VOL . 44 • ISS . 1 January 10 , 2025

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FRESHWATER REPORTS :

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KLAMATH RIVER

Program , we ’ ve been hard at work collecting , processing , and analyzing data on fish migration through the former dams “ The ( preliminary ) data is rolling in and good news – so are the fish ! From October 17 through October 29 , 2024 , during the fall-run Chinook salmon migration , the data suggest that more than six thousand fish have passed the former Iron Gate Dam site and migrating into the newly re-opened habitats . These fish were captured by our team ’ s SONAR camera which is installed at the former dam site . “ How does SONAR work ? The camera uses sound waves to generate movie-like imagery of passing fish on a continuous basis . Our team of scientists analyzes the camera ’ s recordings considering several factors including fish size and time of movement to discern that most of these are likely Chinook salmon or steelhead ! “ This SONAR camera provided the first evidence of fish migrating into newly reopened habitat just days after dam removal construction wrapped up . When we break down the data from October 17 to October 29 a bit further , we estimate that between 221 and 588 fish migrated through each day and 98 % of these fish were greater than 20 inches long ! This data is preliminary and subject to change .” As Karuk Tribe Vice Chairman Kenneth Brink said so well , “ They said it was going to take 10 years for the salmon to return to the Upper Basin . Once the dams were out , it took 10 days .”

- Dan Bacher

Ryan Colligan of Oakland shows off a beautirul steelhead from the Trinity river . while fishing with Alex Ross of The Trinity Guide Company .

Photo Courtesy of Trinity Guide Company

LAKE ALMANOR

Slow trolled worms , plastics and flies catching trout .

The lake level at Almanor has varied little in the last several weeks and currently sits at just over 4485 . After these storms , there is quite a bit of snow around the lake . Water temperatures are running in the high 30 ’ s to low 40 ’ s depending on time and location . Some of the better trout bites have been centered around both sides of the peninsula as well as various location along the east shore but the bite can be sporadic . The catch has been made up of mostly Rainbows but some impressive Browns have been showing as of late . Slow trolled worms , plastics and trolling flies are the preferred baits in the 20 to 25 foot range . Hearty bank anglers have been seeing some action in the coves of the west shore fishing bait . Traffic on the lake has been very light . Public access has been reduced for the winter . The Canyon Dam

Boat Ramp is currently open and useable and is now the only public boat launch with a dock available . Some beautiful day on the lake in between storms , pick and choose your days and always be prepared for winter weather .

- Almanor Fishing Association

LAKE TAHOE

Best fishing is in the afternoon in the winter !

Kim at Tahoe Sportfishing said the fishing has been solid this winter . The best fishing time is in the afternoon when the sun has been on the water for a few hours and the mackinaw come up a little shallower . She said the have been averaging 4 to 12 fish per trip , with most being between 3 and 6 pounds . The did get a couple beauties in the last couple weeks , including a 14.8 lb and a 15.9 lb mackinaw ! They are primarily fishing minnows at depths between 100 and 200 feet . The weather

has been keeping them off the lake several days , but once you get out on a nice day , it is like fishing in the middle of a gorgeous postcard !

LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR

Both Trout and Stripers Are Biting

LIVERMORE – Both rainbow trout and stripers are the reward for patient anglers at Los Vaqueros Reservoir during the winter months . Just ask Gus Vega , who had a fantastic day fishing at Los Vaqueros on December 30 . He landed his limit of both rainbow trout and striped bass while bait fishing from the shore , according to the Los Vaqueros Marina . Trout plants continue on a regular basis . During the last plant , Los Vaqueros Watershed received 1000 pounds of Mt . Lassen trout on December 30 . During the previous plant , the CDFW stocked 1,100 pounds of rainbows . Shore anglers should experience the best success using garlic scented PowerBait , nightcrawlers and white jigs . Trolling is doing fairly well , especially in the backs of coves . Shore anglers continue to hook striped bass while tossing out anchovies in the South Cove and off the fishing pier near the marina . The keeper fish average 18 to 21 inches long . If you want to channel catfish , fish chicken livers in the South Cove and elsewhere on the lake . The catfish being caught average 2 to 5 pounds , but bigger fish are out there . The water temperature is 62 degrees and the water level is 141,000 acre feet . The water clarity has been good except for the rainy and windy days . Boating has been limited due to wind . Please call the marina and check the conditions before arriving so you can plan accordingly . For more information , call ( 925 ) 371-2628 .

- Dan Bacher

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NEW MELONES LAKE

Reclamation temporarily suspends boat launches to prevent invasive mussels

SONORA , Calif . – Starting Saturday , Dec . 7 , Reclamation has temporarily suspended all boat launching at New Melones Lake to prevent the spread of invasive mussels . New Melones staff are developing and implementing a new inspection protocol for boat launching that will be shared once finalized . Boaters interested in participating in the new seal program can obtain a quarantine seal to attach to your boat and trailer at this time , please visit the Glory Hole boat launch location between 8 a . m . to 4 p . m . to obtain one from a park ranger free of charge , to begin the 30-day quarantine period prior to any future

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