18 Oct. 13- 27, 2017 VOL. 36 • ISS. 22

New Melones is the place for big rainbows. These fish were trolled up during an early September outing with Monte Smith.

Photo courtesy of GOLD COUNTRY SPORTFISHING, Oakdale.

FRESHWATER REPORTS:

CONTINUED FROM PG 14

LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR cont.

catfish turning up here and there.”

The water level is currently at 151,000 acre-feet. Pumping has stopped. Water levels will slowly drop due to evaporation and absorption.

“ Our water clarity is good,’” said Demmunik.“ Stripers are doing decently with a number of boils reported all around the reservoir.

Bert P. landed a 13 lb striper from Fremont while fishing an anchovy in

Cowboy Cow from shore. Some keepers averaging 19 and 20 inches are being taken, but most are just under the legal limit, added Paul Contreras at the marina.

Most anglers are hooking the fish on anchovies in Cowboy Cove from shore or from boat in the Peninsula Cove, but fly fishermen have had success on nymph patterns in the morning and evening

“ Striper boils are having a resurgence. Early morning is the best time to find the boils all around the lake. If you happen across a boil, top water lures are doing a good job catching fish,” said Demmunik.“ Trout fishing should pick up with the 2,000 pounds planted by Mt. Lassen, kicking off the fall trout season. Anglers should throw Kastmasters in a variety of colors; garlic scented PowerBait and inflated nightcralwers. Trollers should do well also on lures and nightcrawlers,” added Contreras.

The monthly fishing clinic is coming up Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 to 11 a. m. at the marina. Clinics are open to all ages and skill levels, please come with questions and join the conversation.

Catfish are still being caught here and there even with the cooling water and mixed weather. Shawn Reyuisher of Brentwood landed a 12.36 lb. catfish while using an anchovy out of South Cove.

3622

Rocklin 6640 Lonetree Blvd.( 916) 782-9900

Redding 1659 Hilltop Drive( 530) 222-5500

Chico 765 East Ave. Suite 170( 530) 897-0500

Fairfield 1590 Gateway Blvd.( 707) 389-7400

NOW OPEN!

VISALIA 1650 West Visalia Parkway( 559) 308-7100

Stockton 10536 Trinity Parkway( 209) 851-7400

Rancho Cordova

2344 Sunrise Blvd.( 916) 635-7800

Fresno 8468 N. Friant Rd.( 559) 261-2900

Rohnert Park

5195 Redwood Dr.( 707) 585-1500

Eureka 3456 Broadway( 707) 298-6100

NEW MELONES LAKE

Big, Bold Rainbows Are The Reward For Trollers

ANGELS CAMP- With the arrival of cooler weather, rainbow trout are being caught higher up in the water column at New Melones Lake.

Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing found solid trout fishing on his last trip to New Melones before starting salmon season on the Sacramento River in the metro area.

“ We fished from 10 a. m. to 4:30 p. m., catching 7 trout from 2 to 5 pounds,” said Smith.‘ We trolled our custom spoons at 47 to 60 feet deep in the spillway and Carson Creek areas. There was hardly anybody fishing; now is a great time to fish the lake.”

“ Fall weather has finally broke the heat wave that had a grip on us for weeks,” reported Gene Hildebrand at Glory Hole Sports.“ New Melones is currently holding fairly steady, falling just 3 ft. in the last 30 days. Reports are the‘ bows are being caught from 20’ depth in the marina area, 40-75’ up river with limits still being brought in.”

Michael and company from Stockton hit the Carson Creek area, hauling in a nice limit + of rainbows weighing in between 2 and 6 lbs.

“ Jed Bender Jr. and his dad Jed came out for a day on New Melones with Gary Burns of Take It To The Limit Guide Service. They hooked up six trout to 4 pounds, 7 ounces, while trolling at 70 ft. with Needlefish and other lures in Coyote

The June Lake Loop offers great trout fishing for both lake and stream anglers. This beautiful cutthroat couldn’ t lay off an expertly presented fly.

Photo courtesy of MANDY BLAKE, Mono County.

or kayaking, and there’ s a playground for the children, too. Access to Gull Lake is also from Highway 158.

Silver Lake

If you’ re not having much luck elsewhere, the trout will always be biting at Silver Lake. It’ s the ideal place for trying out different lures and techniques, as anyone can be guaranteed to bag something, whether it’ s the cutthroat trout or some rainbows, maybe even a brook. Many are in the 5-pound range, although 8- to 9-pound prizes aren’ t that uncommon, either.

Head along some of the tributaries that feed in to the lake as well for a change of scenery, which is honestly stunning wherever you are. The lake can be found around halfway around the loop, off Highway 158.

Grant Lake

If you want to lose the crowds, this is where to do it. As both the furthest lake along the loop from June Lake, and the largest, you can spend all day here and meet no-one – as long as you wait until the water-skiers finish at 10:00, of course.

It’ s not just quieter, though, it’ s also home to some lunkers, some rainbows but particularly browns. There’ s plenty of shoreline to choose from, and you can BBQ

Creek,” said Hildebrand.

With the seasonal change upon us, the bass bite can be tough at times but don’ t count it out, noted Hildebrand.

“ Just be prepared and have different presentations in the boat when one is not working. Fall can be a nice time to use a jig when the bass are feeding on small baitfish and shad. When choosing a jig, you can pretty much zone in on matching the baitfish by choosing a skirt, head, and trailer in the color you want to present,” he explained.

“ This year we have had a lot of catfish come in to be weighed and photographed, some up to 18 lbs, and majority of them coming in between 5 and 8 lbs. With signups for the Glory Hole Sports Catfish Tournament starting Oct. 1, now is a good time to start finding your honey hole out on the lake,” he stated.

Crappie and bluegill fishing has dropped off some this week, but they are still active. Try fishing the coves in Angels Creek area for the larger sunfish, Hildebrand concluded.

- Dan Bacher

OROVILLE LAKE

Water Level Still Dropping

YUBA CITY – The water level at Lake Oroville continues to drop, with the lake level 719.22 feet in elevation at press time, 189.78 from full. The lake is holding 1,407,235 acre-feet of water, 40 percent of capacity and only 64 percent of average.

Few anglers have been out fishing for

your catch afterwards. The folks at the Marina are highly knowledgeable about the best locations and they have all the gear that boaters and shore casters might need.

Rush Creek Fly fishers can find their own piece of paradise at the many, easily accessible spots along Rush Creek. Highway 158 follows it from June Lake to Grant Lake.

Large browns, and rainbows, lie close to the roadside, just waiting to be caught. Many have the best luck at the inlets and outlets of all the lakes along the loop – it’ s said that the chance of getting a 20-pounder isn’ t out of the question.

Services On The Loop Fern Creek Store is a wonderful resource for fishing tackle and groceries if you are in a pinch. The hours are variable and it is sometimes open when the General Store is closed.

June Lake General Store is located across the street from the Post Office in the town of June Lake. Open from 8AM to 8PM in the summer and from 9AM to 6PM the rest of the year. It is well-equipped with groceries, sundries, hardware, liquor, gifts, automotive, camping supplies and much more.

The town of June Lake features a post office. Hours are from 8:00 to 12:30 and 1:00 to 3:00, Monday through Friday.

About the author: Andrew Lowen and his family have been a part of the June Lake community since 1968, where they now own June Lake Rentals for weekend enthusiasts. They love June Lake and are eager to share the experience with those who appreciate the grandeur that the Eastern Sierras have to offer. If you’ d like more information about June Lake Rentals visit them online at www. yosemitegatewaychalet. com or give them a call at( 844) SKI-JUNE.