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Northern California Lake Fishing Report

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Monday, January 24th, 2005

  • Sonoma County
    • By

      Water Temp: 48

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: headed up towards yorty creek and started fishing around 11:30. main lake was covered in heavy fog, but the northern arm was sunny. fished crankbaits around rocks and trees in water up to 18 feet deep. thought I might find some active fish. no luck. headed back towards main body of lake and tried jigs and dropshot. water clarity decreased as we headed back. caught one that weighed about a pound near some rocks and floating debris in ten feet of water. released it and headed back to the ramp.
      City: santa rosa

      Tips: if you see another boater fishing along the bank in some of those narrow arms don't be afraid to ease off the throttle a bit in an effort to keep your wake from blowing out his spot and banging his boat against the trees.

  • Trinity County
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      Water Temp: 40-48

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Last Sat I took out a client from Sac who had whined to me about 10 fishless trips on Folsom. I took pity on him and invited him up for a day on Trinity. I explained to him that in Jan the only thing happening on Trinity is trolling for trout, and that at 40 degree water temp, bass are hibernating and won't bite. He wanted to come up anyway. After making a few trial circles in dense fog we found the East shore near the East Fork and proceded North to the deep tailings off the Ballpark. 20 minutes later I was taking pics of a 5-14 and a 5. Both LM. 6 hrs later we called it a day after catching 20 fish with our best 5 over 21 lbs. I sure hope nobody ever teaches those Trinity bass to read, because everyone who can read knows that you can't catch bass in 40 deg water. By the way Craig, if you want any more freebies, don't be kicking the Guides' butt.
      City: Weaverville

      Tips: This stable weather and the fact that the launch ramp is snow free, has allowed me to get up to the lake more this winter than ever before. I've been able to keep track of the fish and know where they are hanging out. I had no clue winter fishing could be so much fun on Trinity. After a 14 fish day and 2 20 fish days in Jan I can't wait until the fishing gets good in Mar.

Sunday, January 23rd, 2005

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 48-50.5

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Like Larry I had to find the sun, almost forgot what it looked like. My dad is visiting for 2 days from South Carolina so off to Clear lake we go . I had heard the Crappie bite is off the hook. After looking at 8-10 other boats at Shag Rock and catching a fe " slabs", I could not do it. So Bass or no bass I had to try. I caught 22 fish the largest 6.11lbs for 15.6, best 5 all ripping. The larger fish came from Jago everything else in the narrows. On the 24th, we slept in till 10 or so and headed north, fished Rockey point, Rodman, and Nice. Got 3 jig fish, my dad got a senko fish and big fish of the day with a little over 4lbs. Tough bite North and NO rip fish since the water is a little muddy.Around 3:30 went back to the bank I had the majority of the reaction bite going on and caught 23 fish from then till dark, nothing over 3lbs but no dinks either, solid 15 inch Clear Lake footballs.
      City: Carmichael

      Tips: I looked at the same bank around 10:30 before going north on Sunday . The water was 48,and no bite. Pulled off to the nearest ledge marked fish and spooned for awhile, nata. When I came back at 3:30 is was 50.5 and off the hook. This window lasted till about half hour before dark, sun had dropped below the mountain and the bite stopped. The water temp at dark had already dropped to 48 again. Rip , what else a Staysbee 90 sp and both the ghost and auora black worked well. Lost a couple nice fish too experimenting with a Loomis 903, doesn't touch the 845, too limber which was a problem on long cast and getting a good hook set. You can have the crappie , looks like fun but not enough pull for me. I can't wait till 55 water temps get here.

Saturday, January 22nd, 2005

  • Mason County
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      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Sorry for late report. The water clarity was pretty bad which made for tough fishin'. To sum it up, 2hours and 2 dinks caught on drop-shot.
      City: San Jose

      Tips: Hoping for water to clear up.

  • Napa County
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      Water Temp: 52

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: fished in the cold damp fog almost all day. Seemed 20 degrees colder when the 30 mph wind hit you.Ended up with 9 small spots maybe 7lbs. One hit a jig near wood. The rest were on the 30 to 40 foot area inside coves out of the wind.Split shot worms spanish fly worked.Lots of bass on main lake points but the wind made it impossible to fish from an aluminum lund with high sides.
      City: orangevale

      Tips: jigs one main lake points. 3/4 oz. brown on brown. Fish slow and drag over 40 foot zone.Let them eat it good or yoou'll pull and nothing will be there.

    • By

      Water Temp: 52

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Started fishing at 9:00 am with a friend with jigs,crankbaits, rip baits with no luck. my partner started catching fish on a darterhead worm so I switched over. We ended up with 13 bass total.Best five close to 9 lbs, half of the fish were smallies. Good day for this time of year. Started at Markeley cove, hit 5 spots in the narrows,skiers cove ,farmhouse and Big island.
      City: Granite Bay Ca.

