Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition 3811 May 10-24 2019 | Page 22

20 May 10 - 24, 2019 FRESHWATER REPORTS: CONTINUED FROM PG 17 NEW MELONES LAKE cont. level is 1047.32 and 40.68 ft. from full, down from the high level of 1057.05 on March 9. In anticipation of snow melt off the Sierras, water releases continue to drop the lake level. “Were hoping water releases will soon diminish and allow the lake to rise back to near full as it was at the beginning of March,” added Hildebrand. OROVILLE LAKE Spotted Bass Lead Spring Fishing OROVILLE – No huge largemouths like the 12.58 lb. largemouth that Dennis Helms landed during the recent Norcal 90 tournament at Lake Oroville have been reported over the past two weeks, but anglers continue to catch and release good numbers of spotted bass and some largemouth bass. “I had a great day on beautiful Lake Oroville with my friend Rick Warren today,” quipped Jamey Sorenson, owner of North Valley Tackle. “He has a new Ranger 519 with the 4 stroke Mercury! Legit. The blue tape across the boat is Rick’s ‘poacher’ line. I’m not allowed to cast in front of it. Lol.” Anglers are catching the majority of their bass within 20 feet of shore and off main lake points. A variety of offerings, including Reaction Innovation Flirt Worms on Shakey Heads.” Senkos, Robo Worms on drop shot rigs, swimbaits and spinnerbaits are working. Few people have been targeting landlocked Chinook salmon lately, but the bite should erupt soon. Anglers should troll with hoochies, tipped with anchovy strips, behind dodgers in the Bidwell Canyon area. Lake Oroville is holding 2,816,497 feet of water, 88 percent of capacity and 110 percent of average. The lake level is 870.89 feet in elevation. - Dan Bacher Best Selection — Best Service — Best Prices 3720 (916) ROCKLIN 773-7333 6455 PACIFIC ST. AUBURN (530) FRESHWATER 888-7825 11844 ATWOOD RD www.trucksmart.com THE FISH SNIFFER (833)-347-4661 FISH SNIFFER DIGITAL!!! magazine.fishsniffer.com VOL.38 • ISS. 11 LAKE PARDEE Kokanee Fishing Challenging, But Fish Are Big IONE – Kokanee Power reported an “awesome turnout and weather” for the 140+ anglers and 61 teams” who fished in the recent Lake Pardee MAD Team Kokanee Derby. “The fishing was challenging with fish caught from the surface to 15 feet reported and water temp was generally 58-60 degrees,” the group reported. “There are some interesting stats about the derby and a comparison to last year when Paul visited Englebright Reservoir with his son on April 7 and they landed this stringer of fat rainbow trout. the derby was 3 Photo courtesy of PAUL BRUMFIELD, Nevada County. months later. In the top 20 largest fish measured John Frantz and Mike Devore won the and weighed from in this derby compared big trout sidepot with 69.40 ounces. to the one in 2018, the kokanee average After the derby, anglers have continued length was 15.44 inches, 22.3% longer, to find tough fishing for quality kokanee. and the kokanee average weight was “My friend Jack Schultz and I went for a 23.76 ounces, 97.3% heavier.” quick 4 hour trip today.,” said Joe Aksamit “Only 33 kokanee total were weighed of Joefish Guide Service. “We landed 5 in and only 3 teams weighed in a 3 fish kokanee and two trout, plus we missed 5 limit,” said Kokanee Power. “Two teams others. We trolled in the main lake in the weighed in 2 fish and 28 teams weighed top 15’ of water.” in 1 fish. 2/3 of the adult teams did not Bass fishing has been productive. Evan weigh in any fish – and 2 of 15 juniors Yatsko won 1st place in the Gold Country weighed in. So it was quality over quantity Jr. Bass Club tournament at Pardee Lake for sure and near surface fishing for with a winning weight of 10.55 lbs. kokanee probably played a factor in the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company catch rate.” continues to plant 1,000 pounds of Ron Lemos, Mark and Jake Koontz Calaveras Trout Farm rainbow trout every and Fred McAllister won first place with week. three kokanee weighing a total of 77.90 - Dan Bacher ounces. Emma Joe Duvall won the junior angler division with 22.85 ounces.