12 March 18 , 2022 VOL . 41 • ISS . 4

to mitigate impacts on fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam which prevented access to spawning grounds further upstream . The Department of Water Resources ( DWR ) maintains the facility and funds the hatchery operations , fish spawning , rearing , and stocking activities provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife .

- California Department of Water Resources

Lake Camanche offers shore anglers and boaters top-notch fishing for rainbow trout , largemouth and spotted bass , channel catfish and crappie .

Photo Courtesy of Steve Nelson

FRESHWATER REPORTS :

CONTINUED FROM PG 9

DAVIS LAKE cont .

officially monitored and only you can determine if it is safe to join the other anglers on the ice .” During the recent Maybe Ice Derby ” on Davis Lake sponsored by J & J ’ s Grizzly Store and Camping Resort , Anthony Roy of Roseville won first place with a rainbow measuring 20-1 / 2 inches long and weighing 43.7 ounces . At that time , the ice was 10 to 12 inches thick . Enna Ross of Reno placed second with a rainbow measuring 20-1 / 4 inches long and weighing 38.0 ounces . Justin Jensen of Reno placed third with a rainbow measuring 20-1 / 4 inches long and weighing 37 ounces . All proceeds went to the local volunteer fire department , the

Eastern Plumas Fire Protection District . Lake Davis is holding 46,096 acre feet of water , 56 percent of capacity and 82 percent of average .

- Dan Bacher

FEATHER RIVER

Over 630,700 Steelhead Released into River , Thermalito Afterbay

OROVILLE - The Feather River Fish Hatchery has raised over 630,700 steelhead for release this year . The steelhead were raised for a full year at the hatchery and averaged about 8 to 9 inches in length . Around 129,300 steelhead were released in the Thermalito Afterbay – plantings occurred in December 2021 and February 2022 . This is a significant increase from normal planting years and will contribute

to a more productive recreational fishery . The remaining approximately 501,400 steelhead were released into the Feather River at Boyd ’ s Pump Boat Launch Feb . 3 to Feb . 18 to meet mitigation requirements . Releasing these young fish further downstream improves their chance of survival . This shortened migration route allows juvenile fish to avoid predators . Steelhead are a salmonid species and are an ocean-going trout . They will migrate from freshwater to marine ( ocean ), returning to freshwater environments to spawn . They can spawn several times during their lifetime and can live up to eight years . Their “ steelhead ” name comes from their appearance , a more streamlined shape than Chinook salmon and with a silvery or brassy color as an adult . The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project ( SWP ) facility built in the late 1960s

FOLSOM LAKE

Chinook Bite Is Hit and Miss

AUBURN – If you ’ re going fishing for king salmon and rainbow trout at Folsom Lake , expect on and off action . “ You ’ ll pick up a few kings one day and catch nothing on another day ,” observed Craig Newton at Willfish Bait and Tackle . “ Boaters are finding the top access while mooching with pearl hoochies behind dodgers . The salmon are showing at 35 to 45 feet deep . There was a good bite at the mouth of South Fork for a while , but the fish have since scattered throughout the lake .” Bass fishermen continue to experience the best action while fishing with drop shot rigs and NED rigs around 35 to 45 feet deep . “ My buddy has reported catching and releasing 15 to 30 fish per trip ,” said Newton . “ The key is to fish your baits very slowly .” The fish are a mixture of spotted , largemouth and smallmouth bass . “ Changeable weather will always throw you for a loop this time of year .,” advised Don Paganelli of Paganelli ’ s Bass Fishing Experience . “ Cold fonts moving through push fish back down that are moving up to stage . Slow down your presentations and work back a little deeper . Dead sticking , drop shot or just a slow drag with a Senko or Carolina rig may get them to bite just keep switching baits and colors . Secondary points leading

CONTINUED ON PG 13

Come visit

• Fully equipped cabins with decks overlooking the lake

• Free Boat slips at private dock

• Gameroom , volleyball , pool , horseshoes and more !

( 530 ) 238-2575 www . tsasdiresort . us

Great Food & drinks , newly remodeled bar , outdoor patio , lots of fun !

( 530 ) 962-3050

4004

4016

45 Miles North of Sacramento

100 Rounds Sporting Clays

Only $ 37 1000 Rounds

Sporting Clays Only $ 345

Company or Corporate shoots available at reasonable prices !

Pheasant Season Open On Sept . 25th , So Book Early For Best Dates And Rates !

TROUT

• SALmON CATFISH LARGEMOUTH • TROUT BASS

• STRIPED BASS

The New Marina

• CATFISH Building & Boat Rentals

• LARGEmOUTH NOW OPEN BASS !!!!

$ 25 boat rentals every

Los Vaqueros Recreation Co . Monday

9990 Los Vaqueros Rd . thru Friday

Byron , CA , 94514

( non holidays )

www . NORCALFISHING . COm A Contra Costa Water District Facility

4005 2907