouth and i was reeling in the bass also, that was a good fight. after like a minute i brought it up to shore and my brother tried to net it, but it turned its head and the trout popped out. That happened about three other times also that day.
      City: Oakley

  • Alameda County
    • By

      Water Temp: 72-74.4

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started at 11:00a.m.Friend and I Caught 20 fishes by the end of the day.biggest was 7lb.lots of 2-3lb bass
      City: Castro Valley

  • San Francisco County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: After a bit of periodontal surgery - headed out to my spot. Caught 4 small bass on a Rapala floating minnow bait(F5) in approximately 6 ft of water. My grandson reeled one in as well. For about 2 hours at the Lake - not a bad day.
      City: Daly City

  • Shasta County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: hey booger, where can i get some of these worms? Heading to shasta for a week and would love to try these along with robos and senkos and compare.
      City: antelope

  • Sonoma County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Beautiful lake filled with ugly people. First time fishing the lake. Was not aware of all the tension surrounding the caucasions and asians. Hate to say this, but the locals here are sure rude to outsiders. Last I checked lake sonoma was a public lake. Can't seem to understand why the locals believe they own the lake. People here seem to be very disgusted at the sight of an asian fisherman. Other than the awkward feeling, the fishing good.

      Got on the water at about 6 pm. Caught about 16 bass up to 5 lbs. Quality fish were caught in 15-20 ft. Smaller ones caught in shallows. Caught fish on senkos, and dropshot.
      City: San Francisco

      Tips: Fish ledges for quality fish and flats for fun.

  • Trinity County
    • By

      Water Temp: 57-62

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Got out to the lake early this AM and finally got a topwater bite going for a little while. The water temp should be well above 70 this time of year so we are still in a spring pattern. With warm temps this weekend, the lake should transition the fish into a summer pattern, which is evidenced by the number of dinks I caught today. If you are taking a kid fishing and want to turn him on to fishing, fish shallow. The bigger fish are deeper and the bites are much more sporadic. The high winds of the past few days have added a little color to the water which usually clears quickly but with the boat traffic this weekend may stain it back up again. Trinity bass haven't seen a lot of boat traffic and when a busy weekend happens, they often pretty much shut down. So for you serious fishermen, go early no matter how much your head hurts. Start at the top and work your way down. I got bit today on a spook, a Pop-R, a swim bait, a gitzit, a darter head worm, a senko, so bring your favorite technique and enjoy.
      City: Weaverville

      Tips: Take a few minutes to enjoy the incredible scenery every now and then. That's what it's all about.

Tuesday, May 24th, 2005

  • Plumas County
    • By

      Water Temp: 56-59

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Yes, I am the same person that posted last year, but this is 2005 - new report!! I put stained water to get your attention. Actually, the water ranged from muddy at Hamilton Branch and the north end to clear on the west side. I was planning to stay at Lake Almanor Resort and fish for about 4 1/2 days. Because of a major winter storm, I fished Tues evening for 2 hours in 37 degree weather and sleet. I couldn't go out until about two hours before dark on Thurs, where I caught 4 smallies on jigs and a 2 1/2 pounder on a crankbait. The storm was so bad on Wed that you couldn't see the lake - wow! At least I felt better and the air temp had warmed up to 48!!! I got a lot of reading in for two days - but stuck it out and am glad I did. Friday was worth it! The storm clouds cleared out slowly but the wind didn't - horrible wind for 4 days. I was able to launch on the west side and tried to fish the north end and was somewhat successful, catching 5 smallies to 3.1 lbs on cranks and split-shotting a Berkley Pulse worm (green pumpkin). Finally I decided to let the wind drag my boat around points with the split-shot rig on the west shore and started with a 3 1/4 pounder. The next three were all bigger, including one that would have been over 4, but she had already spawned. Those 4 big smallies were worth the trip - I wound up with a 15 lb 3 oz limit. Sat suddenly turned into a late spring day - 70 degrees and a dead flat lake - couldn't believe the change. Again, I started about noon and fished for about 7 hours, but also looked over new areas of the lake. I only caught 5 as the post-front must have hit that day. One was a 3 pounder. I wound up with 7 smallies on the trip from 3 to 3-11, just couldn't get the big bite. There were some bass on beds, but probably nothing like there will be this week. Had to get home to guide at Clear Lake.
      City: Yuba City

      Tips: One of the big Friday fish actually started spawning in my boat after I landed her. They are ready. I am always sad to hear that there are tournaments (there was one on Sat) in the spring where they probably move those spawners to who knows where. They can't exactly hide in that lake. I wish tournaments would only be held in the summer and fall. I have had a lot of success with split-shotting slightly bulky worms in junebug, green pumpkin, and morning dawn. They certainly worked well this time for some quality fish. I did throw a spinnerbait for awhile and got a tremendous hit, but missed it. Should have thrown it more. I tried topwater also - no action. Most of my bass were caught from 2 to 10 feet. I'll be back in a few weeks to do some guiding. Who knows, maybe another report will happen!!!!