      Tips: darterheads and dropshot

  • Sacramento County
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      Water Temp: 43-45

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Got out to the lake late trying to avoid the fog, but at 10am the fog was still thick. Lanched out of Granite Bay, the water is still coming up 1/2 aday. Quency and I fished the deep rock piles just out in front near the floating bath room in 30-45 ft. The word is out that somebody early got a 7.5 lb largie that morning. No winds to 5 mph. We went over to Beals Point, then to the left side of the Dam (zero). We found some fish over near Dyke 8, but no bits. Moving to the wind shock area, seen fish a the graph, no bits. The fog never lift, only three bits and no fish. Folsom will be slow until the end of Feb. Good luck.
      City: rocklin

      Tips: find the fish and fish slow

  • Shasta County
    • By

      Water Temp: 49.1 to 50.2

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: In at Centimundi at 9:00AM. Fished main lake area till noon with only 4 in the boat. Ran over to Big Backbone and concentrated on points and cuts and ended up with a total of 23, and the Blonde bested me by one. Most of the fish came out of 40 to 50 feet of water. We used MGM HDIs in #22, 66, and 109R. We also had fair success with a 6" Eel in the same colors. The largest of the bunch went 2.3lbs. and the Blonde caught it also.
      City: Cottonwood

      Tips: Very slow presentation.

  • Trinity County
    • By

      Water Temp: 40-48

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Well, John told me that I'd be called a liar if I didn't post a picture, so I posted it on this sight. I'm Craig G. and it is the Trinity Lake photo. That is a photo of John's 5 pounder and my 5-14. We hooked em up at the same time. I'm not much of a fishermen, but I caught a 5-14, 3-8, and 3-7 with John on Saturday, in January, in 40 degree water. I'm not really sure I believe it happened. All fish were caught on 4 and 6 inch smoke colored Pro Worms and Root Beer colored Gitzits. Johny sure has those rock piles dialed in. Thanks for the trip John, I burned in memories that will never go away. I hope you can keep up with me next time!
      City: Sacramento

      Tips: Call, email, or send a singing telegram, but get ahold of John Gray, book your trip to Trinity and be ready for the time of your life.

Friday, January 21st, 2005

  • Tuolumne County
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      Water Temp: unknown

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: caught 3 rainbows in 10 minutes on nightcrawler and bobber and 2 days later caught two nice rainbows on powerbait on bottom
      City: modesto

      Tips: when fish are jumping use worms and bobber but if u dont see any action on top use rainbow powerbait on bottom..best spot flemming meadows boat ramp

Thursday, January 20th, 2005

  • Alameda County
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      Water Temp: 46 degrees

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Fished the morning from 7:30 - noon. The usual tough bass bite at Chabot. I fished mostly trout-finished swim-baits (Huddleston Deluxebow and Castaic, in both floating and sinking versions, and Mission Fish), from top to bottom, between marina and the island. Son, John, fished jigs in various colors, mostly in Honker Bay and along west shoreline. Neither of us had any bites or saw any fish or fish activity.
      City: Monterey, CA

      Tips: We can't help. Nothing we tried worked today.

    • By

      Water Temp: probably.. warm

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: havent seen it yet but from what I've heard it's ok....A question... Are the yellow pole's in the lanch ramp..is it usable...that's allright the "rowere's do what they want any way.. Hopefully ya all had a safe Holiday Season... Be safe... talk to ya soon..
      City: cupertino

      Tips: Hi "Big Harry"/// Sasquatch of Lexington.. don't think so..keep in touch , Ive been around here for more than a few... take care, and I would enjoy talking to you about different area's.. When the water is up and or down... Have a safe and prosperous.. New Year....Zack

  • Shasta County
    • By

      Water Temp: 47-48'

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Launched early with Jerry. Started near the Big Island area. Several hits but no takers on jigs and darterhead worms. No fish in the boat at 10 am. I'm glad I stuck it out though. Went up to the Squaw, fished some veticle stuff with the darterhead,(MGM #66 Eel) and stuck a few. Even got one around 2 lbs. Also drop shjotted a few, but nothing to brag about. Went back to the main lake and started getting on em pretty good, around 12 noon. Finally got some fish on the "who'done it", one real nioce 3 lb.er. I started catching them on everything. The eel produced the best, with two more over 2 lbs. Thanks Bryce, the baits are great!!!!!! best 5, 91/2 lbs......
      City: Redding

      Tips: Today they were at 40-50'. I worked the baits real slow.

    • By

      Water Temp: 49.2

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: heavy fog again in town but clear out on the lake at Packers, in at 0645, air temp 41. Decided to just fish worms today as I am not very good at that and need to learn it a bit better. Ran over into the Mid Pit area and fished for an hour without so much as a nibble, Got into a cut on some fish and had one hit it and run in about 28ft and it was good at 2.83 on a 1/4 darter head and MF 38, Fished some more for 3 hours for only 3 more fish with one over 2 lbs on a 6 inch MGM eel in #66. Stopped out near the Pit River Bridge and got one more at 1.82 on the #38 and went on in. probably missed half a dozen others. warm getting out at 58 degrees.
      City: Redding

