14 February 9 , 2024 VOL . 43 • ISS . 2

Freshwater reports :

Continued from pg 13

Shasta Lake

Big Rainbows and Browns are Biting

SHASTA LAKE – Shasta Lake is coming up and sitting around 34 ’ to crest and the water temperatures are 50-51 degrees in the morning . We are catching some really nice fish while fishing the main body and the arms of the lake . Dark colored spoons including big Optimizers , Optimizer Jr , and hand painted spoons seem to be most productive while fishing in the top 15 feet of the water column . We have been having great success while trolling 2.7mph over the old river and close to shore while using planer boards , divers , and downriggers to stay in the strike zone . The big rainbows and browns are stuffed full of 1 ” long shad and weighing in around 1.5-8lbs . On a recent trip with my wife Patty , we caught several fish including 4 fish over 5 pounds . It is important to remember to continue to change lure colors until you find what the fish are wanting and lure color preference may change throughout the day . Shasta is a big lake and sometimes and it can take time to find the fish but don ’ t get discouraged . It can be really tough for anglers searching for trophy fish in the 5 plus pound range and it may benefit you to hire a guide to put you on some bigger fish . Jeff Goodwin ’ s Guide Service is out 3-5 days a week and can help catch one of these trophies .

- Rob Hower , Avid Angler

Los Vaqueros Recreation Co . 9990 Los Vaqueros Rd . Byron , CA , 94514

A Contra Costa Water District Facility

Truckee / Little Truckee Rivers

Trout Respond to Large Bug Patterns

TRUCKEE - The Truckee has seen a serious rise in water temperatures this week with the recent rain . We saw the river hit 42 degrees early this week , a pretty serious change from the 32-degree lows seen in the middle of the month . This is due more so to the rain than ambient temperatures . It has additionally lowered water clarity a bit as well , turning the color to a “ steelhead green ” which is very ideal for hiding heavier tippet and fishing bigger bugs with increased efficacy . With that said , we have been putting a big focus on the larger winter bugs such as size 8-10 stoneflies , size 12 worms , and crawdads in a size 6-8 . The other bugs of note would be BWO ’ s in a size 16-18 , midges in a 18-20 and winter stones in a 16-18 . Even with the recent rise in temperatures , we still expect the fish to sit in the same water type as before so continue to put a focus on “ winter water ” that is walking speed or less . With the warmer days , the streamer bite should be good this week and chucking large sculpin patterns or trout fry imitations could move some of our large browns out of their slumber . With this week ’ s false spring conditions , it is an excellent time to get outside and get on the water . You never know , swinging a streamer with a few added degrees of warmth might just put a trophy brown in the net this week ! Little Truckee River Fly Fishing Forecast : The Little Truckee has re-opened to 4x4 vehicles with moderate clearance . There will still

$ 25 boat rentals every

Monday thru Friday

( non holidays )

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Lee and Janet were all smiles since they had a great day fishing at Lake Camanche .

Photo Courtesy of Lake Camanche

be patches of snow and ice on the road and anyone traveling out here should do so with caution . This road is not maintained in the winter and beyond the patches of ice and snow , keep a close eye out for fallen rocks in the road . With that said , we advise anglers to continue to give this heavily pressured fishery a break , as these trout have had a long summer of being fished to , and it would benefit the health of the fishery to fish elsewhere during this time .

Dave Patague has had a tremendous amount of success catching quality sized crappie on Lopez Lake this winter .

Photo Courtesy of Ernie Marlan

We can count the number of waters within a few hours drive currently fishing well with both hands . With hundreds of river miles at our disposal , take into consideration the angling pressure put on this short stretch of water and consider trying something different . Not sure where to start ? Give us a call and pick our brains , we ’ re happy to help !

- Miles Zimmerman , Trout Creek Outfitters

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* Boat shown with options . Price excludes tax , license , prep , and DMV fees . See store for details .

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