6 June 24 , 2022 VOL . 41 • ISS . 10

LAKE ALMANOR

Tough Trout Bite Patience is Key

Chester - The tough bite continues Almanor . Water temperatures remain in the low sixties and lake level is dropping slowly . We had a couple of weather cells drop significant amounts of rain today causing mudslides and road closures on both highway 36 and the Feather River Canyon . We will see mild weather this week before we get another cooling trend next weekend along with a slight chance of precipitation on Saturday . High winds kept most boats off the water today . The trout bite was tough all week as fish continue to gorge on insects . We go through this pattern every year when you mark fish , see them grabbing bugs on the surface and

These two anglers are all smiles after a day of fishing Lake

Tahoe and landing some good size mackinaw . Trolling with spoons and soft plastics have been the ticket to success when fishing Lake

Tahoe . Photo Courtesy of Chris Ditter , HeadRush Sportfishing

just can ’ t get them to bite your offering . There are fish scattered throughout the lake and you must put your time in for limited success . You can choose your preferred method and hope for a half dozen bites a day . Boats are beginning to anchor up in anticipation of the upcoming Hex Hatch , with most guys on anchor using the Almanor Cocktail ( cricket / meal worm combo ) which imitates the Hex larva as it emerges through the water column . We should see the Hex hatch get going this week . Bass boats continue to catch quality small mouths off points and structure . There are lots of great articles from local guides on the Almanor Fishing Association website ( Almanorfishingassociation . org ) on how to fish the Hex hatch . The West shore gets crowded and getting out of the water after dark can be challenging , that said if you are a fly fishermen , Almanor ’ s Hex hatch can be spectacular and well worth the trip . Quite often there will be thousands of Hex flies hatching each evening as ducks , geese , bats , trout , and bass are all feeding on the tasty high protein snacks . The local tackle stores all have time tested and proven Hex flies in stock .

- Quail Lodge Lake Almanor Lodging & Guide Service

LAKE AMADOR

Summer Catfish Bite Begins

BURSON – Anglers are starting to bag the big , bold channel catfish that Lake Amador is known for as the water and air temperatures rise . Shawn and Larry McPherson caught 6 quality catfish weighing a total of 49 pounds on their recent venture to the lake . The two big ones were both 15 pounds each . The anglers used anchovies from the far corner of the dam , according to the Lake Amador Resort . Debbie and Dave Hall fished with chicken liver to entice two big catfish to nearly 9 pounds while fishing in the RV Cove . The trout planting season is now over at Lake Amador until the water temperature cools down in mid to late October , bit anglers are still catching a few Amador Cutbows and Golds from shore and boats . For example , Ben Sonnenberg landed a quality Amador Gold while fishing with PowerBait off the shore by the blue dock .

- Dan Bacher

AMERICAN RIVER / SACRAMENTO AREA

Nimbus Flows Go Up to 2250 cfs

SACRAMENTO – The Bureau of Reclamation increased water releases from Nimbus Dam into the American River from 2,000 cfs to 2250 cfs on June 15 to maintain Delta salinity standards , reported T . Washburn of the Bureau of Reclamation . “ Anglers are catching a lot of shad in the Sunrise and Ancil Hoffman Park areas while using 1 / 8 or 1 / 16 oz . shad jigs with grubtails in pink and chartreuse under plastic bubbles ,” said Dennis Pfanner of Sacramento Pro Tackle . “ Boaters are using Sabiki rigs with more than three hooks , along with the traditional shad jigs .” For catfish , Phanner recommended fishing from the bank in the Sacramento Deepwater Channel or the Sutter Bypass . Use mackerel and sardines also prepared baits or large minnows . The CDFW ’ s Fishing in the City program this summer is planting channel catfish every two weeks this summer in local pounds . The ponds being planted include those in Southside , Granite , Howe , North Natomas , Hagan , Mather and Elk Grove parks . Every other week three different ponds are being stocked with 300 to 400 pounds of catfish each . The mission of Fishing in the City- Sacramento is “ to join communities in the critical work of creating a racially equitable outdoor movement to expand access for all to parks , open spaces , nature , and cultural amenities ; and to ensure that fishing opportunities are accessible , safe , and welcoming to all people who ’ ve historically been prevented from enjoying them and the health benefits they afford .” For more information on Fishing in the City , Sacramento Metro Area , email : r2fishinginthecity @ wildlife . ca . gov

- Dan Bacher

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