Wednesday, January 19th, 2005

  • Lake County
    • By

      Water Temp: 48

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: My wife wanted to see the sun - so off to Clear Lake we went! What a dismal winter here in Yuba City - fog or rain and that's it!! I fished Tues night for about 6 hours, trying to make up for very little night fishing last winter. I almost had a good night topped by another big bass, but I lost it due to pilot error. Ever forget to re-set your drag after landing a nice bass? You have to change your drag at night a lot because you never quite know how big they are until they get near the boat, especially in the winter. I don't make that mistake very often, but it cost me a big one - lost her after about 30 seconds. I did land 7 bass from 2 1/2 lbs to 4 lbs 3 oz - a 15-3 limit, all on brush hogs. I had 12 bites, which is good for a winter night. I was fishing both sides of the Oaks arm - in rocky areas next to deep water. The evening was perfect - no wind and some clouds to block the bright moon. The next night I fished for about 2 hours and landed 5 smaller bass up to 2 1/4 lbs - again, loosing a fairly good fish. The moon was very bright, maybe causing the bigger fish to back off, or I just wasn't fishing the right time. They don't bite all night in the winter. There was a little bit of carp activity the first night and none the second night. I always find that interesting!!
      City: Yuba City

      Tips: Both nights showed me that moving around in the winter is important. If I got one bite in an area, I usually got more than one. Many normally good summer and fall night spots just don't hold fish in the winter. As I said on the last post, a ledge or steep drop is almost a requirement for catching winter bass, certainly in the south end. I found 46 degree water at Shag Rock (caught only 1 bass there) and 49 degree water in some of the south areas, where most of my bites were. Both evenings I fished the last 30 minutes of light - normally my favorite time. Not a bite!!

  • Sacramento County
    • By

      Water Temp: 47-48

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Fishing for bass was slow, got three solid hits on a 1/2 oz jig and caught two of them. Both were spots, 10-15 feet deep. Fished the main body.
      City: livermore

    • By

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: I have kept a very detailed diary of every Folsom trip I took last year.Because I live three minutes from the launch it allows me to fish more than the average person.The following is a summary of totals, hope a few find it useful.
      January 1 2004 to December 31 2004
      95 total trips, 366 hours of time on the water, total of 810 fish caught. Jan.-Feb. 38 fish caught,13 trips. Mar.-Apr. 353 fish caught,31 trips [ April was awesome ]May-June 219 fish caught,15 trips. July-Aug. 85 fish caught,12 trips. Sept.- Oct. 88 fish caught,16 trips.Nov.-Dec. 27 fish caught,8 trips total.As you can see spring is the time to go.
      City: Granite Bay

      Tips: lots of three hour trips after work

  • Shasta County
    • By

      Water Temp: 49.2-50.3

      Water Clarity: Clear (4+ foot visibility)

      Report: Heavy Fog in Redding this am, headed out with Nick and got near bridge bay and no fog. in at packers at 0645, first boat in, lake is at 78.6 ft down, just a bit of north wind at 42 degrees. went away from the ramp throwing a swim bait with no takers, stopped at the point and dredged up 3 small fish on the MGM hoo dun it in #109 on a 3/4 oz football head and Nick got one. Ran south a bit and got on some more(6) but mostly small with one good one at 1.8. Drop nick in a cut and he sticks a good one that goes 3.05, his best ever on the lake so far. Wind turns around out of the south and it gets cold quick. Got out of the wind and got out of the fish also. Go north again and in and around the packers area and stick 9 more for a total of 18 with nick holding big fish honors all on the #109 for him and I got three on the #22 and #66. Out at 230 pm, air temp dropped to 39. Decent morning with good results for Nick.
      City: Redding

      Tips: Nick stuck with the #109 on a half ounce.

Tuesday, January 18th, 2005

  • Napa County
    • By

      Water Temp: N/A

      Water Clarity: Stained (2-4 foot visibility)

      Report: Fished off the shore at Smittle Creek in the morning, and then moved to Berryessa Marina in the afternoon. All of the fish were Landed at Berryessa Marina. 2 small keepers along the rip rap using a 4inch cinnamon senko and 4inch arons majic dropshot worm. I dropshotted with a 1/4 oz weight, 1.5-2ft drop leader, 6lb test flourocarbon. Landed one two pound smallmouth using a black/red speck brushhog/texas rigged w/brass&glass along boat docks. 3 fish total, Decent day given the bad/cold weather condition.
      City: Davis

      Tips: Fish super slow, use a scent, ( I used old motor oil)and pause for long periods of time! I noticed that the active fish move into the shallows around noon,and are positioned about 10-15 feet below the surface. The few hours of warmth between 11-1PM was the "key" time frame where all of my fish were caught. Good luck & Good fishing!

  • Solano County
    • By

      Water Temp: Cold!!!!

      Water Clarity: Muddy (0-2 foot visibility)

      Report: Fished for 3 hours before dark. Found decent action for a good grade of fish on senko type baits in 8-10 feet of water. Ended up with 11 fish to 4 pounds. Tried to find other patterns but the slower the bait the more the bites!
      City: Vallejo

      Tips: Fish slow!! Heavy line, bigger baits are key. Fish the holes in the hydrilla. Any type of attractant such as smelly jelly seems to be the key for hte lethargic fish. Good fishin to all!!