Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition 3808 Mar 29- Apr 12 2019 | Page 14

12 Mar 29 - Apr 12, 2019 FRESHWATER VOL.38 • ISS. 8 FRESHWATER REPORTS: There’s a nice crust on the snow that enables you to walk on it.” Davis Lake is holding 69,234 acre feet of water, 82 percent of capacity and 113 percent of average. CONTINUED FROM PG 10 CLEAR LAKE cont. for those launching out of the Konocti ramp,” she noted. “For the best success, use bright-colored Keitech baits, and Underspins on 1/0 hook jigheads. If you’re drop shotting, fish with Margarita Mutilator pattern Robo Worms. Texas-rigged worms and Senkos in Junebug, white and chartreuse are also working in the muddy water.” “Crappie fishing is also pretty good for anglers fishing bright colored jigs I 6 feet of water. Most of the crappie are in the 1 to 2 pound range. - Dan Bacher EASTERN SIERRA Flows On Owens Ramp Up... COLLINS LAKE Spring Trout Plants In Full Swing OREGON HOUSE – It’s not exactly ideal weather for fishing, but that doesn’t mean it’s not great weather for fish! We recently received a huge trout plant in the pouring rain but I didn’t see a soul out fishing; It was good day to be a fish! From here we expect weekly trout plants through spring, rain or shine. With surface temperatures still low most of these new planters are likely to shun the depths, instead spreading out along the shoreline. The few fishermen I talked to earlier in the week showed me trout caught on PowerBait near the beach and at the south end. PowerBait makes sense, since the water is too murky for lures. That being said, it only takes a few days of calm weather can clarify the first few feet or water which is enough to cast a Kastmaster from a Kayak. Tommy and Grayson Xiong from Citrus Heights used that strategy during a break in the weather earlier this month and caught a 5 pound rainbow trout. As we continue to receive plants while the wind and rain keep fishermen at bay our trout numbers continue to build for a potentially explosive spring season. The lake is completely full with the water Ken Murphy of Castro Valley paid Lake Chabot a visit recently and smacked this 8-pound rainbow while soaking PowerBait at Coots Landing. Photo courtesy of the LAKE CHABOT MARINA, Lake Chabot. is up to right up to the edge some of our lakefront campsites. Trees and habitat are submerged this year, which should provide good opportunity for bass fishing along the western shoreline especially as the water starts to clear up. To start things off, Rachael Navarrete showed off a 2 pound bass caught on a worm by her “favorite tree,” where she also caught a 2 pound trout. Maria and Amy found a sunny day and a nice rainbow trout Keep an eye on the weather for breaks in the rain and calm winds; As I write this I am looking at a patch of blue sky over the lake… time for a “lunch break.” We are excited to see what the season will bring. - Ed Palma LAKE DAVIS Ice Fishermen Battle Big Rainbows PORTOLA – Anglers continue to pull big rainbows through the ice at Lake Davis, though fishing pressure has been relatively light lately. “There is currently 1 to 1-1/2 feet of slush covering 18 inches of ice on the lake,” said Jim Graham of the J&J Grizzly Store & Campground Resort. “Most of the fish range from 3 to 5 pounds. Anglers are catching them while using rainbow PowerBait at the dam and in Catfish Cove.” “The county has plowed the access road up to Mallard,” he noted. “There is 4 feet of snow on the ground and we receives 6 inches of new snow over the past week. BRIDGEPORT - “The late winter/ early spring flow releases have now commenced, and the Middle Owens River is rising a little each day or two,” reported Tom Loe of Sierra Drifters Guide Service. “The river has reached the 200 cfs mark which is still good for drift boating but will make wade fishing along the Wild Trout section tough.” “We are pleased to see a gradual raise in flows and not the abrupt increases of the past. This opens up more holding areas for the fish along the river, but does not completely blow out the river,” said Loe. “It may slow the BWO hatch for a couple of days between increases as the colder water comes into the river. Streamers will remain the best all-around flies for targeting the resident trout here, and they have been accounting for the biggest fish as well. Best flies for these areas have been #10 Loebergs in all colors, #8 Spruce-a-bus in light and dark, #16 Punk Perch, #14 Crystal Leech, #18 Assassin Light, #16 San Juan Worm Red, #18 Blue Winged Olive, #22 Parachute Midge, #18 Broken Back Copper Tiger Midge, and #18 Crystal Caddis Larva Olive Dubbed- Black,” disclosed Loe. “A warm up period has set in on the Upper Owens, melting some snow along the banks as we await a coming storm. The subzero temperatures of this past month are starting to dissipate now and the typical winter daytime highs of 45-50 degrees are now becoming the norm. Road conditions going into the river are still a bit sketchy as melting snow which becomes soft and slushy can bog down a vehicle and leave it stranded,” Loe advised. “Best access is still by snowmobile or foot. The fish are moving once again, and with the coming storms we will see the next push of fresh fish fill the empty spots CONTINUED ON PG 15 visit LAKE CAMANCHE World-Class Trout & Bass Fishing, year round! 2 for 1 CAMPING Mid Week Camping Special! Your 2nd Night is FREE! CALL 866.763.5121 Camp one night at Lake Camanche and receive your second night free. Offer must be redeemed by calling (866) 763-5121 and mentioning promo code FS14 at the time of booking. offer not redeemeable online. The winter kokanee bite has been good at Bullards Bar Reservoir. This beautiful fish grabbed a Brad’s Kokanee Cut Plug on March 2. Photo courtesy of RUSTIC ROB’S GUIDE SERVICE, Yuba City. Not valid on weekend, holidays, full hook-up RV sites or for cottage stays. Supplemental fees may apply. LAKE CAMANCHE’S AMENITIES • Guaranteed Weekly Fish plants (OCT. - MAY) • Boat Rentals • Lodging Available • Stores, Cafe & Marina Grill • Courtesy Launch Ramps on both North & South Shores • RV Sites w/ Full Hookups (LONG & SHORT TERM) 3805 www.CamancheRecreation.com