  • Santa Clara County
    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Zack - Please stop with all the ...'s. It is very confusing and annoying to read your "reports". How can you post a tip when you did not find em? I fish all of the south bay lakes and keep seeing your useless blabbering and dots. This...is...not...a...chat...room...
      City: Morgan Hill

      Tips: Skip the reports left by Zack

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 65

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Sorry guys I know this isn't a chat room, but I have to help out a man that wants to take his kid fishing and I think it's important for kids to have an exciting experience. Scott, I have been doing well on the crappie, bluegill, and bass from Baylis point to Wheeler point fishing the tules.For crappie cast to the tules and let the jig swing back to the boat reeling SUPER SLOW.A jig 4' to 7'under a bobber will produce for you too.We have been catching some fish just dropping straight down under the boat too. The bass have been eating the 5" watermelon sinko riged wacky with a weedless hook pitched into the pockets in the tules. I hope this helps and please give us a report when you get back.I won't be there this weekend my family and I will be fishing the columbia for giant sturgeon. Good luck.
      City: FRENCH CAMP

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Jeff: Thanks for the quick response and the suggestions. I've let my buddy know and my son's excited to hear it. I don't even mind a little crappie fishing if the bass bite slows down too much. You mentioned around the tules? In Southern California we don't get much of a chance to fish for crappie. Any particular area or depth you'd suggest?

      Thanks again for the info. We're really looking forward to the trip. Most of the big fish I've caught in my life have come during these once a year Clear Lake trips... looking forward to passing it on to the kid. Getting him off to the right start with some fast action on bluegill sounds like just the ticket, but then he's already telling me he wants bass. Gotta love hearing that :)
      City: Stevenson Ranch

    • By

      Water Temp: 65

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Scott, I don't know about the north end but down south the bluegill are everywere. My vacation house is on baylis point and my kids were catching bluegill as fast as there meal worms would hit the water off our dock last weekend.The Berkley meal worms worked just as good and they stay on for about 10-15 fish.
      The crappie bite is also going well on 1/32 oz. chartruse jigs around the tules. Me and my son caught 50 in 2 hours on sunday. The bass fishing is a little slower, but senkos and drop-shotting is working around tules with rock. Good luck and hope you guys have a blast.
      City: FRENCH CAMP

    • By

      Water Temp: ??

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: My buddy and I are bringing our sons up to Clear Lake for a week long trip starting this Saturday. It's an annual trip (usually) for the two of us, but this is the first time the families are coming. I'd really appreciate some tips on where to find the bass this time, as I missed the last two years and am not really up with what's working and where on the lake. But more importantly, I'm also hoping to get into some blue gill or something for the boys. Any tips on where to find some fun panfishing for youngsters would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
      City: Stevenson Ranch

    • By

      Water Temp: Warmer

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: They lowered it out again this week. A good 2 feet. So now bass arent biting with there beds gone. It is stupid how the water level is chaning, throwing off the spawning season. Went for trout today so no tips on catching them. except my friend caught 2 off night crawler going for trout. THROW BACK YOUR BASS!! I saw one guy catch about an 8 pounder today off bobber and worm and kept it. Keep anything else, just THROW BACK BASS! It was a fat momma full of eggs. I told him to throw it back but i dont think he spoke English. Many people have been keeping stringers full of bass, not even keepers either. that is just ruining it for us bass anglers.
      City: Oakley

      Tips: THROW BACK BASS!!

    • By

      Water Temp: 71

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Launched around 6:00pm. Ran up to the North side and fished our way back. Caught a few on rip baits to start the evening. Started fliping cover around 5-8 feet deep. SLAMED them. Green 1/4oz. jigs. caught arong 20 fish all toghter. Best 5 went 22 lbs. or so.
      City: Fresno

      Tips: Green and brown jigs fliped or fished slow at or around 5-8 ft deep. If you find fish, stay and fish it hard. You have to weed out the dinks.