FRESHWATER
16 June 7 , 2024 VOL . 43 • ISS . 7
FRESHWATER REPORTS :
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KLAMATH RIVER
ahead of schedule and could open up free fish passage and access to hundreds of miles of new spawning and rearing habitat to salmon returning from the ocean as early as this fall . CDFW plans another release of 250,000 to 300,000 yearling fall-run Chinook salmon later this year . If dam removal proceeds at its current pace , CDFW expects to release the fish directly from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery into Fall Creek , which has been inaccessible to salmon due to its location behind the Iron Gate Dam . Dam removal , the transition to the state-of-theart Fall Creek Fish Hatchery , increasing variability in hatchery releases at different salmon life stages to supplement in-river production and the strong relationships forged with tribal partners that have made these actions successful are all critical components of the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter , Drier Future released by Gov . Gavin Newsom in January 2024 .
- CDFW
LAKE OROVILLE
12 Lb . King , Abundant Spotted Bass Top Catches
OROVILLE – While spotted bass offer anglers the best chance of success at Lake Oroville , the
reservoir is producing a few big landlocked kings for knowledgeable anglers , topped by a 12 lb . salmon caught by an angler who targeted both species . “ The bass bite is definitely on in the West Branch ,” said angler Tim Collins on the Lake Oroville Fishing Reports Facebook page after his fishing adventure in May . “ I finished gathering a fish fry of spotted bass around 08:00 . The Keitechs are working well in the shallows . I had plenty of time to try for the kings .” “ I had one bite and one fish for 3.5 hours of trolling ,” he stated . “ I was rewarded with a new personal best weighing in at 12 pounds and measuring 28.5 inches long . I hooked the fish on
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GONE FISHING continued from page 2
Fishing on Lake Tahoe is an experience not just a fishing trip . Spectacular views while catching fish makes unforgettable memories .
Photo Courtesy of Amy Marlan
After an absolutely amazing day fishing with Tahoe Sportfishing we took our catch to MacDuff ’ s Pub and they prepared it for dinner for us . It was so delicious ! What a great way to wrap up the day !
Photo Courtesy of Amy Marlan
through the belly of the minnow and slide it onto the hook . This allows the minnow to stay alive and swim naturally . We were able to use light gear since we were slowing trolling flashers and the minnow in shallow water that was in the 100 ’ range . I enjoy fishing shallow as opposed to deep because you don ’ t have to use heavy gear and when you hook a fish it feels like they fight a lot better . Captain Zach has years of experience fishing Lake Tahoe and it showed right away because it didn ’ t take long for me to get my first bite . After a good battle , I was on the board with the first mackinaw of the day . The bite was not wide-open and Captain Zach had to work for them . In fact , if Nate or Zach noticed that our baits weren ’ t performing like they should be they changed it out . This proved to be extremely important because we never went very long without someone getting a bite and landing a fish . We caught several fish and they were pretty good size fish with most in the 3-4lb range with the biggest one weighing in just over 5lbs . Once we started catching fish Captain Zach asked Amy and I if we were going to keep any fish . Honestly , I did not intend to keep any because I didn ’ t think that mackinaw were very good eating and I just wanted to catch and release . This is when Captain Zach mentioned to me that there was a restaurant called MacDuff ’ s Pub that would cook our catch for us . I quickly changed my mind because I knew the chefs would do a fabulous job preparing the mackinaw . Initally , we planned to fish to around noon . However , we had caught enough fish so we decided to call it a day a little earlier than expected . We used this extra time to have some good conversation while Nate and Captain Zach cleaned the fish . Once Amy and I were off the boat we headed directly to MacDuff ’ s Pub . We took three of the mackinaw we caught and asked them to prepare them for us for dinner . They took our fish and said they would prepare the fish three different ways : beer-battered with house-made tartar sauce ,
blackened with zesty remoulade , or sautéed with a cream sherry dill sauce . Each preparation comes with a variety of sides to complete your meal . MacDuff ’ s did an amazing job preparing these fish . The fish was served on a bed of roasted veggies and rice . It looked amazing but tasted even better . I expected it to look good but this was over the top . In fact , when the waitresses brought out the dish other patrons in the restaurant came over to our table and asked us what we ordered because they wanted the same dish . Unfortunately , it was not on the menu since you have to catch the fish and bring it in to the restaurant to prepare . Truthfully , there was so much great food we could of probably invited several others to eat with us . MacDuff ’ s not only prepared an amazing dinner for us but they have a fantastic staff working there . I cannot remember the last time I visited a restaurant with a better staff . They were friendly , always smiling , often checked on us and went above and beyond . Most importantly , you could tell they truly enjoyed working there . Captain Zach and Nate made the experience very enjoyable . They are knowledgeable , personable , professional , and very experienced . I had an amazing day because I was able to enjoy the views , the lake , the company of the others on the boat , and catch fish . Tahoe Sportfishing is truly a full service and first-class fishing charter . If you plant to visit Lake Tahoe and want an amazing experience you definitely should book a trip with Tahoe Sportfishing . It is an experience even non-anglers will enjoy . I mean you get to see the sunrise and the Tahoe area from a different vantage point plus you get to catch some fish . Don ’ t forget to take your catch over to MacDuff ’ s Pub and ask them to prepare them for you . You will not be disappointed .
Nate Mitchell , deckhand for Tahoe Sportfishing , put Rice Krispies in this trap to attract minnows that would be used for bait to catch mackinaw .
Photo Courtesy of Amy Marlan
Lake Tahoe did not disappoint . The weather was great , the views were spectular and Chris Cooper , Tahoe Sportfishing Staff , was catching nice mackinaw while using live minnows .
Photo Courtesy of Ernie Marlan